turbofan

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LukeG

Are you running the cut down V8R pan?

ThePass

iTrader: (3)

Yup

ThePass

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Time to get cracking. Now with GTA Finals @ Buttonwillow in November followed by Superlap Battle at COTA in February, I'm shifting to a winter-centric test/race schedule with a break in early summer. It's been refreshing, but it's time to get to work. Lots of stuff on the to-do list and time is going to start flying.

Before doing anything on the car itself, I had a side project to tackle. So far, removing the drivetrain required a lift; drop the subframe onto a dolly and then lift the car up and off. I wanted to be able to drop the assembly with the car sitting on jackstands, making it something I could do anywhere.

Started with a Harbor Freight motorcycle lift. For stability I made four legs with casters on each end. The legs are removable so the lift can store easily. Then built a simple base on the lift that bolts to attachment points that I added to the V8R front subframe.





Works like a dream. Can drop the assembly out of the chassis, roll it around the shop, lift it up to work on it easily, etc. It's stable even with the suspension and transmission attached.

rrjwilson

I was really excited about this because of the description until i saw the video.
You have literally no front. I assume that is not permanent and you have a clever detachable setup.
Can you give us some photos of that too?
Shows the background work to make the lift a possibility.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

Hey RJ, start here.

https://www.miataturbo.net/engine-pe...7/#post1369000

rrjwilson

Starting.
I want to make my bumper easy to remove (not the frame too) and its probably better to copy someone that knows what to do.

Edit: Sad now
Pimping work though.

ThePass

iTrader: (3)

Hundreds of hours of fabrication, but now just minutes to service:

ThePass

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ThePass

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Fresh 22k mile MV5 transmission going in. One of the few times I can say something cost less than the Miata equivalent.



Went to drill and tap the case for the temperature sensor and turns out that unlike the MV7, the MV5 has a temp sensor just below the fill port, very similar to the place I added a sensor on the MV7. One 1/2" to 1/8" NPT adapter and the sensor's mounted.

griff

That is the one I ended up running and it had a different output flange than the mv7. I shipped my flange to Shandell so they could have an adapter machined for anyone that grabbed the mv5 rather than the mv7. Just wanted to point that out for anyone thinking that they are a direct swap...they aren't. Or at least mine wasn't and 2nd gear still sucks. Hopefully you have better luck though Ryan. I have been trying to find a TR6060 that they used in the ATS-V LF4 but they are a bit of a unicorn.

LukeG

MV7's are a pain in the *** to find with low mileage and when you do they can be a bit pricey. That ATS-V trans would be awesome. Any idea on price for a used one?

griff

Well.... GM finally realized the gears and synchros in the MV5/7 sucked so they went to the TR6060 in the ATS-V with the LF4. the TR6060 is the replacement to the T56 so I'm sure the fitment would be similar to a V8 miata swap but the fact that GM put it in the ATS-V means there is a direct bolt up bell housing out there in the wild for the LLT/LFX/LF4. Guaranteed to weigh more than the AY6 but I would put up with a bit of fab and weight to have a transmission that I don't have to take out to a candle light dinner and sweet talk daily so that it will shift correctly. I kinda want one I can talk dirty to and slap around a bit ;-)

LukeG

Just a heads up, V8R has been working with MGW for a few months now to create a shifter specific to the miata LFX swap (should be out soon). If you aren't familiar with MGW they make some amazing shifters and it may correct the shifting issue you are talking about.

https://www.mgwshifters.com/shifters/camaros/82

"MGW is pleased to introduce the only full replacement shifter assembly for the Generation 5 Camaro. Addressing not simply the long throw of the stock shifter, the MGW Shifter also corrects the mushy rubbery vague feel of the stock mounting design and also the insufficient spring return for the 2-3 power shifts. After extensive testing we have come to the conclusion that the best combination of shift effort, speed, and smoothness is achieved with a 33 percent throw reduction design."

ThePass

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, different driveshaft/adapter and different crossmember to fit the MV5. I have all that here.
The reason for the change to MV5 is simply availability and cost. MV5s are everywhere. So long as I'm on a factory junkyard trans I'd like it to not be unobtanium, in the event that I need to find one quick. Also, I can have one in the car plus a spare on hand for the same price as one MV7.

Interested in what V8R comes up with on that MGW shifter. Keeping an eye out for that.

LukeG

true that!

Check in with Shandelle. I think he is expecting to ship the first orders for the shifters this week or next. I sent him my MGW shifter for the V6 Camaro and he used that as the base to design the new miata shifter working with MGW. I have very high hopes for it and the MGW shifters are gorgeous.

LukeG

Ryan, how did you route your battery cables?

I'm assuming something like below, but just curious and didn't see it on your wiring sheet.

Battery Negative -> chassis -> engine block
Battery Positive -> starter -> alternator -> engine harness

ThePass

iTrader: (3)

Correct

Batt (-) -> Chassis (4ga)
Chassis -> Engine block (4ga) (x2 one on each side of the engine bay)
Batt (+) -> Starter (4ga) (interrupted mid-way by main batt kill switch)
Starter -> Alternator (6ga)
Alternator -> Relay in harness (6ga)

LukeG

Thank you!!!!

OneTwo

iTrader: (2)

How has no one mentioned the Rotrex hangin off the side of your motor in the servicing picture...... C38 i'm guessing based on the inlet and outlet size?