[WMBL]

Flyin' Miata, a reputable Miata tuner, is working on a V8 swap package for the ND. Their swap will most likely fit the 124 as well. >

You knew this was coming. There's still a long way to go before this is a real thing - but the initial test fit is promising. Very promising.

Most of the work will be done in the virtual realm, but we just had to try this the old fashioned way. Yes, that's a V8 engine stuffed in a 2016 ND Miata.

Don't worry, we are developing parts for the four cylinder as well. Just like we do for all generations of Miata.

A dedicated page on their site is now up:

https://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/ND.php

Like all of our swaps, this will be a fully integrated car and not just a big engine rammed into a little car.

Definitely a GM V8. Probably the LS3, but we're also investigating the LT1.

The LS3 family of engines gives us the choice of 430 hp, 480 hp or 525 hp - all with a two-year factory warranty.

One of our NB conversions was clocked at 3.8 seconds 0-60 by Road & Track. This car should be at least as fast.

Our goal is to make it seem as if this is a factory-built car, and that means upgrading the suspension, brakes, fuel system, cooling system and everything else to suit the new power level.

Our plan is to use the Tremec T56 Magnum, which is a strong, slick-shifting 6-speed we use in our other conversions. We'll also have an upgraded rear end with an LSD, a new driveshaft and new halfshafts.

A turn-key should be no more than our $50,000 turn-key options for the earlier Miatas. Possibly less.

We will make parts available for DIY builders.

 

[WMBL]

Details on the swaps for the NA and NB cars:

The price for the basic conversion is $49,995, and includes the following parts and labor. The car itself is not included.



Specifications
430 hp 6.2L LS3 V8 engine with a two year warranty - a 2015 Camaro SS engine
6-speed T56 Magnum transmission with a custom shift lever
FM spec Moroso steel oil pan with baffling
LS7 clutch and flywheel
Getrag 3.73 differential with a clutch pack limited slip (1990-05)
Getrag 3.91 differential with a clutch pack limited slip (2006-15)
reinforced engine bay with fresh paint
custom-built dual pass crossflow radiator
dual Spal fans on a custom shroud
new aluminum driveshaft
V8 Roadster G2 heavy duty halfshafts (2006-15 are PnP)
upgraded rear hubs with ARP extended wheel studs & new bearings on 1990-05
stainless steel headers and dual exhaust with a lifetime warranty
Magnaflow high-flow dual catalytic converters
completely new fuel system with -6AN lines and high-flow DW300 pump
new GM-built engine wiring harness and engine management
Flyin' Miata custom engine dyno tune for more power and improved drivability with our specific parts
tubular front subframe
LS7 cold air intake system and LS9 air filter w/ a custom baffle
hydraulic hood lifts
Aerocatch hood pins
Corvette C6 battery, 1990-05
2006-15, rear mount Odyssey battery with engine bay B+ terminal
Corvette C6 starter
fully functional dashboard
FM sway bars front & rear
Racing Beat adjustable end links
V-Maxx XXtreme Track Pack Stage 2 suspension (1990-05)
FM Stage 2 suspension (2006-15)
FM four wheel big brake kit (1990-05)
Porterfield R4S brake pads (2006-15)
air conditioning (must be on the donor car)
seam and spot welded chassis stiffening
Lizard Skin sound/heat insulation
Heavy duty sway bar mounts (1990-93)
polyurethane steering rack bushings (1990-97)
Frog Arms (extra stiffness for 1990-05 cars)
performance control arm bushings with new eccentric bolts (1990-05)
blueprinted front hubs with ARP extended wheel studs (1990-05)
Turn 1 power steering restrictor
Cappuccino washer bottle
949 Racing lightweight lug nuts for long wheel studs
many custom stainless brackets required for a clean installation
Flyin' Miata alignment

 

[Jack]

Fun but expensive. Have to ask yourself why you don't just buy a higher powered car to begin with.

 

[Keith Tanner]

Why? Because they usually come in larger, heavier packages. This car should be more than 1000 lbs lighter than a Z06 by the time we're done. Some people like light, small and powerful.

 

[WMBL]

Why? Because they usually come in larger, heavier packages. This car should be more than 1000 lbs lighter than a Z06 by the time we're done. Some people like light, small and powerful.

The thought of such a "sleeper" Fiat is enticing. >

Welcome to the forums. We're slowly becoming busier around here.

 

[Keith Tanner]

Haven't had much to say so far! We usually wait until we can get our hands on the car. Although I suspect we already have brake and suspension upgrades that are Fiat-friendly.

