NA (1989-1997) NA Miata discussion within. The MX5's first generation, the NA, sold over 400,000 units from 1989 to 1997.

getting ready to drop motor by the subframe

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-31-2011 | 08:41 PM
  #1  
jared8783's Avatar
Thread Starter
MFz Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 60
From: Elkhart, IN
Default getting ready to drop motor by the subframe

never done it before
in fact i never pulled a motor before eithor
but i have done a clutch job in my 90

i just got a wrecked parts car (95 with only 16k) and the motor needs to come out so i can get rid of the chassis and get my car back in the garage

i ordered the miata performance projects book from FM cuz it covers motor removals and what not, i figured it would have a good checklist in it for gettin the motor out

anyways i want to do it like this
skip to 5:45 mark to see how he drops the motor
cuz im saving all the parts so i figure it would be quicker and easier to store like this.

i got the interior tore down as well as hood, fenders, doors, bumper, headlights


anything in particular i should know about this that someone like me probably wouldnt think about?
Attached Thumbnails getting ready to drop motor by the subframe-250393_2220617762461_1458205077_2555825_265621_n.jpg   getting ready to drop motor by the subframe-283347_2228300874534_1458205077_2567949_7697086_n.jpg  
Old 07-31-2011 | 08:48 PM
  #2  
FRT_Fun's Avatar
zoomzoom
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 924
From: Arizona
Default

The subframe is really pretty easy to drop... but at the same time... it's 100x easier to just pull the engine from above. Assuming you have a hoist. Don't forgot to disconnect the steering rack from the column.

In my build thread you can see a pretty good picture of the subframe.
Old 07-31-2011 | 08:56 PM
  #3  
jared8783's Avatar
Thread Starter
MFz Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 60
From: Elkhart, IN
Default

why is it easier to pull the motor from the top?

i dont have a hoist, though i could borrow one from a friend

but im bound and determined to do it like this

maybe ill take pics while i do it and post a good how to on it when im done
Old 07-31-2011 | 09:06 PM
  #4  
Shane's Avatar
MFz Lurker
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 18
From: Titusville. Florida
Default

Using a hoist is so much easier. This method seems like it would be a pain in the *** to get it back together. Sounds like your going to do it anyways, good luck and hopefully you don't hit any snags....
Old 07-31-2011 | 09:06 PM
  #5  
olderguy's Avatar
MFz Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 115
From: Wayne, NJ
Default

Interesting. Maybe I will try it that way next time.
Old 07-31-2011 | 09:11 PM
  #6  
FRT_Fun's Avatar
zoomzoom
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 924
From: Arizona
Default

Unbolt connectors
Remove vacuum lines.
Remove throttle cable
Drain coolant/oil.
Disconnect coolant lines.
Unbolt driveshaft from diff.
Remove driveshaft.
Unbolt Trans from PPF.
Unbolt exhaust, remove.
Remove shifter. Cover hole.
Unbolt engine mounts.
Disconnect fuel lines.
Watch for grounds.
LIFT ENGINE. DONE.

Or continue...
Unbolt front suspension from frame.
Disconnect steering column.
Support subframe.
Remove rear subframe bolts (2) one on each side.
Remove the (2) hidden ones in front of that.
Remove one of the two subframe bolts on each side.
Remove other two bolts.
Drop subframe.

Probably still need a hoist to lower the frame.


May have left a few things out....

Last edited by FRT_Fun; 07-31-2011 at 09:16 PM.
Old 07-31-2011 | 09:11 PM
  #7  
jared8783's Avatar
Thread Starter
MFz Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 60
From: Elkhart, IN
Default

Originally Posted by Shane
This method seems like it would be a pain in the *** to get it back together
meh maybe idk
but its not going to be put back together
the chassis is done for

Name:  100_0814.jpg
Views: 1595
Size:  86.4 KB
Old 07-31-2011 | 09:12 PM
  #8  
Shane's Avatar
MFz Lurker
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 18
From: Titusville. Florida
Default

^That ---- will buff out
Old 07-31-2011 | 09:13 PM
  #9  
jared8783's Avatar
Thread Starter
MFz Regular
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 60
From: Elkhart, IN
Default

Originally Posted by FRT_Fun
LIFT ENGINE. DONE.
sweet thanks for the little checklist thing

and yeah i wouldnt be done after the engine is lifted
the whole car is getting stripped
thats why im lookin into doing it like this

oh and in that vid the only things that guy used was a jack and two big stands
it shows him doing it just not how
Old 07-31-2011 | 09:19 PM
  #10  
FRT_Fun's Avatar
zoomzoom
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 924
From: Arizona
Default

Well all you have to do is support the bottom subframe with the jack. Remove all bolts, then lower it. If you have a hoist, you just basically connect it to the engine, unbolt everything, then lower it.

Subframe is a bit easier to work with when the engine is removed.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:08 AM.