Picked up what could be the perfect candidate for a Monster this afternoon. It is a 1990 (downfall #1 is the potential crank issue), it is an automatic (downfall #2 is that it is gutless) and it leaks oil like a faucet (downfall #3 unless I can figure it out). All that said, it sounds like a good enough reason to tear out the drivetrain for a V8!

I think we have a winner. Go V8, maybe now you can start buying some American iron. There are a ton of 302's (may be an LS) on the marker and the Fords are easy to rebuild (if neccessary).

This car is just screaming V8 for all the right reasons. Couldn't pass it up when I ran across it. Got it from the 2nd owners who have had it for 18 of the 20 years. If I do the swap, it will certainly be the 5.0L Ford. Only seems fitting.

Lots less modification needed for the 5.0 compared to an LSx engine. And still plenty of power. 400+ just seems totally unnecessary on the street to me in such a light car. Then again, if you're going to build a v8 Miata, you might as well go big lol.

Nah, go find a used MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo and put it in there!

And for God's sake -- get a manual trannY!

If he's swapping the motor he'd have to swap the tranny anyway so that's not an issue.

And no, stay the hell away from the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo unless you like to throw rods.

erod550 wrote:If he's swapping the motor he'd have to swap the tranny anyway so that's not an issue.

And no, stay the hell away from the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo unless you like to throw rods.

LOL yeah, that's a problem, especially with mods. But there's an interesting thread about it on mazdaspeedforums.

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/f284/why-does-your-motor-blow-26996/

Near the end, he says he has a solution HE thinks will work. I don't know how true it is, but time will tell.

V8 v8 v8 v8 v8...........:61424796::61424796:

So actually, my dad bought a 91 for my mom about 2 years ago. She hasn't even had a chance to drive it yet. Had to have both hips replaced. Now she is going in next week for a knee replacement. It is a manual trans, and she really doesn't think she will be able to drive it. Looks like she may have dibs on the auto now. If that happens, their 91 will be up for sale. Runs good, 0 miles on the brand new clutch installed over the fall. Minor dents/dings. I am sure it will be reasonably priced. I will have to continue to hunt for the right V8 candidate.

They are easy to find and can even go the route like me. By an used Explorer block and build it up as a Mustang motor.

you can also get a motor out of a full size ford cheap. If you are able to find a cop car than it will be the HO motor with a different cam.

Looks like this will be going to my parents...

The search continues for the V8 candidate.

Good luck, I was looking forward to having another v8 miata in town.

Just a matter of time! Glad that yours is on the road and ruling the roads. I stopped by to see it before it was running yet. Cool project!

94mx5 wrote:Just a matter of time! Glad that yours is on the road and ruling the roads. I stopped by to see it before it was running yet. Cool project!

That was you? Awesome! The car is so much fun. I have about $7K into it, and I wish that I had another $7K for more mods!

I'm currently working on a tubular front subframe, and I may eventually do a tubed front half for it. It would be nice to have some room for twin turbos for the v8.