We're putting a V10 into a Mazda MX-5! | Ep.3

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A couple of years ago, Mike Fernie set out to make a truly unique MX-5 project car, one powered by a V10 engine. But not just any V10 engine, a tiny, 2.0-litre powertrain from the 1990s. Since then, it has been a turbulent development process to say the least, so Mike has decided to film an update and keep you guys across what is happening.
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[@Drivetribe]

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[@Gearbhall]

The algorithm served me you showing this engine to Gordon Murray yesterday. I wonder if the algorithm decided to drum up interest for this video when you uploaded it in preparation for it going live?

[@heisenberg19989]

thank you for the update sir. was worried about this project

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

If they have a 'we'll build them to match demand' business model, and the CNC machines to push an order through when it comes in, that'll make it more sustainable, and that machine will be able to run other work to amortize the costs.

[@c5173]

I look forward to a JUDD V10 being fitted to your MX-5.

[@9317njw]

WHERE DO I GET ONE OF THOSE VW JACKETS???

[@Telecasterland]

You can smell the engineering that has been planned into the V10. It's not just ok lets build what we had. They are truly reworking it from scratch.

[@pauliewalnuts240]

reworking someone else's project Is often harder then starting fresh on a version 2.

[@nedyahyakcam]

The engineering smells like pipe tobacco, tea and mustache cream. And anyone who thinks that's an insult has not met a British engineer before.

[@ghomerhust]

@@nedyahyakcam i pictured a very specific looking bloke when you said that, and i immediately wanted to lean over an engine bay and chat with him

[@rbslammed6163]

You can smell the con

[@HansDelbruck53]

@@nedyahyakcam Smells like tea and crumpets to me. Not to mention fish and chips.

[@itsyaboikirbo]

genuinely thought you guys had quietly scrapped this project. psyched to see it resurface

[@Drivetribe]

I don't think you guys would let us away with that, time to push on 💪- Mike

[@neilcam]

Given all the time talken so far, and how each episode has been "we're very nearly there, it'll be next week or so, in a month guaranteed, next year at the latest, failing that next century for realz." Let's say I'll not be holding my breath.

[@that_escalated_quickly2720]

​@@Drivetribethank you, I too had this thought that you ended the project! This is so cool

[@dragonrider3275]

I’ve never clicked on a video faster

[@gooddogtalks]

Never

[@LEEROY_UK]

Same here 😂

[@thecluckanator]

100%

[@AmvC]

I always click with the same speed. It's kind of dictated by my mouse and its click-sensor.

[@santhoshcrasta8140]

Ikrrrrr

[@neildaniel8232]

If you're going to go with a different V10 for a parallel project then use a different MX5, you need to keep your MX5 reserved for the Connaught V10 only. Otherwise you seriously risk derailing the project entirely. Will be interesting to compare the V10 MX5 against a Rocketeer V6 one!

[@Ecosse57]

agreed. another v10 in this car means the vr10 project never gets done.

[@rbslammed6163]

What project? There is no project just a lot of talk

[@fmhb1]

I totally agree, and hope Mike listens to us!

[@mikedrivetribe8314]

It will still be my MX-5, just another one! Not sure where any derailing would come from my side, that 2.0-litre engine is still a dream, I just don't want to be making the same video in a year's time and leaving the internet hanging again. It's time to crack on with another cool solution while the Connaught guys figure things out.

[@gunnarelisigurjonsson2587]

​@@mikedrivetribe8314we as a world needs this more than the next electric vehicle. This is going to be beautiful

[@fmhb1]

Mike, don't give up on the little VR10, by that I mean don't put a shortcut v10 in the MX until its ready. It sends the wrong message about the redevelopment of the original engine. Do not do the 'new route'. Support the guys with the original engine, that would and will speak volumes. Happy to help as always. Fred

[@karlj1717]

I can’t believe you’ve waited this long just to stick a completely different engine in the MX5, then you’re going to buy a different rust bucket to put in the v10 that’s been pretty much custom built and completely reworked! Just wait and stick with the original plan would’ve been much better. Especially after getting that rust bucket fixed specifically for that amazing engine.

