Just another LS1 miata build
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cincinnati OH
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Wink](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif)
![Name: Cinncinati-State-Tech.jpg
Views: 3418
Size: 6.0 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615549d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-cinncinati-state-tech.jpg)
Well Ill start out with my name is Kyle I am 20 years old and have been working on cars since i was 13, yes 13 really, my dad owns a shop so Ive been picking up the trade as years went on. I also graduated college for automotive at Cincinnati State August 2011.
I bought my Miata in July 2011 for $3,100 with plans to tear it down in early December. At no point did I consider turbos, why when it costs the same as this full swap, so I decided on the LS1 swap
Im going to try to keep this up to date as much as i can start to finish so you can all see the progress. Im also going to attempt to make all sub frames and supports on my own, rather than buying from boss frog or flying miata.
This is the miata first day i bought it, 1994 1.8L, 5 speed 69k miles on it, tan top looked like death and paint had seen nicer times
![Name: 2011-05-23_21-02-01_395.jpg
Views: 3745
Size: 56.8 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615550d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-05-23_21-02-01_395.jpg)
So I busted out some time and buffed the heck out of it
![The Judge](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_judge.gif)
![Name: 2011-05-24_20-45-48_648.jpg
Views: 3639
Size: 87.3 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615551d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-05-24_20-45-48_648.jpg)
Well i hated the tan top so much i went ahead and found a factory hardtop 80 miles away from me and went on a road trip when i got it that night i tinted all my windows
![Name: 2011-05-29_22-57-52_774.jpg
Views: 3478
Size: 71.7 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615552d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-05-29_22-57-52_774.jpg)
I ordered some "adjustable springs" off ebay for like $30 just for funzies and my fantastic primewell tires gave me some sweet understeer, therefor i hit my first curb ever, while drifting....
![Bomb](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_bomb.gif)
![Name: 2011-07-02_12-35-50_287.jpg
Views: 3418
Size: 90.9 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615553d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-07-02_12-35-50_287.jpg)
I ruined a wheel and sold the three wheels i had left and 4 tires, i also turned my lower control arm into a pretzel.
![Name: 2011-07-02_14-10-39_962.jpg
Views: 3441
Size: 74.6 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615554d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-07-02_14-10-39_962.jpg)
I was so mad that i bought new wheels, sparco pistas, tires, Yokohama s-drives, and v-maxx coilovers.
![Name: 2011-08-29_15-00-15_897.jpg
Views: 3361
Size: 60.5 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615555d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-08-29_15-00-15_897.jpg)
Set my alignment and was as happy as a cucumber
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
![Name: 2011-08-30_19-23-38_931.jpg
Views: 3405
Size: 75.0 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615556d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-08-30_19-23-38_931.jpg)
Then i tinted my windshield because cops dont scare me and really because i think it looks good!
![Name: 2011-08-30_19-40-36_552.jpg
Views: 3554
Size: 86.0 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615557d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-08-30_19-40-36_552.jpg)
![Name: 2011-09-27_18-51-34_968.jpg
Views: 3682
Size: 87.4 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615558d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-09-27_18-51-34_968.jpg)
I was now searching for a motor and trans and stumbled apon one at my favorite junk yard Strickers Auto Parts, we do all sorts of business with them and i walked away with this 2002 camaro 5.7 motor for $3,200.
![Name: 2011-10-05_20-01-24_218.jpg
Views: 3463
Size: 106.3 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615559d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-10-05_20-01-24_218.jpg)
Now i had bought a trans from a guy but it ended up being for an LT1, and i learned it wouldnt work so now im trying to selling, meanwhile i picked up this t56 from ebay and this kick *** guy named Dave that was a real help with getting it here. 2002 T56!!
