Topic: Different project - Miata on steriods *Updated 12/13/11 w/build photos*

[K5owner]

Did an engine swap on my 2000 Miata back in 2009 with the help of a V8 Roadsters "kit". It has a 2004 LS1, 2004 Tremec 6spd & Getrag Differential.
382 rwhp, 353 ftlbs, weighs 2752 lbs, (182.2 lbs more that stock - aluminum LS engine versus Miata cast block).

*Updated thread with build photos - see later postings*







here's a video someone took a local show
2000 Mazda MX-5 miata with LS1 Corvette engine

[gregk]

K5

I'd love to upgrade my Miata as you have done.  I've seen the ford motor swap but the chev is something new.
I tried to give my self good reason to tear it apart - like blowing up the motor- but the darn thing just keeps on running.  Maybe next summer I'll try again.

[Duanob]

Wow nice professional adult swap.

FWIW I wouldn't put V8 on my licence plate I would rather let the punk asses in bad civic swaps be "surprised"!

[K5owner]

The difference from stock is night & day. I had a blower on the stock motor with some misc upgrades, and it doesn't come close to the sound and feel of the V8. IMO, the Ford swap puts too much weigh up front. There's several places making kits. I went with Steve & Shandelle @ V8 Roadsters. Great setup and super people to deal with.
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The license plate...    its a dummy for the shows. While at the nationals, I was at a stoplight, and the pickup truck next to me was going nuts trying to find where the sound was coming from. At the next light; he gives me the thumbs up 

[Cheffish]

That is awesome. You're gonna surprise alot of people in M3's, vettes, etc.

[Don R]

I'm seeing them at the drag strip but haven't seen one on the street yet. Very cool.

[heffay]

Love those shoe-horned Miatas... give it hell!

[K5owner]

The rear tires are the weakest link and hence; they tend to wear quickly  . I do plan on rolling the fenders or flaring them. This will allow wider tires. The weight distribution with the 2" rear offset kit gave the a car a 51.8% front & 48.2% in the rear. I only had to turn the front coilovers 3/4 of a turn to bring the weight distribution back. Other plans include low back, bomber style seats.

Fasted speed so far was 168mph at MIS (Michigan International Speedway). If my math is right; top speed should be 188mph before the rev limiter kicks in (speed limiter was disabled in the PCM).

Gas mileage can range from 15mpg (heavy right foot) to just over 34mph (75mph cruising - yes, even the stock cruise control works).

Glad to answer any questions. Thanks for your interest
-Ray

[Scott S]

 Reminds me of this:

Datsun Z with Chevy V8

 I want one SOOO badly.

[seanbarney41]

yeah, me too, I spotted this one during the NSRA street rod nationals in Kalamazoo, MI...

[K5owner]

Nice "Z's". Its cool seeing the different variations of engine swaps. The blower setup might be a bit much, but I've seen LS7's in both types of cars.

I did see the orange one cruising around town when the nationals were in Kzoo - very impressive!

[Duke McDukiedook]

That Z desperately needs positraction.

[seanbarney41]

Nice "Z's". Its cool seeing the different variations of engine swaps. The blower setup might be a bit much, but I've seen LS7's in both types of cars.

I did see the orange one cruising around town when the nationals were in Kzoo - very impressive!

wasn't it Billy Idol who said, "Too much is never enough."...?

[K5owner]

Don't get me wrong. I love power, but as I've gotten older; reliability seems to have gotten the better part of me. I have about 14k on the swap with no problems. Starts every time and its a blast to drive.

Here's a few more photos of the build.

Engine just after I got it home


After a "bit" of work...


Engine & Tranny on new K-member


Machining the alternator bracket (0.760")


After setting Pinion Angle - Welded the supports for the differential


Interior had to be gutted for wiring and firewall & tunnel mods


Engine bay prepped for firewall & tunnel mods (put an ABP out with the daughters for every blanket, sheet, etc they didn't want - told them it was for a good cause)


Shifter sits 5/8" further back than stock. You can't tell it once boot is in place.


Seam sealer applied to all seams & welds


Firewall/tunnel mods finished - primer & paint


"Nightmare on Wire Street" - 121 wires, all needed to be ID'd, terminated, wrapped & mounted.


Gold foil which reflects back 78% of what it sees


Thermo-sheets, additional fuse panel and interior starting to go back in.


Exhaust - not exactly an "off the shelf" item. I used a 2 1/2" universal kit with a cross-over .


Fit, Cut, Tack & Weld

[heffay]

Looks like you didn't cut any corners, great build!

Your own lift = Lucky Bastard

[greenjeans]

I will never look at a Miata the same way ever again.  Damn, that looks like fun.  Well done sir, well done.

[K5owner]

Thanks guys.
I've been very lucky through the years to have a small shop to I enjoy my hobbies in. The hoist is one of those things you wonder how ever got by without it.

[Terry in Australia]

Ray, that is superb mate, I'll show my cuz the pics next time I see him, he's been complaining that his MX5 is "lacking something"................