Bespoke Miata

The stock 2.0L put a connecting rod through the block at 70 mph on the freeway. Instead of replacing it like-for-like, the question was what could be better for about the same money. That became a 2.5L Duratec swap.

Now the reasons behind that choice are gone, so it's being swapped again: a factory-turbo 2.3L EcoBoost with forged internals and a deep aftermarket, mated to the stock 6-speed through a custom adapter plate.

The obvious answer to “BMW character in a roadster” is to buy a Z3 or Z4. That's exactly the answer being rejected. Instead the Miata gets a custom composite front end inspired by the E39 5 Series, close enough that someone needs real time with the car before they realize it isn't a BMW.

It's also the first real test of the shop's scan-to-mold composite process, which goes on to the Camry.

The target is 250–260 whp, and that ceiling is on purpose. A light, well-sorted Miata is more fun when the driver can use all of its power on a canyon road, not when they're managing too much of it.

A physical rotary knob switches ECU maps: what looks like the cute roadster reveals its real character with a twist of the hand, not a setting buried in a menu.