Thoughts on LS3-powered Miata? - LotusTalk

MightyMike · 10-14-2009, 06:59 PM

Any observations, knowledge of, or opinions on putting a Gen IV engine into a Miata? Sounds interesting to say the least.

Flyin' Miata : V8 conversions : turnkeys and tradeins

Hartz · 10-14-2009, 07:49 PM

I've got one of the original Monster Miatas with the Ford 5.0L V8 in it. It is an amusing little toy. Gets almost as many comments as the Elise. Still handles pretty well, too.

Putting an aluminum LS3 with 1.5x the power of the Ford in it? I have to imagine that would be a lot of fun.

MightyMike · 10-14-2009, 08:11 PM

With the aluminum block, there doesn't seem to be much of a weight penalty either.

Demonized · 10-14-2009, 08:47 PM

I wouldn't mind doing this... Do it Mike.

MightyMike · 10-14-2009, 08:48 PM

Yeah, I'm just weighing options now. I'm always looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Chris Mackey · 10-14-2009, 08:50 PM

Looks pricey.

Noizemaker · 10-14-2009, 08:52 PM

Looks like you can't fit nearly enough tire under it.

MightyMike · 10-14-2009, 09:18 PM

It is pricey. Not sure if I would pay for complete turn key installation or only partial.

PJK · 10-15-2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noizemaker

Looks like you can't fit nearly enough tire under it.

There is a guy who runs with my club who has this set up, and you are right. You can't get enough tire under it.

His car looks really nice. From the outside, you can't tell anything until he starts it, then you realize something is different!

It is a pretty cool car.

texige · 10-15-2009, 08:01 AM

Kind of reminds me of one of these.

Home of the Hossfly

Tracktimeplz · 10-15-2009, 08:08 AM

Id love to have one! The weight balance stays the same, but when done properly they can lower the CG, making the car handle even better

fzust · 10-15-2009, 08:22 AM

Hmmmm too much power in a 2 seat RWD car? I think not! Go for it!

gpheck · 10-15-2009, 08:29 AM

I'm all for ridiculous power in just about anything as long as its built up for it and safe, but mazda had no intentions of this car having anywhere near 300+

ft.lbs of torque! I'd image it could be made to work, but having enough rubber is definitely a problem, and again can the rest of the car really handle it?

Demonized · 10-15-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpheck

I'm all for ridiculous power in just about anything as long as its built up for it and safe, but mazda had no intentions of this car having anywhere near 300+

ft.lbs of torque! I'd image it could be made to work, but having enough rubber is definitely a problem, and again can the rest of the car really handle it?

Who needs reason, when you can have a V8 Miata?

Get out of here!!

Noble · 10-15-2009, 11:12 AM

I live about 15 minutes from their shop and have seen their cars on many occasions. The whole "it looks like it came from the factory that way" really does apply, their quality of work is first rate. An FM v8 converted Miata would be one of the few vehicles that could sway me from getting an Elise/Exige when the time comes. Some good reading here:

LS376/480 Miata! 415 RWHP/430 ft-lbs - MX-5 Miata Forum

FM turnkey prices announced! - MX-5 Miata Forum

Noble

Minnis · 10-15-2009, 11:35 AM

I was wondering why the stock cars with high miles and blown motors were pulling a premium. I saw 99 with a bad motor bid to almost $3k on ebay last week.

I have a great BRG 99 Miata for sale $5k.

Minnis · 10-15-2009, 12:23 PM

Ecotec with the GM tune 290hp/325 torque at 2k rpm. Better balance. My 99 weighs 2299lb stock. Its no Lotus but that could work for some great cheap thrills.

kverges · 10-15-2009, 12:36 PM

All in, I think I'd prefer a C6 Z06 - not all that much more, esp if you buy a 2006 model, which by definition is newer than the Miata conversion by at least one model year. And you'll likely get a mfg warranty and things like 505 hp, 325 section rear tires, stuff that can never be had in the Miata conversion.

