Cars & Bids, a relatively new site specializing in the auction of modern enthusiast cars, is selling a 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. While not uncommon, this one lost its four-cylinder engine and got a V6 from Jaguar.
Pulling a 3.0-liter six out of a 2000 S-Type and dropping it into an unsuspecting Miata is apparently easier than it sounds. UK-based Rocketeer offers a kit that makes changing fairly easy, although the listing notes that the factory air conditioning system is not compatible with the new engine. Apart from the cold air, the installation has been so neatly done that it looks like Mazda envisioned the Miata with a larger engine. Jag’s V6 inevitably adds weight to a roadster acclaimed worldwide for its agile handling, but it also brings a lot of horsepower to the table.
Left-hand stock, a 2002 Miata is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that delivers 142 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The preview on Cars & Bids puts 220 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque under the driver’s right foot, numbers that easily offset the weight gain. And, somewhat surprisingly, the six spin the rear wheels via a standard five-speed manual gearbox. Flyin ‘Miata anti-roll bars and Koni shocks improve handling.
Close the hood and this Jagazda looks like your average 18-year-old Miata. The seller has not made any changes to the body, it is still painted in the original silver color and it has kept the standard 15-inch wheels. The dual exhaust tips refer to the V6, but they’re subtle enough to surprise more than a few racers at the next autocross event.
The auction is now live and the bidding is at $ 4,250 at the time of writing with about three days remaining before the hammer drops. If you miss your chance to grab it, several stores sell kits that let skilled shadow boom mechanics shove Mazda’s K-Series V6 (which powered the MX-6 and the Ford Probe, among others) into an older Miata.
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