210hp 2.5L Swapped NC Miata - Review

Hey guys! Heres a quick review (done in one take) of my NC Miata that recently a new 2.5L heart courtesy of yours truly. The stock 2.0 developed a rod knock and this was my solution. Very pleased with how the car drives with the increase in power and torque. Hope you find this video informative and mildly entertaining.
Buy an NC Miata t-shirt: teespring.com/...
Follow on Twitter: @Petrol_head
Follow on Instagram: @devthepetrolhead
Read written reviews/articles: www.devingorsage.kinja.com

[@BobcatBart]

6:59 - she's pissed at you, bro! LOL

[@Slow-wipe]

6:58 someone just gave you the finger

[@jaykitchens4162]

good eye lol!

[@jacobrzeszewski6527]

They obviously drive a Ford Flex.

[@CafeIntellectual]

Can you talk more about that change in character you talked about that makes you not wanting to drive it as a daily?

[@carljenkins7354]

I have been strongly considering, just short of planning, a 2.5 turbo swap in my NA8, but after watching this I may do a mildly warmed up NA 2.5 instead. So simple and straightforward, with plenty of oomph! The Fab9 turbo 2.5 looks hilariously fun at 400hp, but with 210 both hp and tq and traction to spare will I ever really miss spending the extra $6k? Doubtful.

[@ryanoneill91]

that's really residential for that speed man....

[@pfweeks]

Having owned both an NB and a 2011 Mazda6 with the 2.5L MZR, I like the concept and can almost imagine it.

[@jked7463]

Nice sounding. I miss my NC club. Always wanted to do a 2.5 swap.

[@tonyd1948]

Too congested a road for this kind of driving

[@roydroll7931]

Lighten up

[@perrosdemaiz]

Thanks for the video! I really like that motor. I wasn’t aware of it until we bought a Mazda 5. I think it’s a really good motor. Obviously I wasn’t the only one who thought of this swap. Not California legal unfortunately. Which is funny because I believe “Flyin’ Miata” has a CA legal swap now. But I don’t have that kind of money and I think it’s stupid.

[@Mark5ive5]

Have you clocked a 0-60 time by chance? What’s the cam you used?

[@Oldpuck81]

makes me want to mash my right foot to the floor on my 2.0 and hold it there until....

[@jennmarieweston563]

IT'S AN ENGINE BRO, NOT A MOTOR !! It's very simple to remember....... • Engines converts many different forms of combustible fuels to mechanical Force/Energy. • Motors convert Electrical Energy to Mechanical Force/Energy.

[@mr.adventure559]

BBR ITB's should be on your list of upgrades.

[@dobsonator]

this is nice. i got a 2.5 im rebuilding with rally spec cams and individual throttle bodies. aiming for 300hp+

[@burgholte]

Build update?

[@dobsonator]

@@burgholte fully running 280hp standard internals using flybywire Yamaha R1 throttles until I bore and stroke to 2.8l 9000rpm. I have got to get jenvey itb kit and larger valves next year

[@burgholte]

@@dobsonator That sounds amazing, im also going for a 2,5l itb build next year. Do you have an ig or something where I could follow your build further?

[@dobsonator]

@@burgholte no sorry I haven't posted anything online buy I have took pictures along the way!

[@dobsonator]

It has been a full build by me alone. Engine rebuild. Port n polish. Full vehicle loom rebuild and fabrication and also done the mapping myself. Hasn't been on a Dyno yet so don't know Power figure yet

[@dennismattson8383]

That's wild.. love it... I'm from Portland, movin back after 20 yrs.. SO.. those kinda roads look all too familiar.. Doubt I could afford that swap when I get my Miata.. so I'll just Turbo it.. $400?????? well damn... easy to install?

[@davidclyne3838]

Dennis Mattson , lol, you can find a used 2.5 L block for 300$ from LKQ, comes with a 6 month warranty on defective or wrong parts, plan on putting the block together for between 1000-1500$, considering a turbo and supercharger kits are 5k$ you are better off finding a 2.5 and building it yourself, with that being said I have access to my own machine shop so that cuts out the cost of labor, I'm lucky in that sense. If you buy a bolt in ready to go 2.5 they will charge 2 to 3 times as much as it cost them to build the actual block, study what you want, really study it and learn where you can save money yourself.

