Video: Which Chevy V6-Swapped Mazda Is Better, RX-8 or MX-5?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/uWNxnQl8nzg

Mentioning V8 Roadsters may conjure up images of a massive V8 stuffed into a NA Miata, but the company also produces kits that slot the Chevrolet LFX V6 into a number of popular Mazda products–a kit we decided to use for our budget MX-5 endurance racer.

We recently compared two of the company’s swaps: an automatic Mazda RX-8 and a manual NC-chassis Mazda MX-5? Presented by CRC Industries.

noddaz
noddaz GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
1/8/21 1:06 p.m.

Yes.

Tom Suddard
Tom Suddard GRM+ Memberand Director of Marketing & Digital Assets
1/8/21 1:52 p.m.

It didn't make it into the video, but after shooting wrapped I took the MX-5 out again for a few laps with revised tire pressures and shock tuning, and WOW did that make it a closer competition. The answer really is "Both"

spacecadet (Forum Supporter)
spacecadet (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
1/8/21 2:05 p.m.

Cool video, I liked the intro by SUPER EXCITED TOM.

Raze (Forum Supporter)
Raze (Forum Supporter) UltraDork
1/8/21 2:47 p.m.

what's the cost/weight/size diff on the RX8 LFX vs a 6th Gen V6 Camaro?  

Tom Suddard
Tom Suddard GRM+ Memberand Director of Marketing & Digital Assets
1/8/21 3:46 p.m.

In reply to Raze (Forum Supporter) :

I'm going from memory here, but I think the difference is about 300 pounds. The size difference is HUGE though. It's just a drastically different scale for a car. The Camaro is about 6" wider and more than a foot longer.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
1/8/21 3:48 p.m.
Raze (Forum Supporter) said:

what's the cost/weight/size diff on the RX8 LFX vs a 6th Gen V6 Camaro?  

Okay, that made me laugh out loud. It's an excellent question to ask.

BlueInGreen - Jon (Forum Supporter)
BlueInGreen - Jon (Forum Supporter) UltraDork
1/8/21 3:56 p.m.

Plus, you can see out of an RX8 :P

Now just need to do an old school version of this comparison: Dusterbd13’s $2000 challenge V6 Miata and wvumtnbkr’s  V6 RX7 Champcar.

Rodan
Rodan Dork
1/8/21 5:06 p.m.

All that video and we don't get to hear what they sound like?  Shame.

AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter)
AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) Dork
1/8/21 7:13 p.m.

But isn't an LS1 version of each even better?  Next video?

wvumtnbkr
wvumtnbkr GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
1/8/21 7:15 p.m.
BlueInGreen - Jon (Forum Supporter) said:

Plus, you can see out of an RX8 :P

Now just need to do an old school version of this comparison: Dusterbd13’s $2000 challenge V6 Miata and wvumtnbkr’s  V6 RX7 Champcar.

I'm in!

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