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The Miata, a beloved sports car known for its lightweight design and nimble handling, has become a popular platform for engine swaps. One of the most sought-after upgrades is the K-series engine swap, which transforms the Miata’s performance capabilities. In this article, we will delve into performance testing the Miata K swap, focusing on how much faster it is in 0-60 times and track performance.
Understanding the K-Series Engine
The K-series engine, originally designed for Honda vehicles, is renowned for its power and reliability. With its high-revving nature and lightweight construction, it offers a significant performance boost when swapped into a Miata. Here are some key features of the K-series engine:
- High Horsepower: Depending on the variant, K-series engines can produce between 140 to over 250 horsepower.
- Lightweight: The engine’s aluminum construction keeps overall weight down, enhancing the Miata’s handling.
- Aftermarket Support: A wide range of aftermarket parts and tuning options are available for K-series engines.
Performance Testing Methodology
To accurately assess the performance gains from the K swap, we conducted a series of tests comparing a stock Miata with a K-swapped Miata. The testing focused on:
- 0-60 mph acceleration times
- Quarter-mile times
- Track lap times
0-60 mph Acceleration Test
The 0-60 mph test is a standard measure of a car’s acceleration capabilities. We used a GPS-based performance meter to ensure accuracy. The results were as follows:
- Stock Miata: 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds
- K-Swapped Miata: 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds
The K-swapped Miata demonstrated a remarkable improvement in acceleration, shaving over three seconds off the stock time.
Quarter-Mile Performance
Next, we measured the quarter-mile times to further evaluate the performance differences. The results were impressive:
- Stock Miata: Quarter-mile in 15.9 seconds
- K-Swapped Miata: Quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds
The K swap provided a significant advantage in straight-line performance, with a reduction of over two and a half seconds in the quarter-mile time.
Track Performance Analysis
To evaluate the handling and overall performance on a track, we conducted timed laps around a local road course. The findings were as follows:
- Stock Miata: Fastest lap time of 1:35.2
- K-Swapped Miata: Fastest lap time of 1:28.4
The K-swapped Miata not only accelerated faster but also maintained superior lap times, demonstrating enhanced handling and cornering capabilities.
Factors Influencing Performance
Several factors contribute to the performance improvements seen with the K-series engine swap. These include:
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: The K-series engine’s power output significantly improves the Miata’s power-to-weight ratio.
- Tuning Potential: The K-series can be tuned for even greater performance, allowing for further enhancements.
- Improved Cooling: K-series swaps often include upgraded cooling systems, which help maintain performance during extended driving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the performance testing of the Miata K swap reveals substantial gains in both acceleration and track performance. With a 0-60 time reduced by over three seconds, a quarter-mile time improvement of more than two and a half seconds, and significantly faster lap times, the K-series engine proves to be an exceptional upgrade for Miata enthusiasts. For those looking to enhance their driving experience, the K swap is undoubtedly a compelling option.