I'd disagree.

If you figure a 20% drivetrain loss, the engine is probably making 216hp itself, today's V6 Sonatas make 238hp. Also keep in mind that it is a 2.5 liter, Nissan makes 4-pots that are that big and this motor is normally found in Mazda MX-6s and Mazda 626s, so we're talking circa 1995 state of the art, so 200hp would be par.

So as a result 200+hp in something as light as '92 Miata would be something to worry about in an Autocross.

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I agree. This is not a lot of power from a v6, even including 20% drivetrain loss. I think more could have been achieved from a lighter 4 cylinder with a turbocharger.

With the proper setup, less weight would have been added to the car and more power, giving it more of a power to weight advantage.

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Agreed, not much power. That car could have a LOT more performance...

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Consider that most V6's today have around 1L more displacement. In hp/l terms, this is equal to a 250hp 3.5L V6, and that's at the ground. Plus he stated that all the internals are stock. I'm sure the engine has much more potential with compression, cam and porting.

Also remember that autocross is more about torque than hp. The extra 700cc he has over the 4 banger likely increases his midrange kick a bunch without having much extra weight over the nose and more linear delivery than a turbo.

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the 2.5l duratec 6 came in various tunes and horsepower. the version for the ford contour was rated 160hp, for the cougar it was 170/160 (the latter for the autos iirc), etc. those numbers are still on par with other engines form that era, with that displacement.
the countour svt was rated at 200 or 205 (flywheel)

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No, the Duratec 2.5l made 170hp in the Contour with either transmission, using 87 octane regular. The Mazda 2.5l in the 626, which was *not* the same, made 164hp using 89 octane mid-grade, a bit less with regular as the computer dialed back the timing . Considering that the contemporaneous Nissan 3.0l in the Maxima made 160/190 hp depending on trim, while the Toyota 3.0l in the Camry made 188hp, this is not at all bad.

I'm sure he could get even more power out of it, but maximum power may not be what he's concerned with.

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Just wondering, will the Porsche 911 GT3 flat-six (or the GT-R's turbo six) fit in there? That would be fun, though danger is probably more appropriate

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@Mobius_1...

As a Subaru AND miata owner... no, a flat engine is not going to fit between the rails in a Miata. Not a chance. The engine is nice and low, but FAR too wide for most inline or longitudinal V engine cars.

The GT-R's turbo 6 is probably simply too big for the engine bay. The miata is a pretty small car, especially the NA and NB versions.

A ford or chevy small-block is probably the best bet in a miata for monster power.

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That's not metal, thats what it sounds like when slick tires pick up road stones and dirt and throw it inside the wheel wells and undercarriage of a car with no interior.

Sounds like a race car to me.

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yeah, I'm hoping that's just gravel on the road, and without any sound deadening, it's understandable that it's so loud.

Of course, the solution is to drown it all out with that engine :)

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Yeah, I know. My Miata makes all manner of wierd noises, but none that increase with RPM's. The prompt acceleration was quite nice though. I just hope he doesn't end up in a firey mess.

But, honestly, I have seen much cooler V-8 Miatas. They don't compete with vettes, because they ARE corvettes, but in a 2500 pound body.

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the "metal rattling" is just small pebbles and what not being thrown up at the underbody/wheel wells from the tires, when running R-Comps (especially low speed) on the street that is completely normal to hear

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Sticky tires throwing up stones + no sound insulation does that.

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that would be a hell of a car...

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