Any input on an LS1 powered Miata? It would be primarily for a fun project car to drive on the weekend with the occasional autocross or track day.

I'm getting bored again and weighing this versus another 4th gen (LS1 powered) or a turbo miata.

I personally would do an E36 M3 LS1. Or if you want to save a grand on the car, get a non M E36.

I'm planning on dropping an aluminum 5.3 into my M3 in a couple of years.

Might as well do a 318TI or some other welterweight 3-series.

I think my biggest issue with an ls1 miata is you can't fit any decent amount of tire underneath one. Stock tires are 22.5" tall, you can fit 23.5 in the back but any taller and you really start raising the car up to fit it.

While we're in pie in the sky mode... what about a LS1 911?

I've raced an LS1 Miata. My first road track experience, he was fast but the tail was too happy just like roostmeyer said.

I've also seen an LS 911 in police car trim. Sounded awesome!

Contact Johnny C at OG Racing, he runs one.

I saw one at Barber once, aluminum 5.3, cam, LS6 intake, 400 to the wheels...that SOB was FAST!

I want to build an LS 944 Porsche chassis.

This post has been edited by FASTFATBOY: Aug 6 2014, 07:50 PM

What I like about the E36 M3 LSX swap is it's bolt in with the help of a kit. Wiring is simple. And you're starting with an amazing platform. It was voted the best handling car of the 90's. Another plus is the M engine sells for a pretty penny.

Even starting with a regular 3 series like roost said would be a blast. Same prices as miata's.

Thanks for the input guys. This will likely be a spring 2015 project if I trade in my waverunner. I'll look into E36 M3's, but they are kinda scarce here. What's the going rate for a clean one? I'd also have to consider chassis and suspension parts cost for an M3-I'm sure they are not as cheap as a Miata.

My dream build is a FD RX7 with an LS1. Watched one on track the other week absolutely demolishing race cars while in full street trim. I think it's a beautiful car, but the cost of a clean roller is insane. The E36 M3 would be a close second choice. Just awesome driving dynamics in those cars.

Seems to be a decent amount to the Miata swap too. Have to cut the engine bay up then strip seam sealer and seam weld it, open up the trans tunnel, and then fab up some brackets for a better diff. plus getting new axles because I'm sure the Miata axles won't stand up to a lot of V8 abuse.

Suspension parts for the Miata and parts in general would be cheaper but you may spend more money/time getting everything in the car. They sell K members and "motor swap" kits for the miata.

The BMW may be more money up front but then it may take less hacking etc to get the motor in.

I would do the Miata because it's a "dumber" idea LOL. Tiny 2 seater with 400 HP would be FUN! I would look into what size tire you can get on the miata, they may only be 15" or 16" but if I remember you can get a 15-16 x 9"??

Contact Flyin' Miata...they could answer a lot of your questions.

Also remember, at least where I live in Cincy OH, there are A LOT of Miata parts on craigslist.

This post has been edited by Smitty2919: Aug 6 2014, 11:22 PM

My 1998 4 door M3, which I really wanted because it weighs the same as the 2 door. It had 192,000 miles, and came with a stack of records. I paid $5000. $7500 will buy you a low mile M3 and that's about as expensive as they come. The engine goes forever. Blackstone said it was wearing beautifully. Springs and shocks are all that you need to do, if you want and they are the same price as anything else. The difference between and M3 and 3 series is huge. Completely different suspension geometry, larger brakes, LSD, and even brake ducts in the bumper. If you can find an M3, I'd go the route. Bushings are the biggest expense in any 3 series, but if you can do an engine swap, I'm sure you can replace the bushings saving you a ton.

http://youtu.be/zXZKEEIzFb8

One last thing. LS1 Miata's have more weight added up front throwing the balance off. The LS1 doesn't add any weight to the E36, but the T56 does add 30 or so lbs. But that added weight is added to the best possible place, low and in the center of the car.

This post has been edited by Steve91T: Aug 7 2014, 02:36 AM

How's about an LSx powered Cayman for that matter?? (Or would there be NO transaxle which could handle the torque?)

Also check the rear subframe where the control arms mount, E36 is notorious for cracking here. There is a reinforcement kit that needs to be welded in the car.

I would love an E36 chassis car with an LS swap. Best of all worlds IMO.

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize E36 M3's had become so cheap (a clean '97 w/170k just popped up for $4500). I'm definitely going to investigate these, especially since it's a bit more practical and should make better use of the power. The Miata still has the old school, modern AC Cobra appeal though.

I'm in the 'me-too' crowd with respect to a LS-powered FD. We have a guy who has a real nice blue one he runs at our local autocrosses. He drives the thing everywhere. I think he got an almost-finished project for about what a roller goes for, which is, as you say, stupid-expensive.

I'm watching Vorshlag's LS-BRZ-FR-S project with interest. They make kits for installing LS engines in things like Miatas, BMWs and now a BRZ/FR-S. Yes, the engine sticks out ahead of the front wheels, but there's not a big difference in weight between the stock engine/trans and a LS1/T56, amazingly.

The swapped BRZ is another cool ride. I'm local to weapons grade performance which did the first one, the BRZ06. Wild little car. Someone was telling me they were still able to use the factory computer to integrate pretty well and they were even able to get it through the plug in emissions test. Not sure if its entirely true, but I couldn't imagine paying for a new car and the swap then never being able to take it on the streets.

The M3 really is the most practical swap though. It just works so well in that car. From mounting space, wiring integration, and the fact that it doesn't even disturb the balance of that great chassis. Really is a win win. Not to mention it's still a spacious and practical car compared to the smaller cars mentioned.