Like all of us here, I am a gear head. "Hello, my name is Ron and I am a gear head."

I have always wanted to have a "project car" but see, to always ended up sinking my money into cars that are used on a daily bases. I have always wanted a project that I can tinker on when ever I want, something that I have built from the ground up and something that would take a year or so to finish. The problem is that even though I would consider myself mechanically inclined and think I know my way around a car, I lack quite a bit of the technical know how.


SO, onto my project. I am going to build a Monster Miata!!!! This seems like a great project that I can build with out spending a lot of money, does not take a huge amount of technical know how, will learn a ton from a build like this, and come out with something cool at the end.

My plan is to budget about $10-11k for the initial build and then over time dress it up a bit. I plan on rebuilding a motor my self (something I have always wanted to do) and doing all the work in my garage. Eventually I would like to set it up for the track.

For the motor I plan on building a 331 Stroker Ford V8 with all forged internals. I plan on going with a fuel injected motor with a Trick Flow top end kit (cam, heads, manifold and plenum). I estimate I could get about 400 HP out of the motor with proper tuning of the fuel injection. This thing is going to scream.

My plan is to start with the drive-train and then go from there.

What I do need help with is finding a 93-95 Miata for $1500-2000 (later years if the price is right). If any one has or knows of anyone with one that has no rust and has never been wrecked, let me know. I will also be looking for a variety of used Ford 302 parts to complete the motor. If anyone has or knows someone who has done a V8 swap in a Miata, I would love to talk to them.

Subbing for the awesomeness to come! Rock on Ron!

there are a few 7's on craigslist.

Dude I'm in. I hope you have a beer fridge in your garage.

good luck with this project Ron sounds like a fun time.

Ron, have you considered going the LSx route instead of the 331? That seems to be a lot more popular as of late.

Here's the Miata.net forum on engine conversions.
http://forum.miata.net/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=38

I'm guessing you've already found these folks:
http://www.monstermiata.com/

And for the LSx:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/index.php

I personally have never seen one, but if you have any questions, ask away, and I'll see what I can dig up.

And definitely don't be afraid to ask the FM guys. They'll be happy to help even if you're not a customer.

Ron, I am down...I would build the shit out of the turbo motor that it came with but thats me. Either way, count me in!

This will be a great project for you. I'd be over helping if I was closer.

Thanks for all of your support guys. This is a project that I plan on taking over a year.

Red95- I did think of going the LS route but in my mind there are more advantages with stroking a 302 to a 331 for my goals. The main reason is cost- there are a ton of Ford 302's out there for used parts and a ton of aftermarket parts. I found a 302 out of a 96 Explore that I am going to buy for $200. The Stroker kit with all forged internals I found for $850 and $1100 for the kit with bearings, piston rings, flex plate all fully ballanced. I think that this motor will deliver more than enough power . Do to my motor choice, it leaves me with the Monster Miata kit. The thing I like about this kit is that it provides everything I need to make this swap- Even a big instuction manuel with lots of pictures.

As soon as my engine stand I ordered arrives, I can start tearing down the motor.

BTW- does anyone have an engine hoist I can borrow? I only need it for a few hours. I need it to load the motor in my truck and then get it out.

I personally would go with the 302. The 302 is a smaller motor then the LS, and I mean outside dimensions. The reason people are going with the LS is because it has more power in its stock form but that really doesn't matter for you. I wouldn't go with the explorer 302 because of the oil pan etc. you would be better off going with a 302 from an early 90s crown vic.

The 302 motors on all but the mustang is setup for tq not hp so I know the cams are different but I think the heads may be as well. Will you be going carb or FI? Are you doing any head work?

The monster Miata kit requires a special oil pan and is included in the kit. As far as the Exploder 302 I am really just looking for the block, parts from the fuel injection and the ecu which will be re-flashed anyway. The 331 Stroker kit comes with all the internals and plan on putting on a Trick Flow top end kit. The top end kit comes with everything from the cam, heads, roller rocker set, push rods, studs, fuel injected intake manifold and intake plenum. All of these parts are designed to work together and Trick FLow claims 350hp out of a 302 with their top end kit. We will see.

The Monster Miata Kit includes a new K Member, oil pan, set of headers designed to fit with no clearance issues, larger aluminum radiator, new stronger rear axles, new front suspension and more. It is like a kit car. Someone has already done all their homework and put all the parts together in one kit. Even comes with instructions.

I'd like to help if you could use extra hands and wrenches.

Rich,


I will never turn down free help and I will even through in some beer.

SO, can anyone recomend a good machine shop in the Denver Metro area?

I bought my 302, have taken it down to a bare block and am ready to have it machined.

Phase 1 is now complete.

damn you don't waste time!! pics?