[@arricammarques1955]

Yeah, future NC3 2.5 upgrade. Sod EV, mate!

[@shooter77us]

Had it on a dyno yet? I'm seriously doubtful you're making 210.

[@MihkelTheLegoMan]

A 2.5 can easily push 210, are you kidding?

[@shooter77us]

@@MihkelTheLegoMan Yeah, I've had a bunch of people tell me that, but when the car goes on the dyno it doesn't hold up. Its a serious struggle to hit 200 at the wheels with the stock compression ratio.

[@aaronjackson4497]

@@shooter77us Generally anyone stating engine power will be saying at the crank unless they state 'at the wheels'. Given 210 bhp/tq is equivilant to around 180ish whp, if anything his guesstimate is very conservative. He's probably pushing 190whp & 180ish wtq.

[@TheCorington]

@@aaronjackson4497 190whp is only capable with some really aggressive cams on stock cr. i would say 180/170 is more likely. a 11.5cr 2.5 im building will only make 200-210 even with esslinger stagge 3s

[@TheFracturedfuture]

@@TheCorington So all that work for only 20 more HP.

[@demon1954]

What kind of hp/torque would you get with a 2.5 swap if the car already had 200hp from intake, cams, headers, exhaust, tailpipes, remap?

[@nicholasbrummel9381]

Without the strut issue, you'd have shown a hard, good, run.

[@stormsaylor6475]

Would you recommend this engine for a 93 miata with a 1.6 or go with the 2.0

[@tylerhoover1770]

Do a Honda V6 swap. You have VTEC, can use the stock trans, and 300whp and 220wtq from junkyard mismatched parts.

[@panick.attack]

Nice swap! I'm about to pick up an NC Miata. Would you mind sharing the total cost of the swap, please? Thanks!

[@PetrolHead1]

I paid $500 for the motor shipped, about another $300 for the supporting parts, and another $300 or so on the tuning. This was a while ago, sorry I don’t remember exactly. All work was done by me so no idea on labor 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@panick.attack]

Petrol_Head Awesome! Thanks for the reply. I picked up a 2006 Miata 6 speed Grand Touring. I like everything about it so far, so I'll most likely keep it stock for a while. Take care!

[@MrEvan1932]

@@PetrolHead1 how is gas mileage? Does it take 87? I'm considering it once I put a good chunk of miles on the 2.0

[@bradywilliams2951]

@@MrEvan1932 It takes a hit. I went from a pretty consistent 29mpg with my 2.0 to a pretty consistent 22mpg with the 2.5 with full exhaust. I got 24mpg with all highway driving a few weeks ago.

[@Cornkake]

Sounds great, looks great, and I love that steering wheel! Totally worth the wait

[@wg5768]

An honest man,not worth the swap if your 2.0 runs fine. The gains in hp and torque are minimal.

[@aaronjackson4497]

Hp, sure, maybe- but torque? Stock wheel torque is around 130, most stock 2.5's are hitting 178 at the wheels, at least from the dyno sheets i've seen.

[@brojynks]

The TQ curve is 1000% better than the anemic 2.0. we in the Focus community have been doing this swap for about 12 years now. My wife's 2005 ZX5 has a 2.5L swap. 🤣

[@jason618]

I'm seeing these motors going for $250 to $350 I'm going to say you're wrong. You would have to spend more than 350 to match the horsepower of the 2.0

[@brojynks]

@@jason618 the HP of the 2.0 is trash compared to the TQ of the 2.5L in every aspect. If you havent driven a 2.5L swapped car dont try to argue what you dont know.

[@nicholasbrummel9381]

Well, hp gains aren't much. TQ is much better across the power band. It's a cheap swap, and more durable than the 2.0, since it has notched bearings that are harder to spin.

[@V-Angel]

hello please tell us, the motor you are using is ford fusion 2,5lt wright? what else motor does fit to our car do you think?

