1990 Mazda Miata w/ bad Auto trans, worth $1500?

[deadken]

Thanks to some of the build threads here (well that and my diseased mind) I'm considering a Miata. I like the idea of a later car with the 1.8l engine (but haven't ever driven any Miata). But, I'm thinking that a 1990 or 1991 could be eligible for collectors insurance which would make it affordable for me to keep.

So, I've come across a 1990 Miata with an Auto trans. Luckily, it was having transmission problems and the guy had it rebuilt. Well, it never worked right and while he was going back and forth with the shop that did the rebuild, the shop went out of business. So, he is now selling the car for $1500. The thing is, my buddy has a 1991 Miata in his junkyard (r/side hit). So, I'm thinking I'd do a manual trans swap and be done for around $500-$750, totalling $2k-$2,250.

So I figured I'd ask about the pitfalls of owning a Miata, doing a trans swap in a Miata, and spending $2k+ and a bunch of labor for a car when I could possibly just buy a Manual Miata for around the same money without the hassle.

Of course, I realize that only when I get to look at the car and see what condition it is in, whether it comes with a hard top, etc.. can I really answer these questions. But, if most here say to avoid it, I can just skip it and move on with my life with one less distraction... So, what do you guys think?

 

[Zivic]

I wouldn't mess with it. for much less head ache you could just buy a manual trans car.

 

[unokitty]

Thanks to some of the build threads here (well that and my diseased mind) I'm considering a Miata. I like the idea of a later car with the 1.8l engine (but haven't ever driven any Miata). But, I'm thinking that a 1990 or 1991 could be eligible for collectors insurance which would make it affordable for me to keep.

So, I've come across a 1990 Miata with an Auto trans. Luckily, it was having transmission problems and the guy had it rebuilt. Well, it never worked right and while he was going back and forth with the shop that did the rebuild, the shop went out of business. So, he is now selling the car for $1500. The thing is, my buddy has a 1991 Miata in his junkyard (r/side hit). So, I'm thinking I'd do a manual trans swap and be done for around $2k-$2,250.

So I figured I'd ask about the pitfalls of owning a Miata, doing a trans swap in a Miata, and spending $2k+ and a bunch of labor for a car when I could possibly just buy a Manual Miata for around the same money without the hassle.

Of course, I realize that only when I get to look at the car and see what condition it is in, whether it comes with a hard top, etc.. can I really answer these questions. But, if most here say to avoid it, I can just skip it and move on with my life with one less distraction... So, what do you guys think?

There are lots of Miatas.

Its up to you, but if it was me I would wait for a manual trans.

Uno

 

[Sluggo]

I would offer $1000 and part it out, but I am a glutton for punishment.

 

[Throckmorton]

Most Miatas are manual, unlike almost every other car... don't bother

 

[manimal]

The swap probably isnt worth the time. Swapping out a junkyard auto will end up costing as much as just getting what you wanted. Now 600 bucks and your in business.


if you got the space parting out would get you some cash.

 

[hedgous]

The Miata is fun when you have a manual. If you desire a Miata, then get a manual.

 

[deadken]

Thanks. I get the point. I did see a 1992 listed for $1000 (needed a water pump and listed 'for quick sale'). So, I kinda figured that $1500 was a bit out of line. Though, that one did sell already so I can't use it for a reference and I assume it was a good price.

I called and spoke with the owner, who is a woman, not a guy like I had assumed. The thing is, the car is at least an hour away from me. So, I asked for her to send me some pictures and maybe, if it is still around, I'll go and look at it next weekend. That would give me time to ask my buddy how much for the Trans / Pedal Assembly / and any other bits needed. It'd also give me time to find out if the rear end ratio is any different. Lastly, it'd give her time to sell it to someone else or find out that no one is interested and make my offer seem much more reasonable. Ohh, did I mention it'd give me time to come up with an idea on what it is worth?!?

-Thanks for all of the replies / suggestions so far, Ken

 

[JCH13]

Auto Miata's actually had a different tune, lower compression, and less power. They are a bit torquey-er down low making up for the slush box.

Stay away from it unless you want to do a turbo build, where the lower compression pistons will be of good benefit and you're going to take the transmission out anyway for an upgraded clutch install (at which point you'd swap in a 5 spd).

 

[JCH13]

Also, a decent rule of thumb on Miata value I use is to take KBB and add $1k. Parting them out can be VERY profitable if it's in okay shape.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Unless it is an auto then it is KBB minus $1k

 

[JCH13]

Unless it is an auto then it is KBB minus $1k

Hey now, don't discriminate against the differently-transmissioned!

 

[dawp]

the only way I'd consider buying that car is to do a engine swap, but then that would be more than you're willing to spend.

 

[JCH13]

the only way I'd consider buying that car is to do a engine swap, but then that would be more than you're willing to spend.

I picked up an entire driveline, dressed engine long-block to rear hubs, including rear sub-frame and suspension, for $400. Could definitely do an engine/trans swap for less than $1k. Heck, an OEM clutch kit is $100.

 

[deadken]

Well, I spoke to the woman on Sunday and I'll likely go look at it on Wednesday or Thursday if it hasn't sold by then (she said she had two others who were supposed to come look at it before Wednesday). As I see it: If it sells, Great! It's one less car for me to get involved with. If it doesn't sell, Great! She'll be much more receptive to a lowball offer!