[@stephen9869]

I concur

[@mikedrivetribe8314]

As it stands, I could be making the exact video in another two years time if I didn't crack on with another solution. We will hopefully end up with TWO mint, V10 MX-5s, so I wouldn't get so hung up on my green car having to be the 2.0-litre one.

[@ChristopherHallett]

Bro if you think the Connaught engine will ever be ready for road use, you're delirious. They already said in this video they're GOING TO buy a 3-axis CNC mill to machine cranks from billet - oh really? When? This year? 2024? 2025? And they mentioned the cylinder heads are being "modified" - why? If they worked, they'd use them as-is. Cylinder heads are far and away the most complex part on an engine and the hardest part to get right - if they need reworking then there's millions of dollars and years of work involved, easily. That's why almost all other "project" engines like the Hartley Engineering Hayabusa V8s just use factory cylinder heads.

[@johnlexus1]

Lol , the guys just said he cant work on a project too long, in a year time there’s gonna be the exact same video of this one. This most likely will never happen.

[@RyanB571]

When the owner is wearing work cargo trousers and a stained jumper, you know he's fully involved in the projects the company is working on. Huge respect for him

[@johnlexus1]

He’s not very motivated, hes been sitting on thos

[@AlbertSpice]

I love how he said that he doesn't want people to come back with a broken crackshaft every year. He's clearly putting a lot of love, thought and money into this and we are all excited for it. Can't wait.

[@danieljackson6673]

Definitely keep your MX5 for the 2.0 car, what we’ve all been waiting for. If there’s going to be another V10, use another MX5 for that one. Just my opinion but with all that work on your car, it’s worthy of all the work going into the 2.0 engine.

[@Skydrag.V60]

Very happy to see this project resurfacing. This thing’s gonna be a riot when it’s finished! Edit: man, I agree with the other people in the comments here. I think you should wait to keep the restored MX5 for the VR10. It was destined for it for so long

[@HiveMynd]

I was fearing this was gonna be another Vaporware Project. Glad to see it back!

[@johnlexus1]

This most likely will never come to fruition, this is too big of an undertaking.

[@MegaNardman]

That poor MX5 looks like it got pulled out of the ocean. What a fantastic job done by the MX5 restorer...that looks like an immense amount of work!

[@thehomelessproject3784]

This definitely needs to be supercharged.... turbocharging it will just muffle the sound... imagine the scream at the top end with a supercharger 🤤

[@mckirkus]

Or get really weird and do an electric supercharger.

[@thehomelessproject3784]

@@mckirkus interesting 🤔 that would be actually awesome 🥸

[@thehomelessproject3784]

@@mckirkus imagine all that with a close ratio sequential box ... it might actually sound f1 ish 🤯

[@JDtimesten]

My thoughts as well.

[@houseking9211]

@@thehomelessproject3784 it's an odd firing v10 so it'd sound more like the judd le mans v10s

[@heed17]

Mx5 restorer did our MK2 in 2020/1 and they did an AMAZING job. New rear quarter, both sills and a rear arch. All paint matched and as new - class as the car has 23 year old metallic paint. Class 👍

[@63CorvetteStingray]

How much did it cost?

[@heed17]

@@63CorvetteStingray £5200 including full service and MOT

[@FunNotFast85]

I've got a NB2 that I'm currently doing a K24A2 swap on, so seeing this project back on the radar is awesome! Can't wait to see how everything progresses. This series is what got me interested in the MX5 world, it's been quite the journey.

[@shifty1927]

I've been debating building one for my e30 that's just been wasting away. Best modern equivalent i can think of to bmw s14 engine.

[@GerrardTorres7665]

This is awesome. The owner seems like a really cool guy. Can't wait to see the end product.

[@ricardo1e93]

I could ear this two fine gentlemen speak for hours. So satisfying and easy to understand. Goes to show how meticulous project car stuff is and you can't just bolt some parts in and call it a day.

[@jonathanellis1842]

I can see this in a Caterham 7, now that would be nuts!!

[@pigeonpoo1823]

I wonder what the weight of the sigma v this V10 would be?

