331 V8 Miata first autocross

[xbfalcon351coupe]

just curious - how much stiffening do you generally need to do to the body shell etc on one of these? You see them fairly cheap these days, and obviously yours handles really nicely too - seems like a great base for a cheap(ish) performance car.. don't suppose you have a website or can recommend any good build sites?

[TopdownMX5]

@xbfalcon351coupe For stiffening, they are ok stock (i.e. you don't have to add much) but most folks tend to have firmer suspension components and a roll bar to make a more solid ride. My site is topdownmx5(dot)com but a couple other sites I'd recommend are: mccullyracingmotors(dot)com , swaptastic(dot)net/ls1_miata/ , and this forum: forum(dot)miata(dot)net/vb/for­umdisplay(dot)php?f=38 PS: change the (dt) to . for the links to work.

[xbfalcon351coupe]

@TopdownMX5 Cheers mate,I've never really considered one before - I mean, they're such a nice looking car but I never even considered that they'd be strong enough for a V8 with no real stiffening - wow... I'll check out those sites (thanks) hmmm, I think I might have lined up my next project...thanks again!

[TopdownMX5]

@xbfalcon351coupe Yep, the miata chassis takes a V8 quite nicely. Most common swaps are Ford 302's and Chevy LSx based. BTW, I only know of one 351 in a miata, but heard fitment w/ headers and hood clearance was a major pain. 302 (stroked to 331 or 347) fits better. Anyhow, enjoy reading up and researching. Good luck on your next project.

[MrSweetleaf92]

I personally would rather do a rotary swap but this thing looks and sounds awsome! if i did a V8 Monster Miata i would want it just like this!

[xthexemoxmuffinx]

what region is this? SCCA ran autox? if so, greetings from the alabama region!

[TopdownMX5]

@xthexemoxmuffinx Central Kentucky Region SCCA.

[MrMayday7777]

What Kind of MPG would you get in something like this? I assume it would have the Corvette effect. Heavy Horsepower +Light weight car = decent gas mileage?

[TopdownMX5]

@MrMayday7777 Not good. Only around 11-12mpg around town and 18 on the highway. If the engine were a stock 302 from a Mustang, w/ EFI, stock cam, etc... it would probably get closer to 16-18mpg around town and mid 20's on the highway. At least that's what others have said that had V8 miatas (based on their cars).

[supersoni126]

@TopdownMX5 really? wow because my uncles stock C5 gets almost 40 mph...of course hes literally always 5 mph under the speed limit but id expect more from such a lighter chassis..

[myersprostatus]

you should make your liscense plate SAKEBOM

[lancer7610]

how do you like this setup compared to your boxter?

[TopdownMX5]

@lancer7610 Actually, I never had a Boxster. The one I video'd belonged to a friend that had an exhaust modification.

[TopdownMX5]

Thanks for the comments.  It's been a fun car.

[Drewtitus]

that things nutty quick

[mk24v]

Its the best looking NA i ever seen ^^

[thefavs]

sounds goooood

[Subsw00fers]

I personally believe that the weight displacement on the miata is now off.

[TopdownMX5]

@Subsw00fers It picked up 200 lbs. Weight distribution is 54% front / 46% rear. I've had it on the road for over a year now, mostly street driven but had it also at Putnam Park road course. I think it handles fine and don't really consider the weight distribution to be a problem. Here is some track video: youtube(dot)com/watch?v=nqMtId­39QDs

[Subsw00fers]

@TopdownMX5 Whoa still kinda good though huh?

[TopdownMX5]

@LawrenceLugar1 Hilarious! I think that's the best description I've heard so far.

[raginjavan]

That car looks like it would be a ton of fun to drive. seems like it almost has more power then it can handle haha

[LS2V8Miata]

Looks and Sounds GREAT! I couldn't help but notice it has that same Killer animal instinct as my Miata, it viciously attacks any cones that Make it Angry!

[TopdownMX5]

@LS2V8Miata

[859JDMCTR]

haha i saw you on lesstown rd like 3 days ago....... that v8 sound nasty!!! o yea i was in that red miata

[TopdownMX5]

@859JDMCTR Thanks man! Yep, that was me. I have some other videos on vimeo(dot)com/user3598233/vide­os one of which I just took when I saw you.

[XxUnknownxX8]

@TopdownMX5 whats the mileage like?

[TopdownMX5]

@XxUnknownxX8 Not too good at the moment. 12mpg city / 18mpg highway. I've tried to improve it some w/ tuning but given the carb I have, cam, etc... not sure there's much improvement left.

[859JDMCTR]

i seen you car run in the CKR region......check out my autocross video....thier my first time too

[TopdownMX5]

@859JDMCTR Cool! Hope to see you there again sometime later this season.

[859JDMCTR]

@TopdownMX5

yea ill be at the training pad on may 16th in downtown lexington

YOUR CAR IS A BEAST!!!

[lilclown830]

are you using a wet oilpan or a dry oilpan setup??

[TopdownMX5]

@lilclown830 I'm using a wet pan. It's a stock pan that's been slightly modified to clear the steering rack and K-frame. I'm looking at adding an Accusump though before doing any track lapping days.

[lilclown830]

you have an impressive setup there pal 431hp @6300 and a shit loads of torque in a small and light weight car. ever wonder how would it be if you slap a kenne bell charger in it?? and maybe lowering the center of gravity in it.

[TopdownMX5]

@lilclown830 Thanks. I have had a couple friends suggest a supercharger. Not for now, but who knows. It would be a tight fit. I've spent some time trying to compromise the ride height. My biggest problem is ground clearance w/ the exhaust. It's lowered some from stock, but much more and I run into scraping issues. Not good.

[lilclown830]

yea that is a problem have you tried stiffing the shocks and dampers? i am not sure if it would help solve that issue but might be worth the try. Quick question are you from Arizona?

[TopdownMX5]

@lilclown830 Yep, I went through the suspension. It's pretty much where it needs to be. I'm from KY, though I chat a bit w/ a couple other V8 miata guys in AZ.

[lilclown830]

ok well good luck on the car bro. i thought i saw this car being featured in gearz.

[TopdownMX5]

@lilclown830 Thanks. Nope, that's not me on Gearz but it's a friend of mine. One of my other videos is the Gearz segment w/ him.

[hobotechMASTER]

i have the same swap in a 93 240sx. are you using power steering? cause im using the ls1 pump and my steering got noticably lighter. its a tad too light i think. do you have the same problem?

[TopdownMX5]

Yes, using power steering. Ford PS pump and a Miata rack. It doesn't really feel that much lighter than stock, but then again stock feels a little light.

[tbirdpimp07]

i hope mine turns out this well im not using a kit tho i gotta call and see if i can order just the headers and oil pan maybe rear axles im ready to finish mine been goin on a year and havnt heard it run

[TopdownMX5]

The handling still feels well balanced. If anything, I have a touch of oversteer. I might replace the front sway bar I have with one a little bit bigger.

[pax302]

The outside videos do not show how exciting it must be to drive like the onboard camera does. Did you find the handling very different other than the extra power in corners?