CD Article: 2007 Mazda MX-5 Power Retractable Hardtop

[johngenx]

For $38K, I'd like a MazdaSpeed Miata with the 2.3 from the Speed 3.  That many ponies should be driving the back wheels anyway.  I'd trade out the PRHT for that engine .

[safristi]

FOR $38K.....I'd like a BEACH_HOUSE in HAWAII Failing That............a Retractable HOME would DO just FINE

[mdxtasy]

For $38K, I'd like a MazdaSpeed Miata with the 2.3 from the Speed 3.  That many ponies should be driving the back wheels anyway.  I'd trade out the PRHT for that engine .

A Miata with that power and weight ratio would mean it will run with the big dogs of the drop top world.  I like it.  Where is it?  I have a deposit ready.

[Mitlov]

Would the MS3's engine fit in a Miata without blocking the windshield?  Both the MS3 and MS6 have very high hoods...

[mdxtasy]

Would the MS3's engine fit in a Miata without blocking the windshield?  Both the MS3 and MS6 have very high hoods...

Bump it up slightly, add a Z06-like hood scoop....and we're off to the races. 

[Snowman]

Would the MS3's engine fit in a Miata without blocking the windshield?  Both the MS3 and MS6 have very high hoods...

That’s because they both have a TMIC. The “bulge” would be gone if Mazda went with a FMIC configuration.

[Mitlov]

That’s because they both have a TMIC. The “bulge” would be gone if Mazda went with a FMIC configuration.

Translation please?  I googled TMIC and ended up with the Texas Medical Insurance Company and the Transverse Myelitis Internet Club...

[Snowman]

That’s because they both have a TMIC. The “bulge” would be gone if Mazda went with a FMIC configuration.

Translation please?  I googled TMIC and ended up with the Texas Medical Insurance Company and the Transverse Myelitis Internet Club...

Sorry  Top Mounted Inter Cooler.

[initial_D]

Mazda indicated they don't want a hood scoop or the big front radiator look, kinda "boy racy" with those two configurations, so they decided a middle-aged belly bulge look is more suitable for a family sport sedan.

[Snowman]

Mazda indicated they don't want a hood scoop or the big front radiator look, kinda "boy racy" with those two configurations, so they decided a middle-aged belly bulge look is more suitable for a family sport sedan.

The MX-5 won’t have that problem.

[initial_D]

Girls will be girls, they are different alright. 

[mdxtasy]

A front mount like the NB Mazdaspeed would be a nice change.....probably keep the air cool too.

[Snowman]

Mazda indicated they don't want a hood scoop or the big front radiator look, kinda "boy racy" with those two configurations, so they decided a middle-aged belly bulge look is more suitable for a family sport sedan.

They have also experienced brutal heat soak issues with the design.

[Demosthenes X]

Is the 2.3T suitable for a RWD drive train, though?  I've asked before and don't recall getting a definite answer...  would it actually be feasible for that setup to power the rear wheels?  The engine was designed from the ground up for FWD applications...

[Brigitte]

This post would have been more interesting if it had come from Brigitte. 

I heard that.   

[Wolfe]

Is the 2.3T suitable for a RWD drive train, though?  I've asked before and don't recall getting a definite answer...  would it actually be feasible for that setup to power the rear wheels?  The engine was designed from the ground up for FWD applications...

An engine doesn't care which wheels it drives. More important is whether the chassis can accommodate the size/shape of the engine, then there is the more minor issue of moving around the various accessory drives. It shouldn't be that big a deal.




IIRC a few months ago I read some rumors on the internet that Mazda USA has been working on stuffing the 2.3L turbo into the MX-5 from almost before the NC went on sale. Though, it wouldn't surprise me if that had simply been someone's wishful thinking.

[MX5 Miata Guy]

Given that the 2.0L and 2.3L engines are the same block, ie: identical outward dimensions, there's nothing preventing anybody from installing a 2.3L in a MX-5...apart from coolant-line re-routing and minor other issues typical of a FWD transverse layout to RWD longitudinal layout swap.

All of the previous Miata engines were also in FWD transverse use throughout the lineup, and the current engine is no different.

In regards to IC location, for the MX-5, it would most certainly have to be in-front as opposed to on-top...similar to the 2004-05 Mazdaspeed MX-5s and all aftermarket turbo (and some supercharger) kits for the 1990-2005 Miatas.  There are already a few companies developing supercharger kits for the 2006-07 MX-5, and one working on a turbo, that I'm aware of.

[initial_D]

Turbo in a PRHT, Talk about a Flying Miata really going hardcord, again.   

[Demosthenes X]

All of the previous Miata engines were also in FWD transverse use throughout the lineup, and the current engine is no different.

That's what I was wondering, thanks.  I know any engine can be made to power the rear wheels, but in some vehicles its more trouble than its worth because of chassis design and engine bay limitations...

If Mazda dropped that turbo in the Miata, they would have a real winner. 

[initial_D]

The Miata is already a REAL Winner.  More power would just make it that much sweeter.