Probably not news to everyone, but I sure thought it was cool! I've been watching the show Gearz on Speed channel lately. The host is building a V8 Ford powered Miata he's calling the "Banshee" using the "Monster Miata" kit.

Here's the show's website with the official "Banshee" project page. And here's the writeup on it:

quote Banshee So, we’ve got a whole bunch of people sitting around in lawn chairs, polishing their “baby” with a diaper and talkin’ about the “good ol days”. What fun is that? To make matters worse, there are a lot of gearheads out there who would love to get their hands on a classic muscle car so they could really DRIVE and enjoy it, but they just can’t afford it. So, I decided it was time to go back to the original mindset of Carroll Shelby and the Cobra, and stuff a high horsepower V8 into a tiny, late model sports car and call it “the Banshee”, because it is going to be a screamin’ machine. The first generation Mazda Miata was a perfect choice for this kind of transformation because just like the AC Ace that Carroll Shelby used, it’s generally considered a girl, sissy car – and about the farthest thing from a macho, hot sportscar as you can get. Bit, if you dig past the Miata’s image, you find a pretty serious sports car platform under the skin. Perfect to tweak with … The best part is, by using a mid-90’s Mazda Miata, you not only have a car that is readily available … they built a billion of ‘em. … they are not so old that they are all rusty, requiring a complete restoration to get ‘em back on the road, (you don’t have to build a whole car). … they have a good top, (something the Cobra only dreamed of). … they have power windows, power brakes, power steering, air conditioning … all the good stuff that you want in a modern daily driver, and the potential to be WICKEDLY FAST!!! … and finally, they are CHEAP! I got mine with a bad engine off eBay for $2500 with no rust. It has all the above options, and I’ve seen ‘em even cheaper than that – so you can’t beat the price.

Its pretty interesting stuff, but in 2 episodes he's done the teardown, then the basic fitting of the new motor (a 400hp carb'ed 5.0). I've seen this show move really quickly through some projects, so I was somewhat disappointed that I didn't get to hear it rumble by the end of the 2nd episode.

Anyway, seriously cool project, and it's got me rethinking my man-toy priorities all over again...

Here's part of the first episode:



And here's a 5.0 Miata I found on youtube (and if you look close I think that's a Fiero the guy's got sitting in his driveway):



So, anyone else think this is just an awesome idea?
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Read my Earthship thread in Totally O/T
si vis pacem, para bellum
What part of "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED" is so hard to understand?!

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 01-27-2009).]

LS1s are often used for swaps in miatas. so someone taking a ford powerplant and doing the same is pretty cool. Never quite understood the logic behind that much power in a chassis woefully unequipped for it, but to each his own.

quote Originally posted by hklvette: Never quite understood the logic behind that much power in a chassis woefully unequipped for it, but to each his own.

Actually, I've learned the Miatas were originally designed for a V6 engine but that never came to fruition, so they're ready for larger motors from the factory. They are full frame cars as well. I wouldn't use the phrase woefully unequipped at least... I've read that the 5.0 swap only adds about 250#s to the front, which isn't bad all things considered.

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 02-04-2009).]

Dudes got more than one Fiero look at 1:25 parked on the street. Another white Fiero. Who is this guy? Maybe a member! Anyways I have driven a monster miata with a supercharged 4.6 and it scared the hell outta me when I laid the skinny pedal down talk about tire smoke. Anyways we should find out who this guy is. He obviously has a thing for small sports cars. I bet those Fieros have more than 6 cylinders as well. Maybe.

quote Originally posted by OKflyboy: Actually, I've learned the Miatas were originally designed for a V6 engine but that never came to fruition, so they're ready for larger motors from the factory. They are full frame cars as well. I wouldn't use the phrase woefully unequipped at least... I've read that the 5.0 swap only adds about 250#s to the front, which isn't bad all things considered.

The miatas not a full frame car. I always though that small car BIG engine was a great idea. Id love to take one of the ones with in ls1 for a spin i bet there fast as F*ck

[This message has been edited by pontiacman63383 (edited 01-27-2009).]

How about a Jaguar V-12 in a Miata?
I love this guy.


First drive:


http://jalopnik.com/5112347...firms-mans-sexuality

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Mean People Suck

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 01-27-2009).]

quote Originally posted by pontiacman63383: The miatas not a full frame car. I always though that small car BIG engine was a great idea. Id love to take one of the ones with in ls1 for a spin i bet there fast as F*ck

Hmmm, I just watched the show where he walks under the car, and points out how they've got a full frame...

