K24 Swapped Mazda Miata Review! Is a K-Swap Really Worth It?

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The Miata is one of the best project cars you can buy for the money. Incredible handling, 50/50 weight distribution, and a ton of personality. However, some feel as though to take it to the next level the best thing they can do is to swap a K series engine in it. Swapping to a K20 or K24 in a Miata turns this thing into an absolute animal around the mountain roads, with its extremely high redline and its eagerness to keep pushing the driver to the limit. Make no mistake, this definitely makes this feel like a full fledge race car compared to stock form. So at the end of the day, is it worth swapping the NA Miata's engine to a K series? Let's talk about it! New uploads every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday!
#Miata #kswap #kmiata

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

BWAAAAAAAHHHH said the k Miata.

[@Legend-lc9bv]

Diingle dingllee jingllee!!! Is the only thing I heard from the interior😫

[@agenericaccount3935]

A nice proposition. I want to build my own now.

[@thecarfinatic8074]

I would s2000 swap

[@karrrrrrrrrrom]

James Pumphrey approves this comment

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

There's gotta be a fix for that engine mount rattling!

[@williammoffatt946]

Who knew a K series Miata sounded like a WW1 tank.

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

😂😂😂😂

[@lucky7th331]

it does doesnt it ahahahha

[@lawrencebrady4189]

Thank you, Burrito69 . . . best comment I've read in a while!

[@germanmedrano872]

Yea I noticed that too… not the best sounding car in my opinion

[@germanmedrano872]

@@quinnnicholas529 what does that even mean?

[@Whiskeyactual9531]

The owner of this car need to grab his welder, find that metallic rattle, and zap those mothers solid

[@justinwimer8634]

I bet it's the pin in the fire extinguisher, ask me how I know.....

[@NJsteamy69]

Amen, I understand loud but that rattle is annoying AF. Most likely race mounts but you could probably get softer mounts for less vibration.

[@Agilitism]

We’ve had this shifter on a buddies miata. Needs to put a piece of rubber in the gap of metal under the knob. Dampened the noise to almost non existent

[@JTube571]

I hate rattles. That would drive me nuts.

[@WTGRacing]

@@Agilitism friend of mine had the same issue with that shifter. Turns out Mercury trolling motor bushings fit like a glove and dampen all the noise lol.

[@jgvbadv]

The paintjob reminds me of my grandfathers hearing aid.

[@stamatiskout1540]

It is like a bandaid ... i hate that color so much!

[@angelocolantonio4254]

I can't unsee this after reading it

[@francisj4058]

Oddly specific 😂

[@OddNaud]

K series engine makes a weary sound. Pull up in that Mazda, "can you hear me now?"

[@EgHatchK24a2]

John Smith Lmfaooo

[@JimmBeCreepin]

It sounds like your dragging a floor jack around 😂

[@IDJMK]

Jimmy Henshaw it Does 😂 Exactly 👌🏾

[@TheTmshuman]

Jimmy Henshaw It absolutely does!

[@termy3934]

Sooo thaaats why I was getting ptsd

[@samsonian]

A floor jack with a loose caster nut!

[@craigsampson3386]

🤣🤣🤣

[@totallyunrelated1292]

This comment section 10%I love this car bla bla bla 90% The RaTtLiNg noise

[@iraqifoodcart8447]

Well dude didn't you hear it? I thought it would go away when he floored it but it only got louder. I'm watching this video on my phone and the rattling playing through the phone speaker was actually jarring to my ear drums. I paused the video to write this because i wouldn't be able to keep my train of thought with all that obnoxious rattling.

[@VeraTheTabbynx]

that rattle is so grating

[@Louie_Rodriguez]

As nice as that Miata is 👌🏼...I would never settle for that rattling👎🏼

[@99Lezard99]

thats the shifter mostly

[@visionmauto]

Sounds like the throwout bearing lol, it happens.

[@markeldamgaard]

Same

[@ali19186]

99Lezard99 yeah that’s what I was thinking

[@epicshade3463]

Agreed the rattling would drive me nuts.

[@backpackstacks8032]

I think you left your jackhammer in the trunk !?

[@bozorgone]

And he left the compressor on too

[@kpowerindustries8210]

We've done a LOT of these swaps and have never heard that constant jingle before :) That being said, we love seeing people enjoying these cars.

[@MrTeamspeedy]

Junky R/D shifter. Not because of your product.

[@EgHatchK24a2]

It’s the shifter not the Motor Mounts

[@Fuffcat]

but what kind of transmission and drivetrain do you have to source? I would certainly hate to spend all that money on an engine capable of over 300hp unopened just to never have it because the drivetrain is made of cheese and can only handle slow horsepower numbers anyway. just like the 1.8 engine, the engine itself can handle the power. but nothing else so it's a moot point.

