mazda mx5 engine in my kit car

[thomasmoore271]

hi all I've got a Ginetta G31 kit car currently with a 2.0 pinto engine and no gear box it requires a full rebuild really. looking to put a cheep engine and gearbox in it I've done lots of research on prices and bhp and have decided to go for a Mazda MX5 engine and gear box but my question is 1.6 or 1.8?? The car weighs 950kg with the pinto in and was thinking of going for the 1.8 more bhp but after talking to a mate who knows more about Japanese cars and he thinks the 1.6 would be better from a tuning point of view. just looking for some advice really and will be modifying the engine in years to come but just need some advice on what would be better.

[Munter]

I'd go for the 1.8. Tuning wise you can get as many superchargers/turbo kits as you wish for either. May as well start with more power.

Will it not be quite a lot of work though swapping out the ford stuff for the mazda?

[MX-5 Lazza]

If you can afford to pay a little more for the engine then I'd go for a Mk2.5 1.8 (Mk2 2001 to 2005). It has VVT so has 146bhp and heathier mid-range torque. Failing that a Mk2 1.8 as Mk2 onwards has solid tappets so are less rattly and have 138bhp. Mk1 1.8 is still a good choice with 130bhp but the hydraulic tappets mean regular oil-chages to keep them quiet. Mk1 1.6 would be the cheapest choice.
None are particularly tunable to get more power without FI. They can be tweaked a bit but it's expensive for little gain.
If you are going to add FI then it doesn't matter much which you go for in terms of output but I'd still choose the Mk2+ 1.8 for it's freer-flowing head. I'm guessing you'd rather stay NA though as it's a basic lightweight sportscar.

[sparkybean]

2L Duratec from the mk3 with gearbox? Cheap, and good for 200bhp without even waving one spanner at the engine.