Thinking outside the box: AJP8 in a Miata
Discussion
A friend stateside actively races a Miata (Mx-5 in the UK I think) and is looking for an engine conversion.
He says he knows of quite a few Miatas that has had a big ol' V8 shoehorned in but adds substantially to the weight of the car.
Here's where I enter the picture since another mate have got a Cerb and I think the AJP8 is quite a special powerplant.
Some initial questions that he asked:
1. Is the AJP8 quite easy to get in the UK, say from a junkyard?
2. What would be the cost to build it up to say a reasonable spec - reasonable as in running at stock level quite reliably?
3. Anyone here heard of a similar project?
4. Are there any good shops that would be willing to take up such a project?
I had a quick look at the classifieds and first-gen Miatas are looking nice and cheap at around 2-3k pounds.
Much thanks.
He says he knows of quite a few Miatas that has had a big ol' V8 shoehorned in but adds substantially to the weight of the car.
Here's where I enter the picture since another mate have got a Cerb and I think the AJP8 is quite a special powerplant.
Some initial questions that he asked:
1. Is the AJP8 quite easy to get in the UK, say from a junkyard?
2. What would be the cost to build it up to say a reasonable spec - reasonable as in running at stock level quite reliably?
3. Anyone here heard of a similar project?
4. Are there any good shops that would be willing to take up such a project?
I had a quick look at the classifieds and first-gen Miatas are looking nice and cheap at around 2-3k pounds.
Much thanks.
Edited by boomerkk on Friday 18th July 19:27
Lots of uninformed opinon here. AJP8s *are* available from time to time but only when another Cerb hits a wall/central res/etc etc... You just have to keep your eyes out for them. There was one for sale on PH classifieds for ages.
You want a 4.5 for ultimate reliability but don't be put off by 4.2s as most of those are still running quite happily. 4.2s tend to make their headline bhp figure from the outset whereas 4.5s need shorter primary inlets and a remap or aftermarket ECU (with bespoke map) to make their headline figure.
In general, poor reliability is something the AJP8 *doesn't* suffer from, although you will no doubt find stories to the contrary. Early 4.2s had smaller journals which were found to be a potential weak spot and indeed some snapped their cranks. You do hear about the odd camshaft snap and ancilliaries breaking but there are very many AJP8s out there that have had no other work than servicing on them and are well into 60K+ miles now - some much more.
I suggest you visit the Cerb forum for some real-world anicdotes.
You want a 4.5 for ultimate reliability but don't be put off by 4.2s as most of those are still running quite happily. 4.2s tend to make their headline bhp figure from the outset whereas 4.5s need shorter primary inlets and a remap or aftermarket ECU (with bespoke map) to make their headline figure.
In general, poor reliability is something the AJP8 *doesn't* suffer from, although you will no doubt find stories to the contrary. Early 4.2s had smaller journals which were found to be a potential weak spot and indeed some snapped their cranks. You do hear about the odd camshaft snap and ancilliaries breaking but there are very many AJP8s out there that have had no other work than servicing on them and are well into 60K+ miles now - some much more.
I suggest you visit the Cerb forum for some real-world anicdotes.
Thanks everyone...
Must admit that never occurred to me about the LS engines... must tell him.
Lots of guys stateside already seem to run them in their Miatas.
Did a quick search, LS engines weigh around 450lbs dressed, so would be about 200lbs heavier than an AJP8.
My cerbie mate clearly loves the thing.
We've considered rotaries, but my mates not a fan of them.
Would love to hear from TVR guys here
Must admit that never occurred to me about the LS engines... must tell him.
Lots of guys stateside already seem to run them in their Miatas.
Did a quick search, LS engines weigh around 450lbs dressed, so would be about 200lbs heavier than an AJP8.
My cerbie mate clearly loves the thing.
We've considered rotaries, but my mates not a fan of them.
Would love to hear from TVR guys here
Edited by boomerkk on Friday 18th July 19:50
Edited by boomerkk on Friday 18th July 19:51
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