Hello all, first of all I'm a 46y/o gear head. I currently don't have a Miata but I'm looking to buy one and build a sleeper/cannon car. I currently drive an 08 Infiniti FX35 with a lot of work, Its heavy but it is what it is. I also have a 09 BMW 528I (wife's car) as well as an 08 E55 AMG. I'm looking to buy a unmolested Mx5 to build and I'm not sure what direction to take. Meaning what is the best year to turbo? Supercharge? Or even a v8 swap? I'm not sure on the V8 option, if so I think I would stick with a 5.0, but I would like to stay with the stock tranny and even better with a 6 speed if possible? Anyway, I apologize for being long winded but I wanted to in a sort explain to you that I am not some kid dreaming. I have the means, though I'm not in a hurry, as I want to build one right! I'm just not sure exactly where to start. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

The easiest and best response: do more research.

Some facts to help the decision process.

-Turbo>Super
-V8 is the way to go for 300+hp, below that, turbocharging is sufficient and cheaper
-01+ is great because VVT, 99-00 has the best flowing head, 94-97 is still good but not as good, and 90-93 should be skipped unless cost is your top priority
-LS1>5.0
-T56>Miata transmission
-If you go for a V8, a Miata transmission will be a ticking time-bomb, and harder to adapt than a T5 or T56 (depending on engine choice)

 

Thanks, that was the kind of info I was looking for! Any other help is appreciated, thanks again!

 

Welcome to the site Renhalt, thanks for joining up!