“problem with the DOHC V6 and V8 Winnie’s is they’re BIG”
Just cut the wheel wells. That’s how they shoehorned a 427 into a Nova back in the day.
Only a few 260 AC Cobra’s were ever made, that was when Carroll Shelby was on his own. When Ford got involved, they immediately went to the 289 because of the 260 in the Sunbeam. Ford did not want a Sunbeam that was faster than a “Ford Cobra”.
The 427 Cobra was also called a “Ford Cobra” officially, but many people still referred to it as the AC Cobra.
Are you subject to emissions testing? Things can get complicated when the engine does not match the description on the under-hood label…
The most frightening vehicle I ever rode in was that of an acquaintance that managed to stuff a big block Corvette engine into an AMC Gremlin. The car would spin the tires at 50 and would get sideways ridiculously easy. The tires would howl at all but the most gentle of curves. I can’t imagine trying to make a lap around a track in this beast, or (shudder) driving it at highway speeds in the rain. The owner also told me he had to pull the engine to change all the spark plugs.
The moral of the story is that this was basically a testament in how not to soup up a little car. So if you’re going to perform elective surgery on your nice little Mazda, focus on the handling and driveability as well.
Things can get wild,ever hear of a small block Chevy,mounted midship in a Corvair? or a 1710 cid Allison in a 65 Chevelle? if it makes your life better,take a deep breath sleep on it awhile and if your still obsessed-go for it Kevin
Would we have this much discussion if the guy asked about a V8 swap in a Civic?
There were some snarky comments about men who view a car as a “girly” car. In fact, companies in various businesses work with marketing and shrinks to find designs which will appeal more to men, or to women, depending upon the desired market.
And, sometimes the differences are very subtle, even involving subliminal issues.
And, people are different. Some men have different things which they view as excessively feminine. In my case, I don’t do purple, and without large caliber firearms, you can’t make me do purple. I have a nephew who loves purple. His Dodge pickup is purple, his pool table is purple, and so are his blankets. And, when I lost a black minimag flashlight on the bus from Mexico City to the border and the stores only had purple minimags, and I had to buy one, as soon as he saw that purple light, he traded me a nice black one. So, even his flashlight is purple.
Well, my dream for a super project is taking a small V6 auto or minivan and putting the exact same engine and tranny in the rear. Two engines, all wheel drive, and 2 or 4 exhausts. My son-in-law has a recycling business so the parts would be easy to fine.
The only custom job I ever did was put a Lincoln engine, with overdrive, in a 1950 mercury.
I don’t know why, but every once in awhile I get the urge to gut the Saturn, convert it to RWD and stick a 350 under the hood.
My '99 Miata is still N/A 18. But there are lots of V8 Miatas around. Lot’s of LS-1s and I’ve seen a Ford 5.0. The Ford 5.0 was not much heavier than the iron block stock 1.8. He had to rebuild the front clip, engine mounting and replace the transmission. He found a company that supplied all the parts. Check out Miata.net’s Engine Conversions forum, There is a forum just for v8 Miata’s, but I’ve never looked at it. http://www.v8miata.net/.
A turbo or supercharger is probably a simpler build. The V8 guys say the V8s are more reliable.
Good luck.
Of course they would say that. Everyone has to rationalize an unneeded expense done just for speed junkies. It just isn’t the same car when they finish.
I’m not even gonna bother reading all of the posts. I just got back from working F & C at the Trans Am race in Brainerd Mn. There are LOTS of Miatas used as full on race cars. Do what you want. Tell your “he man” buddys to shove it. (I’ll bet dollars to donuts if you build it, and it’s a convert, they WON’T turn down a ride in it!)
I say go for it.
IMHO the only “girly” car is a VW new beetle. A little more cred for the turbo, but not much. But people should drive what they want, not what other people want them to. There’s nothing wrong with or un-macho about a Miata. (unless maybe it’s pink with yellow polka dots)
Several years ago, I had a coworker who drove a “New Beetle” . . . complete with the flower pot mounted on the dash
He wasn’t girly . . . he was married with a bunch of kids
I think he actually drove it to provoke the other guys
The vast majority of the comments I see here are from guys that don’t know very much about it. I suggest you start at the place where guys really know and that is V8Miata.net.
If you want to see the process start to finish go here:
Yes that is my car so if you have more questions ask away.
I reiterate to the OP, GO FOR IT!!
Sturdy little car. My son & 3 other drivers teamed up to win the 25 Hours of Thunderhill E2 class weekend before last in a 1999 Mazda Miata. Some girly car, huh! Single set of brake pads for the entire 25 hours, only two sets of tires. Other cars in class they finished ahead of included RX-8, RX-7, BMW 335’s. Google Thunderhill to see full results. Car # 78.
Have fun with whatever you choose to do with your Miata.
Several years ago, I had a coworker who drove a “New Beetle” . . . complete with the flower pot mounted on the dashHe wasn’t girly
… If it’s girly, I’ll uh. Happily be girly in this one:
There’s no such thing as a “girly car”. There are only men whose self image is so poor that they have to put others down to make them selves feel macho.
Hey, if what you want to do is build a V8 Miata and you have the time and money, go for it!