 

[spilner]

Why? Because they usually come in larger, heavier packages. This car should be more than 1000 lbs lighter than a Z06 by the time we're done. Some people like light, small and powerful.

Indeed. Even better when we're able to use that platform as a starting point for mods. Always helps to start with a good canvas.

 

[Greg]

I am sure this will be amazing, V8 swaps into Fiat 124s pre-date the Miatas by a couple decades. There was a pretty nice one at the last Fiat Freak out that was done in the mid 90s. Typically these swaps are very fast, and those V8's are lighter than you might think so the cars still handle.

All that said, it's not my cup of tea. I would rather have a Giant slayer little 4cyl turbo putting out near V8 power, sort of like the 124 rally car that was just unveiled.

Greg

 

[spilner]

I'd want to see an Lexus IS-F V8 in this. The power it puts down on the low end and the weight of the setup will be perfect. It might even sounds like what you'd expect from a high performance coupe.

 

[spilner]

disappointed I haven't seen any more discussion about this or anything like it on this forum.

Here's where you guys can follow the build flyin miata has going on.... on a 124: https://www.flyinmiata.com/projects/Tony/index.php?UID=13

 

[Chipshot]

Keep it in the family. Ferrari/Maserati V8, Maserati Bi-Turbo V6, or a Hellcat! OK, the last one's simply crazy.

The GM pushrod engine is probably easiest to fit and would almost certainly cost the least. That doesn't make it right.

I'll still be fine with the 1.75L turbo from the Alfa Romeo 4C.

 

[zvezdah1]

yeah I think the motor from the 4c would be easier, it's a great little engine.

Keep it in the family. Ferrari/Maserati V8, Maserati Bi-Turbo V6, or a Hellcat! OK, the last one's simply crazy.

The GM pushrod engine is probably easiest to fit and would almost certainly cost the least. That doesn't make it right.

I'll still be fine with the 1.75L turbo from the Alfa Romeo 4C.

 

[Stewie]

I mean.. LS swap everything. Because race car.

But seriously, the dynamics would be thrown off completely. I would still love one and would take one in a heart beat.

 

[Greg]

I mean.. LS swap everything. Because race car.

But seriously, the dynamics would be thrown off completely. I would still love one and would take one in a heart beat.

American V8s are much lighter than you probably think. A well done V8 swap with an all aluminum engine, battery relocated to the trunk, and careful planning will probably have a front end weight within 50-100 pounds of the 124.

Greg

 

[Chipshot]

American V8s are much lighter than you probably think. A well done V8 swap with an all aluminum engine, battery relocated to the trunk, and careful planning will probably have a front end weight within 50-100 pounds of the 124.

Greg

Is there room to push the engine rearward? I'm guessing not, a V8 should be comparable in length to an I4 with similar cylinder bores. May depend on the transmission used.

 

[Greg]

Is there room to push the engine rearward? I'm guessing not, a V8 should be comparable in length to an I4 with similar cylinder bores. May depend on the transmission used.

It doesn't look like it, but then again once someone gets in there and maybe removes that giant steel shield bolted to the firewall, there may be a little extra room to do it. I spoke to someone at flying Miatas and he said they were able to keep the weight distribution pretty close to stock.

Greg

 

[Stewie]

American V8s are much lighter than you probably think. A well done V8 swap with an all aluminum engine, battery relocated to the trunk, and careful planning will probably have a front end weight within 50-100 pounds of the 124.

Greg

I can't disagree with that as I have heard LS engines especially are quite light considering. Moving things around to try and even the weight out would be very beneficial nonetheless

 

[Greg]

I can't disagree with that as I have heard LS engines especially are quite light considering. Moving things around to try and even the weight out would be very beneficial nonetheless

That's my thinking as well. Our 1.4 is actually a bit chunky. The V8s are light for the amount of displacement you get. Move the battery to the rear, take any other opportunities to lighten the load and I think it will work out pretty well. It's not my cup of tea, but understand why people do it.

Greg

 

[Dhuntr41]

I am sure this will be amazing, V8 swaps into Fiat 124s pre-date the Miatas by a couple decades. There was a pretty nice one at the last Fiat Freak out that was done in the mid 90s. Typically these swaps are very fast, and those V8's are lighter than you might think so the cars still handle.

All that said, it's not my cup of tea. I would rather have a Giant slayer little 4cyl turbo putting out near V8 power, sort of like the 124 rally car that was just unveiled.

Greg

Absolutely

 

[Sonny Burnett]

The Flyin' Miata is alive, chirping 4th gear.