@nsaneon While that radiator gave enough clearance (contrary to how it looks with only half the front bodywork attached), I later replaced it with a more efficient unit. The new one doesn't sit quite so low but - more importantly - offers more cooling if required. I never ran the car hard enough with the setup shown in the video to need anything better, but it's hot around here in the summer.
I had the same problem with the Chevy V6 I put in my 72 MGB...radiator hanging too low. I used a V8 radiator from a 1965 Mustang. Fit good width wise and kept it cooled down.
Wow! I dreamed up this combination a while ago but I had no idea that somebody was actually working on it already. Do you have a build diary somewhere online? How does the weight of the all-aluminium LS1 compare to that of the Rover V8?
@blockheadface Thanks for the comments! I don't know exactly what the weight of the LS motor versus the Rover is. They're both all-aluminum but the Rover is smaller, so I'm guessing it's going to be more. Still, the current weight of the car (with more bodywork than is in this video!) is right around 2200 lbs - that's basically the stock weight. So it's not too heavy! The big T56 is about 70 lbs heavier than the usual T5 though.
@TargaMiata I imagine you'd be putting in a sturdier rear end as well, which would help to even out the weight distribution. Very nice project; I'll be keen to follow it as you progress.
@blockheadface An update: in full street trim (interior, spare tire, full tank of gas, etc) the car is 2376 lbs. Weight distribution is 51.9:48.1. Better than most cars. I'll have a video of the current state of the car as soon as the roads clear up a bit. It looks a little more finished with the fender flares :)
@TargaMiata Awesome! I've been reading through your build diary from time to time too, and I have a huge amount of respect for your skills. The purists may not like it, but I think it's fantastic. Classic styling with modern technology. Probably a similar distribution and lower weight to the LS1 Miatas you build at Flyin' Miata, I'm thinking? Looking forward to a video update.
@blockheadface A bit lighter than the Miatas - the MG and the Miata start out around the same weight, but the stock MG engine is a real boat anchor and it sits in a heavy subframe. Based on some of our Miata builds, I'd say it's about 200 lbs lighter than a similarly spec'd Miata with about the same distribution.
very interesting conversion. What is the LS1 engine? is it an aluminium v8? im doing a ford duratec conversion on mine, im after a lightweight track car. In my vids you can see my car isnt fast enough lol. What work did you have to do to make the engine fit as its a quad cam so huge up top, yet you've retained the standard bonnet.
@itsawindupuk The LS1 engine is a 5.7l all-aluminum V8, yes. This one is probably between 350 and 400 hp as it's been slightly modified. It's a pushrod motor so the heads are fairly small, but it's still a big lump.
The entire front end of the car has been reworked - the stock frame rails were cut off and a new frame built that gave room for the engine and improved the suspension geometry. It's a tight, tight fit. Check the website in the video description for the full build.
@dbcaudill The new suspension makes the track about 4" wider. I had to cut the fenders to let the wheels move through their travel - otherwise the rears were almost rubbing at normal ride height. I'm going to put fender flares on it to hide the holes, but that comes after the first drive!
A little fatter tires would have been cool
TheNewbpowner123 5 months ago
A women drives that thing, sexy
grandmaSmellsofFarts 6 months ago
Great job! Have you had any issues with the radiator??
nsaneon 9 months ago
@nsaneon While that radiator gave enough clearance (contrary to how it looks with only half the front bodywork attached), I later replaced it with a more efficient unit. The new one doesn't sit quite so low but - more importantly - offers more cooling if required. I never ran the car hard enough with the setup shown in the video to need anything better, but it's hot around here in the summer.
TargaMiata 9 months ago
I had the same problem with the Chevy V6 I put in my 72 MGB...radiator hanging too low. I used a V8 radiator from a 1965 Mustang. Fit good width wise and kept it cooled down.
kenzo5716 9 months ago
Jus rediculous. lol badazz. Now put some silent exhaust on it and make some money on the streets lol.
mudluver27 1 year ago
Wow! I dreamed up this combination a while ago but I had no idea that somebody was actually working on it already. Do you have a build diary somewhere online? How does the weight of the all-aluminium LS1 compare to that of the Rover V8?
blockheadface 1 year ago
@blockheadface OK, scrap the first question, I've found your website. Second question still remains though. :)
blockheadface 1 year ago
@blockheadface Thanks for the comments! I don't know exactly what the weight of the LS motor versus the Rover is. They're both all-aluminum but the Rover is smaller, so I'm guessing it's going to be more. Still, the current weight of the car (with more bodywork than is in this video!) is right around 2200 lbs - that's basically the stock weight. So it's not too heavy! The big T56 is about 70 lbs heavier than the usual T5 though.
TargaMiata 1 year ago
@TargaMiata I imagine you'd be putting in a sturdier rear end as well, which would help to even out the weight distribution. Very nice project; I'll be keen to follow it as you progress.
blockheadface 1 year ago
@blockheadface An update: in full street trim (interior, spare tire, full tank of gas, etc) the car is 2376 lbs. Weight distribution is 51.9:48.1. Better than most cars. I'll have a video of the current state of the car as soon as the roads clear up a bit. It looks a little more finished with the fender flares :)
TargaMiata 1 year ago
@TargaMiata Awesome! I've been reading through your build diary from time to time too, and I have a huge amount of respect for your skills. The purists may not like it, but I think it's fantastic. Classic styling with modern technology. Probably a similar distribution and lower weight to the LS1 Miatas you build at Flyin' Miata, I'm thinking? Looking forward to a video update.
blockheadface 1 year ago
@blockheadface A bit lighter than the Miatas - the MG and the Miata start out around the same weight, but the stock MG engine is a real boat anchor and it sits in a heavy subframe. Based on some of our Miata builds, I'd say it's about 200 lbs lighter than a similarly spec'd Miata with about the same distribution.
Thanks for the compliments!
TargaMiata 1 year ago
What no driveway drifts?
My alternate comment " that is one ugly miata. "
muralshack 1 year ago
Hot!
beerbottletripod 1 year ago
very interesting conversion. What is the LS1 engine? is it an aluminium v8? im doing a ford duratec conversion on mine, im after a lightweight track car. In my vids you can see my car isnt fast enough lol. What work did you have to do to make the engine fit as its a quad cam so huge up top, yet you've retained the standard bonnet.
itsawindupuk 1 year ago
@itsawindupuk The LS1 engine is a 5.7l all-aluminum V8, yes. This one is probably between 350 and 400 hp as it's been slightly modified. It's a pushrod motor so the heads are fairly small, but it's still a big lump.
The entire front end of the car has been reworked - the stock frame rails were cut off and a new frame built that gave room for the engine and improved the suspension geometry. It's a tight, tight fit. Check the website in the video description for the full build.
TargaMiata 1 year ago
Why did you cut out the fenders like that?
dbcaudill 1 year ago
@dbcaudill The new suspension makes the track about 4" wider. I had to cut the fenders to let the wheels move through their travel - otherwise the rears were almost rubbing at normal ride height. I'm going to put fender flares on it to hide the holes, but that comes after the first drive!
TargaMiata 1 year ago
Good job Keith!
fitz1tj 1 year ago
That is going to be scary fun! Great job!
tkmadia 1 year ago
Looks great!
saveferris2284 1 year ago