Enter only if bored. Help Ed decide on a Miata.
 

GTO is officially gone.

The Miata search has begun.

Technically I need some time to put some money together. I am considering a pre-built turbo Miata, I'm considering buying a later Miata and installing my own kit, I'm considering a V8 Miata.

Wut?

OK so I really like NB's, right? But here in Oregon, you have to de-mod to pass emission or use sucky engine management. I'd rather do the former than the latter, but I'd rather do neither.

I have realized that I don't need an NB comfort-wise, the car won't be used for long trips or anything and I don't mind a little noise on my 20-minute commute to work.

Basically: I might have the opportunity to buy a somewhat ratty old Miata with an absolutely epic engine build in a few months.

However, I just happened upon an LS1 Miata in Seattle that has caught my attention. It's pretty rough, and the owner says it's got about 90k miles on the swap so at least it's sorted. Needs paint horribly, needs sucky 17" wheels dumped. But it has the following parts:

Setup:
--- 1991 Miata chassis
--- Chevrolet LS1 5.7 liter (346 cubic inch) engine
--- Chevrolet WS6 ECU
--- Custom intake and pleated filter
--- Walbro 255 lph fuel pump
--- Griffin aluminum, cross-flow radiator and Griffin fan
--- V8 Roadsters front sub frame
--- Energy polyurethane engine mounts
--- Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission
--- D&G Short Shifter
--- V8 Roadsters frame rails
--- V8 Roadsters transmission mount with poly bushing
--- Flyin Miata / Wilwood clutch master cylinder
--- South Bay Driveline drive shaft
--- 7.5 Ford limited slip differential from Monster Miata
--- Monster Miata differential carrier and axles
--- Monster Miata differential carrier
--- Monster Miata axles
--- Sanderson Headers with O2 sensors
--- 2.5 inch custom dual exhaust with dual electric cut-outs before rear wheels
--- Borla dual-in single-out muffler, 2 inch tail pipe
--- Flyin Miata Front V8 sway bar PN 26-13300 with custom mounts and poly bushings
--- Racing Beat adjustable front sway bar end links with poly bushings (Flyin Miata PN 13-99000)
--- Aftermarket gauges for engine temperature, oil pressure and battery voltage
--- Aluminum wheels, 205/40R17 fronts (75% tread left), 225/40R17 rears (95% tread left)
--- Hard Dog Fabrication M2 Sport Roll Bar
--- Hard Dog Fabrication Roll Bar Pad
--- Hard Dog Fabrication Harness Bar

He says the engine is out of a 2000 WS6 Trans Am, claims 325 hp and 345 tq (would be crank).

Pics below. What say you all? What would you pay for something like this? And bottom line... If you could have this, or the same car with a perfectly built engine, 6-speed, rear end, and EFR on the best hotparts, etc (while we're theorizing) for the same money, which would you choose?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1391143890

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1391143890

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1391143890

Wow this things ratchet but it's actually rare to see these V8 miatas for sale. Lot of work to get them actually running. Isk what they go for in price but id go for it if it's reasonable others can chime in on price

The only time I'd choose an NA over an NB is if the NA had a nice LSx swap and the NB didn't.

You better be ready to just about re-do everything from the ground up though, that doesn't look like an uber clean and nice swap. Those tend to become nightmares for people that want their cars flawless or at least well done/clean.

I'll sell you my crystal blue NB. :)

It's hard to entertain a guess at its value without looking at it, and I mean looking real close at EVERYTHING. Rust is one concern, and how things have aged with 90k on the swap is another. The fact that he got ugly ass wheels, mis matched bumper covers, and didn't bother with the speedometer makes me think it was kinda a fun project for him, but it's not his pride and joy. I could be totally wrong as I haven't seen it in person, but that's just the impression I get.

If it turns out to be done well, it could also be a nice way to get into the LS miata world and since most of the heavy lifting is done you could just take your time cleaning it up to meet your standards.

If you're willing to spend what he's asking, you could just look for a very nice n/a miata that already has an updated suspension, clean body, rollbar, etc installed and then install a FMII or equivalent and be ahead in that it's not a ratty car and boosted to the limit of a stock motor.

