Ron's Monster Miata Build

[coloskydiver]

I decided to start a new thread actually documenting my build, since my last one was more of an announcement. I was originally planning on starting with the motor build first and then start looking a good Miata, but the plan has since evolved.

During the planing/education stage, I found my self becoming with obsessed with Craig's List, internet search's and even Ebay. I did find a good Ford 302 engine on Craig's List out of a 96 Explorer for cheap that I tore down to a bare block and brought it to the machine shop to get cleaned up. I then ordered a 331 stroker kit that took for ever to get here (over 8 weeks) for the bottom end and will soon be ordering a Trick Flow 5.0 Top End Kit to top it all off.





I am finally starting to get the parts in for the bottom end and can't wait to get start putting this thing together. I received the rods, pistons, bearings, rings, and dampener yesterday. I still waiting on the crank and light weight flywheel.



While I was waiting for the stroker kit to finally get here, I simply look all over (including the surrounding states) for a Miata that fit my needs and my budget. I ended up finding an awesome deal in Grand Junction on Ebay and decided to hop on the opportunity. So my Mazda family just became +1. My wife and I drove up to Grand Junction to pick it up last Thursday and I drove it back with no issues.






She is a 1990 and has only 97K miles on it. THe body is in excellent condition (straight & no rust), the interior is in great condition and has a brand new top. The orrigional owner was driving it from California to Grand Junction and blew the motor right out side of Vegas. The car was towed to Grand Junction where she installed a JDM motor (only 42k miles on it) but could never get it running right. She ended up selling it the kid I bought it from, who adjusted the timing and installed a O2 sensor and now it runs like a champ.

I plan on repainting this thing myself in my garage and will start on the body work while I wait for money and parts. If there is anyone out there with some auto body experience, I would love some pointers but I do believe that this is something I can tackle and save a lot of money.


I will do my best to keep this thread up to date and keep everyone informed.

[RedRoadster]

Something looks wrong with the top. Why is it sitting so high when down? Did you unzip the window, or does the new top have a glass window and no zipper?

[Rich]

Forged pistons? Planning on forced induction in the future? Or maybe high compression? BTW Ron you haven't called me I'm still an extra set of hands just down the street.

[RX-7 Chris]

looking good

[MazdaTom]

Nice. Very nice.

Can you run the Miata gearbox or will it explode if you run that V8's power through it?

[RX-7 Chris]

I think he is running a T5

[RedRoadster]

That's the common consensus.

[Ranger]

Nice. Very nice.

Can you run the Miata gearbox or will it explode if you run that V8's power through it?

Miata 5 speeds are actually quite stout, but they won't bolt up to the 302. Cheaper and easier to just get a T5.

Congrats on the build! Keep us posted

[coloskydiver]

Forged pistons? Planning on forced induction in the future? Or maybe high compression? BTW Ron you haven't called me I'm still an extra set of hands just down the street.

Thanks for the offer Rich. I know where to find you and you can bet I will be asking for some help. Just not to that stage yet. As far as motor goes my math puts the compression at about 10.2 to 1 and I upgraded the piston to match the Twisted Wedge Heads in the top end kit I will be putting on.


I do plan on using a T-5 Transmission but am unsure if I should buy a new on ($1300 at Summit Racing) or mess with a rebuilt one ($750-900). For the rear end the kit uses a 7.5" out of a 90's Cougar or I think a Crown Vic. I still need to track on of these down at a local junk yard. I will rebuild the rear end and upgrade to a limited slip diff and top it all off with the upgraded beefier axle's from the Monster Miata kit. "They" say that the 7.5" rear end is strong enough to withstand over 550HP and these cars can run in the low 11's for the quarter. There are a ton of good videos on the web of the V8 Miata's. I will look around an put a list together.

[coloskydiver]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT7hwV6wVeM&feature=related"]YouTube - V8 Miata Burnout and OFF WE GOOOOOO![/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fEoXA_r6yc&feature=related"]YouTube - Stock LS1 in a miata[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fEoXA_r6yc&feature=related"]YouTube - Stock LS1 in a miata[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL4FUjk6UEk&feature=related"]YouTube - Nathan's LS1 Miata vs 410whp Trans Am[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiwHEhaopUM"]YouTube - Monster Miata vs. Mercury Sable[/ame]

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/miata-302-v8-burnout-mike_149717.htm

<img alt="">
http://www.monstermiata.com/Admin/FTPSite/HomePhotos/Bill%20l%20engine.jpg

[coloskydiver]

What are everyone's thoughts on this body kit? I have the opportunity to get this get shipped for under $500 and it is made out of Duraflex material. I have not really heard anything about it before but the video seems to sell it.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOb4Kpk3f8s"]YouTube - Duraflex Body Kit Revolutionary Material[/ame]


http://www.coloradomazdaclub.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=60&pictureid=421



Let me know your thoughts, I have to decide by tomorrow.

[RedRoadster]

Not my cup of tea, but that's not a bad price..

[Colombia28]

I cant wait to see and hear this thing!

[MazdaTom]

Are the monster Miata 7.5" axles 4 lug? 5 lug? What bolt pattern?

[Rich]

I'd go for the body kit if it's going to improve aeros. If not, it makes the Miata a little less a chick car at least