Economic RWD engine swap
Discussion
I know it almost sounds like an oxymoron for a kit car, but I’m looking at alternatives to my current NB MX5 1.8L engine fitted in my MGB GT.
It has done great over the years but it has now unfortunately developed an oil leak from the bottom seam and rocker cover + the clutch needs changing. I have therefore been considering an engine swap as a nice summer project.
I’m looking for a petrol engine that is economical and offers a bit more mpg than the NB. Strangely enough I drive the car around 10k miles a year, and will more than likely continue for the next few years. I’ve been looking at the NC MX5 engines as that would be an easy swap. But does it really behave any better mpg wise? Does anyone have any other suggestions for other engines that can be used as RWD + economic?
Thought about the zetec and Duratec? Are they any better?
P.S. yes I know I should just get a cheap electric or hybrid or diesel daily, but I don’t really want that as I enjoy driving the MG too much and just spent the last 4 years restoring it from ground up
Thanks!
It has done great over the years but it has now unfortunately developed an oil leak from the bottom seam and rocker cover + the clutch needs changing. I have therefore been considering an engine swap as a nice summer project.
I’m looking for a petrol engine that is economical and offers a bit more mpg than the NB. Strangely enough I drive the car around 10k miles a year, and will more than likely continue for the next few years. I’ve been looking at the NC MX5 engines as that would be an easy swap. But does it really behave any better mpg wise? Does anyone have any other suggestions for other engines that can be used as RWD + economic?
Thought about the zetec and Duratec? Are they any better?
P.S. yes I know I should just get a cheap electric or hybrid or diesel daily, but I don’t really want that as I enjoy driving the MG too much and just spent the last 4 years restoring it from ground up
Thanks!
Very good point regarding the axle, and I am currently considering swapping the rear axle to a different ratio - perhaps 3.3:1 from the Sierra/Granada diffs.
About the Duratec/MZR good suggestions, and I’d assume the Mazda option may be easier to do a direct swap as the prop should be the same and mounting points fairly similar.
Not thought about the Toyota engine but will investigate that.
Mainly looking for reliability and economy as I drive the car on a daily basis. Even thought about the ecoboost engines, but there doesn’t seem to be many kits/ECUs available for them yet which would make the whole thing very expensive
About the Duratec/MZR good suggestions, and I’d assume the Mazda option may be easier to do a direct swap as the prop should be the same and mounting points fairly similar.
Not thought about the Toyota engine but will investigate that.
Mainly looking for reliability and economy as I drive the car on a daily basis. Even thought about the ecoboost engines, but there doesn’t seem to be many kits/ECUs available for them yet which would make the whole thing very expensive
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