sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Just go to a used tire store and get some hard all seasons skinny tires and learn to track drive on those. They will keep everything tame and predictable and will sing to you long before you ultimately lose traction.

Djwade

Fair point. While I'll likely end up grabbing another NB one way or another as a project, would there be any concerns or habits to avoid when learning on a higher power car with low grip tires? One of the main reasons I was thinking of the NB is that it would slow everything down for learning the track and car control, so I have enough time to think through all the new inputs.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

The low grip tires will slow everything down adequately and will give you a better window to react when they do break away. Things will happen at much slower speeds and significantly more gradually while carrying much less dangerous inertia. All season tires sing when they get close to breaking loose and do so much less dramatically and at lower speeds. Sticky tires don't sing to alert you and break away much more abruptly with much more stored energy. They are much harder to catch once they do break loose.

Additionally, anything is entertaining when driven at the limits of its adhesion to the pavement. I guarantee you will not be bored on all season tires. In fact you may end up with a **** eating grin across your face for hours.

And either new or used all seasons are going to be dirt cheap.

Djwade

Noted, Thanks!

I'll shift my focus towards something I just want to work on, less something that will be a car to use as a learning tool before using the Exocet.

slothguitar

Your build looks pretty awesome and is virtually exactly where I want to get to. I'm wondering what you think of the modified oil pan sold by V8R. From what I know, it's basically the only option for this swap, but there still seems to be a lot of speculation/criticism about the oil pan being so low. It's hard to tell from this photo, but is the modded oil pan still the lowest part in the undercarriage? Have you had any issues with it? Does it have any big scratches? Do you have any plans to fabricate some kind of underbody panel(s) that would cover it up as well as the rest of the underbody? Not only would it help protect it, but also make it (slightly) more aerodynamic?

Also, any chance you could make some videos of the car in action, and otherwise? Perhaps on some favorite roads? When I used to live in San Jose, the 17 between San Jose and Santa Cruz was definitely one of my favorites and I would love to see a full go-pro style video of your Lfxocet on that drive. Although be careful, I seem to continually hear that police are cracking down on speeders on the 17. But any video at all would be great - I know the 17 definitely isn't as close to you as it was to me. Again, killer build.

Djwade

Thanks!

I haven't had any issues with the oil pan fitment and, to my knowledge, have not yet scraped it or scratched it, though I run a 6" pinch weld height in the front, which is fairly tall. Next time I'm under it I'll take a look. I've found I tend to scrape my exhaust more than anything, as my rear is sitting a bit low. I do have plans to add an plate along the front and down the trans tube, though that will be after the modified bodywork I'm working on right now gets finished.

I don't have any videos as of right now, but I plan to have some in the future when it warms up a bit. It's under the knife quite a bit right now for interior and exterior cosmetics/aero, as I'm trying to make as many changes as I can during the winter.

slothguitar

This is great. It seems like people have tried everything under the sun from engine swaps, forced induction, brakes, wheels, dashboards, interiors, transmissions, and tires,....... except for Aero upgrades. There's still only one set of body panels available even though they can't accommodate many of the possible engine swaps. And everybody knows that basically, the Exocet's only downside is that it's an aerodynamic nightmare. Everybody that mentions it says that it virtually loses its b*lls around 85-100 mph. I've only heard of one person who made significant aero modifications to the front end and two people who have talked about it. Have you checked out the front end splitter "frame mod" that Rick02R talked about in this thread? I know it looks kind of ugly and it's made of wood (WTF HAHA), but I don't really care about any of that because he seemed to achieve some impressive results backed by some creative and effective test methods. It's pretty cool.

Also, what fuel cell are you using? any ideas of possible fuel cells made of plastic (heard bad things about aluminum) between 15-20 gallons that would work?

Also, good on you for maximizing the potential for improvement that winter has to offer. Looking forward to seeing more of your awesome Exocet.

Djwade

I'm using a fuel cell that was modified slightly to fit. I'd have to go back and look to see which model specifically. There's nothing inherently wrong about Aluminum, but its generally a good idea to have a bladder internally, or at the least, fuel cell foam and additional protection around it. Attachment is also important in that you should use straps rather than directly mounting.

I haven't seen that, but there's a fair bit of discussion that goes on about aero. In the end, it's far easier to make a miata aerodynamic. I simply am using the exocet as a platform to learn and try what I want on without worrying about pesky emissions or road legality per se. I basically have a road legal blank canvas.

LukeG

You rock, thanks!

1993ka24det

I'm looking into doing this swap later this year. Does the LFX fit under the stock hood? I haven't seen anybodies picture yet of this swap. I was going K-series, but that doesn't fit.

LukeG

In a miata or exocet you will have to cut a hole in the hood above the engine for the intake manifold to fit.

1993ka24det

Not necessary, My NA Miata would have fitted my LFX if it had another 1/4" and the LFX fits fine in the NB/ND. ( don't know about the NC)

Scaxx

FWIW Kmiata is modifying valve covers to make the k24 fit under the stock hood

LukeG

Huh, good info. Hadn't seen one without the hood cut yet.

LukeG

I'm about to dive down this rabbit hole of putting an LFX into an Exocet. Few questions on the radiator...

The V8R radiator seems a bit pricey at $825. Are there any other options that you have seen that work? I know ThePass used an NC radiator slanted, but I would like to keep it vertical.
I've even considered moving the inlet/outlet on my Supermiata NB radiator, but I'm not sure if it will handle the cooling duties of the larger motor.

For the V8R radiator, you have it mounted on the front of the exo frame. Is it possible to mount it on the inside of the frame or is there not enough clearance?

When mounted on the outside, does the radiator require any cuts to the bodywork? I know you modified the front exo bodywork, but I didn't see it mentioned if the radiator had anything to do with that.

Thanks for any info and for putting up your build. Will help a ton!

ooja3k

iTrader: (1)

The Trackspeed radiator is what i have for my LFX, granted its not in an exocet, but fits in the stock location perfectly on my NA. Its manufacturer by Performance Rod and Custom in Indiana and is a nice piece.

I have also heard great things about the Supermiata radiator. We just received one for the Lucky Dog car we are putting together and is a very nice piece.

LukeG

You rock! So on the trackspeed radiator you have and on the supermiata radiator I have, the inlet/outlet is bottom driver and upper passenger oriented. Any issues using it or routing the houses? The factory camaro radiators have the inlet/outlet reversed from the miata radiator.

ooja3k

iTrader: (1)

It was incredibly easy. I followed a similar method as the Hypermiata routing it from the back to the front with aluminum tubs and 90's, and used 2 90's and a short piece to bring it back across the front. You can kind of see in the photo below.

LukeG

Awesome, thank you!

LukeG

I can't tell from your pics, where did you end up mounting the camaro ecm? There aren't really any good places to mount it on the exocet where it needs to be located.