[@PetrolHead1]

As far as direct bolt-in just the 2.5 as far as i know. But its found in a lot of cars. Mazda6, Mercury Milan, Ford Fusion, Ford Escape, Mazda CX7, Im probably forgetting a few. flyingmiata.com has a lot of kits to swap in V8's and while that sounds like heaven to me, its too rich for my blood.

[@mlivshiz]

Great car. Very cool. Did you delete the balance shaft on the 2.5 or keep it in? Thanks.

[@PetrolHead1]

Delete! You have to in order to fit the oil pan for a rwd application

[@mlivshiz]

Petrol_Head Thanks. Is there a kit you used that came with a RWD oil pan and the shaft delete components or did you figure all that out on your own?

[@yz125eme]

Dynotronics sells a modified balance shaft that will work

[@DJchestr]

subbed, we're about 3/4 done with doing a 2.3 to 2.5 swap on a '06 Mazda 3. Just got the 2.5 into the engine bay. Can't wait to see the performance!

[@H-RutherfordHill]

How did it go?

[@mateocarlos2674]

Just got a 2007 MX-5 NC with rod knock. So where do I find out the definitive swap details from 2.0 to 2.5? Also how is the MPG after swapping to the 2.5? What years for the Fusion match with the 2006-15 Miata?

[@therealboofighter]

Did you ever get to dyno the car?

[@el-squanchi9456]

2.5 with 210 HP.? My 2.5 in my Mazda 3 I think it was rated at about 170hp what's different on yours making that much?

[@Trooper896]

I'm interested in buying an 07 Miata, was wondering what was possible on Changing the engine on it, like dropping a 3.0 V6 or something? Yes I know older miatas like a 94 is better for engine swaps

[@adtvchannel3]

Great Video man, This may be a stupid question but I am pretty new on this, can I use a 2.5 engine that came from an automatic donor if my mx5 is manual or it does not matter? I was thinking about doing the same swap, but most of the good car donors I find are auto.

[@DavidK6633]

What do you have to do for engine management?

[@brianhoyt358]

Stock ecu will run the 2.5 with a tune.

[@gaming4christ_1]

I always considered a 2.5 swap to be a "backup plan" if the 2.0 blows on my NC, but this makes me consider doing it regardless of the condition of my 2.0. As a new driver, I'd also want some grippier tires because I don't think I have the skills necessary to recover the way you did at 6:52.

[@markalden]

2021 and loving this video 🔥 Hopefully I'll get my hands on an NC soon. Have a lot planned for it but maybe not quite the engine swap sounds like a lot of work

[@LastMinuteGarage]

Great job. I did the same swap in my SVT Focus and love it. I am planning to do the same in my Miata and wanted to see if anyone else had done it. Looks like it was well worth the work.

[@hhammerly]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/poe6moydp7R_opI

[@throughthesmoke3188]

What tuning option did you utilize to get the 2.5 running/driving?

[@PetrolHead1]

Jaysus Chrysler ECUtek by dynotronics.

[@ZingTowPootWerkins]

Hi I'm Johnny Knoxville welcome to Mazda

[@robertpearce8822]

My NC 2.0 is geared with 4.44 FD would it be insane to now do a 2.5 swap? My engine is awesome uses no oil but would being geared be insanitu?😥😥

[@PetrolHead1]

The 2.5 honestly is very similar in character, but just beefed up across the board. It’s a pretty darn straightforward swap too. Honestly, having had the car both ways, I wouldn’t take out a perfectly good 2.0 and go to a 2.5. When my 2.0 started spun a bearing I was faced with the choice to either rebuild the 2.0, get a good used 2.0, or swap in the 2.5 and went that route since the cost was nearly identical. Hope that helps!

[@johndon7384]

Question is the extra noise coming from the exhaust or does the engine under the hood just make more noise? Just asking because I don't want a head ache on a long drive..

[@PetrolHead1]

This had a header as well as a full exhaust. You’re likely hearing that noise coupled with slight rubbing of the header on the firewall that was later corrected.

