The 90 bhp 1.6 engines.

[simple101]

I read that these engines have been de tuned from 114 bhp.

I ask becuase obviously most of the post 94/95 cars carry lower mileage and appear, most of the time, in better overall condition than an older vechicle.

Does anybody know what exactly Mazda did to de tune the engine and can it be undone?

I am looking to buy myslef a 1.6 and having problems finding a decent example within a reasonable distance from my area. Obviously i want the 114 bhp version over the 90 but I just want to know if i could buy the 90 bhp version and tune it back up to 114 bhp.

Any ideas?

[Risotto]

I could be wrong but I don't think it's that simple - there were a few mechanical differences. Might be possible but certainly not cost effective. Personally I would look for a 1.8 but if you do want the 1.6, I think any pre-1994 UK car should have 115bhp, as should any imports, regardless of year.

[simple101]

I had my suspisions that it might not be as easy as it sounds.

[snotrag]

simple101 said:

I had my suspisions that it might not be as easy as it sounds.

Its not. Dont bother.

[Munter]

Differences to the head and the pistons I believe... It's certainly big chunks of metal that make the difference not just an ECU change. Basically you'd be better off dropping in a 2nd hand 115bhp engine than fiddleing with a 90.

[anonymous-user]

Why not look for a Eunos import then, generally better condition in terms of being rust free and from what I can remember the 1.6's from Japan never came in 90bhp form irrespective of year, the detuned versions weren't released there.

[simple101]

yellowbentines said:

Why not look for a Eunos import then, generally better condition in terms of being rust free and from what I can remember the 1.6's from Japan never came in 90bhp form irrespective of year, the detuned versions weren't released there.

Sadly the insurance is over £600 more for an import for me, otherwise it wouldnt be a problem.

Unless you can suggest a company that wont hike the price just for buying an import? I would happy take a better specced, better condition model if i could afford to insure the damn thing!

[snotrag]

simple101 said:

Sadly the insurance is over £600 more for an import for me, otherwise it wouldnt be a problem.

! Theres absolutely no reason for that other than stupidity on the insurers part. Theres near as damnit NO real difference (other than specifications) between JDM and UK - certainly nothing to affect the cost of repairs/value.

Adrian Flux, HIC, Sky, and A-plan are all names of brokers that regularly crop up.

Much more likely to be knowledgable regarding older cars, modifications etc than the high street people too.

[simple101]

snotrag said:

simple101 said:

Sadly the insurance is over £600 more for an import for me, otherwise it wouldnt be a problem.

! Theres absolutely no reason for that other than stupidity on the insurers part. Theres near as damnit NO real difference (other than specifications) between JDM and UK - certainly nothing to affect the cost of repairs/value.

Adrian Flux, HIC, Sky, and A-plan are all names of brokers that regularly crop up.

Much more likely to be knowledgable regarding older cars, modifications etc than the high street people too.

Thanks alot!!! I will give them a try. Anything that will help broaden my search criteria is a good thing.

[anonymous-user]

My Eunos is insured through Directline, about £300 joint policy for me and the wife for the year fully comp - they don't differentiate between uk and import, all they want is the reg number - didn't find the need to go to specialised brokers!

[DozyGit]

yellowbentines said:

My Eunos is insured through Directline, about £300 joint policy for me and the wife for the year fully comp - they don't differentiate between uk and import, all they want is the reg number - didn't find the need to go to specialised brokers!

Hi are you sure you are insured? Why I ask is the V5 has a different vehicle (Make and model) and how is it legally insured. If you got involved in a crash the insurance company can turn around and say you are not insured. If I were you I will have something in writing. My brother had a problem with an import, insurer said it is fine put it in as UK car, later on when he called again to check (after payment) the supervisor said it is NOT and refunded money. Just letting you know, as sales people will sell you anything and then you will be the one in dodo if problems occur as there is no proof.

I insure mine with footman james for this very reason.

[Ash From Flux]

Remember if you do call Adrian Flux to tell us that you're a Pistonheads member, that can save you up to 15%