Honda 3.5L V6 swap
#141
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
6 speed transmission
stock flywheel
happy meal clutch
engine
stock intake
FM turbo exhaust manifold
2560 turbo
alternator
no PS
no AC
trans oil, engine oil, radiator water
driveshaft
So if you're going to swap out an engine and transmission, this is your baseline weight to get 250whp. Of course, you'll need to go through the same game if you're swapping differentials and half shafts.
#142
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just scaled my car and found out some interesting information. The weight for the engine and transmission is 460lbs.
6 speed transmission
stock flywheel
happy meal clutch
engine
stock intake
FM turbo exhaust manifold
2560 turbo
alternator
no PS
no AC
trans oil, engine oil, radiator water
driveshaft
So if you're going to swap out an engine and transmission, this is your baseline weight to get 250whp. Of course, you'll need to go through the same game if you're swapping differentials and half shafts.
6 speed transmission
stock flywheel
happy meal clutch
engine
stock intake
FM turbo exhaust manifold
2560 turbo
alternator
no PS
no AC
trans oil, engine oil, radiator water
driveshaft
So if you're going to swap out an engine and transmission, this is your baseline weight to get 250whp. Of course, you'll need to go through the same game if you're swapping differentials and half shafts.
#145
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I feel like I started posting this a long time ago, but never did it. It's a J-series S2000 swap, but the mounts are what matters.
Turbo J32A2 S2000 build thread - S2KI Honda S2000 Forums
Edit: Got them uploaded:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/137174-honda-3-5l-v6-swap-608395c1a97f2f15ddf31eece09b1e76_zpszxk1y19x.jpg?dateline=1428111245)
Turbo J32A2 S2000 build thread - S2KI Honda S2000 Forums
Edit: Got them uploaded:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/137174-honda-3-5l-v6-swap-608395c1a97f2f15ddf31eece09b1e76_zpszxk1y19x.jpg?dateline=1428111245)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/engine-performance-56/137175-honda-3-5l-v6-swap-64b16cbf4a00afc886a48de1459d2bc0_zpsr6v3qwjo.jpg?dateline=1428111245)
Last edited by Corey; 04-03-2015 at 09:34 PM.
#154
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I don't see why a rear sump pan and pickup can't be made to allow the use of the stock rack and stock location. Obviously that would require moving the starter to a more traditional spot, though. I don't see why one couldn't place the starter on a stand-off mount like what Claire and the other KLDE/KLZE guys are using.
The engine design is at least 10 years older. Base engine against base engine it may be inferior, but the market for tuning the j-series is huge. All that said, I really like the idea of the LFX swap. Using all OEM stuff is nice.
The engine design is at least 10 years older. Base engine against base engine it may be inferior, but the market for tuning the j-series is huge. All that said, I really like the idea of the LFX swap. Using all OEM stuff is nice.
#155
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
SOHC (and belt drive) gives the engine very low friction characteristics = good cruising mpgs
SOHC makes the engine lighter
On paper, the J series is a pretty simple, almost archaic engine. In the real world you drive a J powered car and the last thing on your mind is "Man, this thing would be soooo much better if it was DOHC!" The engine as a whole package is excellent, can make great, reliable power NA and make crazy numbers when adding boost.
Obviously the merits of DOHC are well known and there's a reason the J engine seemed to top out around 300hp in OEM (vs ~350 of a VQ) but please don't discount this engine solely on the fact that it's SOHC, that's just ignorant.
#157
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
SOHC makes the engine package as a whole smaller = easier to fit in your tight space.
SOHC (and belt drive) gives the engine very low friction characteristics = good cruising mpgs
SOHC makes the engine lighter
On paper, the J series is a pretty simple, almost archaic engine. In the real world you drive a J powered car and the last thing on your mind is "Man, this thing would be soooo much better if it was DOHC!" The engine as a whole package is excellent, can make great, reliable power NA and make crazy numbers when adding boost.
