Hi everyone i need some advice on using a mazda mx5 1.8 engine transmission etc. How many people are using them? whats the expected performance from them? how do they compare with other CEC's? and how do they sound using oem throttle body?

Cheers
Adam

Someone's got a mazda power train in a stuart taylor iirc - username JAG.

hth,

Ned.

[Edited on 19/9/07 by ned]

try u2uing jag he is running a 16 mazda mx5 engine have you tryed looking on the locostusa site or dan tanners book

It's all do-able, obviously, but there are points to consider. The mx5 engine is a cast iron block so it's no lightweight. You'll have to engineer an alternative to the PPF (power plant frame) which replaces the gearbox mount and takes diff torque reaction in the '5. The diff has long "ears" for mounting which may be awkward.
On the upside there's the huge catalog of mx5 tuning gear to play with - I know you could buy turbo kits for the 1.6 that took it up towards 300 horses.
The mazda gear is good solid kit
If you're using the rest of the running gear, it's what I used (uprights front & rear) & it works well in a '7'. Note, I went to some lengths to alter how the TREs connect, which I now think is probably unnecessary.
Cheers
Bob

Hi Adam,

and Thanks for the intro' Ned & Dave.

I've got the 1.6 Mazda MX5 engine (116bhp), 5 speed gearbox and standard engine management running in my Stuart Taylor chassis. It's coupled to an Escort live rear axle.

It's a great little engine/powertrain etc...

I did have to 'cut&shut' the sump to get the engine inside the bonnet line and I also had to fabricate a mount for the back end of the gearbox. Otherwise it's all pretty simple and fits without any major trouble. The Stuart Taylor chassis is a bit smaller than some so if it'll fit in there it'll easily fit other kits.

There are some pictures in my Photo Archive and I'll happily answer any questions you've got either U2U or email.

HTH

[Edited on 20/9/07 by JAG]

MX5 would make a pretty good donor - i have one although im not using it in my seven. Engines are more or less bulletproof (I had some big problems with mine initially though.) rev freely and have a nice feel to them.

The gearbox is an absolute pleasure, 7000rpm gearchanges are smooth and easy.

Some additional stuff you might want to think about are:

Electrics - not too complex, though the ECU is under the passenger footwell in the car, so you will need to do some wiring.

The AFM is quite bulky, and can be fragile, although you can get smaller ones and spares easily.

A good condition replacement engine will cost you around 300quid including headers and injection system which isnt too bad.

Rear diff is a bit of an awkward shape,

Parts can be expensive, but there is a plethora of shiny bits for running gear and engine. Bolt on supercharges/turbos/induction kits, and uprated brakes.

The running gear is pretty good, brakes are fantastic and the suspension parts are pretty well designed on the car so you can probably reuse hubs etc.

There are a few revisions of the engine, stay away from the earlier ones <92 as they are prone to crank nose failures which although fixable is a pita.

Jap imports have a higher power rating, but i think its all in the ECU anyway.

If your using the original dials/ecu then it is restricted (Switch in speedo) to 180kph, but its easy to remove this if you want to. Gearing is only good for a few more mph before you hit the red line anyway.

HTH


David

It's not Dan Tanner's book, if it makes it easier to search

It's a good donor. Good enough that Westfield now offers a single-donor kit for it. The differential mounting really isn't that difficult to deal with but people can't get away from the way it was mounted in the original car. Performance should be good, it's a reasonably torquey 1.8 that likes to rev.

Fantastic transmission.

There's nothing special about a JDM engine at all, I think they show more power because of the different rating system.

Lots of pictures: http://www.cheapsportscar.net

Keith

Keith

I like your photo here better than the one on your home page. More evocative of the spirit of driving a 7 imho