[@BSA_Airgunning]

I wonder if the engine would fit in a Caterham, and what the result would be

[@ljamieson0581]

If it fits in an NB mx5 it'll definitely fit in a Caterham

[@_que]

Thank u, I had a thought not too longer ago, and felt it had lost all steam hope u can finish this thru. Hope this engine if it, makes it to crate level so others can buy it. Hope the exhaust is on point to enjoy the sympathy of the V10 configuration. This content is rare, where others just bolt on off the shelf items, thank u.

[@biketech60]

Upgrading the engine to roller bearings is no small undertaking . Respect for men with this level of skill , commitment and integrity ! A shame that it seems rare .

[@howhistory5877]

It had needle rollers on the crank webs to start with - The crank is appx 100mm diameter, with a bearing outer diameter of 110/115 - Go and see what bearings fit and there 'speed range'.

[@SharpblueCreative]

Love the enthusiasm for this little MX5. I love them, especially the MK 1. I love to see the skill these guys have in the shop welding and fabricating. I’m loving Yorkshire Car Restoration and their taking on Matt Armstrong’s BMW 635 CSI - that was rotten to the core. Worth checking out.

[@evelynkinson5524]

It's a mk2 not a mk1

[@cee5212]

Hopefully the MX5 they get for the 2.0 V10 will be a MK1 - would tick all the boxes

[@TheCluelessEnthusiast]

I can't get over how compact it is for having 10 cylinders. Can't wait to see it and hear it in action

[@angusbloxham6066]

Great to see another update on your project. I've read some of the comments below and I have to agree to stick to the original plan with your MX5 and use another MX5 for the new plan of a V10. That way your very own MX5 will be the first to pave the way for a kit that I'm sure many people will be interested in getting for their own project MX5, this will then have a knock on effect to other car kits being made. If I was in your position I would want to be the first. Looking forward to the next update.

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

If you've seen this once in the UK engineering scene you've seen it a million times. "It's been two years and you haven't delivered anything, in fact your less close to a working product than when we started" "Yes but when we *DO* get it running it will be able to fly and breathe fire!" If we Brits could only live for a thousand years we would produce the finest engineering on the planet, alas mortality.

[@petermorris9592]

Put the powerful V-10 (I'm guessing BMW) in the new car. The green one will be 100% mint. The 2-litre is so unique, it deserves a mint shell.

[@cee5212]

In my mind a MK1 with the little V10 would be cooler

[@jcnyr7912]

loving the fact you are actually making the vids longer after a user request (not mine) keep it up guys ! top notch vids all the time, highly entertaining and informative

[@ChrisMadson]

Excited to see this continue!!

[@AmaanKhan-te8ll]

Got some work done on my mx5 from mx5 restorer, top quality job. Even impressed my local mot tester with the welding.

[@thatcandont]

Special builds like this are worth the wait. Even 20 years if it weren’t being filmed

[@hi_tech_reptiles]

2 of my favorite things - V10s and Miatas! The third being high cylinder low displacement engines lol. Hopefully the chassis balance can be kept as close to original too, thatd be the cherry on top!

[@juggernautjim7719]

I've been checking back on this project somewhat regularly since the first video. Thanks for the update

[@revolver265]

Thanks for listening to us and giving us longer videos going more in depth. If we could get the full build every episode, instead of just skimming over "what's been done recently" like a weekly recap, it would be a welcome return to form. Thank you!

[@pgtmr2713]

They said it Connought be done!

[@henris8367]

I just rewatched an old video about the v10 wondering whatever happened to the project, then this video popped up. Glad to hear progress is being made!

[@jamespelling2951]

5 minutes down the road from me the mx5 restorer! Always been the best in the business and this video shows it 😄😄 amazing what gems are hiding in little coast towns!

[@eagle_and_the_dragon]

Been waiting for this!

[@acrain7]

So psyched to see this coming back!

[@FuzzyMeckGT]

I've been waiting so long for this follow up video!!! Hurray!!!

[@jameswood8564]

SO excited to see this still going!!!

[@dair919]

Such an interesting project. Really rooting for you guys!