[@nickeberhardt2586]

Ikura Burst a Miata 6 speed will handle that power and the stock dif if it’s a 1.8 it will hold

[@fuzzypandasgarage7738]

@kmiata the rattle has nothing to any of your awesome products! 🤘

[@TeeOG]

Lol, i shoulda known just about every comment in the comment section, would be about that chain link fence that was getting dragged behind the car in the video.

[@kylec.5462]

"is it sacrilege?" People have swapped everything from 4bt Cummins, to Hellcats, to a lawnmower engine. I don't think there is a limit anymore lol

[@2grmr2]

motorswap is always the answer

[@Jadenboiiii]

that spells miata

[@Floordford]

@@Jadenboiiii you don't say.

[@ewhit5160]

Jaden games r/woooosh

[@replynotificationsdisabled]

@@Jadenboiiii they're just tools.^^^

[@ericy8290]

Yes, I like having my keys in a blender strapped into the passenger seat while I drive too.

[@dizzeeb1407]

The rattle undermines the Miata sadly.. On the other hand, David shows of his excellent skills just totally ignoring it with another lit review 😎

[@Floordford]

I've never liked short shifters based on ego. Like when people over turbo just too brag on the size. Too short of a throw on a shifter is an easy way to money shift.

[@Winterstormadvisory]

How so? I'm new to manual driving lol.

[@Chimera6297]

@@Winterstormadvisory honestly, I've driven cars and trucks with super long throws and I can still slam gears in them you don't NEED a short throw shifter, but I suppose it does make it easier to shift quicker. I like my stock shifter just fine tho the only shifters I don't like are the cable operated ones on some front wheel drive cars. in that case I'd want to change it but that's just personal preference

[@brandondickie3456]

@@Chimera6297already starting off rough with the fwd lol (jk)

[@Greg-TC]

It sounds like there’s a jack hammer a block behind you the entire video lol

[@tydaysa]

Heard the rattling more than the engine

[@tydaysa]

K still sounds good tho

[@AustinMBecker]

Couldn't drive the car, just from the rattle aspect...

[@JS04]

Heard the car more than the rattle lol

[@rezboadog369]

@@JS04 you must have enhanced hearing.

[@samsonian]

What I want to know is, where had they hidden that meth-addled infant shaking a keyring and some bells?

[@bingoberra18]

4:25 David if you get into an accident having your belts loose like that, you wont be better off. First of all 4-point harnessess are basically worse than the standard 3 point, because they must be really tightly strapped around your hip bones and chest all the time, a 5- or 6-point harness will keep the lower straps to your hip bone rather than letting it go up into your stomach and causing a lot of internal damage. A OEM 3-point will automatically tense the seatbelt and hold your hips against the seat, it does not slip up into your stomach as easy. If anyone is driving with 4-point harness on the street as loose as David does here, you might as well not use it at all. Yes its uncomfortable, hence why it is not used in production cars. Strapping yourself hard against the seat with a 4+ point belt, will make neck injuries more severe. Hence using a neck protection or HANS device when racing to keep your head from snapping your neck. Oh and without a helmet its easy to hit the back of your head against the steel rollbar.... Yeah making a compromised half-racecar for the street might be awesome, but crashing it will not be.

[@ExciteLetsPlay]

Those takatas have asm technology so u wont slip under

[@ianmanger7754]

@@ExciteLetsPlay That is correct, but only if you have it adjusted to your body correctly.

[@samsonian]

bingoberra18 yup, as someone who has had a basilar skull fracture (what HANS devices are made to prevent and what killed Dale Sr.) you might be lucky and just end up in the ICU for a couple days then released a few days later. However, when you whip your head around like that and make your noodle a gymnast in the culvert known as your skull you can do like me and end up with permanent hearing damage and no olfactory function. The Tanakas look cool but they are worse than useless in a crash if not adjusted properly.

[@tetra8909]

Finally!!!! Thank you for reviewing my favorite swap! I haven’t watched it yet but I can tell it’s awesome!

[@akkhanomotive7585]

The rattling noise made me not want to watch the video, there’s no way I could take driving it.

[@ianmanger7754]

Love the review David! I have spent a lot of time working on my buddy's turbo K24 swapped NA miata working closely with Kmiata when we did the swap. One of the best budget race cars you can build! Just an informational safety tip to add to your race harness comment; any time you run a race harness in your car (no matter if it is attached to a roll bar or roll cage) you risk breaking your neck in the event of an accident if not used properly with a head & neck restraint (HANS device).

