It’s been a few nights of fiddling with the car. I finally have it running well enough to take apart.
I bought a new ignitor based on the engine code from the ECU. While waiting for the ECU to arrive I drained down the gas tank and added fresh fuel, cleaned the main chassis ground under the brake booster. I also removed an aftermarket immobilizer and shock sensor. I think the it was bypassed some how but I couldn’t figure out how. I’ve taken a few out of cars over the years normally once the column covers are removed finding the main splice is not to hard. I was able to patch back together the main power wire with a single water tight butt connector. It had no affect on my issue but at least it was out.
Went out to test the car one last time before swapping in the new ignitor. Cranked it over and it just kept running. It was about 15F at the time so I’m not sure if the fuel injection was dumping extra fuel for a high idle and that got it going. Once it was running I found out the PCV valve was cracked causing a vacuum leak. New PCV valve was $2.50 from the parts store. Seem to start and run fine now.
I ripped the car around the neighborhood a few times. All the gears seem fine, has an over heating issue, looks like an air bubble in the engine or an issue with the radiator cap. I don’t think I’ll put anymore time into fixing the car.
I parked it outside and plan to strip the rear axle sub frame and get it mocked into the chassis. That should be easier to figure out than the front control arms. I’m planning a relatively aggressive build time, I don’t think making a full custom rear suspension is worth it at this point.
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viewtopic.php?f=35&t=25146#p276391442 Frame, 14 ga.
Donor 1991 Miata BRG 117K 1.6L 5speed (car was totaled when a tree fell on it)
Norwich, CT