JasonC SBB

Someone in CA figure out if you can buy a CA-registered miata, transform it into an Exocet, and keep registering and smogging it as a miata and "oh that's just a body kit".

rleete

iTrader: (21)

Yeah, that's what I was thinking as far as NY. Registering a kit car in NYS is damn near impossible, because everything has to meet current standards. By keeping it a Miata, it would be easy to register and insure.

Keith@FM

iTrader: (1)

In California, you could also register it under an SB100. Yes, that requires planning

I suspect that a very high percentage of them are still registered as Miatas.

As for faster than a rally-bred Evo down a bumpy road - that's a pretty high bar to set.

rharris19

iTrader: (41)

I am having trouble finding a reason why I shouldn't turn my 94 with an FM2 into an Exocet and I'm anxious to see what FM comes up with for this setup. The pricing and already boatloads of aftermarket parts that can bolt right on make this a home run in my book. I just need to decide if I want to built a sport or full race cage.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

If the intake system including the airbox, and the exhaust system between the head and the catalytic converter, can all remain stock (or use CARB-approved alternates), then I would imagine there is good possibility.

In CA, it is extremely common to see VW-based dune buggies running around. So long as they retain the factory pan, they typically retain the original title. I would argue that the Miata's front and rear subframes and PPF, collectively, are equivalent. (Is the VIN stamped anywhere on any of these? That would be a telling detail.)

NiklasFalk

iTrader: (1)

VIN is only stamped in the firewall, the rest is riveted plates and a stupid amount of stickers. But I have limited experience with US market ones (I don't have any US subframes to double check).

Keep the top part of the FW in there somewhere?

codrus

The only places I've seen the VIN on a Miata are the firewall, the plate near the steering wheel, the oil pan, and the transmission. I suspect the CA DMV is going to take a dim view of the idea that it's still a Miata just because you've still got the motor and tranny out of one.

--Ian

Keith@FM

iTrader: (1)

Exhaust system, no problem. Intake - I'm not sure if it can remain unmodified. I'll check that when we're building ours. I think it can remain, though. So you could build one with CARB-approved stuff.

Someone is going to have to talk to their DMV about the amount of rebuilding allowed before a car becomes a different car. And it'll change by state.

rharris19

iTrader: (41)

This car could be registered as a 1957 Lotus Seven as it resembles it closely enough. At least in Texas, it has to be inspected by an ASE Certified Master Mechanic for general road worthiness and safety, but after that it never has to be inspected again. In Texas, having it a 1957 would allow you to not have to worry about the parking brake since it is before 1960.

Current map of who has adopted:

triple88a

iTrader: (2)

Yeah but has nothing in common with it. Its like registering a Fiero as a Ferrari because u got a bodykit on it.

Keith@FM

iTrader: (1)

It all depends on the state laws. If the state says that's okay, you go with it. "1957 Lotus Seven" means "not a 32 Ford" as far as home-built cars go.

rharris19

iTrader: (41)

"Custom Vehicle is defined as a vehicle at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948; or manufactured to resemble a vehicle that is at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948; and that has been altered from the manufacturer’s original design or has a body constructed from materials not original to the vehicle.

Street Rod is defined as a vehicle that was manufactured before 1949; or after 1948 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949; and that has been altered from the manufacturer’s original design, or has a body constructed from materials not original to the vehicle."

So yes, you probably could register the Fiero as a Ferrari (at least 25 years old), but it says on the title that it is a replica. The Exocet closely resembles a Lotus 7 enough that you could argue that it is a replica. The look of the car from a single angle are all that it takes, at least in Texas, to get it registered as a replica with this new act.

Pretty much. The more I look into this, the easier it looks to register the Exocet under the SEMA bill.

Stein

iTrader: (46)

I love this map. I'm not even in a "colored" state. I go to my DMV and just tell them what I have and they issue a plate. They don't even look at the car. My V8 car was an out of state car. I go in and point out that it is going to be eight cylinders instead of four and that I'm going to paint it silver in a couple of months. "OK, no problem, here's your title."

1999 Miata, 8 cylinder engine, gasoline, silver. Done.

TurboTim

iTrader: (9)

F*ck retitling after a V8 swap.

rharris19

iTrader: (41)

Keith, any chance you guys have the weight of the Sport chassis?

Midtenn

iTrader: (15)

This or a Catfish. Tough choices.

Stein

iTrader: (46)

Not retitled, this was my initial title.

TurboTim

iTrader: (9)

Yeah I figured as much. but why mention V8 regardless?

Thread drift, so sorry.

Keith@FM

iTrader: (1)

Weight of a Sport chassis should be right around 180-190 lbs with powdercoat. We'll put ours on the scales to get a confirmation.

The Catfish is a very cool car. There's a big difference in price, of course, and the more complex Catfish will likely take a bit longer to build. Looks great as well. But they're both really exciting options.

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

Thread drift ahoy.

Please tell me you guys can get a MEV X5 coupe and that it doesnt suck. There is VERY little info online about it.