Help / Advice about project car

[Adrienf]

Hello!

My name's Kevin, and I've been dreaming up a project for some time now, and was hoping to get some helpful insight from people who know the things I don't.

The project is: swapping the 4-cylinder Miata motor for an LS1 as well as the tranny and rear end, suspension, brakes, etc.

What I need help with is finding a baseline for costs so I can know what a good deal is, or when I'm being ripped off. This project isn't going to be done in a week, and I don't expect it to, but I would like some (read: any) helpful information/tips about how much money I should have before I start, whether I should do certain parts myself or have it done professionally, whether I should go full-performance, or leave it mostly-stock...

I appreciate any help you can provide! The one thing I ask is that you don't try to convince me not to do this. This is what I'm going to do, and nothing's going to change my mind (after seeing stock LS1 Miatas run mid-11's in the quarter).

Anyways, thank you in advance for any information regarding this project!

-Kev

[Ryan@Lingenfelter]

Kevin,
We are LS series engine specialists, but we really do not get into any kind of one off engine swaps of this nature. Therefore, we really do not have any information of what is needed or how much money it make take to complete a build of this nature. What we could help you out with is a custom built short or long block. If this may be something you are interested in let me know how much power you are looking to make and what you are looking to do with the car in the long run. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank You,
Ryan

[morepower101]

sounds like it would be a hellov a fun car to drive with that setup in it.:eek: your options are about endless with ways to do this. you can use stock parts and wiring harness or after market harnesses. you can go for the gold and get some serious horsepower in that little car and use a built motor. and other misc. parts like upgraded tranny and rear end. the real question is what are you going to do with the car (ie. drag race, road race, or go beat up on some heavy V8 muscle car guys). which ever one your planning will determine the way you want to build the car up. give some more info on what you want and maybe some of us can help in more detail. :D

[99AutoX]

With all due respect to Lingenfelter, who make the baddest Corvettes (and other domestics) around, this swap has already been done (and documented, a few times, I believe) by a Miata shop called Flyin' Miata. Their site can give you a breakdown of cost, parts, and they have a kit you can use.

If you want to have the absolute best car out there, get Lingenfelter to help you with the LS engine you want, and then put it into the car with Flyin Miata's help, since they've got experience with this kind of swap.

... and, yes, this is my dream car. Lingenfelter tuning + Flyin Miata Miata expertise = something out of legend ....

(Much love to Lingenfelter and Flyin Miata both.)

[Adrienf]

Thank you very much for your help and information. I was most definitely planning on buying a Lingenfelter block for the engine. Why else would I post on their forums? :D

As for the rest... I'd pretty much like the car to be a tuned-up sleeper. I'd like it to sound and look like nothing is out-of-the-ordinary. Then, then I -really- get on the gas, it opens up and screams like a banshee. I'd like it to be as fun to drive on a road course as it is on a quarter-mile, in addition to being fun to drive on my way to and from work, restaurants, etc...

Basically: I want a tiny car that handles like a go-cart with an engine designed to be in a vehicle that weighs half again as much.

Thanks again!

PS: I, too, have seen many LS1 Miatas. There are a few videos on YouTube. I'm not going for 100% originality here. I just want a small, fast, loud speedster that'll turn heads and look good doing it.