Mk3 and Mk3.5 engines

[Ecosseven]

Hi folks,

Looking for info on the 2.0 engine in the Mk3.5 MX-5 and would be grateful if anyone can help.

1. Who designed the engine? Is it a Mazda design or a Ford design? Is it used in another vehicles?
2. What changes were made in the transition between Mk 3 and the facelifted mk3.5?

Thanks and all the best.

Martin.

[snotrag]

As far as I can recall - the Engine is based on a Ford Duratec - as seen in Mondeos, Mazda 6's etc etc. I am sure there are some difference though.


One of the interesting things that came about during the facelift was that the engine has been uprated with a stronger crankshaft/rods etc. Mazda deny the possibility of a factory Turbo model... but why would they do this otherwise?

There had been no reliability issues with stock cars... but interestingly the Cosworth kit for the original Mk3 was pulled as the internals were deemed inadequate after a number of failures.

I do hope a Factory MazdaSpeed Turbo is on its way.

[NeoVR]

I belive they also raised the limiter from 7k to 7.5k

[MX-5 Lazza]

I think the Ford Duratec engine was based on a Mazda design

The engines bent by the Cosworth SC were Mk3. Seems a bit of a coincidence that the Mk3.5 has stronger internals - I reckon an approved version of that SC might well be on the cards seeing as Mazda are already designing the Mk4 so probably won't want to do an FI model themselves.

[Gizmo!]

MX-5 Lazza said:

The engines bent by the Cosworth SC were Mk3. Seems a bit of a coincidence that the Mk3.5 has stronger internals - I reckon an approved version of that SC might well be on the cards seeing as Mazda are already designing the Mk4 so probably won't want to do an FI model themselves.

Maybe the same engine will be used in the Mk4, and the Mk4 will come as an FI version? >crosses fingers<

[DanGT]

Mazda have done a lot of ford engines over the time including this one. Ford I dont think have done an engine in house for years (like 20 years).

[MX-5 Lazza]

Gizmo! said:

MX-5 Lazza said:

The engines bent by the Cosworth SC were Mk3. Seems a bit of a coincidence that the Mk3.5 has stronger internals - I reckon an approved version of that SC might well be on the cards seeing as Mazda are already designing the Mk4 so probably won't want to do an FI model themselves.

Maybe the same engine will be used in the Mk4, and the Mk4 will come as an FI version? >crosses fingers<

Rumour is that Mazda are going back to the ethos of a small lightweight sportscar so a 1.4 turbo is more likely. Don't think the 2.0 will be used at all.