Obviously the merits of DOHC are well known and there's a reason the J engine seemed to top out around 300hp in OEM (vs ~350 of a VQ) but please don't discount this engine solely on the fact that it's SOHC, that's just ignorant.
SOHC (and belt drive) gives the engine very low friction characteristics = good cruising mpgs
SOHC makes the engine lighter
On paper, the J series is a pretty simple, almost archaic engine. In the real world you drive a J powered car and the last thing on your mind is "Man, this thing would be soooo much better if it was DOHC!" The engine as a whole package is excellent, can make great, reliable power NA and make crazy numbers when adding boost.
Obviously the merits of DOHC are well known and there's a reason the J engine seemed to top out around 300hp in OEM (vs ~350 of a VQ) but please don't discount this engine solely on the fact that it's SOHC, that's just ignorant.
Honda C engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Simpler, lighter, cheaper.....better for 99% of users. Comparing this swap to the LSx is missing the point, different strokes for different folks.
![wink](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#159
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Anyone actually finish the swap? Any track footage (from the manufacturer or a customer)?
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KPower Industries
Home of the original KMiata Swap
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/signaturepics/sigpic27665_14.gif)
K24 NC swap is coming in 2024! Learn more
info@kpower.industries
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
#160
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
One of the hallmarks of a good bench racing BS session is that you should not have all the information.
Conjecture and misinformation only makes the discussion more fun.
So on that note I apologize for contacting SuperFastMinis to get more information about the steering and oil pan. Norm at SuperFast said,
"The oil pan in the V6 Miata is approx .700" below the bottom of the stock K member. You will drag the bolt heads on the cross brace of a stock NB frame before you get to the oil pan. I can decrease the capacity of the pan from 6 to 5 qts., raising it .690", but I would rather have the capacity over the clearance. I have a Touge Run chin spoiler on one car that is one inch below the oil pan.
The rack and pinion is lowered approx .625" and has minimal bump steer in a firm stock height setup. Lowering the car considerably amplifies it somewhat. I have developed a rack offset kit that eliminates bump steer and actually be adjusted to give better steer characteristics in lowered cars. I will eventually add it to the kit."
Now since I would be considering an engine swap for a Catfish rather than a Miata, it means that I have more options than a Miata to move the engine in the bay--I may be able to keep the stock steering rack location, for example. Also, since the car is considerably lighter than a stock Miata, it also means that there's less stress on a stock drivetrain--I need to worry less about grenading a transmission or pumpkiin.
The difference between the LFX and J35 -- besides horsepower -- seems to be weight and robustness. The LFX will weigh more, but will have a stout transmission that can handle the ponies. I assume that a pumpkin change and driveline upgrade would be in the cards too.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
So on that note I apologize for contacting SuperFastMinis to get more information about the steering and oil pan. Norm at SuperFast said,
"The oil pan in the V6 Miata is approx .700" below the bottom of the stock K member. You will drag the bolt heads on the cross brace of a stock NB frame before you get to the oil pan. I can decrease the capacity of the pan from 6 to 5 qts., raising it .690", but I would rather have the capacity over the clearance. I have a Touge Run chin spoiler on one car that is one inch below the oil pan.
The rack and pinion is lowered approx .625" and has minimal bump steer in a firm stock height setup. Lowering the car considerably amplifies it somewhat. I have developed a rack offset kit that eliminates bump steer and actually be adjusted to give better steer characteristics in lowered cars. I will eventually add it to the kit."
Now since I would be considering an engine swap for a Catfish rather than a Miata, it means that I have more options than a Miata to move the engine in the bay--I may be able to keep the stock steering rack location, for example. Also, since the car is considerably lighter than a stock Miata, it also means that there's less stress on a stock drivetrain--I need to worry less about grenading a transmission or pumpkiin.
The difference between the LFX and J35 -- besides horsepower -- seems to be weight and robustness. The LFX will weigh more, but will have a stout transmission that can handle the ponies. I assume that a pumpkin change and driveline upgrade would be in the cards too.