Masonis1

Ill start by saying I work at Panda Motorworks: https://www.pandamotorworks.com/ We specialize in Ford Performance Vehicles and have really developed the EcoBoost cars. Focus RS/ST, Fiesta ST, Mustang, Raptor, etc. I had a Fiesta ST and had a blast with that. My girlfriend bought a Miata to learn to drive stick and to get into Autox with me. Chris- Panda's owner- and I went to go get her 91' in Indiana. Cassie was out of town and she let me drive the car at its first autox. Stock everything and winter 185 series tires, I went out and had a blast. I couldnt keep it straight andI fell in love. Right around the same time, my first project vehicle was stolen from outside my home. It was a passed down 89' S10 that came from my uncle. A Junkyard, twin turbo, SBC 350 and a T5. It was fun and I was heart broken when it was stolen. Cassie saw how much I missed the truck and how much I loved the Miata. A month later, she surprised me on my Birthday with a 90' Miata shell. That is where this project begins.


Untitled by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


IMG_4055 (1) by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


IMG_4054 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

I had talked about wanting to swap a 2.0 EcoBoost into something for some time. The chance was finally hear. We have a special engine where we use the 2.3 rotating assembly and head and put it in a 2.0 Closed deck block. The setup will make 750whp but I am just shooting for 600whp. The engine is nice because out of boost, it is a tame little 4cyl, but get on the throttle and once the turbo lights up, you have flat power from 3700-7000rpm. It was a logical choice. All aluminum engine, big power, keep the weight down, and have something fierce on the street and strip.
Here are some Engine Specs:
11.5:1 Compression
88mm Pistons
94mm Stroke
Weisco Pistons
Callies Compstar Rods
2.3 Factory Forged Crank
King Racing Bearings
ARP Hardware
2.3 EcoBoost Twinscroll head
Supertech Head Gasket
Supertech 77lb Springs and billet retainers
Radium Aux Fuel Rail w/ 50lb Injectors
Radium PCV Breather Plate and catch cans

Here are some Images from our S3 Magazine Article for the engine build:


Untitled by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Miata swap stuff by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

So I started tearing down the shell. First thing I did was make mounts for a 8.8 swap in the rear end. I had a 8.8 in the S10 and the familiar locking of the clutch packs and controlled power delivery had me sold... oh and the strength. a 3.27 LSD from a Supercoupe T-bird and I started welding in the mounts. I found all the dimensions for the mounts online and made them in my free time using scrap steel. Got it all lined up and laid down some beads. While I had the subframe out of the car, I installed Poly Bushings in the rear control arms and hubs. I figured now would be the time to try and reduce any chance for wheel hop.


IMG_4125 (2) by Mason McGavock, on Flickr
Heres the images I used to make mine


IMG_4122 (1) by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


IMG_4121 (1) by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


IMG_4119 (2) by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


IMG_4120 (1) by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

After the Rear Subframe was in, I decided it was time to update the front as well. Again, all new poly bushings for all the control arms. Cleaned everything and threw a coat of paint on Black Engine enamel on the arms and reassembled everything. While I was doing everything, I added NB Brakes front and rear to help in the future of slowing down.

Miata swap stuff by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Miata swap stuff by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

DSC_0099 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

I invited some friends over for a weekend in the shop. I ordered a M5OD trans from a local salvage yard and bolted it up to my engine core. A night and lots of beer later, we had our engine and trans mounted in the car. A little more cutting that any of use expected, but the engine was in. To our surprise, the front of the timing cover is completely behind the center line of the front wheels. I guess we have ourselves a mid-engine drag car. A pretty large section of the firewall was needed to be recessed for the HPFP on the EcoBoost and to allow the oil pan to be low and sit back. Here are some pictures of the mounts and firewall completion.


Untitled by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


Untitled by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


Untitled by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


Untitled by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Miata swap stuff by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Miata swap stuff by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


IMG_6591 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


IMG_6603 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr
After motor mounts were finished up, I sent the car off to Andy Seehausen. Andy builds cages for FD cars and other motorsport. He has worked for Worthhouse, David Mesker, and many more. I decided I wanted to be safe so getting a 6pt cage was a must. After dropping the car off, I drove to Asheville NC for my summer internship at Eaton. Thats the first update of this build. Im picking the car up Mid August and the engine build process begins.


DSC_0265_DxO by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Parts have been rolling in this summer thanks to some great sponsors. A lot goes into a build like this and many people have given knowledge, parts, support, and much more to help get this project rolling.

