Drilling For Performance: Oil Pan Turbo Miata Guide

Drilling an oil pan for a turbo Miata can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, it is achievable. The process involves locating the oil pan, gathering the necessary tools, and carefully drilling and tapping the hole while taking precautions to avoid damaging the oil pickup tube. It is important to use grease and electrical tape to catch metal shavings and prevent them from falling into the oil pan. Some people also recommend using compressed air to blow out the shavings. While it is possible to drill the oil pan while it is still in the car, others suggest removing it for easier access and to avoid potential issues. Overall, the process requires attention to detail and patience to ensure a successful outcome.

Drilling the oil pan: the right tools for the job

Drilling a hole in your oil pan can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and careful preparation, it is certainly achievable. Here is a list of tools and materials you will need to drill your oil pan safely and effectively:

• Jack stands: Before starting, you need to make sure your car is securely lifted and stable. Use 4 sturdy jack stands and give the car a good shake once they are in place to ensure everything is secure. For added safety, place an extra tire under the side of the car in case of jack stand failure.
• Drill: You will need a drill that can accommodate a large drill bit. The specific size of the drill bit will depend on the make and model of your car, but typically a 37/64ths or 1/2″ drill bit is required for this task.
• Tap wrench: A tap wrench is used to cut threads into the hole you drill. Again, the size will depend on your vehicle, but a 3/8 NPT tap is commonly used, which fits into a 5/8″ 12-point socket.
• Electrical tape: This is used as a bumper to prevent you from drilling too far into the oil pan and damaging the oil pickup. Place the tape about 1/4" away from the tip of your drill bit.
• Pilot hole drill bit: It is recommended to drill a smaller pilot hole first to guide your larger drill bit. A 1/4″ drill bit should be sufficient.
• Grease: You will need a substantial amount of grease to lubricate your drill bits and tap. This will help to capture metal shavings and prevent them from falling into the oil pan.
• Paper towels: Have plenty of paper towels on hand to wipe away grease and metal shavings.
• Q-tips: Q-tips can be bent at a 90-degree angle and coated with grease to reach into the drilled hole and remove any remaining metal shavings.
• Mineral spirits: After drilling and tapping, flush the oil pan with mineral spirits to remove any residual grease and metal shavings.
• Compressed air: Applying compressed air during the drilling process can help blow metal shavings out of the oil pan. However, use a regulated air supply of 10 psi or less to avoid using too much pressure.
• Fitting: Finally, you will need a fitting to install into the drilled and tapped hole. Thread sealant, high-temperature RTV, or JB Weld can be used to secure the fitting in place.

Now that you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you can begin the process of drilling your oil pan. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and always put safety first.

Drilling above or below the oil line: pros and cons

Drilling above or below the oil line in your turbo Miata has its pros and cons.

Drilling above the oil line is generally considered safer as it reduces the risk of oil leakage. This is because the drill bit is less likely to come into contact with the oil pan, which could result in oil spilling out. Additionally, drilling above the oil line can make it easier to access and replace the oil drain plug, as it is not blocked by the drill bit. However, one of the cons of drilling above the oil line is that it may reduce the clearance between the drill bit and the oil pan, potentially making it more difficult to fit larger tools or components in the same area.

On the other hand, drilling below the oil line can provide better access to the oil pan and surrounding components for maintenance or modifications. It may also be necessary to drill below the oil line if there are specific clearance requirements for the turbocharger or other components. However, one of the main cons of drilling below the oil line is the increased risk of oil leakage. If the drill bit penetrates the oil pan, it could result in a significant oil spill, which would be both costly and harmful to the environment. Additionally, drilling below the oil line may require more precise measurements and careful execution to avoid damaging the oil pan or other critical components.

Overall, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Drilling above the oil line is generally safer and provides better clearance, while drilling below the oil line can offer better access for maintenance or modifications but carries a higher risk of oil leakage. It is important to carefully consider the specific requirements and constraints of your turbo Miata setup before making a decision.

Drilling tips: speed, pressure, and the use of grease

Drilling a hole in your oil pan can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it is certainly achievable. Here are some tips to help you drill with speed, control pressure, and use grease effectively:

Speed and Pressure:

• Take your time and drill slowly. There is no need to rush, and a steady pace will help you maintain control.
• Re-grease your bit often to keep it lubricated and reduce friction.
• When drilling the pilot hole, pay attention to how the drill feels. You may not need to drill all the way through, just enough to locate your larger drill bit.
• When drilling the final hole, use a lot of grease and paper towels to manage the metal shavings.
• Drill with confidence but be careful not to apply more pressure than necessary. Let the drill do the work.
• Use compressed air to help blow out the shavings, but be cautious and regulate the pressure to 10 psi or less.

