xaero_81's B6T/G25MR Build Thread

[Rocketman]

this is the kit i bought

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130450274452&viewitem=#ht_1698wt_958

look similar to the one you have listed, the kit i got looks decent and came with a MLS exhaust manifold gasket, it would be nice if the kit had a MLS head gasket but it doesnt, i would buy the kit like mine and find a oem head gasket or something better like a cometic

I bought a cheap eBay kit in the past - I had issues with the head gasket, the high pressure oil port blew out the side and I was losing 2qts a week until I found time to pop the head off and replace it. Rest of the gaskets worked fine, keep in mind Miata t/b gaskets are different

Fel-Pro head gasket was very good quality. Won't be doing an ebay cheapie again.

[91blufestiva]

I've heard of more than one person buying the ebay kit, then just using all the gaskets, but using a name brand Head Gasket instead of the one included in the kit.

[chrisofna]

Be warned with the miata gasket kits, if you wanna change your throttle body gasket and valve cover gasket, you'll have to buy those separate for the B6T. Those are Miata specific.

[Rocketman]

IIRC the Miata VC gasket is the same as the B6 gasket

[chrisofna]

IIRC the Miata VC gasket is the same as the B6 gasket

I couldn't get mine to fit my valve cover.

[crazyrog17]

I know I missed the boat but I just caught up with the thread... I love those VX wheels.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. :love7: ... a lot.

Oh! Let me know if/when you need helping hands

[xaero_81]

Grill Mod...

This is my grill mod I did. Can't use with my Pride headlamps but I might swap everything from my green car...or not.

This is how I started. Cut out center and fit pieces into place. Then just taped them in place until I bondo'd it.





Messy Bondo.





Sanded down and removed tape.





Purchased "gutter screen" from Home Depot for $2.08. (Thanks to Safety Guy I think for the idea on a thread I saw somewhere)



Cut to size and attached in various methods.









And here it is... Not going to keep the turbo emblem on it though. Don't know how to fix the Festiva emblem to the grill yet.



*Note... Should wear gloves when cutting mesh...cut myself 3 times.

[xaero_81]

This is what else I've been doing. Got an early nineties Accord shift knob and boot for $5 at a local JY. Tried it on the Festiva shifter but it was too tall and pulled out of the bracket in the console. Going to use it on my XR2 shifter when I get it in. Good feel to it.

[crazyrog17]

That grille looks awesome, good job!

[takeone51]

its always nice to have a candle motif while your working...

[xaero_81]

its always nice to have a candle motif while your working...

I think we can all agree that they add a delicate warmth to any work area. :-)

That grille looks awesome, good job!

Thanks Zack. Wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, especially doing it on my dining room table.

Got my Moog camber bolts ($25 PN k90473) and Gates timing belt kit ($41 PN TCK179) from rockauto today. Still waiting on water pump and gasket kit.

[takeone51]

lol ,looks like chase bank sent you a bill too..

[thered56]

hahaha lookin great! Love the grille!

[xaero_81]

Small update:

Got the motor and transmission separated. Then pulled the head and other accessories.







Going to send in the head to get it pressure tested and whatnot. Can't wait to paint it all up.





Came into a discussion with bhazard about the oil cooler setup where the oil filter screws on. He suggested removing the cooler to avoid having the lines in the way and something about it heating the oil in the winter. I'd like some input on this. If I do remove it, would a stud from a B3 fit in its place? Or should I keep it? Thanks for any thoughts.

[eurotiva]

^ I removed mine on my bp (94 EGT), and used the b3 one(IIRC) I might have cut the one that went thru the cooler? my '97 kia bp that I just put in my car didn't have one.