So many options

[AzWoodWarrior]

I finally have a good understanding of modeling, now I want to explore the more advanced features of Maya. I have a simple spaceship that I want the intakes to look like a swirling ball of energy. With so many choices, what would be the easiest way to make this? Nparticles? Meshlight? Animate the attributes of a noise node? Mandelbrot? So confused 

[damaggio]

There are no reference images of the spaceship nor the energy look you are trying to achieve.

Please be more specific so someone can help you achieve this.

[AzWoodWarrior]

I did leave it vague on purpose. I don't know the best way to get the effect of, imagine looking at Scotties engines on impulse power. I attached the geometry of the spaceship and a nurbs sphere that is the intake. I wish I could find a reference image, but I couldn't find one that was close enough

[hamsterHamster]

With "so many options" you should narrow the desired result, and more specific you'll be, the less options there will remain.

No, spaceship reference is irrelevant; go search for "swirling ball of energy" images/vids or draw it yourself, then post here.