FE3 swap versus built motor
 

Just looking for some opinions. Though at this point I've pretty much sold myself on the swap. Any reason why I shouldn't? From a budget standpoint I'd like to keep this cheap, is one option cheaper then the other? The end goal would be 350-400whp maybe more, maybe less.

I know for that much power I'm looking at a transmission upgrade either way, a new clutch, probably some custom intake manifold, and other things I'm forgetting.

So I have a 2001 miata, diy turbo setup, Rev built ms2, rx-8 injectors. I don't know what kind of power I'm making, it's fun, but I'd like more eventually. I also get bored easily.
So I was thinking of picking up an FE - the Kia variant, and working on things over time.
So what I believe I need for the swap is:
Motor mounts, oil pan modification, injectors. I'd like to try and use the miata 6 speed with a 626 flywheel and starter, and miata clutch and pressure plate, and a custom intake manifold, all controlled by a megasquirt. I would also see if I could adapt my current exhaust manifold, if not I'll just build a low mount setup.

I'm open to other transmission options, but I like the sound of using a miata 6 speed if possible

For a built motor I was thinking:
Forged pistons (stock if I wanted to stay cheap), forged rods, injectors,probably a custom intake manifold...I don't know I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to building engines. Obviously I'd look more into it if I chose this option.

Also not sure what I'd use for a turbo. I'd like an EFR but that's way to expensive right now. Maybe a garrett T3, or holset (I don't know much about these)

So what do you guys think? Any reason to do one over the other?
Edit: This would be for a mostly street car.

Don't screw around with FE...build your current BP and call it a day.

FE3 = alot of custom fab work

Built bp :party: = taking out stock motor and dropping in the built one.

Ok well is there any reason I couldn't pick up an older 1.8...one without VVT because they are expensive? What about stock pistons with forged rods? I think(not 100% though) hustler said that could be an ok budget build if I had E85. there are only like two E85 stations around me ad they are both about 30 minutes from me. But one happens to be right by my campus. Maybe I could do two maps and switch between 93 and E85?

Personally, I found a great deal on a '94 engine, and am going to be dropping in a VVT head.

94-95 and VVT is epic win. YMMV and all, however.

I didn't even think about a vvt head with older motor, that could be a good option.

Around where I am, it's actually cheaper to run a 94-95 with a VVT head. YMMV though - Hustly talked about a...redonkulously cheap VVT engine, but here, even a crap VVT will run you more than the cost of a 94-95 engine plus a VVT head.

Yeah when I looked at motors a vvt one looked like it was going to set me back almost 2 grand.

The lower compression pistons in '94 lower ends and convenient water/oil ports do certainly help the case though.

You can actually buy E85 as pump gas? And by that I take it you mean 85 % ethanol? Wow, not here.

I just bought a fully dressed 04 long block for $890 shipped... on ebay. It only had 89k miles on it and it was from an automagic Miata. There are deals out there.


Icedawg, there are more than a handful of E85 stations within 5 miles of me. I live in the suburbs too.

I wouldn't bother with a FE unless you are set on making a TON of power and need to extra displacement to spool a gigantic turbo. B6/BP can easily do 300whp. It doesn't take a lot to make our cars fast.

After you get done making a custom intake manifold, exhaust manifold, oil pan, motor mounts, etc... you could have a nicely built BP that just drops in. However, figures can change if you are capable of making your own parts and have fabrication skills.

If you're interested in Holset turbos just shoot me a PM.

the cheapest is to buy someone elses built engine.

FE3 is awesome. More displacement, more potential, strong internals for up to 500whp on an untouched block, etc etc.

FE3 is also lots of fabrication and other custom one-off work. So if you're up for it, go for it.

Otherwise the guys are right: a BP would be easier to get to 300. buy a spare short block, build up, then drop it in with your current vvt head. easy

Good info. Thanks. Lets just consider that virtually all fab work will be free/extremely cheap other then cost of materials. The biggest attraction to me is ability to not have to touch internals. Lots of information to consider now.

Its a tradeoff:
fabrication vs engine assembly.

Pick your poison

gti beat me tonight. Time to get parts for motor swap and 400whp.

Don't hate on the VW's. We spend big bucks to pull like that. :vash:

(I kid I kid :giggle:. Kind of... We do spend big bucks.)

Haha I know. My excuse is I started in a higher gear because I was tuning. And when I caught him I had 3 options crash into him, a jeep or brake. So I braked and he kept going