Ford Duratec/MZR 2.5L Miata NA Swap - what could possibly go wrong?
 

I must be some kind of a glutton for punishment but I am starting on my 2nd Miata NA conversion/swap. My first one went really well - ( Youtube FrankenYata ) now I want a performance oriented daily driver that can also have fun at the track.

So why do a Ford 2.5L Duratec / MZR swap instead of a V8?
1)My 1.8 is running rough and is down on power so why rebuild something I wouldn't be happy with?
2)I did this swap in my 03 Focus SVT and love its hp/torque AND the balance shaft takes all the harsh vibrations out of the engine for nicer DD.
​​​​​3) Approximately 175hp / 175 tq stock - & will rev to 7000 rpm over and over.
4) Stock rear will probably handle the power even with the way I drive.
5) Engine will bolt to a stock NC transmission which will probably handle the power as well.
6) Engine should be even lighter than the original cast iron 1.8L engine.
7) Because I found a 59k mile engine on ebay for $300 and I didn't have to pay shipping.
8) As far as I know it hasn't been done in a NA car.
9) The car isn't boring so why having a lackluster motor! lol

PS, That's me racing a Harrier jet. :D

Im currently doing a EcoBoost swap in my NA. Youll be cutting the firewall a bit. Custom mounts werent tough just some fab work. Ill be making a build post soon for updates.

I've stalled for a while due to the summer heat. I have the passenger mount made but the driver side has stumped me for a while.

I didn't have to cut through the firewall. I used the rear coolant housing from a Ford Ranger. It has the coolant passages much closer to the engine than the Fusion or the Miata.

Have you posted any pictures of your progress?