MX-5 Complete Engines: Which Stage Fits Your Build? | SPS Motorsport

With the SPS engine configurator, you can assemble your engine exactly the way you want it! For the first time, it is also possible to order fully assembled individual cylinder blocks and cylinder heads directly from us—delivered ready for installation at home. Of course, we also continue to offer our complete engines as parts packages for those who prefer to build their engine themselves using our components. In this section for turbo engine builds, you can configure your dream engine for use with either the stock intake system or an upgrade intake system. You can choose between three base concepts, which are also the most frequently requested: Budget The cost-effective option for building your engine for higher power output. Here, the focus is on affordability, yet the packages still consist of high-quality components that meet our strict standards. Fully compatible with the stock intake system. Performance Ideal for those looking for the perfect middle ground between a weekend track tool and occasional street use. Perfect for builders who don’t want a pure race engine but still want a significant increase in performance. An individual throttle body system is recommended. Race The ultimate engine for race vehicles with individual throttle bodies. These packages are fully optimized for maximum power and durability. Not recommended for daily drivers or street vehicles—intended exclusively for motorsport use.   Configuration Options Engine Here you can select from all available base engines. Simply choose the engine currently installed in your car or the one you plan to install.   Cylinder Head You can choose between the base concepts listed above: Budget Variant The cylinder head is rebuilt, freshly sealed, and fitted with new intake valves. Replacing the intake valves is always recommended—especially on turbocharged engines—as they tend to pound into the seats and may no longer seal properly. Included parts: NA–NBFL: Mazda camshaft seals, aftermarket valve stem seals, Mazda thermostat gaskets, Mazda thermostat housing O-ring at the head, (NA Mazda CAS O-ring) NC: Mazda EGR valve gasket, Mazda rear coolant outlet gasket, aftermarket valve stem seals   Performance Variant Includes our Stage 2 camshafts with uprated valve springs to increase performance. You also receive adjustable cam gears to properly degree the new camshafts. Included parts: NA–NBFL: Stage 2 camshafts, adjustable cam gears, coolant reroute kit, Mazda camshaft seals, valve stem seals, Mazda thermostat gaskets, thermostat housing O-ring, (NA CAS O-ring) NC: Stage 3 camshafts, Mazda EGR valve gasket, Mazda rear coolant outlet gasket, valve stem seals Race Variant Further increases performance using our Stage 3 camshafts with hardened valve springs and solid lifters. The cylinder head is also ported for improved flow. This setup is ideal for dedicated track use only. Not recommended for everyday street use. Included parts: NA–NBFL: Stage 3 camshafts, adjustable cam gears, coolant reroute kit, Mazda camshaft seals, valve stem seals, Mazda thermostat gaskets, thermostat housing O-ring, (NA CAS O-ring) NC: Stage 3 camshafts, Mazda EGR valve gasket, Mazda rear coolant outlet gasket, valve stem seals You may also choose to exclude the cylinder head entirely if you only need a new cylinder block and plan to continue using your original head.   Config Camshafts Intake valves Reroute Adjustable camgears Budget ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ ✗ ✗ Performance SPS Stage 2 camset NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ Race SPS Stage 3 camset NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗    Cylinder Block Here you can choose between our three base concepts: Budget Variant Includes new forged Wössner pistons combined with H-beam connecting rods. The engine is also fitted with new ACL Race Series bearings and a Boundary Stage 2 oil pump (NA–NBFL only). Additionally, NA–NBFL engines receive a Fluidampr harmonic balancer. The matching water pump and all required gaskets are included. Included parts: NA–NBFL: Wössner piston kit, SPS H-beam rods, ACL Race main & rod bearings, Mazda water pump, Boundary Stage 2 oil pump, Mazda thrust washers, block-to-head dowels, Mazda oil pan gaskets, crankshaft seals, oil pickup gasket, and various small parts NC: Wiseco (1.8L) / Wössner (2.0L) piston kit, ACL Race main & rod bearings, ARP main studs, H-beam rods, Fluidampr, Skidnation baffle plate, Mazda oil pickup, Mazda oil pump, Mazda oil filter, aftermarket water pump with Mazda gasket, thrust washers, crank seals, oil pickup gasket, and various small parts   Performance Variant Perfectly prepares your engine for boost pressures above 1 bar. ARP main studs and the Boundary oil pump (NA–NBFL only) significantly increase the block’s stability under high boost.   