Looking for info on NC with 2.5 L conversions

[rascal]

not to mention FWD vs RWD.........

[Charlie Brown]

Waste of effort if I t is to be used for a 3 hour commute each day.
The conversion would need fettling, so I wouldn't trust it initially for a commute.

?????????? Sorry Bruce, I don’t get your comment. The only “fettling” needed is your right foot.

The 2.5 conversion for a daily drive is absolutely great. The addition torque is a real joy combined with instant throttle response. You breath on the accelerator at 1800 rpm in 6th gear and the car moves away as quick as an NB would in 3rd under full throttle, so for a commute in heavy traffic it’s an easier drive than rowing through the gears in the 2.0 litre.

On the open road through hilly sections it just pulls with ease and you find yourself overtaking slower vehicles without the need for a downchange. Just squeeze the throttle and you’re away. Mind you that you can still run it through the gears in the twisty stuff but you find that you’re getting to the next corner quicker so there’s a lot more backing off in the straight sections.

Next it’s a stealth conversion. When you look at it 99.9% of MX-5 owners couldn’t pick the difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5. So in certain circumstance this is a huge advantage over a S/C or turbo car, if you get my drift.

Cost wise it’s cheaper than a S/C or turbo as you don’t need to control the heat as Rascal said. It runs fine with the stock radiator, even at the track. As this engine has larger forged internals than the 2.0, I’d expect it should last a lot longer as it’s not working as hard to get the same output.

[magenb]

Cost wise it’s cheaper than a S/C or turbo as you don’t need to control the heat as Rascal said. It runs fine with the stock radiator, even at the track. As this engine has larger forged internals than the 2.0, I’d expect it should last a lot longer as it’s not working as hard to get the same output.

NC S/C cost vary a lot, but on the cheap end its about the same cost when modding a completely stock car, if you go a FM S/C then its more expensive

However some other points to consider when going from a stock NC.

Complete exhaust with CAI and Tune assuming a healthy engine (I've almost clocked up 160K) you'll get ~30 HP + ~27 Nm, but the biggest gains occur after 5k, where you hardly visit for a road car.
http://www.moto-east.com/main/wp-conten ... -Chart.png
There is also considerably more noise, especially in a soft top, this is something to consider for a daily.

This has a low return as a "bang for buck" rating, I would actually say this is not worth the money (for me at least), the 2.5L while costing a bit more has a better return. I certainly have gotten better increases for the same sort of cash from other cars though, so from that perspective its a bit disappointing.

Having dríven one now (Thanks again Trevor) I like the change,

[SKYHI]

Has anybody else besides John done the 2.5L conversion in QLD?

Are there any QLD workshops that do this sort of conversion?

[orx626]

Are there any QLD workshops that do this sort of conversion?

Hi TCR, Automotive Plus did John's L5 conversion and have a pre-loved North-South modified L5 in stock. If you're interested give Jason a call.

Regards,
Danny

[SKYHI]

Thanks Danny. Still in the planning phase, but might give Jason a call to discuss it.

[Adrianvh]

Its not a hard DIY swap for 2 guys, 2 days and a block and tackle.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd place it about 4. 1 being an oil change, 10 being a performance rebuild.

Very basic and inexpensive tools required, just plan ahead and your good to go.