These pieces are to serve as a reminder that when times get tough and your build isn’t cooperating, you WILL get through it. You CAN achieve your goals. Just when I thought I had a “bulletproof” engine, I was clearly wrong. But that won’t stop me from building back stronger than ever!

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Choices

Supertech Pistons – Although they haven’t technically failed, I decided to start with a fresh set of pistons due to the crown scuffing and other visible wear. They would probably be okay to keep running, but for a few hundred dollars I’d rather have the peace of mind. These puppies took the full force of a lightly modded Miata engine. 130.81WHP per piston!

Bent Main Studs – Possibly the true hero of this whole adventure. I imagine if these started letting go during the final pull, the outcome could have been very different. Like crankshaft on the freeway different, lol. If you roll them across your desk and look closely, you can see that somethin’ ain’t quite right!

Bearing Shells (Main & Rod) – These little guys spend their entire life being beaten on by ham-fisted tuners like myself turning the boost knob up to 11/10, being protected only by a film of oil about as thick as a human hair. Pretty dang impressive to see them survive 250,000+ miles in a stock Miata engine. These shells have about 15,000 miles on them, but they had their cage rattled pretty hard when the main caps broke, so I’ll be using a fresh set. (Quantity 1 = 1 piece)

Broken Main Caps – I mean… what is there to say. The cast iron structure that holds the entire rotating assembly in the engine said “aight imma head out”. Although there could have been other variables at play, I think it’s safe to say that 465wtq puts a pretty heavy strain on these, especially with a setup and tune that specifically targets making as much torque as possible at low RPM. 

Signature – Add 1 to the cart if you want your part signed. Disclaimer: Adding my signature to anything may or may not result in decreased reliability. But I wanted to give y’all the option, hahaha. If there’s a specific area of the part you want signed, or any other special request, just leave it in your order notes. 

LEGACY (No longer available):

VVT Intake Valves – These stainless, undercut valves from SI Valves suffered the unfortunate fate of trying to control too much boost without enough valve spring seat pressure. The somewhat experimental Volvo / Sealed Power VS855 springs just did not like 21psi and 8000RPM! Each valve comes with a small display plaque telling you which port each valve came from (yes I kept them in order!). Obviously, there are only 8 of these available, and the number you get will be random. But #7 is the coolest one, measured to have more wear than all of the others. $65 donation to the build. Free Shipping to the U.S. and international shipping available!

Synchro Rings – Brilliant shimmering brass color. Great for making into key chains or displaying in trophy cases.

Full Gears – All tested at over 400HP. They make great paperweights for the office or could also be used as rear ballast weight in the trunk for adding traction at the drag strip.

Pistons – These are the pistons that originally came inside of my VVT engine. 10:1 compression means they don’t take no for an answer.

Connecting Rods – These are the connecting rods that originally came inside of my VVT engine. They were removed for their own safety, and are grateful to be alive.

The 1.6 Hero EXPLODED Rod & Piston – 1 Available. This is the one who made the ultimate sacrifice on the drive home from making 295whp. An unfortunate fate to meet, but the catalyst for bigger and better things.

The 1.6 Hero SURVIVOR Rods & Pistons – 3 Available. They saw it first hand. They’ll never forget. But they also know it’s part of the game we play. These lucky 3 saw 295whp and lived to tell the tale. They’re ready for retirement.

1.6L Valve Cover – A survivor of the explosion, it hopes to live on another engine and continue on as the first thing people see when they pop the hood.

1.6L Cam Gears – These troopers FELT the explosion ripple through the crankshaft and up the timing belt. Traumatized, but ready to live another day screaming at 3500RPM.

1.6L Bent Valves – 2 Available. Imagine living your whole life watching a piston fly towards you to be retracted away just a couple millimeters from contact. Boooring. These valves are the Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O of valves, and they loved taking a piston to the face.