Hartz · 10-15-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kverges

All in, I think I'd prefer a C6 Z06 - not all that much more, esp if you buy a 2006 model, which by definition is newer than the Miata conversion by at least one model year. And you'll likely get a mfg warranty and thinks like 505 hp, 32 secion rear tires, stuff that can never be had in the miata conversion.

No question that if you're going to pay someone to build a turn-key car for you, you're getting in to the price range where there are a lot of other attractive options.

The thing is - I can't swing a dead cat without hitting a late model Corvette around here. You pull in to your local gas 'n' sip with a V8 Miata and you'll think an Elise or Exige makes you anonymous by comparison. You probably can't justify it economically, but it's different and it's fun. You either "get it" or you don't.

mrcarcrazy · 10-15-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kverges

All in, I think I'd prefer a C6 Z06 - not all that much more, esp if you buy a 2006 model, which by definition is newer than the Miata conversion by at least one model year. And you'll likely get a mfg warranty and thinks like 505 hp, 32 secion rear tires, stuff that can never be had in the miata conversion.

I see your point, and while I think V8 miata's are psychotic, I'd go that route before I bought a vette...but I am the anti-vette type.

10-14-2009, 06:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
MightyMike Legend in my own mind Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 833 Images: 9	Thoughts on LS3-powered Miata? Any observations, knowledge of, or opinions on putting a Gen IV engine into a Miata? Sounds interesting to say the least. Flyin' Miata : V8 conversions : turnkeys and tradeins __________________ 06 ST Elise 02 SLK32 AMG BWR Supercharged w/CharlieX tune, Borla Exhaust, OCC, ACT XTSS Clutch, Zeitronix A/F Meter, LETSLA, Manly Mounts, RTD Brace, ReVerie Diffuser, Scoops, Side Skirts, & Shifter Ball, Forcefed Spoiler, & a bunch of other stuff

10-14-2009, 08:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
MightyMike Legend in my own mind Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 833 Images: 9	With the aluminum block, there doesn't seem to be much of a weight penalty either. __________________ 06 ST Elise 02 SLK32 AMG BWR Supercharged w/CharlieX tune, Borla Exhaust, OCC, ACT XTSS Clutch, Zeitronix A/F Meter, LETSLA, Manly Mounts, RTD Brace, ReVerie Diffuser, Scoops, Side Skirts, & Shifter Ball, Forcefed Spoiler, & a bunch of other stuff

10-14-2009, 08:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Demonized NOT ßANNED! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,546	I wouldn't mind doing this... Do it Mike. __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise, Katana Supercharger, LSS Wheels, 2Bular exhaust & cat, rear panel delete, Cup Airbox, Volt / Oil temp gauge, Ohlins double adjustable coilovers, Dual Oil Coolers, S111 RTD Brace, Moroso Oil Pan, MicroMirror, S111 "V-Force" Harness bar, Manly Engine Mounts, Odyssey PC680 & RLS Bracket, Saikou Michi OCC, CF Scoops, CF Bootlid, CF Front Lip.

10-14-2009, 08:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
MightyMike Legend in my own mind Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 833 Images: 9	Yeah, I'm just weighing options now. I'm always looking for something a little out of the ordinary. __________________ 06 ST Elise 02 SLK32 AMG BWR Supercharged w/CharlieX tune, Borla Exhaust, OCC, ACT XTSS Clutch, Zeitronix A/F Meter, LETSLA, Manly Mounts, RTD Brace, ReVerie Diffuser, Scoops, Side Skirts, & Shifter Ball, Forcefed Spoiler, & a bunch of other stuff

10-14-2009, 08:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
Chris Mackey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,587	Looks pricey. __________________ 2006 Elise, Ardent Red, Black Pack, LSS wheels, shocks and springs. ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

10-14-2009, 07:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hartz Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Plymouth, MI USA Posts: 46	I've got one of the original Monster Miatas with the Ford 5.0L V8 in it. It is an amusing little toy. Gets almost as many comments as the Elise. Still handles pretty well, too. Putting an aluminum LS3 with 1.5x the power of the Ford in it? I have to imagine that would be a lot of fun.

