Jaguar V6 by Rocketworks: 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
It seems that a car auction site is popping up every time I turn my head or cough…sometimes when I turn my head AND cough, but that is a discussion for another time. This next car comes from Doug DeMuro’s carsandbids.com, which combines Doug’s infectious optimism with nifty late model cars. Up today on the virtual action block is this bearded Spock universe Mazda MX-5 that has a Jaguar S-Type AJ30 V6 (which is actually a specialized version of the Ford Duratec V6) that puts 220 horsepower into the stock Miata 5-speed manual gearbox. The company that sells conversion kits (Rocketworks in Eugene, OR) claims twice the power and torque of the stock MX-5 and twice the fun. Find this 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata V6 Swap bidding for $4,567 (+ 4.5% buyers fee) with less than a day to go, located in Broomfield, CO via carsandbids.com
From the seller:
THIS… is a 2002 Mazda Miata, finished in silver with a black cloth interior.The seller is the second owner of this Miata and purchased it in 2004.
This Miata comes with an accident-free AutoCheck history report that shows it has been registered in Colorado since 2004; it confirms that this is a 2-owner “NB” MX-5.
This Miata is powered by a Jaguar-sourced V6 engine that was professionally installed using a Rocketeer kit (https://www.rocketeerltd.com/) in 2019. It’s also fitted with Koni shocks, and Flyin’ Miata sway bars. No major modifications were made to the body, and it rides on the stock 15-inch wheels.
Mazda introduced the second-generation MX-5 Miata for the 1999 model year. Called NB internally, it received an updated design, a more powerful engine, and a bigger trunk, among other changes. It was replaced by the third-generation “NC” model in 2006.
Although the 2002 Miata came with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, this car is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 sourced from a Jaguar S-Type. It develops 220 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and it spins the rear wheels via the stock 5-speed manual transmission. For context, an unmodified 2002 Miata offers 142 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque.
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Damn I’d love to do something like that to my NA Miata. Right now I’m looking towards a turbo kit eventually but a swap with some power would be fun as long as I’m not doing all the wrenching.
Yeah, the quoted prices to do the Jaaaaaaaaaag V6 conversion from Rocketworks are pretty high, but would be cool when done. I think a Turbo kit would be easier and end up with something similar in speed/fun/etc.
Very nice. I do like an NB.