Race Variant (Available only for NA–NBFL) This configuration adds SPS billet main caps to prevent failure of the OEM main caps under extreme boost pressures. This setup prepares you for absolutely everything. Included parts (NA–NBFL): Wössner piston kit, SPS H-beam rods, SPS billet main caps, Fluidampr, ACL Race main & rod bearings, ARP main studs, Skidnation baffle plate, Mazda water pump, Boundary Stage 2 oil pump, Mazda thrust washers, block-to-head dowels, Mazda oil pan gaskets, crankshaft seals, oil pickup gasket, and various small parts You may also deselect the cylinder block entirely if you only want the cylinder head or the components to assemble a head. Config Sealing set Rod bearings Main bearings Piston set New oilpump Upgrade-rods Budget ✓ ACL Race ACL Race Wössner Boundary Stage 2 ✓ NC ✓ (Mazda original) ✓ Performance ✓ ACL Race ACL Race   Wössner  Boundary Stage 2 ✓ NC ✓ (Mazda original) ✓ Race ✓ ACL Race  ACL Race   Wössner Boundary Stage 2 ✓ ✓   Assembly Finally, you can choose between a parts package or a fully assembled configuration. Without assembly: You receive all components for self-assembly. With assembly: You receive a fully assembled cylinder head, cylinder block, or complete engine delivered to your home. If you order block and head together without assembly, you will also receive a completion kit containing all necessary components such as: Head gasket, valve cover gasket, timing belt/chain kit, timing covers (NA–NBFL), intake manifold gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, spark plugs, drive belt(s), thermostat, and additional seals. For the assembled variant, the main engine components (cylinder block, cylinder head, or complete engine) are considered core exchange units. After completing your installation, you must send us your original components. Alternatively, you can send us your components beforehand to use them as a basis for the rebuild.

With the SPS engine configurator, you can assemble your engine exactly the way you want it! For the first time, it is also possible to order fully assembled individual cylinder blocks and individual cylinder heads from us—delivered ready for installation at home. Of course, we also continue to offer our complete engines as parts packages for those who want to build their engine themselves at home using our components. Here in the naturally aspirated engine section, you can configure your dream engine for use with either the stock intake system or an ITB setup. You can choose between four different base concepts, which are also the most commonly requested: Stock Rebuilt You just want a cost-effective overhaul of your engine? Then Stock Rebuilt is the right choice. We’ve optimized both the selection of parts used and our machining/assembly processes to ensure high-quality refurbishment at a great price. Budget The cost-effective way to build your engine for higher performance. The focus here is on affordability, yet the packages still use high-quality components that meet our high standards. Fully compatible with the stock intake manifold. Performance The perfect balance between a weekend track tool and occasional street use. Ideal for those who don't want a pure race engine but still want a significant performance increase. An individual throttle body setup is recommended here. Race The ultimate engine for race cars with individual throttle bodies. These packages are fully optimized for maximum power output and durability. Not recommended for daily drivers or street vehicles—designed exclusively for pure motorsport use.   Configuration Options Engine Here you can select from all available base engines. Simply choose the engine your vehicle is currently running or the one you plan to install.   