K series Miata swap
#301
Eventually I plan to make a kit for it, but nothing in the works now.
My integra made 247whp, 192wtq with a k24a2, bolt-ons, and some mild cams. I'm doing the exact same setup in the Miata, but with a bit more drivetrain loss factored in I'm shooting for 230+.
#306
Right now suspension is Koni yellows, GC springs (440 lb front 300 rear) and big front sway. Little more of a street/track setup, but I plan on keeping it on the car for now, as I was pretty happy with it last year.
Goal is to run the car in TTB, and I think the current track record is around 1:43, which I think I can beat with some seat time and fine tuning.
#308
Its definitely lighter now, but I have yet to get it on the scales. The front end did sit up a bit higher after the swap, and I plan on weighing it soon. Double the whp while making the car lighter... can't complain about that.
#313
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I think you are on the money about people who will actually pick up the kit and do the swap. When doing an engine swap the up front costs are way higher then a turbo. I think that scares a large segment away from doing swaps. With the turbo you can space out purchases and do things in stages.
#317
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Reasons why I'd do this over a built Mazda engine:
1. A stock k-series is going to make the power of a built n/a engine. Blow the k-series and you can have a replacement from a local junkyard for 1k.
2. The k-series can make race BP engine power with basic parts.
3. As was just discussed, it's lighter.
4. I've owned/driven a ton of Hondas over the years and I honestly can't think of a single one that had a worse engine than the 1.6L that is in my Miata right now. I'd rather have the D16 out of my old CRX than this thing.
#318
I think your estimate is a little high based on what I've figured so far but I haven't put every single piece in a spreadsheet yet.
Reasons why I'd do this over a built Mazda engine:
1. A stock k-series is going to make the power of a built n/a engine. Blow the k-series and you can have a replacement from a local junkyard for 1k.
2. The k-series can make race BP engine power with basic parts.
3. As was just discussed, it's lighter.
4. I've owned/driven a ton of Hondas over the years and I honestly can't think of a single one that had a worse engine than the 1.6L that is in my Miata right now. I'd rather have the D16 out of my old CRX than this thing.
Reasons why I'd do this over a built Mazda engine:
1. A stock k-series is going to make the power of a built n/a engine. Blow the k-series and you can have a replacement from a local junkyard for 1k.
2. The k-series can make race BP engine power with basic parts.
3. As was just discussed, it's lighter.
4. I've owned/driven a ton of Hondas over the years and I honestly can't think of a single one that had a worse engine than the 1.6L that is in my Miata right now. I'd rather have the D16 out of my old CRX than this thing.
As far as your list, here is what it comes down to:
spend 7-8k to build a 170-180whp Miata motor
or:
spend 7-8k to swap in a stock Honda motor that makes 220-230whp, and makes 300+ when fully built, with a much better powerband and flat torque curve. and like you said, you blow it up and you pick up another longblock from a junkyard and swap it in an afternoon.
On the race track, engines are consumables. I'm usually having the most fun when those consumables are as cheap as possible.