MX-5 NC 2.5 Engine Swap & Replacement
183–220 hp · N/A

The 2.5L L5-VE swap bolts into every MX-5 NC (2005-2015). It belongs to the same MZR family as the stock 2.0L, so it uses the same mounts and gearbox with no custom fabrication. NB models can also take the swap with additional modifications.

No, the 1.8 ECU can't run the 2.5 properly (it can't control its variable cam timing). Needs a 2.0 ECU (€350) and the 2.0/2.5 oil pickup (€80). We supply the 2.0 ECU ready to go — programmed for the 2.5, immobiliser and VVT handled by us. Everything else (mounts, gearbox, ancillaries) transfers just as on a 2.0, so the Quick Swap for a 1.8 comes to €3,030 ex VAT.

Measured on our dyno: the base swap makes 183hp / 245Nm, with our 45mm 4-1 headers 195hp / 250Nm, and with headers plus our Stage 2 cams 220hp / 270Nm. All on the factory ECU with VVT active. The stock 2.0 is rated 160hp / 188Nm.

All our figures are at the crank, corrected to DIN 70020 and measured on our own DynoRevolt dyno, with ambient temperature, pressure and humidity printed on every sheet. They are not wheel (whp) figures. Ask us and we'll send you the sheet. We publish real dyno sheets only, never virtual-dyno calculations.

We keep 2.5 L5-VE engines in Greece, each inspected before shipping: €2,000 for an engine in stock, or €1,800 on pre-order from the next batch, ex VAT. Shipping across Europe is €390 + VAT, or collect from Athens.

Every engine we supply comes with a 90-day start-up guarantee — replacement only, no refund. If it turns out faulty, we replace it. The terms are in writing before you pay.

The Quick Swap ships with a 2.5 base map: a proven starting calibration that runs the engine properly, not a custom tune for your car. A custom tune (on our dyno or remote) is optional. If you add headers or cams later, the map is adapted for them, and if you are already a DMS client a bigger upgrade later (cams, turbo) gets a new tune at a discounted price, so you are not paying full price twice.

Yes. You fit the engine, send us your stock ECU read and a datalog, and we build the map on your car's data with MazdaEdit on the factory ECU. You send more logs and we refine it: unlimited revisions until the tune is finished. Small changes after delivery are free. Bigger upgrades later (cams, turbo) get a new tune at a discounted price if you're already a DMS client. We also give you a DMS spec list so the build meets our standards before we tune it.

No. Every custom map is built from your own ECU read and logs, or on our dyno in Athens. No generic file is passed from car to car.

The Quick Swap is €2,600 ex VAT for 2.0L owners: engine, balance-shaft delete kit, MazdaEdit kit and a 2.5 base map (not a custom tune). 1.8L owners pay €3,030 ex VAT, which adds the 2.0 ECU and the oil pickup. The Performance Swap (Quick Swap + 45mm 4-1 headers + the map adapted for them) is €3,150. The Full Power Build (Performance + DMS Stage 2 cams + custom VVT calibration, 220hp) is €4,000. Service kit, custom tune and fitting are separate. Europe shipping €390 + VAT, or collect from Athens.

Yes. The L5-VE is a production Mazda engine used in the Mazda 3, 5 and 6. Every calibration is checked for knock, AFR and intake temperature on our dyno, and cold starts, idle and closed loop stay factory-like. We use OEM-grade parts (genuine Mazda friction washers, new seals and pilot bearing) The stock clutch in good condition handles the 2.5 fine; a new clutch is optional.

A complete turn-key swap takes 5-7 working days at our Artemida (Athens) workshop: engine preparation, installation, wiring, ECU calibration on our in-house dyno and final checks. You pick up a finished, dyno-verified car.

The 2.5 swap gives linear, naturally aspirated power with no lag and factory-like reliability, ideal for the road. Our NC turbo kit goes up to 380hp but needs more supporting mods and maintenance. Many clients start with the 2.5 and add a turbo later; the 2.5 makes the most torque at lower boost.

Yes. We ship 2.5L L5-VE engines and complete swap kits throughout Europe, including the UK, Switzerland and Norway, for €350 + VAT, and support DIY builders with remote ECU calibration. Clients have completed builds in Germany, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Austria and more.

At 183hp in an NC of roughly 1,100kg, that is about 166hp per tonne. With headers and Stage 2 cams (220hp) it rises to about 200hp per tonne.