V8 swap anyone?
10-18-2007, 11:47 AM
#41
I am doing a V8 swap int he foreseeable future. I have the engine, I am just waiting to complete my turbo kit. Swap that kit into a clean body and enjoy. Use my crap shell (currently my only miata) to do the V8 build up on. While waiting for a clean shell I am working on a single passenger open wheeled racer.
Most likely though i will build up a 1.8 and supercharger it. Although i guess that depends on when I get to drive a V8 miata
Most likely though i will build up a 1.8 and supercharger it. Although i guess that depends on when I get to drive a V8 miata
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10-18-2007, 12:13 PM
#42
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The thing that deters me, other than simply cost, is the weight it adds. If I were to do a V8 I'd probably do a 5.0 due to the fact it has been done so much and the price of a 5.0 setup is far less than an LSx setup. But then what do you have? 225 flywheel horsepower and 300lbs more weight? I'd rather spend less money, have the 225hp without a signifigant weight increase, by going turbo. Yes, you can modify the 5.0 and make more power but then you're spending even more money. If you're below a certain power level it makes more sense to turbo.
I agree that at the 225 whp range, a turbo is a better choice. BTDT. Once you get above the 300whp range on a turbo Miata, you have to build the motor. Then address the tranny with either an RX-7 TII or FM/Quaife. The cost to go above 240 whp or so on a Miata block gets exponentially higher.
I'll admit part of me wants it for the coolness factor. Added weight? I'll just revalve the front Bilsteins and go with stiffer springs.
The simplicity of making more power out of a V8 is alluring. There aren't many 275+whp turbo Miatas out there.
Frank
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10-18-2007, 04:30 PM
#43
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But any V8 with an iron block is going to ruin the miata's handling.
Yeah but a bone stock LS1 will make 300 whp and 315 ft-lbs. Add probably another 30 to the wheels with just a custom tune.
I agree that at the 225 whp range, a turbo is a better choice. BTDT. Once you get above the 300whp range on a turbo Miata, you have to build the motor. Then address the tranny with either an RX-7 TII or FM/Quaife. The cost to go above 240 whp or so on a Miata block gets exponentially higher.
I'll admit part of me wants it for the coolness factor. Added weight? I'll just revalve the front Bilsteins and go with stiffer springs.
The simplicity of making more power out of a V8 is alluring. There aren't many 275+whp turbo Miatas out there.
Frank
I agree that at the 225 whp range, a turbo is a better choice. BTDT. Once you get above the 300whp range on a turbo Miata, you have to build the motor. Then address the tranny with either an RX-7 TII or FM/Quaife. The cost to go above 240 whp or so on a Miata block gets exponentially higher.
I'll admit part of me wants it for the coolness factor. Added weight? I'll just revalve the front Bilsteins and go with stiffer springs.
The simplicity of making more power out of a V8 is alluring. There aren't many 275+whp turbo Miatas out there.
Frank
Makes a lot more sense to just buy a Camaro/Corvette if you want an LS1.
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10-19-2007, 11:32 AM
#45
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That's why I said "POS" 5.0.... but the 4.6 isn't great either. 350 SBC all the way, or a 351 windsor.
But any V8 with an iron block is going to ruin the miata's handling.
Simple, yes, cheaper? No way. LSx's are always in high demand, and they are not cheap. Like I said before, you could definitely get a miata 1.8 to 500hp cheaper than an LS1 when you count purchase price, swap costs, and THEN some pretty substantial mods to get it to 500hp.
Makes a lot more sense to just buy a Camaro/Corvette if you want an LS1.
But any V8 with an iron block is going to ruin the miata's handling.
Simple, yes, cheaper? No way. LSx's are always in high demand, and they are not cheap. Like I said before, you could definitely get a miata 1.8 to 500hp cheaper than an LS1 when you count purchase price, swap costs, and THEN some pretty substantial mods to get it to 500hp.
Makes a lot more sense to just buy a Camaro/Corvette if you want an LS1.
Show me 2 Miatas with over 500 hp that don't have **** reliability and driveabilty. They don't exist. Neither do 400whp ones. And any 400+whp Miata had $10K in the engine/turbo/ECU to get there.
400whp LS1s are a dime a dozen with less than $2k worth of work. I wouldn't need 500 whp.
LS1s run about $2500 for a mid mile decent compression one. Build a Miata motor capable of handling anything over 300whp for less than $4K. You can't do it. Money isn't that much of an object for me anyway. a 400whp LS1 is 10 times more daily driveable and reliable than a 400 whp BP. Heads, cams and tuning will get you there. To get there in a BP you need a big laggy turbo, standalone ECU, upgraded trans.
I know what it takes to take a Miata motor to high levels of hp. And I know the results and driveability afterwards. I don't want an LS1 just to have an LS1. I want a high whp Miata that's a turnkey daily driver in the hot, cold, whenever.
Frank
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10-19-2007, 11:53 AM
#46
If money is not really an option, how about just buying a already done LS6 Miata....
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/v/test-test/
He has it up for sale right now for $20k.
All I have to say is that this is the scariest car I have ever driven, and I have driven some really fast cars.
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/v/test-test/
He has it up for sale right now for $20k.
All I have to say is that this is the scariest car I have ever driven, and I have driven some really fast cars.
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10-19-2007, 12:01 PM
#47
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I took that as a cost argument, but since money isn't an object, it would make more sense to do an LS1, even though you will likely be in for about $10k when all is done. Still, if I were in your financial position I would be doing an LS1 FD.
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10-19-2007, 06:10 PM
#49
If money is not really an option, how about just buying a already done LS6 Miata....
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/v/test-test/
He has it up for sale right now for $20k.
All I have to say is that this is the scariest car I have ever driven, and I have driven some really fast cars.
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/v/test-test/
He has it up for sale right now for $20k.
All I have to say is that this is the scariest car I have ever driven, and I have driven some really fast cars.
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10-22-2007, 04:31 PM
#55
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what's "one of these"
hopefully your talking about a miata because i have a 351w sitting in my garage on one side and my miata on the other side....and have yet to see someone with a 351w swap. deck height seems to be the issue right?
....why is miata always incorrect spelling on a miata forum?
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10-23-2007, 06:56 AM
#57
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If money is not really an option, how about just buying a already done LS6 Miata....
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/v/test-test/
He has it up for sale right now for $20k.
All I have to say is that this is the scariest car I have ever driven, and I have driven some really fast cars.
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/v/test-test/
He has it up for sale right now for $20k.
All I have to say is that this is the scariest car I have ever driven, and I have driven some really fast cars.
Frank
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10-23-2007, 03:06 PM
#58
hopefully your talking about a miata because i have a 351w sitting in my garage on one side and my miata on the other side....and have yet to see someone with a 351w swap. deck height seems to be the issue right?
....why is miata always incorrect spelling on a miata forum?
....why is miata always incorrect spelling on a miata forum?
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