For those without hands-on experience in automotive mechanics, visualizing how all the oily, moving components of an engine interact to power a car can be challenging. This is why the captivating stop-motion video featuring the disassembly of a 1.6-liter engine from a Mazda Miata/MX-5—executed by an unseen set of hands—is so enjoyable to watch; its straightforwardness is almost mesmerizing.
Produced by the How a Car Works YouTube channel, this project consists of 2,500 individual frames captured over a four-day disassembly period, followed by eight days of meticulous editing to compile the footage, as the creator explained on Reddit. The end product showcases the B6ZE engine being dismantled piece by piece, transforming from a fully operational engine into a collection of parts in under three minutes.
Whether it’s the smooth synthwave background music, striking lighting, or the way the valve cover effortlessly lifts off to unveil the gleaming components inside like a treasure chest, there’s something incredibly satisfying about this visual experience. Additionally, the absence of greasy hands obscuring the view during crucial moments—often a downside in many DIY engine videos—adds to the overall appeal.
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