Best engine combo for 1990 Miata.
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Best engine combo for 1990 Miata. Hello I have a 1990 Miata I'm swapping a LS1 , LQ4 or LQ9 in but I cant figure out what the best years for these motors would be. I really would not like the Drive by wire but if it's easy to install then I would use it. I see everyone using LS1's in the miata and not LQ4's or Lq9's? Both LQ motors seem to be cheaper. I know the ls1 is Aluminum not cast iron like the lq4 lq9. So I guess with that being said the cast motor will be heavy'er there for the balance will be off. (does not bother me)
Ok so best years for wiring? Is there a write up on how to by pass the chip in the key for the stock GM ecu? I have a hold of a 2004 Escalade LQ9 motor for dirt $1,100 with 55k on it. I also found a T56 out of a 02 Trans am with 60k for $1,000. Anything will help. Im an ase tech but I would like to know that Im getting my self into before Starting this. Im going for 450-500 whp after time.
Thanks so much James.
Ok so best years for wiring? Is there a write up on how to by pass the chip in the key for the stock GM ecu? I have a hold of a 2004 Escalade LQ9 motor for dirt $1,100 with 55k on it. I also found a T56 out of a 02 Trans am with 60k for $1,000. Anything will help. Im an ase tech but I would like to know that Im getting my self into before Starting this. Im going for 450-500 whp after time.
Thanks so much James.
Obviously with such a light car one would most likely want to keep as much weight of the front end as possible. Having said that I vote that you get an aluminum block motor for it. Even a stock LS1 with a small camshaft would make one AWESOME pocket rocket out of that car. Good luck and keep us posted.
Jim C.
Jim C.
http://www.v8roadsters.com ask those guys
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If $ is an issue, go w/ an aluminum 5.3 w/ an aftermarket cam & an LS6 intake. You'll make 325-340HP @ the wheels for very little cash. Later on, you can add Forced induction or spray, if you want more power. If I ever build another LSX Miata, it will be w/ a 5.3 & set up as noted above. It's more than enough power for street & road course fun. Don't put an iron anchor under the hood of that car.
I'd also go aluminum block. It is around a 90 lb difference.
That is a great deal on the T56!
As for best years, 02 LS1s have LS6 intakes already.
Or go LS2 (6.0) or LS3 (6.2). No more weight, but more displacement. Should make your whp #s easier to obtain (especially the LS3) if you can swing it. DBW TBs are easy enough to make work.
That is a great deal on the T56!
As for best years, 02 LS1s have LS6 intakes already.
Or go LS2 (6.0) or LS3 (6.2). No more weight, but more displacement. Should make your whp #s easier to obtain (especially the LS3) if you can swing it. DBW TBs are easy enough to make work.
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Money is not really an issue. I have about 8k to spend after already buying the car. Here is the thing tho. I wanna build a strait line car but also have a little handling on the side haha. My goel it 125-130 mph trapps N/A. Bosting it will put me way ever the top! Also is the 5.3 the same motor mounts as the ls1? Cause the kits all say LS1 most of the time If I was to BUY a subframe. I think Im going to fab up my own subframe and call it a day as I'm a great welder and fab guy. I would really like to keep up with a ZR1 cause my buddy's dad has bought one and he thinks no one can beat him! SO there you go you have my story on what I want/need to compete here. Can a boosted 5.3 handle 500-550whp with a very good tune? Reliably? Thanks so much guys and gals!
Does all the LS1 stuff bolt onto a 5.3 (tranny, flywheel starter, ECU)????
Does all the LS1 stuff bolt onto a 5.3 (tranny, flywheel starter, ECU)????
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Ok how about a 5.3for hp with bolt on's? 90 pounds really does not sound all that bad if I could drop a lq9 in there. 400 hp is really insane with 2200 pounds! I have the cash right now in hand on what to buy but it seems the 5.3 is just to small!!!! I guess a boosted 5.3 in a miata would be nuts!
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Yea all my friends are telling me go lq4 and boost it or go lq9 and juice it. No it will be gutted down to nothing and we estimated 2200-2300 pounds after everything. (I hope) I really wanna go LQ9 (6.0 400hp) and a t56 (assuming it bolts up) Does anyone know? if it does? Thanks
The best thing about the V8Roadsters kit for the LSx conversion for a Miata is that it will obviously mount any LS engine (ls1 ls2, ls3, ls6, ls7, etc.) LS1s are pretty cheap. granted, the project is *not* cheap by any means, we're doing our first conversion now and it's nickel and diming me to death, but in the long run I'm sticking with this configuration as I can upgrade to the 6.0L, 7.0L etc. as their prices drop.
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Yea all my friends are telling me go lq4 and boost it or go lq9 and juice it. No it will be gutted down to nothing and we estimated 2200-2300 pounds after everything. (I hope) I really wanna go LQ9 (6.0 400hp) and a t56 (assuming it bolts up) Does anyone know? if it does? Thanks
I make over 400 RWHP & RWTQ w/an LS1 (5.7L), NA. You can make 500 RWHP, NA, w/ the proper heads/cam/intake/headers/tune. Look in the dyno section & search. You will find many 5.7L cars producing these numbers.
Keep hearing about how Miata's are traction limited; not if you know how to set up the gearing, suspension & tire combo.
I'm thinking that "keeping up with a ZR-1" isn't going to be a problem - you'll have very little weight to move, & a very small frontal area. I think that the Vette will still out-handle you, but you should be at least competitive in a straight line (dep. on engine/mods). 
Now I have a little more time to answer a few of these questions. There are a couple of things to keep in mind. One is that allot of tq down low could lead you to axle issues if you plan to use the Thunderbird rear and Monster axles when using a slick. Having said that you can't go wrong with more displacement you will just have to adjust your driving style. Displacement + 6 speeds = BIG FUN (and sometimes BROKEN ****). 
Me personally I like the idea of either the aluminum 5.3 or 5.7 with cam, heads and intake that will easily make power to 7,000-7,500. That would kill a little of the bottom end but make good power in the mid to upper RPM range where the light weight will really shine. Please keep in mind that these are just my opinions and despite what any of us say build it the way you want as you are the one who will be driving it. With that said good luck and keep us posted.
Jim C.
Me personally I like the idea of either the aluminum 5.3 or 5.7 with cam, heads and intake that will easily make power to 7,000-7,500. That would kill a little of the bottom end but make good power in the mid to upper RPM range where the light weight will really shine. Please keep in mind that these are just my opinions and despite what any of us say build it the way you want as you are the one who will be driving it. With that said good luck and keep us posted.Jim C.
