July 2009 - Dare I say "all done?"

[Rich Colwell]

Well my A is finished.
I had the motor in and out 3 times in the spring of 09.
The gearbox was opened 3 times, and finally she is right.
For the first time since 83, she shifts smooth.

The motor has been modified, and should be producing about 92 BHP.
The Houston highway entrance ramps are fun. She really growls now.

Modifications:
Compression increased to 9.1:1
New Pistons (.040" over)
Cylinder Head burretted, volume of each combustion chamber is equal
Larger valves installed
3 angle grind on the valves
Stellite Valve Seats
Mn-Bronze Guides
Head Ported
Electronic ignition
Connecting rods & pistons balanced
Cam opened to 272
Exhaust manifold sluiced and Plasma Coated

Gearbox modified with ion-nitrided layshaft & MGB second gear and steel synchro.

[Rich Colwell]

Yep, that would be fun.
Got an Xpag being rebuilt....well the whole car is being rebuilt now.
Don't think i want any more power out of her. Save the crank shaft!!

[John Youens]

Very nice modifications! It would be interesting to put it on a chassis dyno and see what kind of wheel hp it makes. When I was active in the Miata club we would have a "Dyno Day" every year. With mods similar to your A (except for a stock engine below the head) I was able to get 121 whp (apx. 148 hp at the flywheel) out of a 1.6 liter. I would like to put my TC on a chassis dyno to see what it would pull. I'm hoping for at least a whopping 40 hp at the wheels. :-)