[@Johnny-tq9no]

Yeah some people don't understand why I won't riding their car that only has harnesses smh it's dangerous

[@Shakshuka69]

Why it sound like a construction site on decel?

[@Dreamweaver94]

Rattling like this shouldn't be expected with any engine swap. Ditto on the tires; you can fit 225s all around and not rub at all with the right setup.

[@trialsden6726]

Kmiata just released their K24z3 swap which retains the stock subframe and engine mount bushings! Definitely going to be some interesting builds with that, and an amazing platform for a turbo k-swap as well since the manifold is 4-1

[@iCarlyfan4534]

My grandma had a rattle like this, it was her garage door opener.

[@J-Whit]

Short answer, K swaps are ALWAYS worth it!

[@AstonJay]

I would totally do this! This puts the Miata at the level it should've been since the beginning. I'd really do something about that rattling tho... I'd go insane driving with that

[@reesesman8821]

One day the Ej205 miata will be reviewed lol

[@TheV8Pumpkin]

Dear blue dude

[@poptartknight565]

Tim’s car is honestly amazing

[@superchargedtsunamigaming2422]

Gingium probably welded himself when david said..."1.6? Just throw that away." 🤣🤣

[@Kenny-vs4pr]

More of a fan of turboing a 1.6 or a 1.8 than doing a full swap, but gotta appreciate 200hp natrually aspirated

[@jorilarson4141]

Honda makes the best engines

[@SturdivantRacing126]

The shifter is too high and tall, which is why you're shifting into fifth. If you had a shorter shift lever, you could be more precise with it.

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

Exactly.

[@JonBoehm]

I'd go further to say it damn near ruins the car to the point of being almost unsafe.

[@DoULikeChurros0014]

The rattling noise is coming from the driveline. It’s a common problem with k swaps in miatas. Mine does it too and so does Greg Peters’ Miata.

[@dantediss1]

Is there no way to fix it... Or calm it down at least ???

[@Seth_Desu]

Greg Peters' rattle was different; it was actually a really bad vibration and not just a rattle. It had something to do with the BMW trans and driveshaft combo he was running. In this case, it's most likely the IRP shifter. Very common issue with that shifter.

[@Johnny-tq9no]

So don't k swap a Miata because that is a deal breaker

[@nathanreimer1296]

@@Johnny-tq9no or don't use a BMW trans, r154/cd009/v160( any toyota 6speed brz/gt86)

[@Stealth_Rider91]

This is my best friend Timmy's car. You can find his Instagram @ 4v6_na6 We normally drive the northern NC mountains in the surrounding area but mostly at the tail of the dragon.

[@mrfixall]

My 92 produces 270whp. 2001 vvt full forged turbocharged, doesn't sound like a rivet buster. That Honda was probably cheaper, but I am so happy with my car. Thanks for the video. It was fun to watch.

[@richard-mai]

I'm for Mazda engine because it's a closed deck, cast iron, non-interference design. But that's just me 🤷‍♂️

[@samsonian]

I’ve heard swapping a Mazda v6 works pretty damn nice but I think due to availability I’d be happy to stick a J35 or J32 mill in there as my preferred engine swap.

[@Limitless_Potato]

@@samsonian a good choice. Mounting points being on the bellhousing and the oil pan clearance is scary though

[@blakekuenzi779]

1.8 is a bulletproof engine..I love mine

[@sirhaney]

You win some, you lose some-- the K is a little lighter and designed much better for reliability/ power/ high revving-- only problem is the interference but you only have to worry if you have a bad tensioner (get a hybrid racing one if running high lift cams)- People shit talk Honda’s all the time not knowing they’re some of the most well built and engineered engines out there today

[@sirhaney]

I can list everything that makes it more reliable/ power capable/ rev happy but that’d take too long-- I still love the Mazda engines though, old but gold

[@kyleeverett3692]

Running a stock k24 to 8.5k...yiiikkkzzz😶😶😶 i pray you never miss

[@Erkkremlinklum]

The rattling is the button for reverse on the shifter that I believe irp has fixed.

[@chrisfulmer7375]

KSWAP EVERYTHING❤️

[@JMac96]

That rattle killed the video ☹️

[@AznKhmyboy]

Any kind of engine swap to the Miata is worth it lol

[@maximus9401]

Lol that's so true, never thought of it that way 😂

[@fiisho]

Besides v8's

[@chanmanthegreat1429]

6 cylinder is the best. I wish I had the money to do it!

[@randysavage4297]

I used to not like miatas then I drove one and it changed my mind about them

[@joshz7712]

3 years too late but within the next 5 years i plan on buying a crate turbo k20a and really im just looking for a good platform for it. The Miata seems like a good one so here i am.