10-14-2009, 08:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
Noizemaker General Freakin' Lee. :( Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bellevue WA Posts: 329	Looks like you can't fit nearly enough tire under it. __________________ -Matt 05 Chrome Orange. Touring, LSS wheels, The Blue Sector111 radiator of doom, Dieselgeek 1/4 turn kit, 1/4din Oil Temp gauge, Starshield, LETSLA, HKS exhaust etc etc etc. 99 Neon ACR. Broken. 2.4l, T3/T4, T850 swap, SRT seats, etc etc etc.

10-14-2009, 09:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
MightyMike Legend in my own mind Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 833 Images: 9	It is pricey. Not sure if I would pay for complete turn key installation or only partial. __________________ 06 ST Elise 02 SLK32 AMG BWR Supercharged w/CharlieX tune, Borla Exhaust, OCC, ACT XTSS Clutch, Zeitronix A/F Meter, LETSLA, Manly Mounts, RTD Brace, ReVerie Diffuser, Scoops, Side Skirts, & Shifter Ball, Forcefed Spoiler, & a bunch of other stuff

10-15-2009, 08:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
texige Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: austin texas Posts: 839	Kind of reminds me of one of these. Home of the Hossfly

10-15-2009, 08:08 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tracktimeplz Race lines on the mind Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northwest Florida Posts: 1,085	Id love to have one! The weight balance stays the same, but when done properly they can lower the CG, making the car handle even better __________________ 2003 Honda S2000 - Suzuka Blue 2005 Magnetic Blue Elise Forcefed 275 turbo - Sold 05/20/09

10-15-2009, 08:22 AM	#12 (permalink)
fzust 2009 XP National Champion Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 1,537	Hmmmm too much power in a 2 seat RWD car? I think not! Go for it! __________________ 2008,2009 X Prepared Solo National Champion

10-15-2009, 08:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
gpheck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 72	I'm all for ridiculous power in just about anything as long as its built up for it and safe, but mazda had no intentions of this car having anywhere near 300+ ft.lbs of torque! I'd image it could be made to work, but having enough rubber is definitely a problem, and again can the rest of the car really handle it?

10-15-2009, 11:12 AM	#15 (permalink)
Noble Punch and Pie Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Monterey, California/Grand Junction, Colorado Posts: 1,157	I live about 15 minutes from their shop and have seen their cars on many occasions. The whole "it looks like it came from the factory that way" really does apply, their quality of work is first rate. An FM v8 converted Miata would be one of the few vehicles that could sway me from getting an Elise/Exige when the time comes. Some good reading here: LS376/480 Miata! 415 RWHP/430 ft-lbs - MX-5 Miata Forum FM turnkey prices announced! - MX-5 Miata Forum Noble __________________ Astronomy is looking up.

10-15-2009, 11:35 AM	#16 (permalink)
Minnis '010 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vegas/Phila. Posts: 770 Images: 1	I was wondering why the stock cars with high miles and blown motors were pulling a premium. I saw 99 with a bad motor bid to almost $3k on ebay last week. I have a great BRG 99 Miata for sale $5k.

10-15-2009, 12:23 PM	#17 (permalink)
Minnis '010 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Vegas/Phila. Posts: 770 Images: 1	Ecotec with the GM tune 290hp/325 torque at 2k rpm. Better balance. My 99 weighs 2299lb stock. Its no Lotus but that could work for some great cheap thrills.

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10-15-2009, 12:36 PM	#18 (permalink)
kverges Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 925	All in, I think I'd prefer a C6 Z06 - not all that much more, esp if you buy a 2006 model, which by definition is newer than the Miata conversion by at least one model year. And you'll likely get a mfg warranty and things like 505 hp, 325 section rear tires, stuff that can never be had in the Miata conversion. Last edited by kverges : 10-20-2009 at 07:39 AM.