Cylinder Head As mentioned above, you can choose between the base concepts: Stock Rebuilt Variant The cylinder head is rebuilt, freshly sealed, and for NA to NBFL engines fitted with new intake valves. Replacing the intake valves is always recommended, as they tend to pound into the seat and eventually fail to seal properly. Included parts (NA to NBFL): Mazda camshaft seals, aftermarket valve stem seals, Mazda thermostat gaskets, Mazda thermostat housing O-ring (NA CAS O-ring) Included parts (NC): Mazda EGR valve gasket, Mazda rear head coolant outlet gasket, aftermarket valve stem seals   Budget Variant Adds the installation of our Stage 1 camshafts. Included parts (NA to NBFL): Mazda camshaft seals, valve stem seals, Mazda thermostat gaskets, Mazda thermostat housing O-ring, SPS Stage 1 camshafts Included parts (NC): Mazda EGR valve gasket, Mazda coolant outlet gasket, valve stem seals, SPS Stage 1 camshafts   Performance Variant Uses our Stage 2 camshafts with uprated valve springs, and for NA engines includes mechanical cam followers (solid lifters). The cylinder head is also ported to increase power output. NA to NBFL engines additionally receive adjustable cam gears for proper cam timing. Included parts (NA to NBFL): Mazda camshaft seals, valve stem seals, thermostat gaskets, CAS O-ring (NA), SPS Stage 2 cam kit, SPS adjustable cam gears, reroute kit Included parts (NC): Mazda EGR gasket, rear coolant outlet gasket, valve stem seals, SPS Stage 2 cam kit   Race Variant Further increases performance using our Stage 3 camshafts with hardened valve springs and solid lifters. Perfect for dedicated race track use. Not recommended for daily driving due to potential rough idle. Included parts (NA to NBFL): Mazda camshaft seals, valve stem seals, thermostat gaskets, CAS O-ring, SPS Stage 3 cam kit, SPS adjustable cam gears, reroute kit Included parts (NC): Mazda EGR gasket, coolant outlet gasket, valve stem seals, SPS Stage 3 cam kit   You can also choose to exclude the cylinder head entirely if you only need a new cylinder block and want to continue using your original head.   Config Camshafts New Intake Valves Reroute Adjustable camgears Stock rebuilt Keep stock camshafts NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ ✗ ✗ Budget SPS Stage 1 cams NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ ✗ ✗ Performance SPS Stage 2 camset NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ Race SPS Stage 3 camset NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✓ NC ✗   Cylinder Block Here you can also choose between our four base concepts. Stock Rebuilt You only need a refreshed stock short block? No problem—Stock Rebuilt is the right choice. Included parts (NA to NBFL): Hastings piston rings, ACL Street main & rod bearings, Mazda water pump + gasket, thrust washers, crank seals, block-to-head dowels, oil pickup gasket, oil filter, oil pan gaskets, various small parts Included parts (NC): Hastings rings, ACL Street main bearings + ACL Race rod bearings, oil pickup, oil pump, oil filter, aftermarket water pump, thrust washers, crank seals, gaskets, small parts   Budget Variant The engine is fully resealed and fitted with new ACL Race Series bearings. Includes the correct water pump and all required gaskets. Included parts: (same as above, but with ACL Race bearings for both mains and rods)   Performance Variant Perfectly prepared for individual throttle bodies. Uses Wössner forged pistons and a Boundary oil pump (NA–NBFL only), giving the engine substantially improved high-RPM stability.   Race Variant Adds H-beam connecting rods and (for NA–NBFL) a Boundary Stage 2 oil pump for maximum durability at high power and RPM levels. This option prepares you for absolutely everything. You may also deselect the cylinder block entirely to receive only the head or head-assembly parts.   Config Sealing kit Rod bearings Main bearings Piston set New oil pump H-beam rods Stock rebuilt ✓ ACL Street ACL Street ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✗ NC ✓ (Mazda original) ✗ Budget ✓ ACL Race ACL Race ✗ NA/NB/NBFL ✗ NC ✓ (Mazda original) ✗ Performance ✓ ACL Race ACL Race   Wössner  Boundary Stage 2  NC (Mazda original) ✗ Race ✓ ACL Race  ACL Race   Wössner Boundary Stage 2  NC (Mazda original) ✓     Assembly Finally, you can choose between receiving a parts package or a fully assembled configuration. Without assembly: You receive the individual parts for self-assembly. With assembly: You receive a fully assembled cylinder head, short block, or complete engine delivered to your home. If you order block & head together without assembly, you additionally receive a completion kit containing: Head gasket, valve cover gasket, timing belt/chain kit, timing covers (NA–NBFL), intake manifold gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, spark plugs, drive belt(s), thermostat, and various seals. For the assembled variant, the main engine components (cylinder block, head, or complete engine) are considered an exchange core. You must send us your original components after installing your new ones. Alternatively, you may send us your components in advance as the basis for our work.