The Miatas have a stiffy bar that runs along side the drive shaft. I forget if he removes it or not, I like that build except for how they graph the rear on it.

quote Originally posted by OKflyboy: Hmmm, I just watched the show where he walks under the car, and points out how they've got a full frame...

huh, well every one i have seen did not have a full frame, but who knows mabey the new ones got it?

quote Originally posted by Phranc: I like that build except for how they graph the rear on it.

Have only seen up to ep 2 (I know they're re-runs, but I hadn't seen it before) but I did catch a few glimpses on the net of the finished product. I like the Blue they painted it but I'm not too crazy about the body kit I saw...

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 01-28-2009).]

The SCCA group in OKC has a 5.0 white Miata that attends, if you ever wanted to check one out in person. I'd love to see what a whipple supercharger would do to one...

There's a guy in Florida on another forum I frequent that is polishing up an LSx swap into a Miata. That thing is MEAN. I'll have to see if I can find the info.

~ Derek

EDIT: Here is the link... http://www.fuelslut.net/vbu...37-my-ls-1-swap.html

[This message has been edited by Derek_85GT (edited 01-27-2009).]

http://www.bossfrog.biz/Miata_V8_Swap.html
http://www.ls1miata.net/gal...ain.php?g2_itemId=25
One owner posted his LS6/6-sp swapped added 46 lbs to his 99 Miata's weight.

[This message has been edited by tampalinc (edited 01-28-2009).]

Interesting Gearz episode. I kinda' like his show.

Here is the thing though, he is talking upwards of $20,000 for a hotrod that will still have to pass emissions. The kit is $4000.

So, how does this compare with the Fiero? Comparable hp/wt ratio but, I think we can hotrod a Fiero for about $10,000 or maybe less if you are careful and handy.

And, both cars are often characterized as "girl" cars by the Detroit iron guys. It seems to me that we have the better choices.

Arn

quote Originally posted by Arns85GT: And, both cars are often characterized as "girl" cars by the Detroit iron guys. It seems to me that we have the better choices. Arn

I used to think Miatas were "girl" cars also until two of my buddies started doing track days with NASA and SCCA. I found new respect because those spec Miatas are quick as hell.

~ Derek

Ha ha! A show by Stacey David.......you know that there is gonna be some insane rides being built. He's my hero.

I watched the one with the RX7 that had the LS7 in it. Beautifully designed cars, but even better with the LS7.

[This message has been edited by kyunderdawg (edited 01-28-2009).]

quote Originally posted by Arns85GT: And, both cars are often characterized as "girl" cars by the Detroit iron guys. It seems to me that we have the better choices.

Knew it was only a matter of time!

I suppose the question that needs answering is, what's faster around a track, LSx Fiero or LSx Miata?

[This message has been edited by IEatRice (edited 01-28-2009).]

quote Originally posted by Arns85GT: Interesting Gearz episode. I kinda' like his show. Here is the thing though, he is talking upwards of $20,000 for a hotrod that will still have to pass emissions. The kit is $4000.

Well, his version is expe$ive, no doubt (he's putting a 400hp racing motor, he added a kitcar body kit, etc).

A milder version could be built much cheaper. I've seen a couple of decent 1st Gen Miatas for sale around Tulsa for under $3k, then there's $4K for the install kit, and another grand or two for the mustang motor and trans, we'll call it $2K.

$3000 + $4000+ $2000 = $9000.

quote Originally posted by Arns85GT: So, how does this compare with the Fiero? Comparable hp/wt ratio but, I think we can hotrod a Fiero for about $10,000 or maybe less if you are careful and handy. And, both cars are often characterized as "girl" cars by the Detroit iron guys. It seems to me that we have the better choices.

Yeah, I knew the comparison would come up. The thing I've noticed is that the Fiero is turning into a "collectors item" to many, and the decent examples I've seen around here fetch a pretty penny. Fieros are old (the newest being a 1988 model) whereas Miatas are still being made, Fieros are not convertibles, nor are they front engine/RWD (not that that's bad, just sayin', while the "Small car/big motor" concept is the same in a Miata and Fiero, the similarities seem to end there)

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 01-28-2009).]

A friend of mine just finished his monster miata build with a 300HP Ford v8 in it. He ran into a few problems with out local DMV and I think he will have to rebuild the suspension a bit to be able to title the car as an amateur built vehicle (swedish rules).
Other than that it's a great kit and pretty cheap.

quote Originally posted by pontiacman63383: huh, well every one i have seen did not have a full frame, but who knows mabey the new ones got it?

