Mazda Miata: Insane V10 Swap

Mike Fernie’s Dual Miata V10 Projects

The Mazda Miata is undeniably a noteworthy roadster. It was a major factor that boosted the prevalence of roadsters during the 1990s, providing an impressive amalgamation of sportiness, durability, and affordability. But since the Miata has always been a petite sports car, it wasn’t designed to have anything more than a 4-cylinder motor in its engine compartment. V8 conversions using a Miata are relatively routine, nevertheless incorporating a V10 powerplant in there is something altogether different. Taking this into account, DriveTribe’s Mike Fernie is bold enough to assume he can get a V10 into a Mazda Miata and make it function correctly.

We're putting a V10 into a Mazda MX-5! | Ep.4

In spite of being an integral part of Mazda’s motoring history, the Miata never had a rotary engine. All versions of the iconic roadster came with a straight-four cylinder power unit, delivering the necessary torque for a thrilling ride in the open air. The original MX-5’s 1.6L B-series motor obtained more than 100hp.

Though numerous Miata devotees desired an engine superior to the weak four-cylinder, Mike of DriveTribe tackled the task and initiated his journey over two years ago. His objectives: fitting a V10 motor into a Miata that already housed a V6. He settled on a tiny 2.0L Connaught V10 from the 1990s.

This endeavor is still in progress, but Mike is struggling with getting the Connaught V10 completely installed into his Miata. Despite this, he continues to persevere and move forward with another Miata V10 project.

Mike originally had reservations about performing the Connaught V10 replacement, owing to crankshaft machining complications. He was prepared to acquire another V10 engine – a more regular, bigger unit – and incorporate it in his Miata. Yet, the DriveTribe presenter chose to reconsider and buy an extra Miata for a modern V10 conversion. As a result, he now has two Mazda Miata V10 ventures on-going, with the second vehicle just beginning.

Soon after beginning their second Miata venture, a question arose: how to fit an immense V10 motor in the convertible’s engine space. Mazda architected the Miata for a tiny four-cylinder power-plant and cramming a V6 into the bay was already quite snug. But Roy, the technician from MX-5 Restorers heading up the first Miata production, convinced Mike that they could manage to install a V10 within the roadster’s engine enclosure. In spite of this success, modifications would have to be done and some cutting was also necessary.

Mike and Roy combined forces to take out the antique four-cylinder motor and associated fittings from the Miata. Subsequent to that, Mike would need to pick which V10 to utilize. He compiled some alternatives, among them Audi’s 5.2-liter V10 engine, Volkswagen Group’s 5.0-liter V10 diesel engine, BMW’s 5.0-liter S85 module, and Dodge Viper’s V10. We can’t wait to find out which powerplant he chooses.

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