gorillazfan1023

iTrader: (1)

So yesterday my transmission finally bit the dust. I didn't think I was making enough power to break a transmission but apparently I was because yesterday morning as I decided to get generous with the throttle, I changed gears and lost 3rd. I pulled the tranny out later and a bunch of gear teeth fell out when I pulled the tail end off. Also my clutch is toast even though it's an FM Level 1 and only has about ~35K on it.

Now I'm left with choices. I can try and score a cheap 5 speed and an FM Level 2 clutch. Which would be cheapest. I could also look for a deal on a 6 speed and put that in with a Level 2 clutch.

Now here are the extreme options. My engine loses oil at a ridiculous rate (like 2 quarts in 700 miles). I already have some parts for an engine build but I don't have everything yet. I could pull the engine and just do the rebuild now. With everything I need I figure I'll need at least $4-5K. Ouch.

And now for the extra extreme option, V8 swap. I know what you're thinking, no way I can do a V8 swap for $4-5K. But I have lots of fabrication abilities and my mechanic friend (20+ years experience) said he would help with the wiring and anything else I need. Plus there would be a few compromises done now that could be upgraded later.

You're still probably thinking this is a rather extreme response to blowing a trans. And it definitely is, but the more I think about it the more reasonable it seems. I know the miata engine starts to run into reliability issues in the higher hp range. Not that I have an extreme desire for more then 350whp (I know this has been done before) but 350whp with a V8 would be cake, I could use a stock ecu, where I need a megasquirt with the miata engine. I could get roughly the same gas mileage. Etc. Plus the V8 does have the ability to be upgraded to more power easily.

Basically I'm just having issues deciding what to do right now. I'm not in a huge rush to get a car because I have access to another car. The car is sitting in my parents garage and my mom is happy to let it sit there until I can figure out what to do, which is also nice.

So TL;DR
I blew my tranny. I have no intentions of ever making less power, only more. What would you do in my shoes?

Erat

iTrader: (5)

Throw another 5 speed and lvl 2 clutch in it. Continue to beat the living **** out of it.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

v8 not happening for 4-5 even with the best fab skills unless you hack it to smithereens

but you should do it anyway

gorillazfan1023

iTrader: (1)

That's what I was thinking, I've just got to find one for cheaps. Also now I'm a little more worried. I've beat the absolute **** out of the car for a long time but I've only had it set to 12.5psi for the last month or so and its quite fast. So I don't know if another 5 speed will last a long while or maybe only a month or so.

Lol I know but I could lie to myself enough to justify it...which is dangerous. Also It would have to be automatic...which is basically a deal breaker but my mechanic buddy has a drag car with a manual valve body and says its pretty instant so I might be able to lie to myself about that until I have money for a proper transmission.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

you're just full of crazy ideas today lol

gorillazfan1023

iTrader: (1)

Tell me about it. It doesn't help that I've got my friends all telling me to V8 swap it, or just build it. Or just sell it because its easier to V8 swap something else, etc.

I never thought I'd V8 swap my car, always thought I'd get a 2nd Miata for that.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

honestly I don't see a point in an autotragic v8 swap miata.

that's what mustangs and camaros are for.

defeats the whole purpose.

gorillazfan1023

iTrader: (1)

Agreed. If only you didn't live so far away so I could give you all my money for miata parts.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

hahaha

CA is only a road trip away

bring a semi

but seriously - yank the engine, do basic build, 6sp and fm2, and just drive the wheels off it

gorillazfan1023

iTrader: (1)

That does seem like the more reasonable option. I do have questions about what goes into the "basic" build I need pistons, but already have rods. I was thinking 84mm 9:1 supertechs. I "only" want 350whp or there abouts. But do I need things like an oil pump for a 99.9% street driven miata? Are ARP head studs required or just recommended?

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

iron truck block with a 4L60E and a drunk redneck with a mig welder.

gorillazfan1023

iTrader: (1)

Basically my plan except I've got access to a machine shop

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

Heavy block + auto tranny in miata = fael.

Twodoor

iTrader: (2)

What? Something wrong with a 3800 lb Miata?

Keith

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

I think we call that a mustang.