Thunderbolt! My LS3 V8 Miata build
06-05-2015, 09:12 AM
#83
Hi Everyone, it's update time! In this go-round the bulk of the wiring work is completed, the radiator and heater hoses are plumbed, suspension and brake bits are installed and work begins on the exhaust system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEQGWjzk-70
As per usual I have lots more photos and stuff over on my website at: V8Mazda.com Thank you as always for checking this stuff out and especially for the kind words!
Coffee- it's what has made this build truly possible. Gallons and gallons of coffee.
Shot of the wire and heater hose routing in progress.
Tiny LS engine or giant Lego man? You decide.
This is the V8 Roadsters Front Big Brake Kit. It's really nice.
Summit Racing makes/sells this universal exhaust builder kit. I used this as the foundation for my build. It has enough straight sections to build an exhaust that would run a good 20-30 feet past the Miata's rear bumper.
LS3 Miata Hovercraft mode
Tons and tons of noodling/cutting/test fitting was involved to get to this point.
I weld for lots of reasons- it's fun, it's challenging, it's rewarding...but above all that, it scares my neighbors, and you just can't put a price on that.
Section A, part 11-41C/9 of the exhaust. Sections B-Z, parts 11-42D/4 through 81-65B/2 will be seen in the next update if all goes as planned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEQGWjzk-70
As per usual I have lots more photos and stuff over on my website at: V8Mazda.com Thank you as always for checking this stuff out and especially for the kind words!
Coffee- it's what has made this build truly possible. Gallons and gallons of coffee.
Shot of the wire and heater hose routing in progress.
Tiny LS engine or giant Lego man? You decide.
This is the V8 Roadsters Front Big Brake Kit. It's really nice.
Summit Racing makes/sells this universal exhaust builder kit. I used this as the foundation for my build. It has enough straight sections to build an exhaust that would run a good 20-30 feet past the Miata's rear bumper.
LS3 Miata Hovercraft mode
Tons and tons of noodling/cutting/test fitting was involved to get to this point.
I weld for lots of reasons- it's fun, it's challenging, it's rewarding...but above all that, it scares my neighbors, and you just can't put a price on that.
Section A, part 11-41C/9 of the exhaust. Sections B-Z, parts 11-42D/4 through 81-65B/2 will be seen in the next update if all goes as planned.
06-06-2015, 09:33 AM
#84
9 Second Club
Also, The 7/8" bore MC is probably too big. The LS7 clutch doesn't need a whole lot of travel at the spring fingers to achieve full release. I haven't measures exactly, but just based on my experience with my GTO, I'd say say all you need is .400". The LS7 clutch spring is actually similar in design (not exactly the same) as the dual disk clutch that you put in your DSM.
All I am saying is that you should do some testing to make sure that you are not over traveling the spring, which can result in weird clutch release issues. The clutch will actually start to engage once the spring is compressed past the point of optimal release.
If you want a proper fitting for the slave, shoot me a PM and I'll send you one.
Andrew
All I am saying is that you should do some testing to make sure that you are not over traveling the spring, which can result in weird clutch release issues. The clutch will actually start to engage once the spring is compressed past the point of optimal release.
If you want a proper fitting for the slave, shoot me a PM and I'll send you one.
Andrew
IIRC the stock pedal with 3/4" has around 1" of travel ?
So if he has less pedal travel available a larger bore would be correct to move enough fluid.
Fairly sure I used 7/8" on mine and probably have near 1" travel too...though did that as with short legs when racing, wanted to make sure I always pushed pedal down enough even if it wasnt to the floor lol
06-06-2015, 10:55 AM
#85
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
Master bore will also depend on how much travel the rod has where he connectors it to the pedal.
IIRC the stock pedal with 3/4" has around 1" of travel ?
So if he has less pedal travel available a larger bore would be correct to move enough fluid.
Fairly sure I used 7/8" on mine and probably have near 1" travel too...though did that as with short legs when racing, wanted to make sure I always pushed pedal down enough even if it wasnt to the floor lol
IIRC the stock pedal with 3/4" has around 1" of travel ?
