Engine Swap

[green_comet]

search is your friend... you should use it...

[zoomzoom]

as far as I am aware(dont quote me) they are all based on the same ford duratec family of engines found in many 4cyl fords and mazdas, including Focus, 3, 6 and the new mx-5 \"MZR\" engine. Have a look on this site http://www.flyinmiata.com/video/others.php and click the link to the mzr video, its amazing to watch.

[Boags]

Turbo the engine you have. Far less cost and heaps of power.

Unless you are in Adelaide where it is impossible to do so legally... Then use the search button, there have been a few threads about it lately.

Boags

[adamjp]

I believe the Duratec is also common to swedish bricks.

[JSE]

Sp23s are FWD...MX5s are RWD...

I would be going for a 1.8L upgrade or a 13B conversion from an FC. Also I reckon with a bit of custom work a nice CA or SR would go nicely!

[timk]

Some guys in the US have used the Mazda FE van engine with good results:

http://members.aol.com/solomiata/FE3.html
http://www.miataturbo.net/forums/vbgara ... iew&id=157

[zoomzoom]

but fe engines are a sohc pile of pus. Fe symbol for iron ie lump of iron=boat anchor

There would prob be near as much work piping in a 13bt or any other engine for that matter as a duratech. and they are one of the worlds best 4cyl. I say go for it i would love to see it done

[adamjp]

Sp23s are FWD...MX5s are RWD...

So are Mazda 323 / Ford Lasers and NA/NB MX5s, I don't see your point?

The engine block is common. The oil and water systems are common, but the external interfaces a little different. One can be made from the other.

IMHO a Duratech is a very good consideration for updating an MX5.

[sabretooth]

Whatever you get, price it up with the ECU and loom.

Also price up the cost of insurance.

[adamjp]

The Duratec is found in the Ford Focus & Mondeo, Mazda 3, 6 and MX5 and the Volvo 4cyl & 5cyl models. I believe that it is also the donor block for some Mercury 4-stroke boat engines (v.strong conrods from this source).

A V6 variant is also available overseas, but I think it is exclusively FWD.

Almost certainly the only RWD variant is the MX5.

I am unsure what the new Diesel Mazda 3 and 6 are based on. But if the Duratec block, it would deliver some insanely strong conrods and extremely high-comp pistons (18:1).

Nice little backgrounder here.

[KIJIMA]

By the time you had a SP23 engine fitted into your MX-5 $$$ you could have fitted somthing like an SR20 or a RB26 Either way whatever you choose, an engine swap will be dear.

I'd be leaving your donk where it lies, and getting your hands on a hairdryer to bolt on, pretty much the same advice boags offered.

P.S. Search is your friend.

[Okibi]

I agee

[sirbob]

Be truely different and buy a Jackson Racing Supercharger Kit...

[Duj]

not worth the $5,000+ they cost!

[RobbieRat]

Duratec would be a great choice but i think you'll find their to tall like most of the other current engines.
Its hard enough to get the FE3 to fit, but it does.