Well, after countless emails, 14 months and a threatened lawsuit, I now have the title to the black 99 Miata that has been sitting at my house since July 08. I haven't even looked at it, but I'm assuming the bottom end is shot, based on the rod cap that I found in the console.

So, either it's getting the spare 96 bottom end if the head is good, or the spare 99 motor that is in the shop if the head is FUBAR. Or, I was thinking about a budget 5.0 swap. This car is close to me. 1983 Thunderbird 5.0 V-8 Plus Extra Parts It's a Thud bird SC with a 93 Mustang 5.0 and 5 speed, so would be an ideal donor as it has the Thud bird IRS, Mustang 5.0 and at least has a 5 speed instead of the auto. Plus, it runs and drives and it comes with a spare 8.8 with 3.73's and axles.

I don't know. It has 88K but has some body damage. The shop that painted my BRG said they would fix it and paint it for $1,100. But, that price is matching color only--no color changes and the car is black. I can't have black when I live on a gravel road. I was actually looking forward to just getting back the money that I paid for it and then the title showed up today.

Looks like I have a winter project in any case.

 

Looking forward for that v8 swap

 

v8 swap. accept no substitute

 

racecar

 

'99 reworked head, 6 spd. transmission, nothing less than a 2860, intake manifold, gutted, and gobs of awesomeness will do. Basically racecar like hustler said

 

v8 race car

 

Everybody has a say and a preference, but if I would do a V8 swap, I would never do a 5.0. Sure there are countless bolt on's for the 5.0, but the weight ratio difference sets me off. If I did a V-8 swap I would accept nothing less than a GM LS engine. In fact, I know I haven't done much research, but from what I have seen, the LS-1 swap kits are cheaper than the 5.0 swap kits. (I mean suspension parts of course.) Which sucks, cause 5.0's are a dime a dozen, but a good LS-1 is a big chunk of change.
Just my 2 cents.

 

+

=

 

Going to look at this 1983 Thunderbird 5.0 V-8 Plus Extra Parts tonight when I get to KC. Hopefully it's a POS that runs great.

 

My vote goes for v8.

With all the money ive put into my car over the past two years if i would have known what i do now i would have gone v8. I would love that baller factor taged along with the car.

 

I've heard this many times. Guess what I'm gonna do on my next Miata?

 

Looking back I wish I had bitten off a V8 swap...might have been done now, or atleast closer to finished than my current turbo setup.

It would be badass and you know it.

 

Either way an awesome BP or awesome LSX is still awesome. Only difference is personal preference and fuel economy.

 

You used awesome three times in one sentence. Surely this violates some grammar rule somewhere!

 

NEVER ENOUGH AWESOME IN ANY THREAD.

 

 

 

 

moar awesome!

 

[braineack]omfg i can finally use my c:/piktarz/awesum foldar[/braineack]