Rocketeer Transforms Mazda MX-5 Miata NC with Jaguar V-6 Power
Rocketeer has been a pioneer in V-6 engine conversions for Mazda Miatas since 2013, and they are now extending this powerful upgrade to the third-generation MX-5, known as the NC chassis. While the NC Miata is sometimes overlooked in the lineage of the MX-5, often compared unfavorably to its predecessors and successors, it possesses an excellent driving dynamic and substantial aftermarket support. Rocketeer's latest offering seeks to elevate the NC's standing by endowing it with a potent Jaguar-derived V-6 engine, promising around 300 naturally aspirated horsepower.
The ingenuity behind this transformation originated in the UK, a nation with a surprising fondness for convertibles and a vibrant community of automotive innovators. Bruce Southey, the mastermind behind Rocketeer, first achieved a successful Jaguar engine swap into a first-generation Miata in 2013. The chosen powerplant, a 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V-6, shares engineering DNA with Porsche and Cosworth. Its aluminum construction is notably lighter than the iron-block four-cylinder engines found in early MX-5 models, making it an ideal candidate for a significant power enhancement without compromising the vehicle's inherent agility. This V-6 engine is meticulously integrated into the NC chassis to ensure an optimal 50/50 weight distribution, further enhanced by a new carbon-fiber intake and an unrestricted exhaust system that produces an exhilarating auditory experience.
This high-performance conversion is surprisingly accessible, especially when compared to the cost of many high-end custom vehicle restorations. A complete, ready-to-drive package, featuring the engine swap and retaining other factory Mazda components, starts at approximately $28,000. For enthusiasts preferring to undertake the installation themselves, Rocketeer also offers the engines separately, with prices for a slightly less powerful version beginning around $8,000 in the UK. Furthermore, Rocketeer has expanded its operations to the US, partnering with a Kansas-based facility to provide turn-key conversions domestically. This makes the prospect of owning a V-6-powered, 'super Miata' a tangible reality, with pricing comparable to a lightly used current-generation ND MX-5.
Ultimately, the Rocketeer-modified NC Miata presents an exciting proposition for drivers who appreciate a car that is not only inherently enjoyable but also offers considerable potential for personalized performance enhancements. The NC's slightly more spacious interior and extensive array of available chassis and braking upgrades make it a superb platform for bespoke tuning. While Mazda engineers rightly pride themselves on the current ND's sharper performance, the opportunity to refine and personalize an NC to such a degree, turning it into a truly unique and exhilarating machine, is an appealing alternative. It empowers enthusiasts to shape their driving experience, proving that with vision and innovation, even an underappreciated model can be transformed into something extraordinary and deeply satisfying.