I'd probably take exception to "for cheap". Maybe I had it all wrong, or wasn't ferreting out the best deals, but I looked at doing the 5.3 in my RX7 project. For the RX7 body (maybe not the case for the Miata?) it appeared cheap on first blush but turned expensive quickly. The conversion from 5.3 to LSx stuff (with a reasonable mileage motor) was over $1500 and the motor was still incomplete.. for a small jump in cost you could get the LS1. Fiscally didn't make much sense unless you had access to a lot of stock LSx parts dirt cheap.
I see the same deals around here, modified 98 cars for <$4500.. better way
to go, plus you get all the wiring and you can part the car out to recoup
project costs.
FWIW, YMMV of course, etc.
Wallyman
"Keith Tanner"
<[email protected]>
Sent by: To
miatapower-boun...@miat <[email protected]>
apower.net cc
Subject
01/22/2009 07:27 PM RE: V8 Kit question
Correction, it's $150. I think Bill got his "5" turned around :)
All of the LS engines are the same size externally and most of the toys
swap around. So you can buy a cheap iron-block 5.3 out of a truck, stick on
the right accessory drive, oil pan and intake and stick it in a Miata for
cheap. Or you can get your hands on a very bad-ass crate LS7. Fits the
same. A used LS1 with a T56 will typically run about $4000. I bought a
complete 1998 Camaro with a slightly modified engine for my MG swap for
$4500.
http://www.slowcarfast.com/MG for those who are interested.
Keith Tanner
Flyin' Miata
[email protected]
http://www.flyinmiata.com
1-800-FLY-MX5s (orders)
1-970-464-5600 (tech)
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bill Cardell
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:07 PM
To: Chris P; [email protected]
Subject: RE: V8 Kit question
$120 for us to mod the pan.
Bill Cardell
TurboDog's Dad
www.flyinmiata.com
www.fmwestfield.com
orders 1-800-FLY-MX5S
Before you call our tech line (970.464.5600) please check out the FAQ
section of our website
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Chris P
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: V8 Kit question
just found the FM pics which answer some of my questions
http://flyinmiata.com/projects/LS1/index.php?start=41
my old site, you can see the exhaust routin on the FM kit - due to the
tubular subframe - is far superior to the Ford kit!
www.oa5599.us
also, what about the modded oil pan, is that included or does the builder
have to do it himself or send it to FM and what is the cost?
finally, even with the overheating, poor streetability, and bad MPG, a
whipple cherged V8 in a 2500lb car still rocks as shown below in this
short but stunning clip of my Monster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpRrzaLQrME
----- Original Message -----
From: Chris P
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 6:51 PM
Subject: V8 Kit question
hey all, I just checked out the FM V8 kit - as a Ford Monster Miata
buiolder, I am VERY impressed that they provide a tubular subframe. This
is a "missing link" for success that reduces weight, and as a V8 builder,
I can see obviously would solve a lot of geometry issues.
the price is very good as well, around 4k for everything.
but what about the exhaust? any pics and what headers are used for this?
do they ever leak?
also for the FM guys here, Im unfamiliar with GM LS engines, so a chart
with applicable engines from gm vehicles with stock HP/Torque, and weight
would be really cool.
has anyone here bought the kit and how is it? also, what kind of MPG does
a stock LS engine deliver in a Miata in mixed street driving?
for comparisons, here is my old site when I was playing around with the V8
conversion. one issue was that as soon as you modify a Ford 5.0, the
computer becomes very balky. things run rich, or badly, usually both and
I had it "tuned" by "experts" to no avail. usually that meant playing with
TPS position, timing, and maybe programming a "chip" in the most crude
ways imaginable. it became obvious to me that the poor running, bad MPG,
and other issues were more the norm than the exception in the 5.0 realm.
the fact that I had a twin-screw blower did not help. but I wasnt happy
with 15MPG, stalling at red lights and weather changes ruining
driveability that was always iffy at best.
Now we have the LS motors. oh, also are all the ones used in this
application aluminum engines? I really have to profess total LS series
ignorance!
nonetheless, if I could get mid 20's for honest MPG, and if it would run
right, thiss could well be my next project.
finally, what radiator is used? that was a big issue as well, I used a
huge aluminum one and sometimes that wasnt enough. a friend made a DIY LS
Miata and was able to run the stock radiator in testing with no issues.
he said this showed the LS is much more efficient, plus it sheds heat from
the alum block better too.
headers/manifolds?
does the exhaust hang low like on the panache kit?
radiator?
MPG?
typical engine/trans cost?
any pictures?
-chris
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