Go drive it. I saw that wand wanted it too, if it drives, shifts, and brakes nicely, it's totally worth it. And you'll right away if it's something you want. Keep an eye on the exhaust, subframe, and diff mount. Those are the things that seem to be shitty if done wrong.

post the fs ad or at least the price already and we'll tell you if its reasonable.

No. Just no.

Ive seen that ad, last I looked I think he wanted 11 for it.

hmmmm, that's really not bad IF its not uber half assed

$11k for an LSx miata with 90k miles on the swap? Yeah no.



For that price range come get my MSM that doesn't look like a bag of dicks, and has less miles than that on... EVERYTHING. Oh, and it's an NB.


For reference, this LSx Miata was recently for sale in the Nawleans area for $13.5k.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment...3&d=1358705574

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment...4&d=1358705605

Tell me more (about this car being for sale in New Orleans)...

Guy says he bought it, completed, from a guy in California and drove it up to WA. Just seeing the air filter in the engine shot tells me it hasn't been particularly well cared-for... not to mention the condition of the rest of the car.

For those who have seen the ad by the guy in WA, how long has it been up there? This was the first time I had looked at CL Miata ads in the Seattle area.

Concealer, what color is your NB and how clean is it? I don't think I've seen a build thread on it, so if you've got one send me a link. Might be interested depending on what's been done to it.

If I go NA, then I will be looking for a MONSTER. If I go NB, then a monster would be nice but I'd be more looking for a powerful, but super clean car. In a monster NA I don't really care too much about clean if it dirties my underwear when I punch it.

The car in Nawleans is sold i do believe.

Ohhhhhhh when you said "this car was for sale in New Orleans" You must have posted a pic that didn't show up, because I thought you meant this exact car pictured above.

Gotcha.

OH.

My bad. Hang on.


This car.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1391192814

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1391192814

:drool:

Wow. That's... CLEAN. Wow. ARgh I wants that. lol

OK... most likely V8 Miata is out. I can handle rough but that thing is really really ugly.

Curly, I would love to go drive it, but it's over a 3-hour round trip and frankly I don't have the money together yet. If, once I have the money together, he still has the car, then I might go look at it... depends on what else is available at that time.

Please please please go and look at it. And buy it if you like it or not. I just want to experience a v8 miata. Then it sucks to be stuck with it. (If it sucks)

I mean, looks like he put straight panels on and hasn't painted it yet. As long as his bonds on the body work on the fender isn't bad, paint isn't a mistake he's made, just something he hasn't gotten to.

And aside from some poor taste in wheels and filter, which are easily fixed, the parts list is smart if the install wasn't done poorly some how.

I agree with you. The point of the air filter isn't that it's easily replaced, it's that seeing how dirty it is shows that the engine likely hasn't received the care that it should have.

We will see what happens when I get some money together. Send people up here to buy cars from me and stuff. lol You refer me 10 people and I'll buy the car (not that I make that kind of money off 10 sales.. lol I wish!)

No affiliation or anything, just another V8 miata for sale. $12k. 5.0 motor though.

[NA] 1991 Mariner Blue Monster Miata - MX-5 Miata Forum

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment...6&d=1391123252

So, a stock 5.0 puts out, what.... 230 whp and 250 ish wtq? Nice car but I think the body kit is ugly and those power figures are disappointing. Another data point though. Thanks for sharing!

Gross.

Lol. Yeah, I didn't say I'd buy it.

I found the most perfect MSM ever. Still working on contacting the seller.

Anyone in the LA area willing to go look at it for me, or perhaps has seen a built 2004 gray MSM with hardtop and black 6UL's and an give me some feedback on it? I've tried to find the build thread here since he's running an absurdflow mani but I haven't been able to find more info on the car. Looks familiar though.

Spoke with the seller tonight. Car sounds awesome.

I will buy it sight unseen if I have to but it would be awesome if a local could go check it out.

LA area. Please PM me if you would be willing to help!

Going to talk to the bank tomorrow. Might go pick it up later this week.... Checking flights....


Trying not to get too excited. Never seen a Miata I want more than this one. It's a little on the hard-core side but I can change those bits. Will take some work to get it smogged but worth it. Absurdflow, GT2871, built motor, color matching hardtop. Win.

so it doesn't have ps or ac?

