So You Want to Make Some Power?

Building high performance engines can be a really fun experience! And the Mazda BP is an exceptionally versatile and fun platform on which to build.

When building something that's not stock, the challenge is finding the right knowledge. It's hard to find answers for what parts to use, what specs to build to, and what processes you should and shouldn't use. Building a boosted engine is not trivial and often takes a couple of attempts. But fear not—we are here to help!

Let's start with the heart of the engine: the rotating assembly! When adding boost to the motor, you want a harder piston that can take the pounding. The Wiseco Forged pistons are what we use in all our builds. Perfectly happy up to 400 HP (and beyond), these pistons come in a range of compression ratios and diameters to fit the need.

For rods, we like the Manley H-Beams. They are the strongest option out there and reasonably priced as well. In select applications we choose the Carillo rods to keep the weight down, but in 90% of applications the Manleys are the right part for the job!

Bearings are application driven. For all-out race motors that make a huge amount of power and have a reasonably short life between builds, go with the ACL bearings. For street engines typically running less power and with longer rebuild intervals, we prefer the Mazda OEM bearings.

Oil pumps! For any build over about 200 HP, it's worth the money to switch to some billet pump gears. The flat plane crankshaft can flex under high load which can damage the delicate cast gears of the OEM pumps. Billet gears add an additional level of protection. And be sure to shim your pump for the target oil pressure you need.

Valvetrain: what is and isn't worth the upgrade? If you want more head flow, you need to increase the valve size; huge gains are available by increasing the airflow through the head. If you've changed either the weight of the valves, changed camshafts, or the rpm range of the engine has increased, you need to increase the spring pressure; depending on your RPM target, there are several types of springs available.

And as always, if you need advice, specs, or tips, just ask! We want to help you succeed with your build. We also offer engine rebuilding classes—as well as programs for you to build your engine in our shop, using our tools and equipment, guided the whole way by one of our experienced engine builders.