![Name: 2011-11-03_16-49-28_101.jpg
Views: 3408
Size: 69.0 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615560d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-11-03_16-49-28_101.jpg)
I have heard so many options with differentials and i went with the ford explorer 8.8. Reason 1 getrag sucks ive seen many fail i dont care to have a diff thats going to burn bearings up, 2 I know 8.8s and they are tough pumpkins. 3 i may not be able to buy a brace for the 8.8 but i can engineer one with the help of pictures from a guy named nathan from swaptastics. This 8.8 also came from Stricker Auto Parts. 60k miles
![Name: 2011-10-10_19-08-11_483.jpg
Views: 3430
Size: 70.9 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615561d1501347559-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-10-10_19-08-11_483.jpg)
Thats all ive got right now, tear down pictures will be coming soon, new to the whole thread jazz so cut me some slack please.
![The Patriot !!](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_patriot.gif)
Last edited by KJT11; 12-11-2011 at 10:03 PM.
#2
9 Second Club
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Back home in Texas!!! (DFW)
Posts: 941
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Can't wait to see how it progresses. I might just know that guy "Dave" that sent the T56 to you.![Nod](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_nod.gif)
PS: Welcome to LS1Tech.com...by the way, your drifting incident vs. a curb reminds me of a similar event of mine a LONG time ago (around 1983 or '84).
![Nod](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_nod.gif)
PS: Welcome to LS1Tech.com...by the way, your drifting incident vs. a curb reminds me of a similar event of mine a LONG time ago (around 1983 or '84).
#5
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Nice work. Well worth the time & effort.
![Nod](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_nod.gif)
Blaming the tires & suspension after losing it while drifting. Sounds like a 20 yr old, lol.
![The Jester](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_jest.gif)
Good way to have your LS swapped Miata impounded after it's finished.
Think about what you're doing.
Good to see more young talent building bad-*** cars. Good-luck w/ the build.
Send me a PM if you have any questions. I have a lot of experience building & driving LSX Miata.
#6
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cincinnati OH
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My tint is very illegal, but luckily im pretty in tight with all the police in my area, i always roll my windows down when i pass them though, just incase...
Trending Topics
#8
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cincinnati OH
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Update:
Just got my Fuel pump, i went with the WALBRO FUEL PUMP 255LPH HIGH PRESSURE MAZDA GSS342, It will suit my needs for this thirsty engine. It cost me around $90..
![Name: 2011-10-13_20-55-40_725.jpg
Views: 2934
Size: 57.7 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615505d1501347419-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-10-13_20-55-40_725.jpg)
I also used some of my connections and got a complete clutch kit with flywheel and all from SMYTH around $300, list was $800...
Just got my Fuel pump, i went with the WALBRO FUEL PUMP 255LPH HIGH PRESSURE MAZDA GSS342, It will suit my needs for this thirsty engine. It cost me around $90..
![Name: 2011-10-13_20-55-40_725.jpg
Views: 2934
Size: 57.7 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615505d1501347419-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-10-13_20-55-40_725.jpg)
I also used some of my connections and got a complete clutch kit with flywheel and all from SMYTH around $300, list was $800...
![Name: 2011-11-06_18-03-01_112.jpg
Views: 2977
Size: 90.6 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615506d1501347419-just-another-ls1-miata-build-2011-11-06_18-03-01_112.jpg)
#10
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cincinnati OH
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Actually I'm starting my fab work either ending of November or beginning of December, i havent decided which. Also I think I might buy a sub frame to eliminate some geometry problems but i haven't fully decided yet.
#17
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cincinnati OH
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Alright I bit the bullet on the subframe, I figured thatd Id spend too much time making it then I wanted so I bought the kit from flying miata, and boy was it cheap..
But hell I have to admit its top notch quality minus whoever powdercoated it needs to learn how to protect the threads, now they have to be chased.
![Name: 6B0AB882-3C03-415E-A61A-6F2B731ABFBA.jpg
Views: 2949
Size: 124.6 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615309d1501346929-just-another-ls1-miata-build-6b0ab882-3c03-415e-a61a-6f2b731abfba.jpg)
Water Jetted Frame Rails
![Name: E83A516E-B236-4126-BAE0-EEFD029A3349.jpg
Views: 2971
Size: 98.3 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615310d1501346929-just-another-ls1-miata-build-e83a516e-b236-4126-bae0-eefd029a3349.jpg)
And transmission mount
![Name: 65415A08-C2F2-4A39-B3F3-7B11FF0A8F6C.jpg
Views: 2942
Size: 134.1 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615311d1501346929-just-another-ls1-miata-build-65415a08-c2f2-4a39-b3f3-7b11ff0a8f6c.jpg)
They also included all the needed bolts and poly bushings for the trans, motor and frame rails.
