The 2.5liter mazda engine is definitely a bit of a pain..... but most engine failure is due to not having oil or over-revving. Or like me....flooding the engine via a cold air intake. Oh the standard 2.5liter did have 164 hp and like 156Ibs per ft of torque. They were also faster to 60mph than a CSVT but topped out at only 134mph or so. They handled great and sounded great and were all around fun cars. I have the J-spec upgrade which boosts hp to 200 or so. Beleive me they ar nice cars....but I agree that they are a pain to work on and not built as high quality as the CSVT. But nonetheless an all around fun and nice car.
Mike Bandy
