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So the game plan from here? well it isnt exactly orthadox but honestly the cost of building an naturally aspirated rotary making the power i want just costs too damn much anymore. At least to the level were i would trust driving a thousand miles, paying high entry fees etc. But i still have to maintain a Mazda prodcued engine.
This led to three choices, The 1.8 "BP" from the miata and protege, the Duratec 23(same as the MZR and found in the B-series pickup, and the FE-DOHC (FE3) found in kia sportages in the states for rear wheel drive. Well the duratec is the best all around choice aside from higher cost and some minor engineering issues. The belllhousings availible just aren't that good. There is one "on its way" that offers a good choice for slave cylinders. But being all aluminum and 200+ capable with cams and a header, it seemed good.
But i have not too much time to wait for a bellhousing for the T5 that without, i can't mount at worthwhile transmission behind it. That left me with the 1.8 BP and the FE3. Basically the miata stuff is kinda common, but manifolds and oil pans are still more money that other makes. Additionally, it is an iron bottom, very durable but somewhat underpowered. I could use a few different transissions though. This was the option i was going with BUT i found a deal breaker.
The mazda FE3. its an iron block, aluminum head 2.0l 16v. Basically the mazda 4g63. Stout as the darkest Guiness, its very durable and makes a fair amount of power (approx 150- 160 stock over the miata 120 to 135). They came in a variety of vehicles in Japan and elsewhere, but the US got screwed. Very similiar to the FE2 in the probes and Mx6 turbos we got, just better. We did however, get the Kia Sportage which had a down tunded version in RWD format. This engine had some differences, namely the 8 bolt flywheel which has no real options, but is a good source for a manifold and oil pan. So where am i going with this? Craigslist served me well and i found an FE3 imported from a Japanese Capella (Mx-6) for a mire 400 dollars complete. Should be picking her up this weekend.
The transmission will be the mazda M types using a B2000 front case bellhousing. Meaning i can use the transmission already in my rally car. It uses a standard 6 bolt flywheel that is the same as the FE2 stuff, including the clutch. Its a common swap for miata guys its seems. Pictures of such blasfamy will come. But honestly, it makes the most sense for what im doing.
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