2001ws6ramair

I just got my winter beat, a 94 miata conv 5 speed with 116K runs great but I want to do a V8 swap. I know theres a kit for the ford 5.0 swap and it is all bolt in and seams pretty simple. But i was wondering if theres a kit for ls1 M6?
thanks
Kevin

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

Of course there is. Mine is an automatic 4L60E, but, it doesn't matter. The kit is the same. The engine & tranny are purchased separately & are not part of the kit. My kit is from Diamond motor sports in Southern California. Do a Web search for Miatavette & you will find them. If that doesn't work, their e-mail is www.diamondmotorsport.com.
I can tell you that an LS1 swap isn't cheap. Would recommend the kit that includes the suspension & frame modifications. If you don't build the suspension to handle the power, may as well not do the conversion. There's also another member here whom is very experienced with LS1 Miata's. His member name is LS V8s in Miatas. I don't think he'll mind me extending that info. to you. Send him a PM & if he responds we'll know for sure. Feel free to contact me anytime. Good-luck with your conversion. LS1's in Miata's friggin rock.

2001ws6ramair

lol awsome. I havent decided which way to go. Im prob doing this after the winter but is there any welding, hammering, relocating of any major parts? I heard you have to modify the firewall, ect. That was the main reason I was going to stick with the 5.0. Theres no modding of anything and its just a bolt in kit. Just a cheap do it yourself swap im tryin thanks for the info. Ill prob have a million other questions when I start it.

GFORCE1320

iTrader: (15)

What is the weight on an LS1 Miata?

ls1mx5

Kevin-

I have a 90 miata with a 98 ls1 m6. You need to cut and weld! No matter which v8 you decide on will require cutting and welding... check out the conversion forum on www.miataforum.com for more info. There are a handful of guys that have done their own swaps just like mine... As for the weight, Im not sure yet.

Karl

2001ws6ramair

I spoke with martin motorsports in CA and he said that his kit was a complete bolt in. No modifying of anything. Ill have to really do my research before getting this rolling.

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

His kit is good & costs the least, but, leaves some areas un-modified. You will need to send the k-frame to him for modification & there is cutting of the firewall. I bought his conversion manual as part of my research before going with the LS1 conversion instead. Don't get me wrong, it's the least expensive & easiest conversion available. Just do yourself a favor & look into re-enforcing the upper & lower control arms & adding some needed unibody supports to your conversion. These are not part of his kit.

BTW, I may still do a 5.0 conversion "the Martin way + more sub-frame & suspension work", just to have one.

2001ws6ramair

I will def have to upgrade the suspension and body supports. I already have planned for a cage. Can I still use a 6 speed with the miata if I decide to go with the ls1/ls2? Do you have any pics of yours?

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

Yes, you can use a 6 speed. LS1, T56, Ford 8.8 rear end is a good combination. Here's an under hood pic. One good thing about the LS1 conversion is that the back of the motor isn't tucked back into the fire wall like it is in an f-body. Everything is accessable. A bit tight, but, accessable.

2001ws6ramair

damn that thing is tight. Mines a 94 and has flip up headlights, does that make any big different that you know of?

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

No,

The donor car that I have for the possible Marting kit install is a 92 & I don't anticipate any headlight or interference problems. One thing to note: if you are to be emissions legal, the engine used has to be the same year as the car or newer & must meet the emissions level specified for that model or engine year.

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

Mine weighs 2,750# with complete sub-frame, big brakes, & suspension.

2001ws6ramair

theres no way im keeping it emissions legal. Where are you located? What rim/tire size are you running?? Sorry for the endless questions but its not something you see often and Im just not getting the idea of how involved this really is.

LS1-450

iTrader: (33)

I run on 17's in order to clear the brakes. Largest diameter you can mount is less than 25 inches. In my case this means 17/40/245 max on the rear. It's no good for drag racing, but, is good for ovals, road course tracks, & the street. If you cut about 1.5" out of the front of the rear wheel wells, then a 26" o.d. tire can be used which yields a better choice for tires. I may do this in the future. Will probably reduce the rear brakes just a bit so that 16's will clear & then run on 16/50/275's. In my opinion, this is a better choice for the rear.

There are a lot of small details involved in any conversion. That's half the fun. Basically, we do the best we can to learn in the beginning & then make small changes as we learn more about the set up & what works best. Gaurantee you that no two v8 Miata conversions are the same. Each conversion is more suited to what the owner is looking for.

To get the best idea of what's required. Would recommend buying Martin's conversion manual. It was only $70.00 when I bought it. Wouldn't think it would cost much more than that now. It will give a very good idea of what's entailed.

2001ws6ramair

thanks for all your help. Ill have to call them again and get that book soon.