Engine Swaps & Modified Engines Thread - 2018 Edition!!

I found a couple of awesome old threads discussing people's favourite engine swaps recently and decided we needed a re-vamp :D The number of options we have now in 2018 on what we can do to our engines is AMAZING :frantic:

I want to know YOUR thoughts and/or experiences on what your favourite engine mods and engine swaps are!! It doesn't matter whether you'd prefer a big V8 powered pocket rocket or a simple FM II Turbo Kit!! Just make sure to share WHY you'd choose that over anything else. Do you prefer N/A power? Turbos? Superchargers and what type; Roots, Rotrex, etc.

So me first :D

I'm part way through building up my 1.6 engine for N/A power. Yes I am aware the 1.8 is more powerful and the "there's no replacement for displacement" argument. It's not about max power for me, if it was, I'd bolt a turbocharger to it and be done with it. I've driven both the 1.6 and 1.8 and out of the two I personally drove, the 1.6 was smoother, more operatic and provided a more enjoyable driving experience. Mazda got it right back in 1990 (when the car was built), but that doesn't mean I can't improve on it with today's technology leap. I love the minimalism and bulletproof reliability. Essentially, I'm aiming to do what Mazda did, but turn it all up to 11 whilst doing my best to not compromise it being a DD. So, 60's aesthetics with 21st performance :D

Current specs:
- 238/256 Cams - 8.5mm/8.2mm lift. (Wanting more aggressive cams and a tad more lift to up the redline).
- ITB's :winky:
- Head shaved, ported and polished
- Megasquirt II ECU
- Hydraulic lifters w/ titanium retainers. Ooooh.
- Stock bottom end (Carrillo rods ready to go in, currently deciding whether to get higher compression pistons made to go in "whilst I'm there", I'd need a new cylinder head though).

Currently making roughly 125-130hp at the rear on a Dyno that's notoriously heartbreaking and conservative.

(For those interested, I will be providing a build thread of my own one day when I feel I have enough content for an interesting read on day one ):lol:

My choice of engine swap?? Easy. KLZE from a Mazda 626 or MX-6 :slayer: N/A power and a soundtrack to boot! I have yet to find a swap or thread where the engine has lasted over a few thousands miles though. ALL of the builds I've read or followed have ended in disaster with the engine dying from Oil starvation. Such a shame.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENdxzJ8Uhvg

SO!! What have you got?? Or what would you want?! :D :D :D :frantic:

I love N/A builds although they do not make much sense. If I were you, I would bump the compression ratio, and lighten/balance the rotating assembly to allow for a higher redline; these are 2 of the 3 ways available to make more power in an NA motor. 949 had an awesome write-up at their website on how to build one (albeit referring to 1.8).

As far as engine swaps go, KLZE sounds nice, especially since it is a Mazda engine. Personally, I find both the Honda K24 and the GM LFX swaps very appealing. I would not do a LS swap, but that's just me.

I believe there was/is also a Jag-made V6 swap kit available?

A friend once said, you can make any engine fit on any car if you have the money/tools/patience :P

(Oh, and I am going Rotrex, because I really like that N/A-like power curve, and because of the relatively decreased complexity/increased long term reliability)

I’ve posted in a thread previously about my plans.

I am currently rebuilding a VVT 1.8 engine to go in my NA with these... :D

https://instagram.com/p/BMl5cirjVLc/

3 angle valve job
272 cams (still doing research on their specs)
Shaved head to go for ~11:1 CR
Porting and polishing
Stock pistons
Forged rods, probably Eagle H-beams
ACL bearings
Billet oil pump gear
ATi Harmonic Damper

Maybe later I will upgrade to Supertech valve springs, to be safe.

Target is to rev safely to around 8K RPM.