Thanks for the information about the engine differences between an Auto and Manual car. I had no idea the engines would be different. I am wondering if the rear end ratio is different between the different transmission equipped cars? As I said, I know of a manual car in my buddies junk yard, so I plan on calling him if I like the way the car looks (and is priced) after I see it. If I do swap engines, is everything 'plug-and-play' between the two different engines? Or am I gonna have to worry about everything being different? I assume the ECM's are going to be different, but I'm asking about the harness, etc..

It really would be fine with me if someone else buys the car.... If not, I'll be selling my 1965 Volvo 1800S and likely delaying / re-scheduling some work on my 1972 Volvo 1800ES (just back from paint). It's a good thing my 1988 VW Jetta doesn't need much attention!

Too many projects, not enough money or time...

-Ken

EDIT: Oh, BTW: When I spoke to the woman she said that after a month of driving the car with the rebuilt transmission the car just stalls after you put it in gear. I can't imagine the Torque Converter failing in such a manner as to stall the engine, but I can imagine a valve body / solenoid problem causing such a situation. Perhaps I could do a simple fix and use it for a year as is while I finish my 1972 Volvo 1800ES?!? Nahh, I doubt it'd be that easy for me....

 

[Kelvrick]

Well, I spoke to the woman on Sunday and I'll likely go look at it on Wednesday or Thursday if it hasn't sold by then (she said she had two others who were supposed to come look at it before Wednesday). As I see it: If it sells, Great! It's one less car for me to get involved with. If it doesn't sell, Great! She'll be much more receptive to a lowball offer!

Thanks for the information about the engine differences between an Auto and Manual car. I had no idea the engines would be different. I am wondering if the rear end ratio is different between the different transmission equipped cars? As I said, I know of a manual car in my buddies junk yard, so I plan on calling him if I like the way the car looks (and is priced) after I see it. If I do swap engines, is everything 'plug-and-play' between the two different engines? Or am I gonna have to worry about everything being different? I assume the ECM's are going to be different, but I'm asking about the harness, etc..

It really would be fine with me if someone else buys the car.... If not, I'll be selling my 1965 Volvo 1800S and likely delaying / re-scheduling some work on my 1972 Volvo 1800ES (just back from paint). It's a good thing my 1988 VW Jetta doesn't need much attention!

Too many projects, not enough money or time...

-Ken

EDIT: Oh, BTW: When I spoke to the woman she said that after a month of driving the car with the rebuilt transmission the car just stalls after you put it in gear. I can't imagine the Torque Converter failing in such a manner as to stall the engine, but I can imagine a valve body / solenoid problem causing such a situation. Perhaps I could do a simple fix and use it for a year as is while I finish my 1972 Volvo 1800ES?!? Nahh, I doubt it'd be that easy for me....

It seldem is that easy. I picked up my 1994 subaru impreza with wrx brakes, upgraded shocks, springs and swaybars, and a 2001 2.5 engine to give a little more power than the weak 1.8 that it came with. All that for $750 and it passed smog here in California in the first try. I was hoping it would last a year or so while I figured out what I wanted to do with it. Tomorrow, I'm driving 2.5 hours after work to go pick up an engine out of a 2007 impreza because the headgasket went out in mine. Hopefully its still there tomorrow (paying $650 and selling my current engine for $450). Maybe it works out, net $200 for a newer engine rated at 8 more hp and less headgasket issues.

 

[deadken]

It seldem is that easy. ...

Yeah, I recognize that... I fully expect it to be a lot of work. The thing is, if it ends up being a simple repair, it'd be another fun car to use while finishing my other car. If it isn't a simple repair, it isn't a big deal since I'm keeping the mindset that if I buy this car, I'm gonna be into it for a lot of labor. Being that I have a two car garage, an engine hoist, engine stand, 30 Gal air compressor (oil less), 20 Gal air compressor (belt drive), full toolbox from when I stopped wrenching on cars in 1994, etc... I'm fine with the labor.

The only things I really am concerned with now are:

1) The condition of the car / price I'd pay for it.
2) The amount of effort to swap in a manual transmission? (cable clutch? hydraulic? Pedal swaps (I'm too old to spend a long time under dashboards anymore) Dash / center console, etc...)
3) Does the auto trans engine have a place in the crank for a pilot bearing?
4) Does the auto trans rear end have a different ratio?
5) The amount of money it'd cost me for the parts for the swap (again, not a huge concern since I'm buddies with the guy who owns the junk yard).
6) Would my wife finally leave me if I brought home another car? (I'd be fine with her leaving, as long as she left my son, the dog, etc...)

Lastly, I never mentioned that one of the things that is fueling the idea of this project is that I'll have about $850 of 'extra' disposable income in 10 more days. It doesn't come about often, but when that happens, I don't have any issues spending it on me since I already pay for the house, my daughters college, etc... If the woman accepts half of what she listed it for ($750), I'll be hard pressed not to buy it. Especially since others have noted that it could be parted out for more than that...

 

[deadken]

Got a text from her this morning... The car sold. Thankfully this, bad from the start idea, is no longer an issue.

Thanks for all of the information and suggestions.

 

[JCH13]

Just FTR: http://www.miata.net/garage/auto_2_5_speed.html

Articles like this are why I <3 the Miata community.

 

[lavaheadache]

A Miata with a junk transmission is 50% more ready for an LS1 swap than a Miata with a good transmission.