WTB: Michelle The Miata's Replacement

[Jake]

It will suck having such a "normal" car, but we'll see how I feel when I'm sitting on some heated leather.

It will not suck one iota. For a car that will be autocrossed <5% of it's total usage (or thereabouts), the tradeoff is well worth it.

As much as I loved how tight my Miata handled on a back road or track/autocross... my longer-wheelbase E36 convertible with big flat seats and a good sound system is way better approximately 100% of the time.

And I can fit in it with a winter coat on.

[Senor_Taylor]

I'm just excited to be able to haul some people around. I've never had a car with more than 2 doors. Matt says I should have the money soon, so we'll see.

[Jake]

Maaaaan. That E46 would be so hot with a gentle drop (H&R Sport springs w/Koni yellows), some rimzz and a few other little touches.

Best part is the classifieds around the VA/MD/DC area are poppin' with pretty good deals so you could do all of that on the cheap.

[.RJ]

so hot... gentle drop... rimzz... poppin'

:?: :dunno: :thumbup:

[Jake]

Pfft, whatever. This is a good look:

[.RJ]

It is. E46's still look fantastic to me.

[D_Eclipse9916]

How much do you think a valve stem seal job would cost on an E46?

Probably a lot less than fixing the valve guides/seals where the oil is likely leaking from.

:facepalm:

[JPolen01]

How much do you think a valve stem seal job would cost on an E46?

Probably a lot less than fixing the valve guides/seals where the oil is likely leaking from.

:facepalm:

I thought he was talking about a leaky valve stem on a tire. I missed the word "seal" in the original sentence. Reading fail.

[Senor_Taylor]

So, now that we're all together on the same page, I can't seem to find a good estimate with my lax googling skills. Any estimates? DJ YOU MUST KNOW THIS.

[D_Eclipse9916]

So, now that we're all together on the same page, I can't seem to find a good estimate with my lax googling skills. Any estimates? DJ YOU MUST KNOW THIS.

Head has to come off. You *might* be able to find a shop that will use compressed air to keep the valves up, but its their liability they are putting on the line. If they don't have to take off the head, 4-600? If they take off the head, you are in 1000-1500 territory if not more. Problem with taking off the heads on those cars, they are aluminum blocks and tend to strip the block.

With all that said, did Chan replace all the CCV stuff? Thats usually the cause of a lot of smoke out the back (assuming he is using that as an indicator of stem seals).

[Senor_Taylor]

So, now that we're all together on the same page, I can't seem to find a good estimate with my lax googling skills. Any estimates? DJ YOU MUST KNOW THIS.

Head has to come off. You *might* be able to find a shop that will use compressed air to keep the valves up, but its their liability they are putting on the line. If they don't have to take off the head, 4-600? If they take off the head, you are in 1000-1500 territory if not more. Problem with taking off the heads on those cars, they are aluminum blocks and tend to strip the block.

With all that said, did Chan replace all the CCV stuff? Thats usually the cause of a lot of smoke out the back (assuming he is using that as an indicator of stem seals).

Sweet. That's what I was guessing it would be around.

As far as I know, he hasn't done any diagnoses on the CCV. I didn't know that could cause oil consumption, but after reading up on it, that makes sense.

[BLINGMW]

As much as I am hoping the e46 deal goes through, an e30 *IS* the only other reasonable consideration. :dunno: Ok that and the 318ti that is really an e30 in disguise but with an e36 engine and electronics! Sweet! AND it's really slow!

You guys are recommending a dented up, 30 year old, 300k mile car over an E46?

That being said it does start to sound a little crazy. FWIW the rear suspension is better in my book because it's easier to work on, stronger, and unless you're putting down huge power it's just like the front struts-- Not ideal but good enough for generations of race cars. But yes, anything and everything may need work on an e30 at this point and the e46 is going to be a lot more predictable. And the e46 isn't really any more difficult to work on, other than the climate control, and I guess the interior is a little more difficult to disassemble. Consider that a trade for the much much better and actually simpler engine electronics that actually work instead of relying on the ghost-in-the-machine motronic system that should be government mandated to replace with Megasquirt.

I never did get an estimate for the e46, give a local shop a call or call Wayne Imported in Roanoke, they always treated me fairly. I would be surprised if it's less than a grand.

As far as I know, he hasn't done any diagnoses on the CCV. I didn't know that could cause oil consumption, but after reading up on it, that makes sense.

I did look into this, did some of the ghetto vacuum testing at the oil cap, and convinced myself it's probably ok also given that the car doesn't have any other symptoms of CCV trouble.

[Jake]

As far as I know, he hasn't done any diagnoses on the CCV. I didn't know that could cause oil consumption, but after reading up on it, that makes sense.

Yeah, it definitely can/will cause consumption and occasionally some smoke. Good news is replacement OEM parts to rebuild the entire system are cheap:

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[Senor_Taylor]

I was wondering when you'd show up, Chan!

Looking at these write ups for replacing the CCV, it seems it's quite a job, but shops charging ~$600 might make it worth it. That is, if it IS the problem.

[Jake]

Eh, once you get in there and see how things are laid out, it's not a huge job. Just looks intimidating from the photos.

[D_Eclipse9916]

I was wondering when you'd show up, Chan!

Looking at these write ups for replacing the CCV, it seems it's quite a job, but shops charging ~$600 might make it worth it. That is, if it IS the problem.

$600??!!?! Do it yourself.

[ViPER1313]

Or just add oil. Oil is cheap. 1qt per thousand miles is nothing.

[Senor_Taylor]

I was wondering when you'd show up, Chan!

Looking at these write ups for replacing the CCV, it seems it's quite a job, but shops charging ~$600 might make it worth it. That is, if it IS the problem.

$600??!!?! Do it yourself.

Yeah, that's what I said in my comment.$600 might make it worth it to DIY.

Or just add oil. Oil is cheap. 1qt per thousand miles is nothing.

Or this. I'm getting antsy. Tired of driving my truck every day already. Also, my Miata almost fell into a sink hole/old well last night.

I have the best luck, ever, right?

[BLINGMW]

:lol:
I spun mine on a slightly-wetter-than-I-calculated-for onramp today, thought it was going to end up looking like yours

[Senor_Taylor]

If you do wreck yours, just make sure it's the rear you wreck.