More Miata pics [Archive]

jmsj578

12-26-2008, 08:21 AM

I'm not a noob; but, I usually hang out at the Kentucky subforum. I was looking at the photos of a couple of other nice Miatas in this subforum and thought you'd like to see a couple of photos of my Miata. This is our third one. We've had a '95 and a '06 Sport. The Sport was recently traded in on the Roush Mustang; but, the one in the photos is a very good replacement for the Sport. I bought this one in November; so, I've not had time to do any cleanup. It needs paint, seat covers, floor mats, etc. It'll get those, shortly. The engine is a '04 LS6 'vette engine. I'm sure you're asking why such a large engine. I'll be showing it and want something different. I just sold a LT1 RX-7 that did well in our local show circuit in 2008.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr177/ky427r/HPIM0908.jpg
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr177/ky427r/HPIM0897.jpg

TieNN89

01-07-2009, 02:29 AM

mmm nice

thats a very nice looking engine

Nutari

01-07-2009, 02:58 AM

Sweet jesus that thing must yank hard.

im slightly jealous.

jmsj578

01-07-2009, 07:39 AM

I've had some time to get used to the car, now. I can honestly say that it drives only slightly different than the two pure stock Miatas I've owned. The ride may be a little stiffer because of the suspension mods; but, it's just as nimble as the others. The difference is the sound and acceleration. It has the V8 throb; but, it's not overbearing. In fact, it's not much louder inside the car than my '06 Sport was. We can easily carry on a conversation in the car without having to raise our voices. I couldn't say that about the RX-7 I had. It was loud, inside. Granted, I could probably smoke the tires off the car, if I were to really pounce on it; but, normal daily driving doesn't even make the tires break loose, even on wet pavement. This car is so gentle for it's power that I'd have no worries about turning it over to my wife to drive. We're going to show the car; but, it's become more of a daily driver, as well. I just love driving it. Miatas are fun cars, no matter the horsepower.

I hope to have more photos for you later. I need to size them down, a bit, though. These are too large.

CWPspeed3

01-07-2009, 08:41 AM

Thats sweet, I usually see mustang engines in them and I have seen a ls1 240sx but this looks like a really clean job, good work.

kcbhiw

01-07-2009, 10:51 AM

Wow! Very nice! I've toyed with the idea of installing a V8 into my turbo Miata. Maybe one of these days.

jmsj578

01-07-2009, 10:56 AM

Thats sweet, I usually see mustang engines in them and I have seen a ls1 240sx but this looks like a really clean job, good work.

Actually, I've never seen another Miata with a V8 except for photos and videos. I didn't even know about them until around October, '07. Then, I discovered their asking prices for Ford engine conversions and steered away from them. I went after a 2nd generation V8 RX-7. I found one of those and showed it all of the 2008 show and cruise-in season with great success. It was pure luck that allowed me to find this Miata at a price I could afford. Sure, I could have built one, after I learned to weld, etc. By buying one already done, I could reap the benefits of the builder's outlay and get it cheaper, to boot.

Fortunately, this Miata is not a cobbled together affair. The fella who built it just ran out of time and money to do the painting and redo the seats. He needed some cash to fall back on, in case he were to lose his job; and, he reluctantly let the car go. He knew it was going to a good home, though. I plan on keeping it for a very long time and will pamper it as long as I have it. Besides, he has first offer, if I ever decide to let it go.

TieNN89

01-07-2009, 10:58 AM

any idea how many kw or hp it puts out atw?

blkspdfreak

01-07-2009, 12:02 PM

video!!!!

jmsj578

01-07-2009, 02:13 PM

any idea how many kw or hp it puts out atw?

440 whp/440 lbs torque.

With that, it's still more forgiving than the RX-7 was. The -7 was set up for the track and had a pretty coarse cam for the street. The Miata's cam is smooth all through the power band. Another reason I'm not afraid for my wife to drive it. I had to nurse the clutch at slow speeds with the -7. Not so, with the Miata.

jmsj578

01-07-2009, 02:17 PM

video!!!!

Try these. These were races primarily against a '91 300ZX TT. The Miata held it's own up to about 150mph. After that, the twin turbos were just too much for it. The Z had way more whp than the Miata. Notice in one video that the Mustang, with over 400whp, was no match for either.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/91-TT-vs-LS6-Miata-vs_173949.htm

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/91-300ZX-TT-vs-LS6-Miata_163123.htm

CWPspeed3

01-07-2009, 02:17 PM

440 whp/440 lbs torque.

