kula: NB8B import engine
kula: Note that the
JDM BP-VE engines actually put out 118kW at the flywheel in standard form because of their higher 10.5:1 compression ratio versus the Aussie and US 10:1, presumably to take advantage of their higher octane fuel. I'm not sure if the extra compression is from running different pistons, but I suspect that would be the case.
And remember that the Aussie and US BP-VE's were only really ever putting out 107kW, the 113kW figure was total fiction and whilst Mazda Australia claimed the reduction in late 2002 was because of stricter emissions regulations, Mazda US admitted they simply got it wrong. A similar admission came again from Mazda US with the RX8.
So your import engine should get at least another 8rwkW on top of the figures quoted above.
Personally, I'd stay away from the BP-VE though because the S-VT creates more headaches than its worth. The only ECU's that can tune it are:
- Motec ($5,000) nobody has successfully done this so it will be expensive and you'll probably kill your engine in the process, that's what happened to the one person I have heard of who tried a Motec)
- SP Motorsports piggyback/interceptor/chip thing ($1,500) but I don't think these are really being sold anymore and again.
- Freedom ECU as used by Maruha Motors ($2,000) but tuning software is Japanese only.
- Hydra Nemesis ECU ($2,000) and if you can get one of these running properly, then that will make both of us very happy.
Note that each of the prices I've listed are my best recollection of the supply cost and exclude fitting and tuning except for the SP Motorsports piggyback/interceptor/chip.
You'd be better off spending your money on a built BP-ZE engine with higher compression (
Flyin Miata 1995cc stroker kit with 11.5:1 pistons), clean up the head, Tomei cams and maybe even quad throttle bodies. You'll have a much wider variety of much cheaper ECU options if you stay away from the BP-VE with its S-VT.
I'm apparently getting 98rwkW on a Dyno Dynamics but I'm yet to get that independently confirmed. That's with the following power mod's:
- Hydra Nemesis ECU
- Maxim Works Extractors
- High Flow Cat
- 2.25\" stainless steel mid-pipe with resonator
- Trust Power Extreme II exhaust
- ARC Super Intake Chamber
- Apexi Power Intake pod filter
- Hondata Heatshield intake manifold gasket
- NGK Iridium spark plugs
- Magnecor ignition leads
- A couple of whirlygig style vortex generator things in the intake and one from Anniversary Racing Factory in the exhaust which surprisingly DO make a dyno proven difference. I gained 1.5rwkW from the two in the intake.
Rodd: Your power readings are from a Dynapack hub dyno aren't they?
Rod
