So this guy asks me...
Moderator/ Pocket Tuner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,150
From: Tampa,Fl
Originally Posted by Big Smoke
Could someone explain how the ZM is an evolution of the B6. I was trying to explain to the owner what his options were and point out the plusses and minuses of different engines and engine management systems. Having an friends with an assortment of MX and RX vehicles made this much easier. To my understanding the switch to an S-VT head is the biggest "evolution". Is there something I don't know that a few of you could enlighten me with?
Moderator/ Pocket Tuner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,150
From: Tampa,Fl
Originally Posted by Roddimus Prime
mike you think they are the same blocks with just different heads?
B6-- SOHC Hydraulic Lifter Head,Displacement 1597cc, Bore and Stroke 78mm x 83 mm, Compression 9.3:1, redline 6000 rpm, distributor single coil ignition, output 83 hp
ZM--DOHC Solid Lifter Head,Displacement 1597cc, Bore and Stroke 78mm x 83.6mm, Compression 9.0:1,redline 6500 rpm, distributorless coilpack ignition, output 105 hp
can't find any SOLID evidence it's the same block, but if I were to guess, I'd say yes
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8
From: Central Pennyslvania
Yeah, well with two clapped out Miatae available for what I can only describe as a bargain... how about the B6 from a Miata versus the ZM? We've pretty much settled upon the B6 or BP mated to a G-transmission and running on a custom ECU. The FS was a similar possibility, but we wouldn't need it for what it would cost to build properly.
Moderator/ Pocket Tuner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,150
From: Tampa,Fl
Originally Posted by Big Smoke
Yeah, well with two clapped out Miatae available for what I can only describe as a bargain... how about the B6 from a Miata versus the ZM? We've pretty much settled upon the B6 or BP mated to a G-transmission and running on a custom ECU. The FS was a similar possibility, but we wouldn't need it for what it would cost to build properly.
The B6 is a lower tech, lower powered engine and is NO stronger than a ZM....Swapping a B6 or a BP into a 3rd gen Protege is a HUGE pain in the ***...
If you want more power just turbo the ZM, it can handle it just fine....Dave Potter AKA Biknman is now up to 27 psi on his block and it is a full on trailered race car
Goldpro runs 12-15psi and his is a daily driver.....
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8
From: Central Pennyslvania
My aversion the the ZM is in the heads themselves. A lack of camshaft choices and valvetrain options limit the tuning opportunities. The control system under debate allows tables to be changed quickly for track days and even presets to be selected by the driver when necessary. A Miata B6 or BP allows us the opportunity to locate and utilize a variety of parts available at various prices. If the owner wanted to be different then a 200+ KL could be swapped in, or perhaps a Turbo II and RWD conversion. The idea isn't to be different, but to be versatile.
Moderator/ Pocket Tuner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,150
From: Tampa,Fl
if you are trying to make cheap power, then turbo it....an N/A B6 will require lots of modification just to acheive the power the ZM does bone stock...and paying out money for cams and valvetrain components will yeild less power than fuel control and upping the boost......a Haltech F10X will work on a ZM just as well as a B6
I honestly don't know why im trying to explain it.
..You seem dead set against the ZM
Tell you what...after I finish turboing my ZM....
and IF you ever actually manage to drop a B6 into a 3rd gen and then do mods to it......
We'll compare power vs cost....
I honestly don't know why im trying to explain it.
..You seem dead set against the ZMTell you what...after I finish turboing my ZM....
and IF you ever actually manage to drop a B6 into a 3rd gen and then do mods to it......
We'll compare power vs cost....
