well, I wouldn't say the MZR motor, but they have been using the block in racing pretty successfully. Hell the biobutanol block is nothing more than the 2.3 DISI block.

The NC is more expensive, but its a newer car. the sheer quantity of aftermarket parts is probably not very close to the NA/NB market, but thats understandable...not as much demand, not as many customers. but the fact remains, the NC is the better performer. May not be the most fun to drive though, I don't know for sure as I have only test driven it.

The suspension components do suck. first thing to go if I had an NC would be the coilovers.

 

MZR is the family of motors that go from 1.8 to 2.5 liters in many different models including Ford. Parts are interchangable to a large degree, and have been raced extensively in many different cars.

Having a motor that is used in many different models, is a big advantage when it comes to aftermarket. It gives developers the opportunity to recoup their investment, and more likely to have multiple developers working on the same motor. This is why I think the NC is destined to be a hotrodded star.

 

sorry, I thought you meant the MZR in the mx-5

 

I had a discussion with Shandelle from V8Roadsters about building an MZR series engine and he indicatedthat the Cosworth head is not currently the best way to go. IDK what he said but it might have been from his experience running a Formula Ford race car last season.

 

Prices are starting to go down... They need to be like right around $8-9k and BAM! Badass heavily modified NC's all over the place.

 

I have the '08 GT PRHT. I love the ride just driving to work, etc. Sucks in the mountains. The understeer is terrible. Feels like the *** end is leaving the road in every turn. Dealer mech says ignore it, it's designed that way. I'd consider that a radical suspension change after my NB....just sayin

Hey Joe! Where from in NC. I'm originally from the Wilson, Rocky Mt. area. I was in Kitty Hawk back in June.

 

I am in Raleigh right now. I know were Wilson and Rocky mount are. We used to play against a soccer team in Rocky Mount back in high school.

Colorado is quite a change. How do you like it out there?

 

I am going to take a stab and guess that the class he was running had high output high rpm motors.

Correct me if I am wrong; VVT is great for making lots of power when the class has limits on what camshaft you can run, not so good on unlimited class motors with giganticams and super high rpms. There still seems to be a need for more VVT control and camshaft development and there are currently limits on how much cam you can run on an operational VVT head.

Cosworth head outflows the Miata head, which is the best flowing stock head available on an MZR motor IIRC.

 

Love it out here Joe.

Anyone got a guess as to where to start with engine performance with the 2.0? Most bang for the buck. Not necessarily on a shoestring budget, but don't want to buy a Cosworth motor either... I know turbos are pricey...get my drift?

 

Being barometrically challenged, you will find the greatest benefit from forced induction. And regarding turbos being pricey, many people have been using the cheap Chinese turbos for years without failure. They have slight efficiency challenges compared to high dollar turbos but perform more than admirably for the price.

Here is a 1.6 Miata on a $160 Chinese T3/T4 turbo at low boost. This was way back in '08 and it is still running regularly. The turbo is still running fine.



You need to compensate for altitude at the very least. Turbos are cheap and plentiful. Fuel and spark management options are new to me for the NCs, so you are on your own there.