[@GetboostedVR]

mine has just developed a rod knock and well this is my excuse for an engine swap haha

[@VuBeClan]

RacerMan how many miles and how?? Mine is rocking 217363km/135063 miles, and it pulls like a train. Going turbo soon

[@GetboostedVR]

@@VuBeClan 90000 miles and just simply forgot to check the oil level. my own mistake but you live and learn.... wont make the same mistake again thats for sure haha

[@VuBeClan]

RacerMan damn man... i drive it nearly everyday and it pulls like a train, i also change my oil every 2000km’s and always and always look at the oil depth etc

[@Oldpuck81]

What about smoothness vs. the old 2.0? Not having the balance shafts would make a diff, right? I would think the ultimate setup would be a built 2.0 w/ turbo for smoothness AND hp. It would actually cost more than just turbo-ing a standard 2.5 but you'd have rev-ier smoother motor, right? I think the 2.5 would be a more durable engine if you're thrashing it on the track.

[@mateocarlos2674]

Seems like the 2.0 is known for developing a problematic rod knock.

[@CompleteHealthControl]

What cams were put in to help it rev out to 7k?

[@so.niczny]

Good review! Is it 5 or 6 speed?

[@matthewhowell1389]

What would it be decent 2.5 l without a ton of Miles go for? Is it one of those deals where the price of labor at a shop more than the motor itself?

[@bradywilliams2951]

very much so. the motors are cheap. You can score a low mileage 2.5 for $400 or less, most of the time. A shop is going to charge at least a grand to do a swap. Also, not a lot of shops are going to take this project on because there's quite a bit of 'learning curve' regarding what needs to move over and what needs to stay. There's a lot of reading involved.

[@matthewhowell1389]

I think that camera just recognized and bow down to Greatness in its presence

[@danijeljo6957]

Hey man. I want to do somth like that but i have 1.8. my motor start knocking so i must do somth. Can someone help me with advices?

[@johnd5805]

Go join the Miata forum. All the info is there.

[@jameskahng7547]

12 lbs??? Damnnnnnnn

[@PetrolHead1]

I’ve lost 60lbs since this video so the car is actually down about 48lbs since I bought it not including the flywheel. 🤗

[@HAFBeast91]

James Kahng I may be mistaken, but isn't the 2.5 an overbored 2.0?

[@HoneyBadgerRy]

@@HAFBeast91 It's bored and stroked, half a point lower compression ratio, and stroker internals.

[@bombardierboerboels]

Would probably go with a jag V6 all ally

[@bhew7409]

Haha I guess having your car too stiff doesnt matter with so few corners in the US :p Great work on the motor thogh, way better option than turbo or supercharging the original motor only for it to blow a gasket. Do you notice the extra weight/balance?

[@cheesegromit9423]

what are you talking about ?the us is a big place , if you live in the mountains there is nothing but corners

[@b_gumm]

Thank you

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Where did you go?

[@kassenz]

A Ford Fusion motor, interesting. At first I was wondering if it was a 2.5L Subaru motor, or Mazdaspeed 3 motor

[@pgtmr2713]

I was hoping Mazda KLZE v6. The Fusion 2.5 wasn't bad though as long as you didn't make the transmission (6 speed atx) guess or triple downshift. KLZE at 7k rpms is glorious and suits the little MX-5. There have been a few swaps, not much in the way of YT videos. I figure the owners are too busy hooning.

[@bradywilliams2951]

The reason people are using the Ford duratec blocks is because they're basically the exact same block as the MZR 2.0 block, only 1/2" taller. It's a direct bolt in (after swapping over a few key pieces to make a transverse mounted engine fit longitudinally, and removing the counterbalance shafts). It would require quite a bit more modification and extensive tuning/engine management to go with another motor.

[@TRU2Sk9ng1992]

Stock makes 170 170

[@williefixxx963]

Excellent

[@TCKe]

You did not show us the engine or did I miss it and what is it really

[@droboyjr]

210 TQ?? Wow

[@Molehammad]

Great vid

[@jadave76]

What brand cams did you go with?

[@PetrolHead1]

moto east

[@Cornkake]

Where'd you goooo? Come back ;w;

[@PetrolHead1]

Filming tomorrow!

[@Cornkake]

Yes! I can't wait

[@mr.adventure559]

This swap is better than the K24 swap, but it's only for the NC Miata.