[@vince_v10]

V10? Instant thumb up! I can't wait to hear this little beast screaming 😋

I like the enthusiasm shown. Looking forward to the now two V10 MX5 :)

[@Lee.gRC27]

You've done the right thing having all the rot cut out no matter how little, you don't want a v10 in a rot box, pretty pointless, if you going do a reno do a full quality job 👍🏻 Respect lads, 100% hard graft with pride in the job,,

[@zekeaffy9647]

Oh man, learning Entrepreneurship skills, what BDI is doing is exactly SWOT, they SAW an opportunity to market this engine as a kit towards mazda MX5 tuners out there, this makes sooo much sense, I dont know you have realized or not, but unconsiously you have helped these guys a lot man. This is a perfect chance to bring back this engine to the masses slowly but surely.

[@bleachbone45]

Loved hearing Mike speak, great video

[@nismo2070]

I have that same mx-5 in my garage. 2004 with the Azure blue package. I do not have a v10 in mine! And the steering wheel is on the other side. Great video!!

[@GTFour]

The engineering for that VR10 is extraordinary 👌

[@Yeti_likes_cars]

When this is done, we need a challenge episode. Mike and the V10 MX 5 vs AutoAlex and Phil.

[@Yosser70]

If they get this v10 right, I think they’ll sell a shed load! The mx5 is popular in the states so some would definitely go over there.

[@bmautomotive3337]

I have been waiting FAR too long for this video. This is my favourite project and I’ve been in desperate need for an update, my car is (was before modifying it) identical to this mx5

[@garchompy_1561]

need someone old enough to know how the cranks used to be made? maybe ask ivan at SHED RACING on youtube for someone who used to help his dad race at brooklands and still works and drives cars fast today. He did his own detective work and ended up with 2 prototype engines for the classic mini and got those running in a series of vids. Great guy, great channel

[@bullhornzz]

Subscribed. Can't wait to see this project completed. I was looking for a decent NA Miata roller to drop an alloy block 3.0L V6 in. Ended up finding an absolutely MINT 40k Mi example for a killer deal. And it's so nice I just can't modify it, so I'm keeping it as is. It's a joy to drive. I'm hesitant to even change the stereo, but I'll need to replace the speakers, and may give in and swap the radio if I can find a factory style CD head. All I need beyond the radio is to find a factory hard top for it. I LOVE the car!

[@DaYoda191]

I miss my Miata so much. That bit about the piece you and your dad welded to get it past MOT made me emotional. I remember doing so much work on mine, learning so much, it was the car that taught me so much custom work even if it looked mostly stock. But it got crashed and I didn't have the money to keep it and restore it. And it had to go. I wanted to keep that car and hopefully pass it on to the next generation of my family. But it wasn't meant to be I guess. It still breaks my heart and the car went to the scrap yard about a year ago now.

[@kens8903]

I would love to see one of those v10s powering a Tipo 184 up-cycled Mx-5

[@Satchm00]

Great update, look forward to the end product

[@cafn8ed74]

Wow! I can't wait to see (and hear) that thing at full wail.

[@johngrubb007]

I have my 1990 Mx5 sitting in my garage. Unfortunately, it hasn't been driven for many years since I parked it. There is no rust on it but the front drivers side fender was crinkled up around the wheel arch from a hit and run. I've always wanted to put it right and get it back on the road but just never had the funds to do so. Watching this makes the pain of knowing what I have and what it could be, very hard to handle. I live in western Canada and the climate is quite dry so at least I don't have to worry about it rusting away. Hopefully, in the future, I'll manage to get the needed work done to reverse the many years of it just sitting, the fender replaced, and a proper paint job.

[@surfer101ist]

A kit v10 for an Mx-5 available for public sale would be the best thing in this world ❤

[@shinobi-zensei]

I’ve been waiting on an update about this project for months!

[@michaelsaywhat6980]

I'm excited. My old 1.8l is ready for replacement.

[@DavidKohout]

I can't even tell how much I love this!!

[@timothyalfred7006]

Really wanted to see another video about Martin, but nice video on the V10 Mx-5

[@andrewwhite1305]

Hammond Def needs to get behind the wheel of that MX-5 soon, I could see it in his eyes...