It’s a lot of money for very small absolute horsepower gains, but I like doing things differently. And it’s not my daily, so...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am going with a “NEW” GM Ecotec 2.4 engine swap.
The project is still in-progress, so I cannot give a report card of the final results.
Yesterday was the first start-up of the engine, so it is getting closer to completion!
See start-up video at the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/113n...mqmPefDFc/view

Here were my reasons for going with an Ecotec 2.4 engine.
* No matter what modifications I perform to my Miata 1.6 it will still lack low end torque.
* A high strung 1.6 Miata engine in most forms will probably not be reliable.
* As you start to exceed the 220 horse-power threshold you should probably replace the entire drivetrain. That drives up the cost and fabrication requirements. The Ecotec 2.4 falls into the 175 to 225 range depending on the engine model selected and tune. (The LE5 tuned is around 192 hp and the LEA is direct injected around 225 hp) The LE5 fits better so I went that route.
* I wanted the under-hood to be simple and easy to service. A turbo or supercharged Miata engine has a maze of under-hood plumbing, tuning complexity, and extra weight.
* I can buy a NEW Ecotec engine for lower cost than rebuilding a performance Miata engine, especially if it had a turbo or supercharger kit added to the Miata engine.
* Detroit Yeah!

Potential risks of an Ecotec swap
* Unknown long-term reliability of the flywheel adapter. (Just like having a Porsche with IMS!!!)
* Possible NVH due to the firm engine mounts.
* Modified oil pan may have clearance issues or oil leaks.
* Vehicle re-sale value. (which I don't care as long as it runs great!)

I must say, I believe the GM LFX V6 swap by V8-Roadsters is the best swap out there for fit, weight, and performance. I still want to buy their demo car!

I prefer the simplicity and delivery of an N/A engine. If I were doing an engine swap, not a Mazda engine build-up, I would do a GM LFx swap. Weight, usable torque, power, and higher redline seems more akin to the spirit of a roadster, IMO.

The sound and response is so_right compared to an LS swap:

https://youtu.be/X8E2c7V4iSo

If I were to F/I my BP, I would go Rotrex for packaging, Trackspeed turbo for reliability and durability.

V6's have always interested me more then V8's. Could be a British thing, V8's don't really have a place over here, no road is straight enough to hammer an a V8 properly, you'd manage to rev out a V6 though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HarryB

I would not do a LS swap, but that's just me. I believe there was/is also a Jag-made V6 swap kit available?

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Rocketeer LTD are the "turn key" guys here in the U.K. at the moment, it's mostly a prototype pre-order at this stage though. The donor engine is a from a Jaguar S Type, 3.0 litres of displacement, around 240bhp. As a kit it's around £6k (or $8400 for you guys in the West - bare in mind that's without the donor engine).

I'd still prefer to find a way of making the KLZE engine work myself though, that or the K8 series for a smaller displacement. Weirdly, I just love a small engine that has to be strung out to start performing. There's also a huge part of me that would love lifting the bonnet up and still reading the "mazda" logo stamped on the valve cover. Small things.

As always, a video for you guys across the pond :D
Apologies for the "british-ness" of it :D some of you may know of "Car Throttle", good review; the guy does my nut in at times though :lol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RM7qfje__U

Aaaaand a link to their site, purely for reference though. :D
http://www.rocketeerltd.com/

I have a good friend who works for a Jag and Land Rover specialty garage here. He's also a Miata owner. I told him about that Jag V6 swap a few months back. After he stopped laughing, he asked why anyone would want to do that with that engine. :lol:

https://media.giphy.com/media/1M9fmo1WAFVK0/giphy.gif

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kung fu jesus

https://media.giphy.com/media/1M9fmo1WAFVK0/giphy.gif

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Precisely :lol:

A V6 makes sense, but not an engine from a Jag that's built for comfort

Sound, I guess? :P

I don’t particularly care for V8 Miatas. I would buy a Corvette and be done. The dimensions of the car (wheelbase) and the power just don’t make a lot of sense. Every one I have ever seen on the track was a rolling roadblock and the driver was exercising extreme caution with throttle inputs. That is sort of the opposite I know and want to drive a Miata.