Use of Grease:

• Grease is your friend when drilling. Use it liberally on the drill bit and tap to capture most of the metal shavings.
• Grease each channel in the tap to ensure maximum coverage. You'll figure out the right amount as you go.
• After tapping, use a Q-tip or your finger to remove the pile of shaving-filled grease from just inside the hole.
• Flush the pan with mineral spirits to remove any remaining grease and shavings.
• Before installing the fitting, thread it into the pan to ensure a proper fit, and use a sealant rated for petrol resistance.

Remember to always be cautious and take your time. Drilling an oil pan can be a delicate process, but with the right techniques and the generous use of grease, you can achieve a successful outcome.

Tapping the pan: how to do it and what to watch out for

Tapping the oil pan of your Miata is a delicate procedure that requires careful preparation and execution to avoid damaging your engine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and effectively.

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have the following: a drill, a tap wrench, a drill bit, electrical tape, a smaller bit for a pilot hole, grease, paper towels, Q-tips, and mineral spirits.

Step 2: Prepare the Car

Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Raise the front of your car with a jack and secure it with jack stands. Place an extra tire or a hydraulic jack under the side in case of jack stand failure. Locate your oil pan and the tools required for the job.

Step 3: Determine the Drilling Location

Different turbo kits will require you to locate the hole in different places. As a general rule, you should put the hole as high as possible without interfering with your air conditioning compressor.

Step 4: Drill a Pilot Hole

Apply grease to your drill bit to help control the shavings. Use electrical tape as a bumper, placed about 1/4" away from the tip of your bit, to prevent the oil pickup from getting nicked. Drill the pilot hole slowly and carefully, re-greasing your bit often. You may choose to drill the pilot hole all the way through or just create a decent pilot hole to locate your larger drill bit.

Step 5: Drill the Hole

Use a larger drill bit, such as a 37/64ths bit, to drill the final hole. Again, drill slowly and carefully, taking your time to re-grease your bit often. Use plenty of paper towels to control the metal shavings. Remember to use the electrical tape as a bumper to prevent drilling too far into the pan.

Step 6: Tap the Pan

Apply grease to the tap to trap the oil shavings. You'll want to sink the tap fairly far into the pan, leaving only 2-3 threads visible outside the pan. This ensures a safe distance from the oil pickup. Remember to cut for a few turns, then remove the tap and clean off the grease and metal shavings before re-greasing and continuing.

Step 7: Clean the Pan

Use Q-tips or your finger, dipped in grease, to remove any remaining shavings from the hole and the oil pan. Flush the pan with mineral spirits to ensure that all shavings are removed.

Step 8: Install the Fitting

You can use thread sealant, high-temp RTV, JB Weld, or Teflon tape to install the fitting. However, ensure that the Teflon tape is of the correct grade, as regular Teflon tape can melt in the presence of oil and fuel.

Precautions and Tips:

• It is recommended to have the oil pan off the car if possible to make the process easier and reduce the risk of errors.
• Use a drill stop or electrical tape to prevent drilling too far into the pan and damaging internal components.
• You can use compressed air to help blow the shavings and bits out of the oil pan hole, but ensure you have a well-regulated air compressor to avoid applying too much pressure.
• Always wear eye protection when drilling to shield yourself from flying shavings.
• Before applying any sealant or adhesive, go ahead and thread the fitting into the pan to ensure it fits properly.
• When in doubt, it is always best to seek professional help or advice.

By carefully following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully tap your Miata's oil pan while minimizing the risk of damage to your engine.

Cleaning the pan: flushing, greasing, and other methods

Flushing, greasing, and other methods are essential for cleaning the oil pan and ensuring the proper functioning of your vehicle's engine. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for achieving a thorough clean:

Flushing the Oil Pan:

• Drain the old engine oil into a pan and remove the oil filter.
• Reinstall the drain plug and pour a solvent or engine flush, such as Berryman B-12 Chemtool, into the engine oil fill. Let it sit for a couple of days.
• Repeat the draining and flushing process until the solvent comes out clean, without any sludge or carbon grit.
• Finally, fill the engine with new engine oil and crank the engine for short intervals to prime the oil pump.

Greasing During Drilling:

• When drilling a hole in the oil pan, use grease to trap the metal shavings and prevent them from falling into the pan.
• Grease the drill bit and tap generously before and during the drilling process.
• Use Q-tips or your finger to remove the grease-filled shavings from inside the hole after tapping.

Other Methods:

• Some people suggest using a Shop Vac to suck up the shavings while drilling, reducing mess and cleanup time.
• If you suspect a clogged oil pickup tube, you can try cleaning it without removing the oil pan. One method is to pour a gallon of kerosene into the oil fill and let it sit overnight before draining and flushing with new oil.
• Another approach is to use a small toothbrush or a can of brake cleaner inserted into the drain plug hole to scrub or spray the screen.

Frequently asked questions