Replacement engine project: V8

XPECTD · Post by **XPECTD** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:53 pm

Greetings all,

I remember seeing pix not long ago of a 5L Mustang engine in an MX5.

Ive also seen a 4L Lexus V8 thrown in one too...

I myself would love to undertake this project soon, looking for somebody to talk to about it.

Right now Im thinkin a small-block Ford V8 would be the way to go. Initially was thinking the Soarer engine or the likes, but there would be a plethora more replacement mods for the ford AFAIK once Ive actually comlpleted the project and would be looking to further mod it for performance. Just thinking ahead...

Problem is Im not really too sure where to start or who to speak with. Any chance somebody can point me in the right direction?

Many thanks

Josiah

Post by **jif** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:20 pm

have you seen this section of the big forum?
http://forum.miata.net/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=38

I'll take a lexus v8 with IRTBs... yum :]

[Posted via External Email]

Post by **zorruno** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:36 am

XPECTD said on 07/05/2006 08:53 PM:

Problem is Im not really too sure where to start or who to speak with.
Any chance somebody can point me in the right direction?

There are a bunch of V8 enthusiasts in the Christchurch MX5 Club, you
could start there.

cheers
--
(z)

[Posted via External Email]

XPECTD · Post by **XPECTD** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 1:24 am

Yeah, had a look through the miata.net forums, theres a _lot_ of other people out there who've thrown V8's into MX5's.

Christchurch sounds good, would be happy to, however if there's somebody who's done it around Auckland and can recommend the likes of somewhere to get Engine Mounts etc that'd be awesome.

S'pose this would be a good opportunity for me to join the MX5club too (Provided there's nothing against me being stickered up with LnD at the same time).

Thanks for the quick responses

Joe

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:25 pm

Michael Cotter in ChCh is doing a Lexus V8 and his son is doing a Ford V8 - must be something in the water. Even his wife's MX5 has been played with!!!!

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 1:48 pm

Go with a lexus V8, they are far lighter and cheaper than a good condition 302 ford V8, theres a guy on trade me who sells lexus v8s and clutches and all sorts of bits for them. a stock lexus with nice engine management will offer better performance than an old skool pushrod v8.
Or you could look at using a rover V8 from a landrover discovery. theres a guy in the english club who bought a BRAND NEW NB and put one in it..very nice!

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:17 pm

But why would you bother?

MX5s handle 200bhp ok, then its g'box, rear end, etc etc.

The MX5 V8 at Ruapuna recently (by all reports) did slower lap times than an MGB!!!! - The finished product looks amazing (as showcased in NZ Classic Car Mag recently) - but show does not necessarily = go! (or in this case, other than in a straight line)

Other than a turbo or supercharger option, only transplant I personally would consider would be using a RX7 series 5 turbo rotary. - 200 bhp out of the box, manageable torque using 1.8 diff or similar' and good weight distribution.
At least you could then still say you had a Mazda!!

Cheers.

Carinosa · Post by **Carinosa** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 1:56 am

How about that one that make out of 2 Suzuki Hayabusa engines, 2.6 litre 300+ BHP and very light!

Stevo · Post by **Stevo** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:12 am

I'm also interested to learn a bit more about this transplant but only with the Lexus V8. These should have ample power and make all the right noises without too much weight gain.
There are 1 or 2 that post on here occassionally such as MX4000 and 1UZFE is intending to do the conversion shortly and he's in Auckland. I have been googling them recently and there is plenty of info on the net. Cheers Stevo

XPECTD wrote:Greetings all,

I remember seeing pix not long ago of a 5L Mustang engine in an MX5.

Ive also seen a 4L Lexus V8 thrown in one too...

I myself would love to undertake this project soon, looking for somebody to talk to about it.

Right now Im thinkin a small-block Ford V8 would be the way to go. Initially was thinking the Soarer engine or the likes, but there would be a plethora more replacement mods for the ford AFAIK once Ive actually comlpleted the project and would be looking to further mod it for performance. Just thinking ahead...

Problem is Im not really too sure where to start or who to speak with. Any chance somebody can point me in the right direction?

Many thanks

Josiah

Mx5.7 · Post by **Mx5.7** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:14 am

Hi All, Just thought that I would put my 2 cents worth in...Im putting a 400 sbc and 350 turbo trans into my NA.... Ive just installed a Mustang 7.5 Diff head and mustang axles ( should be good for around 600hp.... and if I do start breaking axles ... at least you can get custom axles made up )and have started to mock up engine and trans ... the whole conversion could be as quick as 4 - 6 weeks ( all depends on skill and motorvational levels.)

I did try to put up some pics of mine but they were too big