[@leeboy1996]

K-swap mr2 review in the future? 🤔

[@kennethc.2921]

He did the 2nd gen mr2 already with 700 hp check it out. I want to see a 2zz MR-Spyder next.

[@Ozem_Israel]

Why k swap a mr2 when it already has a bad ass turbo power plant?

[@fgc_kaiser172]

@@Ozem_Israel probably meant AW11 Mr2 not SW20

[@sirhaney]

Borninvincibl3 FPV cause the K is easier to get a hold of and makes the same power stock; NA might I add

[@Drunken_Hamster]

K24 with K20R head. Fully built. Cammed, compression bump, port+polish, etc. 300hp, 200 lb-ft, 9000 rpm. Hella fun. Throw on a supercharger and low comp setup for more fun. Fucka turbo.

[@EbolaSquirrel]

doubt you could fit all that in the lil miata engine bay, if you could, and could get a stronger transmission and such, it would be amazing.

[@Drunken_Hamster]

@@EbolaSquirrel Just needs a power bulge/"cowl induction" hood. As for the trans, S2000 trans. Or Tremec. T5 or TKO/TKO 600 for nutshit builds. 6-speed: 3160, or if you're gonna go full nutshit, the TR6060.

[@jsquared1013]

It looks like an absolute blast. A K-Miata has been on my shortlist for a less-expensive street-legal trackday car when I sell one of my current cars 😁. FYI, wearing the shoulder straps that loose on a harness is no bueno. You need to snug them up a bit (but not so much that they pull the lap belt up off your hip points).

[@syygnis]

I'm keen for the K miata kit for E30s to come out, it works so good.

[@Walter370z]

Wow that thing fit in that thing! 👏👌👏👌

[@voltairee3012]

a ls fits in there....

[@Walter370z]

@@voltairee3012 😳🤯

[@CraftsmanQuad19]

People have put 2jz engines in them too

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

The K24 sounds so good🎶

[@judahweesner2651]

hats off to that interior

[@ZeDank97]

The rattle would make me lose my mind

[@adambankoff8525]

For everyone that is commenting on the rattling, it has nothing to do with the swap. It's the shifter. It's meal on metal and the whole shifter is essentially a speaker into the cabin. I have had shifters that do this, and it is fixable, but for some people it's just not a priority.

[@quebecpower978]

Those comments 😂😂😂😂😂😂 i had all of them in my head while watching this video 😂😂😂😂😂

[@evilryuss3]

I need a K series in mine... but I'm worried I'd be tempted to boost it almost immediately!!!

[@Weather_Nerd]

As the owner of a '91 NA: No, I sure as hell don't consider the K swap sacrilege. In fact, I'm saving up for one lol

[@mythicalducky]

As an owner of a 02 nb it's not sacrilege I'm currently saving for it as well!

[@BboyMobster]

I always know when the owner is in the car with David because he looks at them when he’s talking everytime 😂😂

[@tonydarko67]

“Your engine is knocking “😂😂

[@Greg-TC]

K miatas are fantastic. The plan is that once I’m done with college to either k swap one or 13b swap

[@tariqdacres7465]

13b

[@bcuz2g693]

13b

[@Ehren1337]

k24a2 specifically.

[@andrewholt9942]

I am gathering up funds to K swap my Miata already. Now watching this I've gone from 99% to 110% sure I'm doing it!

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

The 1.8 is a sweet motor, specifically for people who don't give a damn how fast their car is, and only want maximum opportunity for smiles. I'm sure the K swap is a riot, but as I'm a 6 cylinder guy I'd leapfrog it for a J swap.

[@CookNComedy]

Lesson learned dont read the comments before watching the video, now I cant stop being distracted by soda cans tied on the back.

[@Mr6Sinner]

The only K series engine I want in my Miata is a Mazda KF V6

[@stephenpenland278]

That rattling is driving me nuts, I couldn't imagine driving with that.

[@mikebanks6704]

Omfg i think this would be a nasty build for sure. Lite as hell and high revs = so much fun/power

[@thecharleylee]

5:40 that rattle would drive me insane, I think I’ll deal with my 1.8 L for now

[@robinforrest7680]

I'm sure the smiles on our faces are just as wide when we take our 1.8's out for a spin. Happy with mine as it is thanks. 🙂👍

[@TheSomeguy0474]

Like others said, it's the shifter, not the motor swap that causes the noise.