I’ve seen Bill Cardell flog a V8 Miata around Hallett and he definitely was not a road block. I think what you described depends on the driver.

I’ve been on track with the FM V8 cars...feh.

Searches feh...
Flaw Evaluation Handbook (nuclear) ???

The V6 Jag motor does sound pretty badass though ............. :twisted:

KLZE motor in a tunnel. I'm swearing by it :lol:

A sound like this coming from a miata??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfS3GHT2bFA

If I were to do a complete engine swap I would do an LFX.

I love my supercharged (MP62 Roots) 1.8. Big throttle body on the 'charger inlet, 550cc injectors w/Megasquirt, flat top intake manifold, Mazdaspeed 4-2-1 header, Roadster Sport midpipe w/high flow cat and RB dual outlet muffler. I am in the process of swapping cylinder heads to one that is ported/polished along with a JDM intake cam (would be done except for illness/cold). We'll see how that changes things, but as it was the off-idle grunt was great. Always felt like a bigger engine in response and driveability. The sound as the supercharger spins up is like no other. Looking forward to seeing how it changes with the new head.

A few pictures of a Jag V6 swap happening Stateside. (Is a Lincoln LS the same?)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4700/2...2ab5d1b2_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4742/2...7d796732_b.jpg

Attachment 17953

This is the power mod I did to my car last weekend. Not sure what went wrong where... this car had about 2000 miles on it at this point.

Attachment 17954

That is the piston, and the dark spot is a hole. I stuck the camera down the hole and found this:

Attachment 17955

That is the small end of the rod. It looked like it was bent almost 180° on the inspection camera.

I have done roots, rotrex, and turbo Miatas. Now I think it will be a swap and legal here. No matter what I do it will be years before it runs again.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Satisaii

Attachment 17953

This is the power mod I did to my car last weekend. Not sure what went wrong where... this car had about 2000 miles on it at this point.

Attachment 17954

That is the piston, and the dark spot is a hole. I stuck the camera down the hole and found this:

Attachment 17955

That is the small end of the rod. It looked like it was bent almost 180° on the inspection camera.

I have done roots, rotrex, and turbo Miatas. Now I think it will be a swap and legal here. No matter what I do it will be years before it runs again.

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Wow! Is this on your NA, John? Never seen a rod do that in these engines!

It is my 91 with a Rotrex. We are not sure if it is small problem with knock over the life of the engine or a sudden failure. This engine was detuned with a good safety margin and not beat on like our race cars.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kung fu jesus

I don’t particularly care for V8 Miatas. I would buy a Corvette and be done. The dimensions of the car (wheelbase) and the power just don’t make a lot of sense. Every one I have ever seen on the track was a rolling roadblock and the driver was exercising extreme caution with throttle inputs. That is sort of the opposite I know and want to drive a Miata.

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I would generally agree with this. Putting down the power, especially out of low speed corners, requires much caution. On top of that, you're braking a lot more going into the corner, so you have to get that right too. But now that there's EFR6258 or 6758 cars making as much hp and torque as my LS2, I don't think it's much different.

If I had to do it over again I'd probably go LFX also since it has enough power, better revs, and doesn't sound like my truck.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4755/...23483049_z.jpg

The car I mentioned in my first post; love how tidy the LFX sits in there!

I'm all for the V6 conversions, slowly being persuaded :lol:

I'm even more tempted by the fact a V6 will be lighter than the iron block 4 cylinder that's currently under the hood :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by druz

I would generally agree with this. Putting down the power, especially out of low speed corners, requires much caution. On top of that, you're braking a lot more going into the corner, so you have to get that right too. But now that there's EFR6258 or 6758 cars making as much hp and torque as my LS2, I don't think it's much different.

If I had to do it over again I'd probably go LFX also since it has enough power, better revs, and doesn't sound like my truck.

