I like the idea of swapping a different V10 into a Viper, though, for no reason. It would be an homage to Chrysler’s momentary ownership of Lamborghini. Call it a Dodge Iacocca.

It might be super unreliable, but I bet it won’t spontaniously burst into flames anymore.

Very nice info. Never had a rotary, but am considering it for a future project. I was always curious if there was a way to make them reliable-ish.

Read it on your suggestion - actually glad I did. I didn’t know about the aluminum-cast-iron manifold and all of the other bits that turned the Mazda rotor into the worstiest of ovens. I think I said “WTF?!” out loud too many times to count....

Very awesome! sidenote: Please get a better fitting helmet!

want a v-10 Miata, well they already made that

This really seems like it should be its own article (that’s a compliment, and that’s coming from a guy that hates rotary engines).

Actually a 2mm or 3mm seal n/a rotary will be quite reliable. They’ll probably put a 2mm in it for higher RPM capability, but outside of the STOCK RX-8 (which had issues because of the 1.2mm apex seals, a reduced oil injection volume, and a bunch of other issues), n/a rotaries are quite reliable.

I’ve shared this…

Cod of the day.

Done midengine.

being a oddball mazda shop they should swap it into a B2000 Pickup

What are they doing with the V-10? Because I’m thinking Miata swap.

In 2004 and 2005 they were considered the most powerful of the V10s. 2004 was a very successful year for Button in the BAR, even without a race win. 2005 they had by some estimates over 1000 hp but they tended to grenade into smokey clouds on a regular basis.

I appreciate you pointing all that out - I wasn’t aware. Nevertheless, these seem like fairly straightforward engineering challenges. I’m not saying they are “easy”, just that with the prowess, access to technology, and funding of a team like Honda, it seems like they should be able to get this done.

In an era where we can basically print engines, how is it possible that Honda (of all companies) can’t seem to make a powerful, reliable engine? I’m mystified by this. I realize that things like “design” and “ergonomics” are subjective, and as a result, street cars sometimes don’t sell well. But an engine is an…

It’s not just $100m, that’s the cash they give McLaren, it’s probably closer to $200m annually if you include the expenses associated with actually developing and building the engine. Truly insane stuff when you consider a Civic 4-banger from pick-your-part is like $950, and it’ll at least get them to the finish line.

Ford money and Cosworth engineering worked well with the DFV.

because it’s just dragging both parties down.

McLaren-Ford-Cosworth PLEASE.

I..kinda saw this divorce coming. I mean, at some point McLaren will have had it and just split because it’s just dragging both parties down.