1999 Miata 1.8L engine w 5 speed trans. vs 1999 Miata 1.8L engine w 6 speed trans.

Asked by Billy Feb 04, 2015 at 12:56 PM about the 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I blew up my 1999 1.8L engine w 5 speed. Always aware of the needed one more gear
while driving my car. In my replacement engine search, I found a Japanes low miles 1999
1.8L engine with 6 speed transmission attached in America. I have talked to a number of
Texas Miata people but cannot get a definitive answer as to whether the 1.8L with six
speed will fit right in without complications.
One parts man noted the vehicle speed sensors are different between 5 and 6 speeds. He
was unable to tell me what the consequences of that might be....wrong speedometer
reading or no speedometer reading ? Other possible issues noted: transaxle ratio etc
might not give you the performance you are expecting. Other issue drive shaft (length) ?
Other possible issue: computer monitor/switches, wiring might be different. Any thoughts?

1 Answer

3,175

It should work if you install the engine and transmission as a unit, check the length of the drive shaft by measurement, get a work shop manual and look at the length according to the book, if that all works on paper then you should be set, rear end gearing ratios may conflict but changing one out from a salvage yard would be fairly easy. Good Luck

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