If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
.... such as the Monster Miata.
Obviously increased power = increased straight line performance. But what about cornering, braking, agility, fuel consumption? Anyone have personal experience, or a data sheet / road test / review printout? Thanks. Don |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
On 2014-04-24 02:42:32 +0000, Don Q said:
> ... such as the Monster Miata. > > Obviously increased power = increased straight line performance. > But what about cornering, braking, agility, fuel consumption? > > Anyone have personal experience, or a data sheet / road test / review printout? > > Thanks. > > Don The conversion process has come a long way from the days of the Monster Miata. Check out Flyin' Miatas V8 conversions. There've been reviews of it in most of the major auto mags. <http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130904/carreviews/130909932> <http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/first-drives/drives-flyin-miata-mazda-mx5-v8> <http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mazda/1990-2009-mazda-mx-5-habu-by-flyin-miata-ar152455.html> <http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1311_v_8_roadsters_flyin_miata_habu_and_shelby_ame rcian_cobra_csx8000/> It's not cheap... ....but the end result is beautiful. If I could afford it, I'd already have mine in Colorado being converted. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
Alan Baker > wrote:
> If I could afford it, I'd already have mine in Colorado being > converted. My wish list is much cheaper: 1. A small V6 conversion, maybe around 2.5 liters or so? 2. An automatic as I'm no longer able to drive a manual shift. I's like a 6 0r 8 speed with paddle shifters! 3. An improved top, I have the strap conversion so my glass window top works but I'm always afraid I'll forget to hold the 2nd top bow forward which will tear stuff, I understand the 1999 and later top frame use a spring mechanism to hold the bow forward? An inexpensive conversion would be nice. If I still have the car (very doubtful) when the top goes bad I'll get a '99 top frame with the new top. 4. A different rear end, the gearing isn't right for freeway use, I'll need lower RPM in top gear with my V6 and 8 speed auto! <G> -- XS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://twovoyagers.com/improve-usenet.org/ |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
On 2014-04-24 18:33:44 +0000, XS11E said:
> Alan Baker > wrote: > >> If I could afford it, I'd already have mine in Colorado being >> converted. > > My wish list is much cheaper: > > 1. A small V6 conversion, maybe around 2.5 liters or so? Check out the Honda/Isuzu motor in this conversion: " Isuzu 6VD1 (3.2) and 6VE1 (3.4). Aluminum block, DOHC, 75deg V (short height), forged rods, cast crank, open deck, and COP ignition. Built by Honda." <http://www.miataturbo.net/engine-performance-56/v6-swap-options-70159/> > > 2. An automatic as I'm no longer able to drive a manual shift. I's > like a 6 0r 8 speed with paddle shifters! Uses the GM 60 degree bolt pattern for the bellhousing so you should probably be able to bolt up any number of transmissions. > > 3. An improved top, I have the strap conversion so my glass window top > works but I'm always afraid I'll forget to hold the 2nd top bow forward > which will tear stuff, I understand the 1999 and later top frame use a > spring mechanism to hold the bow forward? An inexpensive conversion > would be nice. If I still have the car (very doubtful) when the top > goes bad I'll get a '99 top frame with the new top. > > 4. A different rear end, the gearing isn't right for freeway use, I'll > need lower RPM in top gear with my V6 and 8 speed auto! <G> |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
Thanks for the links. Much appreciated.
After reading everything, I decided I am not as enthusiastic about a V8 as I thought. First hurdle is the price. I realize it is all custom work, not an assembly line, but still... The total cost puts it in the same category as many other, dare I say better, cars such as the Vette and Cayman. Second, I feel that both the weight and the fuel consumption of this GM block is more than I would be happy with. It was interesting to note that while all the testers expressed positive subjective impressions there was not a single skidpad or slalom figure in sight. I am not a purist but I am a pragmatist. I don't know how often I would need a 0-60 of 3.6 seconds. I think maybe a turbo is a more sensibe option. YMMV Thanks again for the info! D |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
On 2014-04-25 01:43:33 +0000, Don Q said:
> Thanks for the links. Much appreciated. > > After reading everything, I decided I am not as enthusiastic about a V8 > as I thought. > > First hurdle is the price. I realize it is all custom work, not an > assembly line, but still... The total cost puts it in the same category > as many other, dare I say better, cars such as the Vette and Cayman. > > Second, I feel that both the weight and the fuel consumption of this GM > block is more than I would be happy with. It was interesting to note > that while all the testers expressed positive subjective impressions > there was not a single skidpad or slalom figure in sight. I don't think you need be too worried on that score. The LS chevy adds a couple of hundred pounds to the car, but that by no means destroys the handling. Check out this guy's site: <http://targamiata.com/> > > I am not a purist but I am a pragmatist. I don't know how often I would > need a 0-60 of 3.6 seconds. I think maybe a turbo is a more sensibe > option. YMMV Definitely more economical. A first class turbo setup is around $5K, and if you're handy and have the tools, you could install it in a weekend. > > Thanks again for the info! > > D |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
On 2014-04-24 14:33:44 -0400, XS11E > said:
> Alan Baker > wrote: > >> If I could afford it, I'd already have mine in Colorado being >> converted. > > My wish list is much cheaper: > > 1. A small V6 conversion, maybe around 2.5 liters or so? > > 2. An automatic as I'm no longer able to drive a manual shift. I's > like a 6 0r 8 speed with paddle shifters! > > 3. An improved top, I have the strap conversion so my glass window top > works but I'm always afraid I'll forget to hold the 2nd top bow forward > which will tear stuff, I understand the 1999 and later top frame use a > spring mechanism to hold the bow forward? An inexpensive conversion > would be nice. If I still have the car (very doubtful) when the top > goes bad I'll get a '99 top frame with the new top. > > 4. A different rear end, the gearing isn't right for freeway use, I'll > need lower RPM in top gear with my V6 and 8 speed auto! <G> I think we are more or less on the same page here. 1- A light engine that doesn't impact the f/r weight distribution. Or just a turbo. 2- Given my typical driving, any old 3-speed, set-and-forget auto is fine for me. 3- I must say I relly like the power hardtop. 4- Yes! With enough torque you could cruise calmly at around 2000 rpm. Heaven! Don |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Opinions on V8 conversions
Don Q > wrote:
> 3- I must say I relly like the power hardtop. Me too but mine 92 is paid for, trading for a PRHT would be way outside my budget, particularly for a 3rd car I'd seldom drive. I do like the larger engine, 2L vs 1.6L, the auto with paddle shifters, etc. but I did drive a NC when they first came out and they do NOT fit me, I decided against it then but removing those painful cupholders in the doors fixed the biggest objection I had to the car. The practical solution is to sell the Miata and live w/o anything that's fun to drive.... <sigh> -- XS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://twovoyagers.com/improve-usenet.org/ |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Plugin conversions: Why so expensive? | Proctologically Violated©®[_2_] | Technology | 7 | May 2nd 09 03:13 PM |
Recommendations for LPG conversions for a BMW 325i | Jay | BMW | 8 | May 1st 07 12:24 PM |
monster conversions | peter | Mazda | 7 | July 17th 06 03:38 AM |
Mini-Van Conversions? | Tyler Durden | 4x4 | 14 | December 20th 04 03:40 PM |
Mid Tenn headlight conversions | USAROVER | Mazda | 0 | November 4th 04 03:36 PM |