Ron's Monster Miata Build

MazdaTom · Postby **MazdaTom** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:14

Makes the car look like a 300Z.

Rich · Postby **Rich** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:14

An improvement imo. I still can't stand the front running lights....

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:14

Tom, the upgraded axle's remain a 4 bolt lug setup (booo) but you work with what you got. I did end up getting the body kit due to the good price. There are things I like about the kit and things I don't but knew I wanted to put on a body kit so it didn't look like a Miata as much. Since I am wanting to do this on the cheap (somewhat), I took advantage of the deal. I think this body kit makes it look kind of like a S2000. I have always been a fan of the "tunner" look and will probably stick with this theme for the car but will have a muscle car lurking under the hood.

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:14

Rich,

I agree about the front turn signals and have a solution. There is a guy selling these on Craigslist and will probably go pick them up once I get paid. These are pretty cool, there are still turn signals but also allow cold air into the engine compartment. I also want to get the low profile headlights show in the picture.

MazdaTom · Postby **MazdaTom** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:14

You say you're trying to do this on the cheap. About how cheap is that? On the Monster Miata page, they are claiming $16,000 for the conversion- but I think that's with them doing the conversion. I too am interested in a V8 Miata, but anything close to $16,000 is a bit too rich for me.

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:14

When you get that body kit in can you tell me how the fit and finish is? I'm looking at getting a body kit from the same company.

Rich · Postby **Rich** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:14

Those turn signals look much better Ron. Good pick!

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:14

I had this sweet post all put together and when I went to post it the server did not respond and lost the entire post. So now you get the Cliff version.

Tom- you are correct that the $16K is for them to build it but you can save a ton by doing it yourself. My budget is to be under $11K, that includes the body work and a "built" motor. I bet you could build one for around $8-9K with a stock rebuilt Mustang 302. Here is the break out:

Miata- $1500-2000
Monster Miata Kit $4000
Rebuilt 302 $1500
Rebuilt Trany $500
Misc Parts $500

That is really all you need to get the initial build competed and now a days with Craig's List and Ebay, it makes it even easier.

So I do have to say, BODY WORK SUCKS!!!!!

I spent that last three days and about 12-14 hours disassembling and sanding this car. I bagged and tagged all the parts stored them and even filled/sanded a few dents.

Check it out.

Creative storage solution.

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:14

Chris I will let you know how the fitment is once the kit arrives. I did receive an email stating that it has shipped. By the way, does anyone have any experience with installing an aftermarket body kit?? I will probably need some help. Normally they do not come with any mounting holes or hardware and it is up to you to get it right. I will say, I am a little nervous about this one.

Rich · Postby **Rich** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:14

That does look like alot of work. I want that 3-car garage!

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Fri May 01, 2009 9:14

I got my body kit in and everything looks great. It will make a huge difference in the look of the car, but I am a little nervous getting this thing installed. After looking online how to install a molded fiberglass body kit, it looks like it might be tough. On the other hand I do not want to pay a body shop it put this thing on since that money is need for other things. Since most body kits are made from a mold, you are going to have to cut, grind, drill and fill it to get it to fit just right. Has anyone tackled a body kit by themselves? If so, I would love some advice and quite possibly some help or if anyone would just simply like to help, it would be greatly appreciate. I am going to need a couple set of hands to get this thing pre-fit and would provide all the beer & food. Let me know. I will try to post up some pics of the kit tomorrow.

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Sat May 02, 2009 9:14

With a little help from a friend, I was able to get the front bumper test fitted. This are still couple mounting holes that need drilled but needs to stay on to get the fiberglass back in shape. I bet that this body kit was molded over 10 years ago and it has want to take its own shape over the years of sitting is a warehouse somewhere. Here are some pics even though they are not that great, the lighting was bad.

ph!L · Postby **ph!L** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:14

V8 miata is literally my dream car!
new to the site, have a 1990 white miata catback exhaust headers intake etc but wow.
Look forward to seeing the progress!!!

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:14

ph!L wrote:V8 miata is literally my dream car!
new to the site, have a 1990 white miata catback exhaust headers intake etc but wow.
Look forward to seeing the progress!!!

Currently progress is slow. Buying one part at a time for the motor and need to get moving on getting this thing painted. I am still struggling with the body kit fitment and am thinking about paying to get it installed. This will put me even further behind but at least it will look good.

I did however just order

* high flow water pump
* High flow oil pump & pickup
* 30 lb Ford racing fuel injectors
* BBK billet fuel rails
* BBK fuel regulator

The only thing left is the ignition & throttle body/EGR plate for the motor itself. Then I need look into a bell housing, clutch & trany.

Quick question though- You guys think that I should get my Trickflow Twisted Wedge heads ported & polished and possibly a 3 angle valve job?

Now is the time to do it and on the Mustang forum, they recommended it.

One guy though that with a 331 NA, they would flow just fine out of the box.

I don't know.

RedRoadster · Postby **RedRoadster** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:14

Afraid I've got nothing on that one. There doesn't look to be anything relevant in the engine conversion section on M.net, either..

Ron's Monster Miata Build

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