V6-Powered Mazda Miata Is The Affordable Restomod Champion The World Needs
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a brilliant little sports car. It's known for its great handling and is probably at the top of most people's minds when talking about having rear-wheel-drive fun behind a tiller. But despite us being fans, we all know that the Miata could use more power, and Bruce Southey thought so, too, and built a more potent MX-5 for himself, replacing the inline-four engine with a V6.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Southey is the founder of Rocketeer, a UK-based company that sells V6-powered Miatas, cleverly called the MX-V6. Initially selling conversion kits after the public noticed Southey's creation, Rocketeer became a full-time business in 2021. At the center of it all is the AJ30 3.0-liter V6, chosen specifically to maintain the MX-5's renowned balance and driving characteristics.
Rocketeer V6-Powered Mazda MX-5 Miata MX-V6 - 2
The AJ30 V6 At The Center Of It All
Designed first by Porsche, then bought by Ford and improved on by renowned engine builder Cosworth, the AJ30 V6 (otherwise known as the Duratec 30) was the replacement for the Essex V6, becoming a ubiquitous power plant available in different configurations. It was used by various Jaguar models such as the XF and XJ, as well as Ford models like the Mondeo and Taurus, among others. Mazda vehicles also used this engine during its four-decade relationship with the Blue Oval.
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It nearly had a rotary, and even an engine shared with a TVR, but in the end settled for something else entirely.
According to Rocketeer, the AJ30 was chosen for its all-aluminum lightweight construction that isn't far from the original inline-four in the Miata. While turbocharging and supercharging were considered, as well as using a bigger V8, Southey chose the naturally aspirated V6 to keep the Miata's spirit intact. Thanks to careful blueprinting and balancing, the stock transmission can handle the additional power, and the engine itself is actually marginally lighter than the inline-four it replaces.
Rocketeer V6-Powered Mazda MX-5 Miata MX-V6 - 8
Three Different Ways To Get Your MX-V6
Using the AJ30 meant an MX-5 Miata that could churn out at least 280 horsepower - way above the Mazda Spirit Racing MX-5's 200 hp - and up to 375 hp in extreme cases, or nearly triple what a stock first-generation Miata could make at most. Even better, the AJ30 can rev up to 9,000 rpm. Of note, Rocketeer's conversion can be applied from first- to third-generation Miatas (NA to NC), although the most modern of those requires a little rebalancing of components to maintain the driving feel as that four-pot was lighter than that in the NA.
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Only 200 examples of the MSR 12R will be created, but another version of the MX-5 exists that is even rarer.
There are three ways you can go about the V6 transplant for your MX-5 on the Rocketeer website. You can choose to swap the engine yourself, including all the mechanical work, with the company's DIY kit costing under £10,000, or around $12,600 at current exchange rates. You can also have Rocketeer do this for you as a full turnkey MX-V6 conversion for twice the price. But if you want a complete rebuild, the British firm offers a full restomod, which will set you back up to £70,000 ($88,700). A hefty price tag, but far below the six-figure prices most restomods go for, and with such a clear focus on what makes the Miata great, it should be worth every penny.