[@georgezoitakis]

Man the mx5 is a 31 year old car made in 1989 personally I had aged really good

[@snoopergnar3719]

Sounds like a tiny jack hammer in the trunk lol

[@Dance1617]

Facts lmaooo

[@richiesworld1]

I think you forgot to reel in the anchor ⚓

[@dancliffton2596]

wow you really just banged on my 1.6 like that lol

[@kayl9382]

Really dig the the subtle lip kit. Looks really clean.

[@marcellomori3264]

K-swapped Miata? You know I'm here for it

[@NoBaconForYou]

Syncros are always worn on 3rd gear. Double clutch from 2 to 3 and 4 to 3, and you will never have an issue getting into gear. I used to have issues with with it not going all the way into 3rd in my Accord 6-6 until I learned to double clutch, you also shift faster in general if you double clutch right, and double clutch rev matches are wayyy smoother.

[@NoBaconForYou]

Because 3rd is the fun gear on the highway

[@NoBaconForYou]

I have never looked in a transmission, so I am only assuming these things..

[@NoBaconForYou]

I know that early K20 civic SIs had 3rd gear problems

[@xXChaz9849Xx]

That rattling completely ruined this review!

[@ethanlarsen6381]

that short shifter rattling away like crazy

[@WhoDaFuqIzDisGuy.]

I love the car! The rattle is absolutely atrocious though but love the build. I'm looking at buying a mx-5 now for the drivers experience...and the $ haha

[@visionarydreamz8957]

I saw when vila (owner of rhd eg) posted on Instagram that you where reviewing this car weeks ago. Vila is a a friend that comes to Hickory NC for the car scene

[@vtecvila]

What up bro!

[@Overworkt]

"Welcome to Construction Sounds FM, where we play non-stop jackhammer sounds, for your realistic city drive"

[@lawrencebrady4189]

Hilarious, Oscar! I needed that.

[@BuildingDBE]

Hope my rsx pulls like this when I go k24a2. I’m building mine on my channel too thanks for this info man

[@markeldamgaard]

That rattling would drive me nuts. I'd have to fix it

[@Dreamweaver94]

Oh snap, super excited to see what you think! A K24 is high on the list of what I want to do to my Miata! Kmiata just released a cheaper K24Z3 single-exit exhaust swap. Should make 200whp/160wtq

[@nitepain]

Im doing the swap rn and this video gave me hope that it'll be worth it eventually

[@mazdafreakmx6]

Best swap is the k swap period. You can keep that short shifter though lol, pretty sure that’s what that horrible rattle is. My s13 used to do the same damn noise

[@waltgutz7999]

Could not have clicked faster after reading the description😁😁 Greetings from PR😁

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

Walt Gutz hola!

[@MetalTiger88]

omg thes rattling noises would drive me insane :O

[@ethandaniel7209]

I personally think mazda never made the engine for the miata specifically so i always wondered what the best swap would be. That being said while mazda is innovative with engine... Re-engineering they never really made a well known piston engine. The most pure swap id have to say would be an na 13b. But i would kill to see an sr20 swap go against a k24 swap :D

[@gedas3419]

If it's IRP short shifter(Lihuanian godness), it's probably Bmw trans swapped. And it's probably getrag trans(the weaker one) and it's too short and uncomfortable with IRP. ZF trans is just perfect for IRP shifter. Little bit longer through, which makes it perfectly comfortable.

[@Stealth_Rider91]

Gedas Alekveravičius - It has the factory miata transmission. It's the IRP shifter, everything is metal. It's louder but it's essentially indestructible. I drive this car often, it's normal.

[@Scottstunts]

I couldn’t even finish the video with that rattle.

[@Sneakerkiid99]

45 seconds into the video can't handle that rattle, peace boys

[@Mishakol1290]

That thing sounds like a cash register so much buzzing lol.

[@newfie_1129]

Love how you mentioned the Honda Element, I own a Element and a 2008 V6 Accord!

[@ronaldsanpedro1976]

i think that rattling is coming from that IRP shifter.

[@ConGie]

I admit that it's a better engine, but the thing is that the original motor has so much character to it. Flooring it everywhere with not a care in the world is the fun of it.

[@BobThe9534]

hi David. nice vid. liked b4 watching b/c i knew it was goin to b good

[@ShawnathanOakley]

It sounds like a school bell ringing! I would still drive it though

[@baltod4978]

omg that rattling is insane. If you fixed that to where you could just hear the engine and exhaust- I think it'd be pretty amazing.

[@chaseteter]

A tiny hologram of the dude from doom with a jackhammer would be right at home in this thing. Sounds like a construction site wow

[@graemesmith1965]

I think it's the right ethos nice revvy motor in a beautifully balanced chassis good to see a big cube k swap