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Agreed, and not even from an experienced racer. A V8 Miata is an awesome curiosity but even a stock Corvette is dangerous on the slightest curve with an owner with the slightest experience.

I am seriously considering the 2.5 swap. I have to let them know by the middle of May, but I'm still unsure if I will do it or not. For about the same money I could drop in a blower. But then I'd have to upgrade the header & mid pipe too. But those things will need to happen if I do the 2.5. In either case I'd need a tune, and it is my understanding that if I get the current 2.0 tuned, (with the blower & exhaust upgrade), I would have to pay for another tune if I upgrade the engine to the 2.5. It is also my understanding that the blower and header can be re-used on the 2.5. If I go this route I'd have to drop another $500 on a tune if/when I eventually upgrade the engine.

Decisions, decisions... so here is the deal. I am going to be in the same general area this coming June where Dynotronics is located. Since I am already committed to going to TX, it would be easy enough to drop my car off and have Joe work his magic on it. Hand him some cash and drive that puppy home. (He claims a two day turnaround) Then maybe, if I still feel a need, add the blower next year, or the year after. The tune I buy for the 2.5 can be reflashed for free if I go that route. This is currently "plan A".

This car is my daily driver in the summer and hibernates in the winter. I take it on a road trip (vacation) once or twice a year, so dependability is very important. I do not track it, but I would like to get into autocross. The only real reason I am even considering this is I'd like that "kick-in-the-pants" rush when I drop the hammer. That's it. And yeah, before anyone says it, I have considered just buying a Corvette or a Porsche. But I don't like making car payments. My insurance would spike and in Nebraska I have to pay property tax every friggen year. The less my car is worth, the less this tax is. So while I'd really like a Vette, I like hanging on to my $$$$ more. The Miata is paid for and the tax was less than $300 last year and drops a few bucks every year. Only have liability insurance on it, so it is dirt cheep to insure.

Question; If this was your decision to make, what would you do? (And why?) I do have enough $$$$ saved up to pay cash for this upgrade. One or the other, not both! :D

2.5 swap. You can re-use all 2.0 ancillaries, and has much more potential room for improvement in the future if you want more than the 2.0. Plus I assume you could sell the 2.0 that's removed and get some cash back.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jerry L

I am seriously considering the 2.5 swap. I have to let them know by the middle of May, but I'm still unsure if I will do it or not. For about the same money I could drop in a blower. But then I'd have to upgrade the header & mid pipe too. But those things will need to happen if I do the 2.5. In either case I'd need a tune, and it is my understanding that if I get the current 2.0 tuned, (with the blower & exhaust upgrade), I would have to pay for another tune if I upgrade the engine to the 2.5. It is also my understanding that the blower and header can be re-used on the 2.5. If I go this route I'd have to drop another $500 on a tune if/when I eventually upgrade the engine.

Decisions, decisions... so here is the deal. I am going to be in the same general area this coming June where Dynotronics is located. Since I am already committed to going to TX, it would be easy enough to drop my car off and have Joe work his magic on it. Hand him some cash and drive that puppy home. (He claims a two day turnaround) Then maybe, if I still feel a need, add the blower next year, or the year after. The tune I buy for the 2.5 can be reflashed for free if I go that route. This is currently "plan A".

This car is my daily driver in the summer and hibernates in the winter. I take it on a road trip (vacation) once or twice a year, so dependability is very important. I do not track it, but I would like to get into autocross. The only real reason I am even considering this is I'd like that "kick-in-the-pants" rush when I drop the hammer. That's it. And yeah, before anyone says it, I have considered just buying a Corvette or a Porsche. But I don't like making car payments. My insurance would spike and in Nebraska I have to pay property tax every friggen year. The less my car is worth, the less this tax is. So while I'd really like a Vette, I like hanging on to my $$$$ more. The Miata is paid for and the tax was less than $300 last year and drops a few bucks every year. Only have liability insurance on it, so it is dirt cheep to insure.

