13B Rotary Mk1
- Details
- Category: Our Cars
- Published on Tuesday, 08 November 2011 15:00
- Written by Nick Bailey
- Hits: 912
Mazda MX-5 with 13B Rotary Engine
Originally a basic spec UK car with the 88bhp 1.6 B6 engine, now has a 13B rotary engine from a 1989 FC3S RX7, conversion done by Steve Atterbury in 2010.
The engine is mounted to the original MX5 subframe using some custom fabricated mounts and some extensions made to the front of the subframe. It is mated to an mx5 gearbox, using the bell housing from the RX7, which to some surprise is a relatively direct bolt on. Some work has been done to the transmission tunnel and bulk head to allow room for the larger bell housing.
From the gearbox back, the running gear has remained completely MX5, using the MX5 propshaft and rear differential. The end result is a very interesting drive. The balance of the car takes some getting used to if you are familiar with an MX5. The steering feels overly sharp and turn in almost un-natural, but once you get the feel for it you find its very inspiring to drive fast, with effortless oversteer and the power delivery is incredibly smooth.
Spec
Megasquirt MS1 ECU
160 rwhp
RX7 gearbox with MX-5 tail section
12A front cover
Transmission Tunnel modified
Modified MX-5 front subframe with custom engine mounts
Manual steering rack (no room for PAS)
Custom made exhaust (which is loud)
Custom made sump and oil pick up
52mm alloy radiator
Lotus Elise seats
Safety 21 4-point roll cage
TOMS 16” JDM alloys
Eibach springs and Tokiko dampers
RX7 emissions stuff removed
Secondary throttle plates removed
Garage Vary front lip spoiler
See it in action - OC Rally Billing 2011