hehe you said rods

[ohsixspeedsix]

So with the engine rebuild right around the corner on the miata, I have been looking through a long list of parts. Specifically connecting rods. Which brings me to the point of this thread. I know a lot about cars and engines but lets just say i am still learning. So main question is I beam vs H beam. And mainly the fact that 949 has a set of h beams for 309, which is cheap. Maybe too cheap? While most others are upwards of 800-900 bucks. Help me out people!

 

[dmention7]

What are your power goals? In most cases, almost any forged billet rod made by a reputable manufacturer (i.e. not built in someone's garage) are going to be good for 400whp minimum. So unless you're thinking big turbo (or big baller) for the project miata, I really don't see a reason to go with more expensive rods.

Also, not that that picture means anything, but the rods on 949 Racing's website look identical to my K1 rods. (Not to mention are priced almost identically) Which isn't surprising, since most of those budget rods probably come from the same factory in China somewhere.

Another thought too: more expensive rods may hold more power on a properly tuned motor, but they aren't really going to be any more resilient to peripheral issues with the motor: i.e. poor tuning, build mistakes, poor lubrication, etc. So, if your power goals demand it (400+ hp), start looking at the more expensive parts. Otherwise, I would say there's nothing wrong with the rods you mentioned.

 

[concealer404]

I beam vs. H beam is mostly a matter of weight.

I'd use an H-beam style in most of my turbo motors, and a light I-beam for n/a builds.

But really, what Jay said. The stock rods in that thing (i think it's a 1.8, right?) should be good to 300whp with a good tune in the first place. Any forged rod will handle an extra 100whp without blinking.

 

[ohsixspeedsix]

Thanks guys, that's kinda what I figure. Even after supercharging it, I would be surprised (and happy) to break the 200hp mark out of that little 1.6. That being said, any piston advice? And any idea where to get a god deal on a new miata soft top? lol

 

[dmention7]

I'm not big on piston brands, but Wiseco has a pretty giant catalog and are usually reasonably priced.

 

[concealer404]

Thanks guys, that's kinda what I figure. Even after supercharging it, I would be surprised (and happy) to break the 200hp mark out of that little 1.6. That being said, any piston advice? And any idea where to get a god deal on a new miata soft top? lol

For only 200whp, i'd just keep stock stuff in there.

 

[ohsixspeedsix]

Well i would. But im selling it. And I am not going to sell it with a 200k mile supercharged motor in it.

 

[dmention7]

To be fair, new rings and bearings would put you pretty much back to like-new condition. But I agree, if you're building for a sale, forged internals are probably a good investment.

 

[Picklz]

I guess being you're selling it supercharged forged internals would probably be a nice item on the build list for potential buyers to see, even though I agree it's totally overkill. The major question you have to ask - will your potential customer be willing to pay that price premium? Figure if you're trying to sell it every item you put in you need to be able to make money on, or at least break even. So if you're looking at $400 rods, you need to add $400+labor to your sale price. If you have a price target you have to see if all the upgrades 'fit' or where you might have to make some sacrifices. Speaking of that any idea what your goal is for a price point when you're all finished? And how much per hour are you billing your labor at?

Are you having the work done somewhere, or if you are doing it yourself? I would expect it would be far easier to sell with a motor built by a reputable shop - myself personally I would almost always pass on a car that had significant motor work done by an individual. I could see bringing the motor work 'in-house' once you get a few cars sold and start getting some happy customers, but initially that may make things a little more complex. Just my .02

 

[ohsixspeedsix]

Here's the deal. Whether some people like it or not, there is a very select market for this car. I had origionally budgeted the car at $15k and planned to get rid of it for between 20 and 25. It's obviously shooting for the moon, but I believe the main word for this would be "custom". Even being that the money put into it is a lot of just basic installation. But When it comes to body work, interior, and how well put together it all is. That's where I believe the "premium" would be.

And reguarding the engine, I would say my 30 year experienced partner/father is pretty reputable. And it will more that like be sent out for head/block work and the rest of it we can easily do. And you need to consider the cost of sending it to said "reputable" shop. It may take a while to sell, but I personally believe I can and will make money off of it. And even if I break even, I would not be to heartbroken. As it is mainly a way to get my work and name out there.