So if he has less pedal travel available a larger bore would be correct to move enough fluid.
Fairly sure I used 7/8" on mine and probably have near 1" travel too...though did that as with short legs when racing, wanted to make sure I always pushed pedal down enough even if it wasnt to the floor lol
Andrew
06-06-2015, 03:36 PM
#86
Sheesh guys, my apologies for the slow reply on you comments, I no longer get email notifications from this board for some reason. Anywho...
Thank you sir.
Thank you for the kind words!
Thank you for the great support and I'm glad you enjoy the videos! They are from Ancor products, here's a link to their website: http://www.ancorproducts.com/en/products/terminals
Thank you sir! Miata's don't have a 5 lug option to convert to. They're not heavy cars and the four lug setup has proven to be reliable in harsh race environments. For example Flyin Miata successfully campaigned their V8 Miata in the Targa Newfoundland.
Regarding this topic, I can't take credit for figuring it out, it's the folks at V8 Roadsters. Their clutch master setup is in use in just about every LSx Miata conversion on the road with good results.
Thanks again for the great comments everyone, I appreciate it!
Thank you sir.
Regarding this topic, I can't take credit for figuring it out, it's the folks at V8 Roadsters. Their clutch master setup is in use in just about every LSx Miata conversion on the road with good results.
Thanks again for the great comments everyone, I appreciate it!
06-19-2015, 09:53 AM
#87
GUESS WHAT?! IT RUNS! 
As always, I have lots more photos and details over on my website at: www.V8Mazda.com Thank you as always for checking this stuff out and especially for the kind words!
The first job to be done is to finish up the rear exhaust section. These Magnaflow mufflers were a great fit given the space available.
Here's the finished "front section" of the exhaust, I used V-bands at the back end so I can run a couple different muffler setups depending on my mood/day of the week/horoscope. Also, not pictured here are the V-bands that I ended up running up front. The slip fits were low profile, but were a future hassle waiting to happen.
The exhaust system is complete! These holes are where the horsepower noise comes out.
This universal Moroso Air/Oil Separator will keep the LS3 running clean.
Almost ready to start!
Want to test out your automotive scruples? Grab a drill, a hole saw and try this on for size!
The end result is quite nice though. I wasn't sure how I would feel about these, but I really like them.
Time to gas it up and go!
As always, I have lots more photos and details over on my website at: www.V8Mazda.com Thank you as always for checking this stuff out and especially for the kind words!
The first job to be done is to finish up the rear exhaust section. These Magnaflow mufflers were a great fit given the space available.
Here's the finished "front section" of the exhaust, I used V-bands at the back end so I can run a couple different muffler setups depending on my mood/day of the week/horoscope. Also, not pictured here are the V-bands that I ended up running up front. The slip fits were low profile, but were a future hassle waiting to happen.
The exhaust system is complete! These holes are where the horsepower noise comes out.
This universal Moroso Air/Oil Separator will keep the LS3 running clean.
Almost ready to start!
Want to test out your automotive scruples? Grab a drill, a hole saw and try this on for size!
The end result is quite nice though. I wasn't sure how I would feel about these, but I really like them.
Time to gas it up and go!
06-19-2015, 12:23 PM
#89
Congrats, I jumped on the build at episode 4 or 5 and have anxiously awaited the first start and drive. Amazing work, I wish I had an ounce of the patience to exhibited throughout the build. Can't wait to see future builds!
06-19-2015, 01:49 PM
#92
Thank you sir, I appreciate that!
Well thank you for coming along with me! I'm not sure what's next (other than a break, haha) but I will be posting the next video update on July 3rd.
Haha! Well this has been an awesome journey that has taught me so much. Sharing it with everyone has been a blast too. FYI I'll be posting the final installment of the series on July 3rd. After that I'll post updates as I take it places, dyno test it, etc. Thanks again!
