Ok, I was on the fence trying to decide to boost or build then I watched Gearz on You Tube. They build a very cool car that would probably cost about $15K to replicate when you factor in purchase price. No slam to the V8 swap because it fits a whole heck of a lot better than some other crap I've built. I think for V8 swaps the LS based engines make more sense today than a Windsor Ford but I begin to realize why a turbo 1.8 makes even more sense than either. I don't need 400 rwhp and 400 lb/ft of torque in a daily driver. a repeatable 12.90 car on pump gas will be fine forever.

It took me 7 psi of turbo technology blown LS1 to get a nice running 500hp 02' Z28 a few years ago that ran 11's without trying. 250-275hp in a Miata seems pretty easy if you think your way through a turbo project and you get there for about $4,000 less buying kit parts from a store. Both directions being cool and I know enough V8 guys lurk around here that are smart; what's the "A-Ha" that made you boost or build? And who gets 30 mpg or better with any setup other than stock?

 

The LS1 build can get 30's with decent gearing. I guess my 302 could if I hadn't opted for 3.73's but I didn't build the car for being frugal.

Go turbo, keep it under 250whp and you can keep the stock motor, stock trans and still run basement 12's.

 

Makes good sense! I suspect your cars are brutal though!

 

Mr Fram, I recommend that you do a boosted, built LS miata like this guy. Make 900hp and we will all buy a Fram.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=452606

 

Very cool car and certainly over the top! I built something similar with my old boss at TA with the LSX Solstice but not quite as extreme from a power to weigh perspective.

But maybe my boss will sponsor a V8 build if you guys will buy enough Fram!

 

will fram stop making their filters with cardboard?

 

I came in here hoping for a SLC build...