[@frankfitzpatrick5300]

Would you do it again & was it cost effective ?

[@PetrolHead1]

+Frank Fitzpatrick well, my engine had spun a bearing... I would 1000% do this if you find yourself needing an engine. But would I do it again if the original was completely fine? Hmmmm. I'd have to think. I did it myself, and while it was pretty straightforward, there were setbacks. It's very noticeable in the car's character change, and a lot more fun. For about 6-700$ and about a week of late nights after work and backache? Sure why not.

[@Snakeplisskin440]

@@PetrolHead1 I'd say $700 for the power/TQ increase it'd be worth it. I'm hoping to get me a Miata spring next week, God willing. Trying to pay off my daily Subaru Legacy that I keep putting a little money into here and there. I'm ready for some manual, naturally aspirated goodness.

[@bradywilliams2951]

@@Snakeplisskin440 Keep in mind, you have to throw a set of cams in or the 2.5 runs out of steam at about 5500. Definitely a great torque increase, though. Like Petrol_Head, I have a 2006 and also spun a bearing (it's becoming more and more prevalent) and went the swap route. Question for Petrol_Head, how tough was it to put the cam in? I'm wanting to get a set of cams and put them in while the engine is installed in the car. Loosening the timing chain appears to be the biggest hurdle. Any suggestions?

[@brojynks]

You Miata guys a little Late on this swap. We in the Focus Community been doing this for almost 12 years.

[@mikerobinson6383]

Can you tell me please why you choose to use the VVT delete with your new cams? Thanks.

[@ndspanky]

How did you get rod knock in a DOHC motor? I had an NC that developed a valve tap from low oil but it didn't affect anything, just an annoying noise until I ended up selling it.

[@eiswithmilk]

Nick Durham the 2.0s in the early NCs are known for weak rods, facelift addressed the issue i’m pretty sure

[@bradywilliams2951]

I had a sleeve bearing go out in my 2006 with 114k miles. These engines seem to suffer from starvation but I'm not sure where the weak link is. All I know is when I pulled my valve cover, there were a TON of large shavings.

[@SakisDeme]

Great work, Ecxept from the engine what else did you change to fit the engine? full exhaust, ECU, intake manifol, throttle? Did i miss something?

[@PetrolHead1]

+Sakis Deme there's pretty extensive forum threads out there however: it needs a header, stock ecu (with tune), 2.0 intake manifold port matched to the 2.5 head, all rotating engine accessories transfer over, oil pan from 2.0 is transferred. Most of the 2.0 stuff is because you are inserting an engine usually used transversely in to a longitudinal application. The block is essentially but a few cm taller.

[@matthewhowell1389]

Will the 2.5 l out of the WRX bolt into there as well

[@nicovanduin1553]

No ofcourse not...

[@grumpyolddan]

Never it's a completely different design it would require the engine bay to be remade. Look up gingium on here he's making an AWD wrx swap in his miata

[@potatochobit]

next time go for 240HP to make it more worthwhile.

[@PetrolHead1]

Ok. I’ll be sure and do that.

[@thomaslanden8922]

You can make 240 on the l5-ve like this: 9.5 lift cam + hardware Intake plumbing & 4-2-1 exhaust Tune There are a few out there making 270-300+ boosted, and at least one with the blueprinted head on a stock bottom end making 370. Motor is good for it.

[@713vinh]

Dude for a car guy why are you driving a Miata? Sell that thing and put a down payment on a 1999 911 996 bro! I like the Matt format and glad you're not dead. :)

[@paulobumaye6425]

Vincent T. The irony in your question is hilarious. I mean to actual car guys.

[@dennismattson8383]

I've owned about every muscle car there was... and now drive a 124 Spider ..... Best "Driving" Most FUN car I've EVER owned.... EVER !! My Mustang BULLITT GT has sat for 18 months, driven only 30 miles... Cuz the 124 is 100x More FUN.... BULLITT IS FOR SALE........ Roadster Guy for LIFE now....

[@audis4guy]

What's the cost of a swap like this? No turbo, just the engine swap.

[@adamdomonski1619]

Wish he would get into it more I know this engine loves it