The Mazda MX-5, nee Miata, has at all times been beloved for its beautiful dealing with and poise. It is by no means been significantly celebrated for its engines, which have principally been thought to be “adequate.” One enterprising proprietor determined to rectify this with a coronary heart transplant from a mighty Honda as an alternative.
The construct involves us from Engine Swap Depot. The creation of Ludovico Gonella does away with the NC MX-5’s underwhelming engine and replaces it with a 2.0-liter F20C, the high-output engine made well-known within the Honda S2000. Even higher, it has been upgraded with a valve equipment, higher injectors, and a chrome steel exhaust. Output was 234 horsepower from the manufacturing facility, however Gonella’s upgrades have seemingly added a number of additional ponies to the entire.
Supporting mods for the swap embody a bigger radiator and a customized driveshaft to marry the S2000’s six-speed transmission with the Mazda rear finish. The automobile additionally scored Tein coilovers and a set of 17-inch Skoda WRC wheels. With all that additional energy on faucet, Gonella wished a brake improve too, which got here within the type of Brembo four-piston calipers and stout rotors in any respect 4 corners. It is also kitted out for observe work with Sparco seats, five-point harnesses, an eight-point roll cage, and an enormous wing on the again.
The Honda F20C was celebrated at launch for its unbelievable energy density, placing out 123 horsepower per liter in JDM trim. It is also adored for its high-revving character, although generally famous for an absence of low-down torque.
Regardless of this, it is truly a comparatively uncommon swap candidate. The newer Honda K20 and K24 engines are extra available and might make comparable energy with much less problem than the F20. Plus, they love boost, with stories of motors on inventory internals making round 600 horsepower with the fitting mods.
Barring the newest MX-5s and a few uncommon turbo fashions, the MX-5 has at all times been missing within the energy division. It is at all times nice to see the sensible chassis get a lift from compelled induction or an all-out engine swap. It is a surefire option to flip the enjoyable dial as much as eleven.
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