Ha... Good question. See this is why I need you people. I get too excited and forget to ask questions.

absurdflow means no on both.
you just get too excited period lol. I'll be shocked if you have less than 100 threads on cars you're wanting to buy and setups you're wanting to do by the time you actually pull the trigger on something.

tee hee

He says it's still got A/C, PS and heat. Did AF make manifolds compatible with all that? Paging turbotim...

Just got off the phone with the bank. Just have to confirm everything with the wife unit and buy my plane ticket.

Giddiness is overcoming me. :party:

Pics?

I know he did make a slightly "tilted" version that was supposed to do all that, but have not seen a single setup on here like that.

you'll want him to provide you full details and pics and verify everything

Well he has confirmed it does have AC and PS. he said he had Tim make him a custom one so it could keep that stuff.

One pic: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1391462904

Link to my photobucket album with the rest of the pics:

Cali MSM Photos by trturbofan | Photobucket

I have wife unit approval, going to submit request for loan. Probably will buy my ticket here in a few minutes...

I'm guessing you're paying less than 12.8

Also notice he had it up for 14.5 and dropped the price way down. Just something to keep in mind.

Looks sharp, love the MSM looks. Good luck with everything.

Haha you found it eh?

I'm not paying much less than $12,800, I feel like it's a good deal as-is.

Think I'm being stupid? Talked to the guy on the phone and he seems knowledgeable about it.

I value your opinion for sure, it just seems like an awesome car. I would probably sell the seats out of it and put stockers back in, and obviously to register it I'm going to have to figure something out, but it's my dream Miata. You know I've always loved the MSM's but hated their weak points. This car seems to have all the weak points addressed. I know it's running the AEM ems, I'll try it out and see how it goes. I don't know anything about MS at this point so I'm starting from scratch either way.

If it sucks, I'll learn up on MS and switch ECUs. I have a second car that I can drive so this one can be tinkered with.

I'm a-tryin' to do it right this time!

Found it? Are you forgetting that I AM the internet?

If its really as good as it looks and no issues, its a great deal for sure.

Thanks!

Warm fuzzies abound. waiting to hear final word on the bank, I have my plane ticket pulled up ready to click the button. I should be in so cal Wednesday night picking it up.

I'm so, so, so excited.

stop by and lets have secks on your way back up

Will commute south to Sac for 3 some.
Power bottom, but am flexible as far as role rotation goes.
Can provide lube and snacks upon request.
Nice car!

You will love the MSM. Does it have leather? IF it does than I believe it has Bose and ABS, both of witch are great in that car. What suspension is on it? Does he have any of the stock parts? Post a link with specs someone.

The only thing I might want to see is a dyno run or data log of AFR and maybe a spark map? Just to see that he hasn't been running a completely knackered tune, and that it's generated as much power as you might expect and hope for out of a setup like that.

Here's the ad description:

Most likely one of the fastest and best handling Miatas (Mazdaspeed) you'll ever drive! Production #673 of 4000 made. Upgraded turbo, cooling, and fully re-built the stock motor to handle the 260 whp+ efficiently. Utilized quality modifications, no cheap brands or parts in this vehicle. Motor was re-built and assembled by Pit Garage in El Monte, CA. They are a reputable race shop that specializes in Spec Miatas. Always garaged, well maintained, never involved in an accident. Selling due to other priorities in life and unfortunately not enough time to drive this anymore. Mods listed accordingly: Wiseco forged pistons, M-Tuned rods, ARP bolts & studs, Gates Racing timing belt, Absurdflow low mount manifold and downpipe, Garrett GT2871R BB turbo, Tial external wastegate and BOV, Custom 3" Magnaflow Exhaust, M-Tuned Coolant Re-Route, Trackspeed Engineering 76mm Dual Row Race Radiator, Custom Intercooler, Walbro 255lhp fuel pump, Injector Dynamics 1000cc fuel injectors, 949 Racing SuperMiata 4 Puck Clutch & Flywheel, Fat Cat Custom Coilovers (Re-valved Bilsteins), Hawk Brake Race Pads DTC-60, Upgraded Rotors, Goodridge SS Lines, Motul Brake Fluid, Trackspeed Brake Ducting, 949 Racing Black 6UL 15x9 wheels, 225/45/15 Hankook RS-3 Tires, Driver - Recaro SPG seat w/ Schroth harness (stock seatbelt still intact), Passenger - Sparco w/ Schroth harness, Hard Dog M2 Roll Bar, Momo steering wheel with Worksbell quick release, Factory Hardtop, MC 5000K HID, Spa Dual Gauge (reads oil pressure and water temp), Greddy Profec Boost Controller, AEM EMS-4 Full Standalone ECU. Will also include a spare trunk (matching color) with holes pre-drilled for attaching an APR GT-200 wing if desired. Additional Info: 2100 miles on the motor and 79468 miles on the chassis. Title in hand. $14,500 OBO. Feel free to contact if interested.

