Revved Up Wonder: 13,000-RPM Mazda Miata with Motorcycle Engine Sounds Like a Beast
The Miata That’s Not Miata: A Roadster with a Superbike Soul
When it comes to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, opinions are sharply divided. Some folks adore its lightweight, agile design, while others see it as a slow, small car. But what about those who take it to the next level – literally? Take YouTuber ReedMakeCar, for example, who decided to swap his Miata’s engine with one from a 2008 Honda CBR1000RR motorcycle.
The Honda CBR1000RR’s engine boasts a power output of around 175-180 horsepower, which is impressive for a 1.0-liter four-cylinder. The engine revs up to 13,000 rpm, nearly twice the redline of the original Miata engine. For reference, an NB Miata with the 1.8-liter engine has a redline of 7,000 rpm and a power output of 140 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque. With the Honda engine, the Miata can reportedly reach 60 mph in just three seconds.
After installing the new engine, Reed took his Miata on the dyno and measured its performance. The results were impressive, with the engine producing 160 horsepower at 11,500 rpm and 80 lb-ft of peak torque at 9,200 rpm. While the stripped-out MX-5 still weighs more than the 439-pound bike, the visceral experience is the biggest improvement for now.
Reed’s project is far from over, as he plans to add a turbocharger to take the engine’s performance to the next level. One thing is certain – his Miata is no longer just a Miata.