He's using a '95 Miata I think. Watch this video (its the 2nd part of the episode I linked to in my first post), the part where he points out the full frame is at about 4:45 - 5:40

http://videos.streetfire.ne...-Miata-II_156321.htm

"That brings up the biggest question that people ask about this project. Is the Miata body actually strong enough to handle a V8 or is this just going to fold up like a Tuna Can? That's a good question. Those of you that are familiar with unibody cars, Mustangs Camaros, that kind of stuff, know that there is a subframe in the front, and a subframe in the rear and the way to make the car stiffer is to weld in subframe connectors. But notice on the Miata you don't just have a subframe, the frame continues all the way down the side of the car, so these come from the factory with a full frame under them, so they're incredibly stiff and strong! Believe it or not, that is enough to handle a V8, but you can also see why it is important that these [frame rails] are not bent up or rusty. You have got to start with a good car."

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 01-28-2009).]

PM sent OKflyboy

quote Originally posted by pontiacman63383: PM sent OKflyboy

PM received.

I see what you're saying, and given the definition of Subframe vs. Fullframe as you quoted it, it appears that you are right. I stand corrected.

Just finished reading:

http://iansmonstermiata.com...y=entry080305-193111

A builder's blog, chronicling his build from start to finish.

I was listening to those Youtube vids and the engines sound kind of nasal. Like they have a head cold or something. It is likely the choice of muffler, or maybe it is an inherent Rustang sound?

Arn

quote Originally posted by Arns85GT: I was listening to those Youtube vids and the engines sound kind of nasal. Like they have a head cold or something. It is likely the choice of muffler, or maybe it is an inherent Rustang sound? Arn

I think part of it may be youtube dumbing down the sound like they do the video quality. Honestly, though, I don't know all that much about 5.0 fords, so it may just be the way they sound...

quote Originally posted by Arns85GT: Interesting Gearz episode. I kinda' like his show. Here is the thing though, he is talking upwards of $20,000 for a hotrod that will still have to pass emissions. The kit is $4000.

quote Originally posted by OKflyboy: Well, his version is expe$ive, no doubt (he's putting a 400hp racing motor, he added a kitcar body kit, etc). A milder version could be built much cheaper. I've seen a couple of decent 1st Gen Miatas for sale around Tulsa for under $3k, then there's $4K for the install kit, and another grand or two for the mustang motor and trans, we'll call it $2K. $3000 + $4000+ $2000 = $9000.

Looks like I may have been a little high on my estimates. I've found a couple of Miatas in the $1500 range (I'm hoping to talk one of them down to <$1000, and I still haven't even called any wrecking yards for complete straight-body/bad-motor Miatas yet). I've got a Mustang 5.0 w/ transmission w/ warranty lined up for $400.

There's still $4000 for the kit, but the guy will let you buy it piece by piece, so I won't have to plunk it all down at once plus 'll be able to skip the stuff that I can get at Autozone with my discount anyway.

Assuming we add a bit for parts that I will want to upgrade that are not part of the kit (brakes, suspension, etc) we're down around $6000!

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 02-04-2009).]

Miata's are for girls!


This is also the reason it is so embarrassing when they consistently pass me at the track

quote Originally posted by pokeyfiero: Miata's are for girls!

(I am SO getting some of those teeth...)

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 02-04-2009).]

Just ordered my conversion manual from Monster Miata. Woo hoo!

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 02-05-2009).]

Check out this LS1 swap.
Lots of pics of the entire process, as well as some "after' video from a track day, where he's passing everything in sight.
I've seen it in person, during the build. Looks like it belongs in there.

http://home.comcast.net/~npartist/index.html

Google "LS1 Miata".
There are a few vids out there, that are not linked directly from his site, for obvious reasons.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 02-06-2009).]

quote Originally posted by Raydar: Check out this LS1 swap. Lots of pics of the entire process, as well as some "after' video from a track day, where he's passing everything in sight. I've seen it in person, during the build. Looks like it belongs in there. http://home.comcast.net/~npartist/index.html Google "LS1 Miata". There are a few vids out there, that are not linked directly from his site, for obvious reasons.

There's quite a few on the Miata.net forums, too. In fact, the LSx has become the "better" swap around there. I'm sticking with the 5.0 mainly for cost, an LS1 is just too expensive for me. Plus, given that Ford owns Mazda (or something like that) a Ford in a Miata just "seems" better to me...

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 02-06-2009).]

F$#@! 4 Miatas in my area that I had my eye on. A few warm days in a row at tax time and they've all sold...

[This message has been edited by OKflyboy (edited 02-07-2009).]

I'd rather put a LS1 or LS2 in a last gen RX7.

quote Originally posted by lildevil: I'd rather put a LS1 or LS2 in a last gen RX7.

That's pricy. And the Miata would take the RX7 any day.

What the f*ck is this turning into, a Miata forum?

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