This one came with cloth. He has the stock steering wheel, one of the stock seats, some of the stock intake parts, stock ECU... and an extra trunk lid, which I obviously won't be able to bring back with me. He has a few other odds and ends. Clean carfax, He's the third owner and has had it for over 6 years.

Vlad I'm sending you a PM. I'll have to stop to eat eventually. hehe

You swapping the stock steering wheel back in and selling the momo wheel/hub?

There's a good chance of that. We will see how I like it.

Just booked my flight.

:fawk:

The seller watching this thread...

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1391475730

Seriously great looking car. Where I come from that's a decent price too, but that's a world away from Cali.

Hope it ends up well.

well I stand corrected.

props to you :party:

Seriously. Is the owner here on MT? That sounds like all the parts all of us buy or want, and we certainly discuss it often enough and preach it to the noobs.

Noone in the Cal crew knows the car?

I was surprised that nobody spoke up. He is down south though, in the land of Club Ricecar.

The owner said he lurked here sometimes but was never active here. He said he had been more active on mazda-speed.com but I never found any of his stuff on there. Carfax checks out with his story though, so whatever. Always a Cali car.

Trying to contain my excitement. The only thing tempering it is that something will go horribly wrong with the financing.

They all have Bose and ABS. Only one of which is worth a shit.

Things are going wrong with the financing. *sigh* just waiting on seller to send better pics of the title....

Why do I put myself through this? lol

When is the plane ticket? :(

ha... roller coaster. Thankfully everything has been worked out.... mostly. Shouldn't be a problem.

I fly out tomorrow afternoon. Arrive in Ontario california airport at 7:30 PM.

Soooooo friggin' stoked. (again)

I didn't want to kill your vibes Ed, but you seem to get a bit overexcited at times...

It's a nice car, but it's not one-of-a-kind. Don't rush into it, one thing at a time. I wanted to say "get the financing sorted before you buy your plane ticket, dummy" yesterday, now I wish I had. It's never easy when you have to deal with banks.

I hope you can figure it out, aside from the lack of BBK it looks like a fully sorted track ready monster. Add TSE BBK and turn boost to 20 for 400whp track glory.

Sure it's not one-of-a-kind. But it's rare to find one that I can finance, since I'm impatient and have access to cheap money (2.9%) it makes it super affordable.

I definitely get overexcited, no question.

I thought I had the financing fully sorted which is why I bought the ticket. But hey, whatever. I took a chance and thankfully it is working out. At this point the only thing that could go wrong is slow FedEx but we have a way around that.

I also found out I can cancel my plane ticked up to 11 pm tonight without penalty (went back and looked at my confirmation email where it said that).

Yeah, I got too excited. But hey, what can I do? You're right -- it seems well-sorted. I'll know for sure after driving it 14 hours on Thursday!

As far as brakes, we'll have to find out what all this means:

"Hawk Brake Race Pads DTC-60, Upgraded Rotors, Goodridge SS Lines, Motul Brake Fluid, Trackspeed Brake Ducting"

Dunno what kind of upgraded rotors.

Ebay drilled and slotted. :D

Could be. Judging by the rest of the build I doubt it, but who knows. I don't plan to track the car that much honestly, so a BBK isn't super critical to me at this point.

Heh, i'm just joking. Car looks great. :)

Upgraded rotors don't matter, the single-piston stock calipers are the weak link. I assume if it had 4-piston Wilwoods it would be in the description.