hi all ive got a 100e that im looking at putting a more modern engine in.

i have currently put a xflow in it but was thinking at possibly a duratec

my question is does anyone know what parts are needed for a rwd swap and does a rx8 box just bolt up as i believe it is a ford/mazda derived engine

thanks in advance

If your going from a Crossflow to another engine the Zetec has inlet and exhaust on the same side and will bolt to a Ford gearbox
Duratec is the more expensive option but an easy tune to near 200bhp

Thanks for reply

Arent the ford boxs(type9) weak and expensive compared to a rx8?

I'm going duratec in my Mnr VORTX , with a mark3 mx5 box. Not got the kit yet, but I've test joined them in the garage and all looked OK.

Whats the mk3 mx5 box like size/ weight/ strength/ value?

Having put a puma 1.7 zetec se in my 105e with a pen rx8 6 speed box (installed last weekend), which is basically a mini duratec, exhaust is a right pain in the bum to fit around the steering column and you will probably need either an adaptor plate for the rx8 box (different bolt holes compared to the Mazda version of the aisin az6 box I think) or need to use Mazda clutch on the duratec (rx8 and Mazda have different splines, rx8 same as ford) and put up with a box that is about 7 degs canted over.

For info, 6 speed aisin az6 box can be found in the rx8, mk3 mx5, Nissan s15 200sx, Lexus is200 and the scooby brz / Toyota gt86. Generally for the older fords the rx8 is the one to go for as it has the ford standard 1" 23 spline input shaft but the mx5 did use the same basic engine as a duratec but the gearbox was canted over iirc.

Rx8 box can handle 250hp every day, is helical gears (not noisy straight cut), first gear is very short (3.74) but 2-6th are similar to the quaife clubman close ratio set. Clutch is hydraulic with an external actuator (not concentric). As for weight I weighed mine and it was approx 43kg dry for,the 6 speed and is very similar in size to the type 9. There are mods using a different oil seal to fit the ford prop but apparently these can cause damage so budget for a new, custom prop.

Duratec is quite a big engine so you may need bulkhead mods and you will probably need a sump to clear the crossmember. For the rx8 box you will also probably need a bigger tunnel.

Also putting 200hp in a 100e you will need updated brakes, cooling and probably front suspension and maybe an A frame on the rear axle.

Why not use the Mazda mx5 2/2.5 1.8 engine and box, you can drop the whole lot in and use the OEM electrics to get it running. If 140hp be comes boring there are many supercharger and turbo conversion to take this reliably to around 220hp.

So, imo any engine swap to 150-200hp in a classic (designed for 40-50hp) is not a simple or cheap job but certainly gets the grey matter going.

Good luck with the project.

[Edited on 31/8/16 by Ugg10]

[Edited on 31/8/16 by Ugg10]

I haven't weighed it, but it's all ally so I can easily pick it up. It's a common box to go in seven style kits so the five speed must be fairly compact, I know the 6 speed is a lot bigger, price wise mine cost me £225 delivered out a 59 reg 55k mx5. It's still at the chassis builder so can't really say how it performs yet.