[@syntetiskvag4458]

It's lovely to hear that it has created a business out of a video on a random 90s sports car and an mx5, this is brilliant

[@joseleigh287]

ive been waiting for so long for an update

[@oscarzt1652]

that intake trumpet configuration is fascinating. it looks like the long runners are mounted on a plate which slides aft at high revs to switch to a very short runner

[@AGreyGoat]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING WHAT FEELS LIKE YEARS FOR THIS VIDEO

[@JuanRodriguez-km9hl]

Great show guys

[@Aiello_]

i'm glad they are able to get their own CNC, machining shops seems to always be what hold alot of these unique projects back

[@Fubetuck]

Just found this series yesterday and after thinking it'd fallen off after just two installments, just 24 hours later, a third! Excited to hear the V10, and see how it performs. Apart from the mention, how about a link to the lights up shop channel? Cheers!

[@user-su7cf3kp1u]

My favorite car! And V-10 engine? Super!!!

[@slomant]

Can't wait to see that 2.0 ltr v10 in an Mx-5! That will be special!

[@jonkingman]

I could listen to Phill all day, great guy, rare to find these days.

[@adamlake9507]

Who else wants to see this company take off? V10’s for everyone!

[@ericcarabetta1161]

With all the advancements in CAD and CNC machining, I'd love to see a 1/2 scale Viper V10 engine.

[@Micamicamico]

BRO I WAS LITERALLY SEARCHING FOR A NEW PART OF THIS SERIES LAST NIGHT

[@unclegee123]

I just love how Roy made you wear his St. George’s Cross welding helmet! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😄

[@jadz684z]

I thought this was just going to be a lost thing that people forgot about it but few remember, like so much other 90s greatness but glad something is coming from it

[@110gotrek]

Finally, an update on why I subscribed

[@sasquatchfoote8235]

Incredible 😍

[@weedfreer]

Hit that video so hard and so fast i almost smashed my screen man! YYEEAAAHHHHhhhhhhrrrrr!

[@siyz250]

I 2 am a V10 nut & can't wait for the 2.0 V10!

[@jehshroff3054]

Such impressive engineering from both the people working on that ancient engine, and the people working on that pretty much totalled miata

[@leokoehne]

The V10 myatah is far far the best series of Drive Tribe. I am forward to see it complete and put to test

[@jackbiddlybee4893]

Theres few pleausres better than listening to someone passionate about what they do

[@ronaldosanchez3292]

What an amazing amount of work and money just for 200hp

[@tiagobelo4965]

Once the engines are all tested and working, an interesting variation on this idea would be putting 2 of those blocks together bottom-to-bottom into a 4L X20, which might just about fit in a large 80s/90s jag, and surely sound absolutely insane

[@JackThomasCollins]

Original company mocked this up

[@paulmryglod4802]

A VR V20. That would be incredible except there's no crank room. Might need two parallel cranks in the block.

[@paulmryglod4802]

Oh or a single-big-end rod

[@benpenagonzales6014]

I’ve got an old mgb gt that needs bringing back to life. A V10 would be awesome but a little V6 on the existing suspension would be sweet!

[@scottfahey3020]

bout time lol. love you guys

[@shaxei7116]

Man I'm so jealous of this dude I love V10s and 5 cylinders and stuff. I reached out to Connaught but they never got back to me, I'd love to do this to my mk1

[@halfinger912]

FINALLYY AN UPDATEEE

[@ClarkyXPH]

The end is this year 🤔 I’m in no hurry. Just watching again to whet my appetite again.

[@iambiggus]

Pint size V10, amazing.

[@newsfromnowhere420]

i was watching some old episodes with this engine and its interesting that when Gordon Murray saw the engine he focused in on the roller bearing crank being a potential issue because of the way its pressed together

[@howhistory5877]

Thats an understatement!!!

[@SebastianGomezIto]

Love this

[@testerpot1898]

Would like to see a vid of Jag XF in opening shots 👌🏻

[@jamescameron6819]

Was thinking about this last week

[@johntheidiotfarmer6410]

YEEEEEEES THE MIATA IS BACK!!!