Thank you Garrett! STOP MAKING ME THINK ABOUT NITROUS!! :-)
Thank you Garrett! STOP MAKING ME THINK ABOUT NITROUS!! :-)
06-19-2015, 06:08 PM
#93
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How much time do you have in production for each episode? Must be enough to be a part time job!
20+ mins per episode is pretty long!
Whittling down my GoPro videos during autocrossing/drag racing takes forever!
What camera/video editing software do you use?
20+ mins per episode is pretty long!
Whittling down my GoPro videos during autocrossing/drag racing takes forever!
What camera/video editing software do you use?
06-20-2015, 01:35 PM
#95
AWSOME work. You nailed the exhaust tip placement IMO. I just wish I had enough spare cash you couldn't turn it down. LOL.
I am looking forward to your next installment !!!
I am looking forward to your next installment !!!
06-20-2015, 10:50 PM
#97
Staging Lane
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I just watched every episode of your build. Love the attention to detail. I've always wanted to build a factory five cobra, but watching this kind of makes me want to go this route, or maybe an 240sx or something. Great job. Can't wait to see the next video. Hoping to see some 1/4 mile or auto cross action. 
06-20-2015, 11:47 PM
#98
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
Great job Tom, but that Moroso catch can sticks out like a sore thumb in your very OEM looking engine bay. I would bead blast it and then paint it flat black which will make it look like an OEM part. Or install one of these pro vents:
The above picture has two pro vents, you just need one obviously.
Andrew
The above picture has two pro vents, you just need one obviously.
Andrew
06-25-2015, 07:08 AM
#99
That said, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! Sharing the process with everyone has been so much fun and the encouraging support and kind words have been incredibly motivating throughout the build. I have met so many cool people from all around the world who love cars and are working on way cooler stuff than I am. I feel that same way when I come on these forums- I feel like my project is pretty run of the mill compared to the awesome stuff I see on here every day! In fact I wish more folks would make videos. For example, there is a guy building an LS3 powered Porsche Boxster on a different forum who whips up simple update videos and I love 'em!
Oh and for video cameras, I use a small handheld Sony HDR-CX camcorder, my iPhone and my Canon T4 SLR sparingly. I've got a few tripods too. For music I use Garageband (along with a dollop of my limited guitar/keyboard talent) and I use the latest version of iMovie for video editing.
I just watched every episode of your build. Love the attention to detail. I've always wanted to build a factory five cobra, but watching this kind of makes me want to go this route, or maybe an 240sx or something. Great job. Can't wait to see the next video. Hoping to see some 1/4 mile or auto cross action.
Great job Tom, but that Moroso catch can sticks out like a sore thumb in your very OEM looking engine bay. I would bead blast it and then paint it flat black which will make it look like an OEM part. Or install one of these pro vents:The above picture has two pro vents, you just need one obviously.
Andrew
Andrew
Thank you for saying that man! I tried really hard to consider OEM placement for everything in the engine bay, as I love a purposeful/non flashy engine compartment. It's definitely tricky to do so when you have changed so much. I'll post the final video/pics of how it all turned out next Friday, so I'll see ya then!
06-25-2015, 09:25 AM
#100
TECH Senior Member
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.....
Thank you for the kind words Andrew and I don't disagree about that Moroso can sticking out. I wish I would've seen the pro vents sooner, they've got a great OEM look for sure! I'll definitely do something to tone down that Moroso can. I like the bead blast/paint idea- sounds like a winner to me. Oh and I think I posted in your build thread, but I love your car and appreciate the awesome pictures and detail that you take time to document, it's awesome!
Thank you for the kind words Andrew and I don't disagree about that Moroso can sticking out. I wish I would've seen the pro vents sooner, they've got a great OEM look for sure! I'll definitely do something to tone down that Moroso can. I like the bead blast/paint idea- sounds like a winner to me. Oh and I think I posted in your build thread, but I love your car and appreciate the awesome pictures and detail that you take time to document, it's awesome!
Andrew