So far I want to thank the sponsors that have supported this build.
Mishimoto
Supertech Performance
Callies Performance
Terry's Machine Shop
Radium Engineering
Fuelab
Fab9
Cosmis Racing Wheels
Panda Motorworks
ZFab
DaVinci Performance

Here are some other pictures I feel relevant to the build as Cassie has been building her car and I got a new Daily along the way:


DSC_0290 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


DSC_0147 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


DSC_0033 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


DSC_0036 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Here is my other project/race car:


pm1 (62)_DxO by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


pm1 (45)_DxO by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

And my First EcoBoost swap:


pm1 (58)_DxO by Mason McGavock, on Flickr


pm1 (41)_DxO by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Ill be updating with more pictures.

Girz0r

iTrader: (1)

Your flickr embed links don't work here. I has a sad.

Full_Tilt_Boogie

iTrader: (1)

Masonis1

Updated Images. Why do I have such a tough time on every forum haha

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

Very cool! Looking forward to more posts on the progress.

ChrisLol

Awesome. I had a Focus ST before the Miata. Awesome little hatchback. That engine in stock form would be amazing in a Miata chassis. the HP you're shooting for is going to be nuts!

Shibby

iTrader: (4)

This is awesome - subbed!

viperormiata

iTrader: (24)

Looks great.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Welcome to the forum. Any track day plans coming up?

Padlock

solid start! look forward to updates

mreakus

2manyhobyz

iTrader: (4)

Subed
Mason, in the build specs, did I miss what turbo you chose?

Masonis1

We are slowly working with Xona Turbo. If the deals work out, we hope to use their 6554 turbo. Worst case scenario, We have a Gen 2 Precision 6062 at the shop that I will use.

4ouraces on Ebay has sent us a 2.3 Headifold to 2.5" flange that we are going to use for the turbo "manifold".

Headifold Adapter by Mason McGavock, on Flickr
Go Fast Bits also just got us hooked up with a 44mm wastegate and their 50mm BOV.

GFB_SV50_BOV by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

GFB44 by Mason McGavock, on Flickr

Sent out some flywheel and trans measurements for a clutch kit. Waiting to hear back from a couple companies on that.

Once I get back to STL this August, Im picking up the car from getting caged. I cant wait to see the finished product. Andy seemed confident he could build a cage that would allow the soft top to still be functional. Im sure he will work his magic.

Masonis1

We have a goal to get the car finished and ready for Texas 2k19. Assuming no delays, we should hit that goal but as with any build, stuff comes up.
But ATM, we have:
Texas 2k19
Import Face-Off STL
Import Alliance STL
Focus/ST Fest 2019
Miatas at the Gap 2019
Possibly Carlise
and participating in the Drag events at Gateway MSP.

As for the "normal" Miata track days, I have a PDX August 14th. I told the GF last year if she came within 4 seconds of my autox time- she started 15 seconds behind at the beginning of the season- that we would sign up for a road course, well she hit that mark and Im a man of my words

Miata swap stuff by Mason McGavock, on Flickr
we will be racing her car.

Masonis1

Another quick update:
Just picked up a 3/4" Master cyl for the clutch system. Ill need to make a simple adapter plate to mount the new Wilwood Master but it should prevent any potential clutch disengagement issues that could happen in the future.
I also ordered some of the Coolant lines for the engine so the coolant system should be buttoned up and ready to go once the engine goes back in.

Picking up the car next Friday from being caged. I am so eager to see the car again as it has been 3 months since ive seen it in person and only one small teaser picture since I dropped it off.

ARP Also got back to me and they are sending me a full stud kit for the EcoBoost. Thank you ARP for supporting the build. Engine build should start by the end of August. Then it is just a matter of time and work to build the engine, get the trans and engine back in the car, wire the car up- body harness, measure for a driveshaft, and getting the turbo system-IC/boost piping, manifold, down pipe, etc all finished.

ysleem

iTrader: (5)

Exciting build! Sub'd

SpartanSV

Epic build. Are you planning to run a stock M5OD? Any concerns about durability?

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

The ecoboost is shorter than the MZR/duratec? No way no how the MZR fits above the steering rack and also below the hood on an NA. The MZR swap would have been so much easier if I could have cut that much from the firewall, lol. How is the ranger tranny for shifting and shifter location? I think if I cut that much from the fire wall I could have used the stock location T5 shifter.

Masonis1

Just a stock M5OD for now. It should hold up plenty fine. I have seen some very aggressive trail rigs put them in very tough situations and not have issues. I really hear they are stout minus the shift forks and oiling issues. Pretty simple fixes for both. Just keep good fluid in it and not shift like an idiot.

Masonis1

They have the same deck height. You can look back at the mount pictures. I am using a Ranger 2.3 Oil Pan and recessed the engine back into the firewall about 3+ inches. There is a 1/4" gap between the oil pan and subframe. It also sits completely behind the steering rack with the timing cover on. The hood will close fine. There is a simple boss on the Valve Cover that sticks up for an intake mount on the focus, with that removed it fits.