A couple of years ago, I decided it was time to add some power and simplicity to Ginger, our 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5, by swapping her original turbocharged 1.8L inline 4 for a 3.6L V6 from a Camaro.
Despite my best intentions, I only got as far as acquiring a the engine and gearbox and selling her old original drivetrain. I attributed my lack of progress to anxiety about the scope of the task, but on reflection, I think I needed some time away from the motorsports scene to find the fun again after some tumultuous years driving some change in that scene.
Last month, I guess I finally saw a path back to the fun when I contacted Powersports Garage at Calabogie Motorports Park about getting the big stuff done. Jay Frederiks and team were keen to start and picked-up Ginger, her new heart, and gearbox on November 27. Since then, they’ve made a lot of progress….
First the engine bay needed some modification to make room for the new engine… including some cutting and welding.
Then there was some seam welding in the engine bay to provide some additional rigidity, including around the suspension mounting points.
Next up was modifying the pedal to accommodate the new engine’s throttle-by-wire accelerator pedal and making sure there was enough clearance around it.
With most of the metal modifications made, some test fits of the engine and the massive 6-speed Cadillac transmission.
We’re now constrained by the availability of parts, so Powersports turned to painting the interior and MiataCage roll-cage, which was installed by Better Motorsports.
Now we wait for the differential mounting kit and fuel system kit to arrive from V8 Roadsters as well as a one-piece aluminum flywheel and clutch from SPEC.
Anxiety has been replaced with anticipation.