Question; If this was your decision to make, what would you do? (And why?) I do have enough $$$$ saved up to pay cash for this upgrade. One or the other, not both! :D

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I would do a 2.5 swap. I like what I see from Goodwin's site. Reliability and good power over the F/I options. I was tempted to grab an NC with a bad engine before I bought my NB late last year. Looking at the cost ($2500-3500) for a decent NC with bad engine + used, low-mileage 2.5 ($600-800), and another 1500-2500 in bolt-ons and tuning, that's S2000-stomping power with the ability to stuff an butt-load of tire under the fenders.

Of course, I'm also seeing a LOT of clean C5 vettes selling sub $10k. That is also tempting as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HarryB

2.5 swap. You can re-use all 2.0 ancillaries, and has much more potential room for improvement in the future if you want more than the 2.0. Plus I assume you could sell the 2.0 that's removed and get some cash back.

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Yes. All good points. While speaking with Joe at Dynotronics, he told my I could keep what was left of my old engine and do what I want with it. Or, he could help me sell it. Since I would have no way to get it back from there, and since it only has ~60K on it, the recommendation was to keep it mostly intact and sell it for reuse in someone else's car. Joe has a repitation for being a "stand-up" guy, so I'd be inclined to go that route.

Thank you for your input.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kung fu jesus

I would do a 2.5 swap. I like what I see from Goodwin's site. Reliability and good power over the F/I options. I was tempted to grab an NC with a bad engine before I bought my NB late last year. Looking at the cost ($2500-3500) for a decent NC with bad engine + used, low-mileage 2.5 ($600-800), and another 1500-2500 in bolt-ons and tuning, that's S2000-stomping power with the ability to stuff an butt-load of tire under the fenders.

Of course, I'm also seeing a LOT of clean C5 vettes selling sub $10k. That is also tempting as well.

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True, a gently used C5 would scratch that itch, but even if I was able to pay cash, the "total cost of ownership" would still go up due to increased insurance and taxes. Not to mention fuel and other upkeep/consumable costs. But it is tempting...

Thanks for your input.

Because you have the better 2.0, IIRC 09+ have forged internals, if you choose to go F/I you really need to set a power goal. F/I is going to have some complexities that come with a steep learning curve. Don't forget the additional supporting mods needed to keep that power reliable. If you are looking for adding power without those complexities, an engine swap is the way to go. The 2.5 is low-hanging fruit.

I'm not sure if the consumables on the Corvette are all that different from a Miata. An F/I Miata is not exactly fuel efficient. A V8 Corvette is going to cruise at 70mph on the freeway at ~2000-2500 RPMs. A lot of people I know who have driven/raced Miatas say a Corvette drives like a big Miata. C5 'Vettes are aging out like NB Miatas, the newest is going to be 14 years old, so except for it's classification, insurance will be how your policy lays. I'm following a friend who recently bought a Z06 C5 lay down times (stock) that none of his highly modified Miata racecars could touch.

Yeah, insurance will depend on if I have to finance any of the new car since full coverage is required by the lending institution. It would be more than I am currently paying for liability insurance on the Miata. And I really don't know much about consumables as related to the Corvette, so I'll accept your expertise. Still, I think I'd much rather pay for a set of tires for the Miata than a Vette. (Taxes would be substantially more as well)

At this point in time I'm still going with Plan A. I still have plenty of time to change my mind tho...

I don’t know how it is in the West, but insurance on a modified miata even starts to get expensive. Unless I’m one of the few who actually declares all of the modifications I’ve made to the car :bangle:

Adding a turbocharger or supercharger to my car would near enough double the insurance at best. Worst case scenario the insurance company won’t even give me a quote and say “sorry, we won’t insure that”. >_>

Could be the fact I’m 24 though.... :lol:

Good point! I think I'll run this by my agent and see what he says before I do anything not easily reversed.