British specialist Rocketeer has expanded its Mazda MX-5 engine-swap work to the NC generation, installing a naturally aspirated Ford V6 while preserving the sports car’s original bulkhead, subframe, and 50-50 weight distribution.

The NC-generation MX-5 was produced from 2005 to 2015, and Rocketeer’s latest conversion gives it a 3.0-liter Ford engine sourced from applications including the Mondeo, Jaguar S-Type, and Jaguar X-Type. The choice is less conventional than the V6 engines commonly associated with performance conversions.

Ford V6 receives several upgrades

Rocketeer has modified the engine with individual throttle bodies, a carbon-fiber intake, a revised cylinder head, and a new exhaust system. The resulting powertrain produces 304 horsepower and 265 pound-feet (359 Nm) of torque.

The standard manual transmission remains in place, although the conversion adds a stronger clutch and a lighter flywheel. These changes accompany the additional cylinders without requiring alterations to the NC’s bulkhead or subframe.

Subtle exterior appearance

Rocketeer’s conversion does little to advertise the engine beneath the hood. Aside from aftermarket wheels and different tailpipes on the featured car, the V6-powered MX-5 looks much like a standard NC model.

That understated appearance also reflects the conversion’s use of the original weight distribution. Rather than substantially changing the car’s structure, Rocketeer has fitted the V6 while retaining the balance specified for the standard MX-5.

Conversion cost

A complete V6 engine swap from Rocketeer costs £25,000, or approximately $33,400, before VAT. The price does not include the donor MX-5, meaning the finished project requires a further vehicle purchase in addition to the conversion itself.

Rocketeer has previously offered V6 swaps for the first- and second-generation MX-5, known as the NA and NB. The NC conversion extends that approach to the third-generation car with a Ford-sourced six-cylinder engine and a factory-like exterior appearance.