Engine swaps - Just a bit of fun.

[Mr MXT]

Worst case scenario I've discussed with my Project Mechanic what I'm likely to do if I crash the '5 (Hopefully not, but likely to reshell into Mrs MXTs Black mk2 and buy her a 4x4) or blow the engine up (again hopefully not).

IMO depending on how the engine goes, the options would be to rebuild it with appropriate internals and go for big turbo power OR do an engine swap for something a bit more intersting. A good friend of mine has just finished shoehorning a Lexus 4.0 V8 into an S13 200SX and I must admit, an engine swap does have a certain appeal?

So what would YOU do? What would your ideal swap be? And it has to be something that is realistic (i.e. its been done before!)

The big yank v8 thing doesnt really appeal to me, so I'd be thinking along the lines of a 2JZ from a Supra (unbelievably it goes in, there is a thread on miataturbo.net), a Skyline RB26 (Mega £££?) or keeping it Mazda I reckon a 13B from an RX7 would be a pretty nice swap - there is one for sale on Nutz too as it happens.

[HereBeMonsters]

I've always thought a rotary would suit the car really well.

[Mr MXT]

HereBeMonsters said:

I've always thought a rotary would suit the car really well.

Its have to be a turbo'd 13B for me I think. There is a rotary engined one for sale on Nutz at the moment, but its a non turbo (from an FC?) so its onl'y putting out around 170bhp. Seems a lot of hassle for the gain!

Havign said that, cracking buy if its already converted!

[hornetrider]

How can an LS1 not appeal??????????????????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_KyCZYSCsM&fea...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TllaD4VTjCw&fea...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG7TUVjfcb0&fea...

Edited by hornetrider on Wednesday 16th February 16:40

[Pied Piper]

I have a spare 4.2 AJP V8 waiting for rebuild, I'm sure that would fit.

A Cerbera engine in a MX5

[J-Tuner]

A Honda s2000 engine would be nice

[MX-5 Lazza]

Keep my MP62, fully built engine, water injection, BIG pulley - go for 300+bhp

[NiceCupOfTea]

For some reason anything more than a 4-banger doesn't appeal to me in an MX-5.

I like the appeal of the rotary (revvy and Mazda bloodline), but if my engine died I would be looking at a Mk.2 1.8 with a blower for my Mk.1.

[rudecherub]

This

[_Batty_]

'busa turbo.
lightweight, and plenty of power.
Or an LS V8, any type, im not fussed

[maser_spyder]

I have LS3 plans for mine, as soon as I'm back in the country.

[The Tea Boy]

rotary did some someone say?????
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6...

Matt

[NiceCupOfTea]

Just remembered the guy on UKSaabs installing a Saab 2.3 turbo motor - 400bhp!

[Mr MXT]

The Tea Boy said:

rotary did some someone say?????
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6...

Matt

• ahem*

Mr MXT said:

I reckon a 13B from an RX7 would be a pretty nice swap - there is one for sale on Nutz too as it happens.

[hornetrider]

maser_spyder said:

I have LS3 plans for mine, as soon as I'm back in the country.

Two words. Build thread.

Two more. Passenger ride!

[JonnyFive]

MK 2.5 (VVT) 1.8 fully built with a nice big turbo.

What you should do.

Also, should I bring a trailer to the ring to get your '5 home by the sounds of you crashing it?

[Mr MXT]

JonnyFive said:

MK 2.5 (VVT) 1.8 fully built with a nice big turbo.

What you should do.

Also, should I bring a trailer to the ring to get your '5 home by the sounds of you crashing it?

Hell no!

Why would you go for the 1.8 over the other options?

[JonnyFive]

Mr MXT said:

JonnyFive said:

MK 2.5 (VVT) 1.8 fully built with a nice big turbo.

What you should do.

Also, should I bring a trailer to the ring to get your '5 home by the sounds of you crashing it?

Hell no!

Why would you go for the 1.8 over the other options?

Well a rotary will be fun but thirsy and getting on abit now.

V8, would be cool but heavy and lousy (I assume).

F20c, may aswell just get a S2K.

1.8 built properly and turbo'd.. Revvy, strong, good weight..

[BCA]

Pied Piper said:

I have a spare 4.2 AJP V8 waiting for rebuild, I'm sure that would fit.

A Cerbera engine in a MX5

This.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Mr MXT said:

JonnyFive said:

MK 2.5 (VVT) 1.8 fully built with a nice big turbo.

What you should do.

Also, should I bring a trailer to the ring to get your '5 home by the sounds of you crashing it?

Hell no!

Why would you go for the 1.8 over the other options?

V8 just isn't right in an MX5. 'busa doesn't have the low torque for daily driving - they are better in properly light cars. Rotary has never done it for me. I've been in a 320bhp Mk2.5 1.8 AVO turbo and that was plenty quick enough for anyone! Probably a bit too quick for me as it would be OTT for track driving. 300bhp from an SC 1.8 would be immense.