Got a ride in a V8R Miata last night............

[— Phatmiata —]

Is John on this forum?? He stopped by my house last year to check out my progress and brought a picture book of his build

Yes he in on here, and he also told me he stopped by your house to check on your build, funny how small / tight this community really is at times.

[Minglor]

I love my LS1 miata.
Don't think I could go back.

[FooSchnickens]

If I just had the money. I see these guys getting new aluminum LS motors then even higher perforance parts or turbos for them, electronics, rear end etc. and it all looks so great but in the back of my mind, I'm tallying the $10,000-$20,000 cost involved when it's hard enough just buying a gallon of gas.

I wish there was a V8 budget-build thread with a lot of hand holding for total noobs.

What's nice is that there is a "bargain" avenue for V8 swaps. You can grab the 5.3L V8s out of newer chevy trucks (LM7) for pennies on the dollar compared to a vette/CTS/GTO pullout and with a little massaging (cam and ecu flash) can be making the same 400+ horsepower of the LS motors. Bone stock they make 320hp and utilize the same sensors as the LS1 so wiring and tuning is a breeze. The only downside is the weight. But at this point, who cares? They have an iron block that tips the scales at just over 500lbs with fluids (compared to the 400lb LS motors). LM7s can be had for easily under a grand and will mate up to the same T56 tranny as well a many other domestic offerings. They'll also take a lot of the same power upgrades like cams and valvetrain parts. You could also use that extra $4-5k you saved on the motor for brakes or suspension which is commonly overlooked on these swaps. Having plenty of "go" is nothing without an equal amount of "stop".

[— Agent☣Orange —]

Wow, that's some news! So with an iron block, does that mean a different front suspension?

[★ Unk577 ★]

There are inexpensive aluminum block LS motors out there if you look for something other than camaro, corvette, GTO, CTS-V, etc. Paid $450 for mine.

[Minglor]

Wow, that's some news! So with an iron block, does that mean a different front suspension?

Even better is to source an L33 engine. Aluminum block.

From a V8R spec build.
"I will be using an L33 (GM GEN3 small block from a 2005 - 2007 Chevy Silverado) The L33 option is essentially a LS1 that has a reduced stroke giving it a 5.3 liter capacity vs the LS1’s 5.7 liter capacity. The L33 uses the LS1 799 or 243 heads (head casting number) from the LS1 and can be found at a significantly reduced price when compared to the LS1. While my experience in finding a serviceable LS1 has been limited; I believe you will find the price range for a good serviceable engine to be in the $2500 - $4500 range. I was able to find a comparable L33 long block engine assembly locally for $700. The price range for the L33 engines seems to be in the $500 - $1500 range. "

[turbotyla]

you can get an aluminum 5.3 that isnt the l33. just look up the trailblazer 5.3 it was aluminum it just didnt have the l33 cam and the tune.

but i would just get a bare block and get my own heads and a ms4 cam or the mti x1 cam. but thats opinion. my car was bought to be an ls1 car but i am going a different direction for now but if the v6 and turbo dont get me to 300 whp then ill sell it and go ls

[heybluguy]

helmets please

[maharaj]

Spin in 2nd? I am still spinning in 3rd! We'll go for a ride soon, it is A LOT of fun. I'm in Lutz, PM me anytime you want to go cruising.

Dude I'm sure its the same as that VR6 miata in our club. It is scary fast in those things and going back to a stock miata is boring. Hence why I have vowed to not get in any fast miata till I get a turbo. While the V8 power is awesome, it just seems too much for the car. I think its awesome, and its amazing that someone can accomplish it. Yet, being able to spin out the wheels in 2nd gear rolling scares me.

[Hyper]

Spin in 2nd? I am still spinning in 3rd! We'll go for a ride soon, it is A LOT of fun. I'm in Lutz, PM me anytime you want to go cruising.

That's the thing that keeps me wondering. If a car makes so much power in 1st 2nd and 3rd enough to spin the wheels? How do you brake the inertia in first gear without spinning tires? I am curious to know if these V8 miatas are fast only when they are rolling. I just need to know.

[maharaj]

A lot of it also depends on the driver, the tire size, temperature and all of that crap. I don't own a tire company so i'm not trying to go through tires too quickly. It also helps that mine isn't my DD. At almost 17 mpg on premium fuel, my civic is much easier on the pocket.

[— Phatmiata —]

A lot of it also depends on the driver, the tire size, temperature and all of that crap. I don't own a tire company so i'm not trying to go through tires too quickly. It also helps that mine isn't my DD. At almost 17 mpg on premium fuel, my civic is much easier on the pocket.

I need a ride in yours, and in unk577's when its ready, I still have a ton of spare parts to build at least 2 really tricked out widebody cars.

[Impuls]

I'm laying in wait for an LS1, T56, wiring harness. The day will come.

[— Phatmiata —]

I'm laying in wait for an LS1, T56, wiring harness. The day will come.

Talk with Brian C. aka unk577 at the local meet, he can hook you up if you are serious.

[Impuls]

I'm being torn between turbo and ls1 like most people, but for the reliable power I want I can't deny LS1 is the best route. Especially since I know how to work on v8's, still learning for these BP's.
I've seen unk577 at one meet so far but wasn't really able to talk to him so much about it. Plus he hardly comes out
That one dude that was talking all the shit about his own truck and unk still makes me laugh tho haha.