With that, it's still more forgiving than the RX-7 was. The -7 was set up for the track and had a pretty coarse cam for the street. The Miata's cam is smooth all through the power band. Another reason I'm not afraid for my wife to drive it. I had to nurse the clutch at slow speeds with the -7. Not so, with the Miata.

impressive numbers, I've always liked sleeper cars and yours looks sweet and it sounds like its real easy to drive, must be a blast. I wish I could afford a toy like that.

jmsj578

01-08-2009, 06:40 AM

impressive numbers, I've always liked sleeper cars and yours looks sweet and it sounds like its real easy to drive, must be a blast. I wish I could afford a toy like that.

My children wish I wouldn't spend their inheritance on toys; but, I can finally have some fun, now that my children are grown and on their own.

Anyway, I've had the car about two months. It's been fun, so far. The weather is keeping it in the garage, though.

jmsj578

01-10-2009, 05:51 AM

An update. I went to see the painter, yesterday. I wanted someone who would show a little pride in his work. I think I found him. I got to see some of his work. He'll do, just fine. We'll be painting it in February. It'll take about two-three weeks, instead of a quicky at a body shop. He also has a friend who does uhholstery at a reasonable price. The seats will get done while the car is being painted. Needless to say, I'm excited.

TieNN89

01-10-2009, 09:43 AM

What colour you going to paint? just a fresh coat of the factory colour?

jmsj578

01-10-2009, 01:40 PM

What colour you going to paint? just a fresh coat of the factory colour?

Yeah. I like red. Besides, I've seen too many cars that have had their colors changed and still have those old colors poking through, here and there. It's easier to go back with the old color.

TieNN89

01-11-2009, 09:33 AM

good idea

jmsj578

01-12-2009, 06:20 AM

good idea

I also like green with tan interior; but, this one is red. I plan on doing some other little things to dress it up; but, the paint, seats, and new OEM style floormats will hurt my wallet for a while. I also need to buy a few things for the Roush Mustang before show season. My cash only goes so far, though. :(

TieNN89

01-12-2009, 07:55 AM

jmsj578

01-12-2009, 03:52 PM

na paint it red

If your going to change colours you'll want to do it properly and get the engine bay etc all painted that same colour

no use painting the car green then opening up the bonnet with the nice corvette engine and see red engine bay

I have no intentions of painting it green. I just happen to like the green Grand Touring Miatas. Kinda like the old British sports cars in my younger days. OTOH, I had a red '65 Triumph Spitfire, back then. The one I have now will remain true to its original color. We seem to like red. We have three red cars, now. The truck is green, though.

TieNN89

01-16-2009, 09:08 AM

ah true

Travizzle21

01-20-2009, 12:32 PM

really like your wheels. Im lookin into getting some similar in style to those. Tax return comin soon!!(2thumbs)

jmsj578

01-20-2009, 02:35 PM

I like those on AZTNieN's car, as well. I like the originals. Since this one came with the wheels you see, I'll stick with them. I have the carbon fiber center caps, as well. I need to figure out how to keep those in, since there is a spacer preventing them from staying in. I may just stick them in there when I'm at shows. They don't have any function, other than looks.

Travizzle21

01-20-2009, 02:55 PM

Haha yeah im sure theyd look better with the caps in but they still dont look bad.

jmsj578

01-20-2009, 03:19 PM

Haha yeah im sure theyd look better with the caps in but they still dont look bad.

Thanks. I think they are Rota Sub Zero wheels, if you're interested in looking them up. I think he paid about $500 for the set. The tires are Toyo T1's. He wanted a little harder rubber so the tires would act as fuses against breaking the rearend. He thinks the power the rearend can handle is at about its limit at 440whp. They look nice, though.

TieNN89

01-21-2009, 08:00 AM

Thanks

lol I'm starting to like rims with big dish i dont know why

like this one

http://www.roadsterdrift.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dsc_0033.jpg

jmsj578

01-21-2009, 09:18 AM

They do kinda give it a badass look. They may be stronger, as well. It seems potholes can break some of the weaker ones. I wonder if rust shows up on them. It seems some of the aftermarket wheels tend to rust when they shouldn't. Mine are OK, so far. My son has one in his set of new wheels that may be showing some rust after less than a year of being on his car.

jmsj578

02-02-2009, 06:05 AM

I thought I'd bump my old thread to let you know my Miata is going to the paint shop, this week. I also got a swatch of material for the seats. It's nice, a bit expensive, and feels like leather. I need to get the price down on the seats, a bit; but, I like the material. New paint and seats should make this car look much nicer. I'm excited, of course.