****** Tear down starts This WEEKEND!***
![Bang Head](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_banghead.gif)
![Name: 6B0AB882-3C03-415E-A61A-6F2B731ABFBA.jpg
Views: 2949
Size: 124.6 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615309d1501346929-just-another-ls1-miata-build-6b0ab882-3c03-415e-a61a-6f2b731abfba.jpg)
Water Jetted Frame Rails
![Name: E83A516E-B236-4126-BAE0-EEFD029A3349.jpg
Views: 2971
Size: 98.3 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615310d1501346929-just-another-ls1-miata-build-e83a516e-b236-4126-bae0-eefd029a3349.jpg)
And transmission mount
![Name: 65415A08-C2F2-4A39-B3F3-7B11FF0A8F6C.jpg
Views: 2942
Size: 134.1 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615311d1501346929-just-another-ls1-miata-build-65415a08-c2f2-4a39-b3f3-7b11ff0a8f6c.jpg)
They also included all the needed bolts and poly bushings for the trans, motor and frame rails.
****** Tear down starts This WEEKEND!***
#18
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cincinnati OH
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
First off i took the drive shaft, "torque arm", and trans out.
![Name: photo1-1.jpg
Views: 3011
Size: 150.2 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615284d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo1-1.jpg)
![Name: photo2-1.jpg
Views: 2969
Size: 148.9 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615285d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo2-1.jpg)
Im doing this weekendly
And yes my crane is bigger than the car![Guns](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_guns.gif)
![Name: photo3-1.jpg
Views: 2922
Size: 106.4 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615286d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo3-1.jpg)
Woot
![Name: photo1.jpg
Views: 3026
Size: 115.5 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615287d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo1.jpg)
Probably the easiest Engine removal ive ever seen
![Name: photo1-1.jpg
Views: 3011
Size: 150.2 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615284d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo1-1.jpg)
![Name: photo2-1.jpg
Views: 2969
Size: 148.9 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615285d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo2-1.jpg)
Im doing this weekendly
And yes my crane is bigger than the car
![Guns](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_guns.gif)
![Name: photo3-1.jpg
Views: 2922
Size: 106.4 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615286d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo3-1.jpg)
Woot
![Name: photo1.jpg
Views: 3026
Size: 115.5 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615287d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo1.jpg)
Probably the easiest Engine removal ive ever seen
![Name: photo5.jpg
Views: 2962
Size: 116.7 KB](https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/conversions-swaps/615288d1501346872-just-another-ls1-miata-build-photo5.jpg)
#19
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Salem/Keizer
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Looking good!
The only thing I would suggest, is considering a built 7.5 diff as opposed to an 8.8. I changed my mind to the 7.5 on my build, after realizing that the exhaust would not fit like I wanted it to. Strength of a 7.5 should not be an issue in these cars, as the Miata weighs an easy 1000lbs less than the car that the 7.5 came out of....plus, drag-car launches are kinda difficult in these cars unless you're running a wide body kit or fender flares with really wide/sticky tires.
Just something to consider.
The only thing I would suggest, is considering a built 7.5 diff as opposed to an 8.8. I changed my mind to the 7.5 on my build, after realizing that the exhaust would not fit like I wanted it to. Strength of a 7.5 should not be an issue in these cars, as the Miata weighs an easy 1000lbs less than the car that the 7.5 came out of....plus, drag-car launches are kinda difficult in these cars unless you're running a wide body kit or fender flares with really wide/sticky tires.
Just something to consider.
#20
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
there is no gained room by going with a 7.5 diff, i build the first miata to use an 8.8 back in the late 90's early 2000's. there almost the same size with similar pick up points. why use any thing but an 8.8 for the price and strength they have.