Project Thunderbolt - my LS3 MazdaSpeed video build series
01-30-2015, 10:07 AM
#1
Project Thunderbolt - my LS3 MazdaSpeed video build series
Hi Everyone,
I thought y'all would get a kick out of my new project! Over the coming months I'll be covering the entire process of transforming my 2004 MazdaSpeed from it's humble stock beginnings to full-on LS powered fury!
I'll be updating my website with tons of photos for each update too, so feel free to check it out at: www.V8Mazda.com
Thanks for watching!
-Tom
I thought y'all would get a kick out of my new project! Over the coming months I'll be covering the entire process of transforming my 2004 MazdaSpeed from it's humble stock beginnings to full-on LS powered fury!
I'll be updating my website with tons of photos for each update too, so feel free to check it out at: www.V8Mazda.com
Thanks for watching!
-Tom
01-31-2015, 10:36 AM
#5
02-14-2015, 07:55 AM
#11
02-14-2015, 07:57 AM
#12
02-15-2015, 02:32 PM
#13
V8 Miata Participant
At your pace, you'll probably beat me :-) I'm doing a similar project, 05 MSM, LS7, and I'm at about the same point, cars stripped, pile of parts, assembling my motor, etc. Lucky you, your engine is assembled and your drive kit is a bolt on ordeal :-D
Any plans for a cam, intake, or power adder before assembly?
Any plans for a rollbar (a must, IMO!) ?
And also, are you going to be welding/adding bracing or following the standard FM build blueprint? Lots of cars running without extra welding/bracing just fine, it seems.
Great attention to detail and organization. All mechanics should operate like this! Also jealous of your shop, my place is chaos and a bit too small for my household!
**Also, Bend at the knees when picking up heavy parts! The health and safety guy will find you! Ha.
P.s. Location?
Any plans for a cam, intake, or power adder before assembly?
Any plans for a rollbar (a must, IMO!) ?
And also, are you going to be welding/adding bracing or following the standard FM build blueprint? Lots of cars running without extra welding/bracing just fine, it seems.
Great attention to detail and organization. All mechanics should operate like this! Also jealous of your shop, my place is chaos and a bit too small for my household!
**Also, Bend at the knees when picking up heavy parts! The health and safety guy will find you! Ha.
P.s. Location?
02-18-2015, 09:56 AM
#14
Jim Stainer
Couldn't manage with out the lift?
Say what? That's no kind of talk for a V8 Miata owner who will rule the road and concur all! I've got kids older than you and did the whole thing on 4 jack stands in a 12x22" garage that was seldom over 55 degrees. So take one dope slap from the cheering section and don't even think about being wimpy again!
We are the men of the V8s and we will overcome!
Now back to our regularly scheduled build thread.
PS you know I'm teasing and just jealous right? But you still get the dope slap for even thinking it!
Last edited by charchri4; 02-18-2015 at 10:21 AM.
02-18-2015, 12:16 PM
#15
At your pace, you'll probably beat me :-) I'm doing a similar project, 05 MSM, LS7, and I'm at about the same point, cars stripped, pile of parts, assembling my motor, etc. Lucky you, your engine is assembled and your drive kit is a bolt on ordeal :-D
Any plans for a cam, intake, or power adder before assembly?
Any plans for a rollbar (a must, IMO!) ?
And also, are you going to be welding/adding bracing or following the standard FM build blueprint? Lots of cars running without extra welding/bracing just fine, it seems.
Great attention to detail and organization. All mechanics should operate like this! Also jealous of your shop, my place is chaos and a bit too small for my household!**Also, Bend at the knees when picking up heavy parts! The health and safety guy will find you! Ha.P.s. Location?
Any plans for a cam, intake, or power adder before assembly?
Any plans for a rollbar (a must, IMO!) ?
And also, are you going to be welding/adding bracing or following the standard FM build blueprint? Lots of cars running without extra welding/bracing just fine, it seems.
Great attention to detail and organization. All mechanics should operate like this! Also jealous of your shop, my place is chaos and a bit too small for my household!**Also, Bend at the knees when picking up heavy parts! The health and safety guy will find you! Ha.P.s. Location?
Now wait a dog gone minute here! You were doing such fine work and now this!! Old? Couldn't manage with out the lift?Say what? That's no kind of talk for a V8 Miata owner who will rule the road and concur all!
I've got kids older than you and did the whole thing on 4 jack stands in a 12x22" garage that was seldom over 55 degrees. So take one dope slap from the cheering section and don't even think about being wimpy again!
We are the men of the V8s and we will overcome!
Now back to our regularly scheduled build thread.
PS you know I'm teasing and just jealous right? But you still get the dope slap for even thinking it!
Couldn't manage with out the lift?Say what? That's no kind of talk for a V8 Miata owner who will rule the road and concur all! I've got kids older than you and did the whole thing on 4 jack stands in a 12x22" garage that was seldom over 55 degrees. So take one dope slap from the cheering section and don't even think about being wimpy again!
We are the men of the V8s and we will overcome!
Now back to our regularly scheduled build thread.
PS you know I'm teasing and just jealous right? But you still get the dope slap for even thinking it!
Well, first off I may be a bit older than you think, but I'll take that as a compliment! I just built my garage and got a lift a few years ago, before that there was plenty of car building in old barns during the Pennsylvania winters and a few in the Florida heat...under a carport...getting eaten by fire ants. 
It all builds character I suppose!
02-19-2015, 07:44 PM
#16
V8 Miata Participant
The fire ants part of your intro made me laugh. When looking for a new home, the larger garage was a must for me after pulling the engine/trans in my A8, rebuilding the trans, and putting the car back together in a 12' garage in my apartment back in the day. Not enough room to breathe much less work!
I'm impressed by the quality of your documentation and I like the video series, good deal for summit to help you out like that. I honestly don't use them a ton, but with their shipping policy I find myself over there for pricier items from time to time, and they are my go-to for fittings/hoses, such as with this project. Its certainly nice to have them as a one-stop shop, no doubt. Glad they are helping you put this on!
I'm impressed by the quality of your documentation and I like the video series, good deal for summit to help you out like that. I honestly don't use them a ton, but with their shipping policy I find myself over there for pricier items from time to time, and they are my go-to for fittings/hoses, such as with this project. Its certainly nice to have them as a one-stop shop, no doubt. Glad they are helping you put this on!
02-27-2015, 09:54 AM
#17
Hi Everyone, here's the latest update! Thanks a ton for checking it out and if you would like to see a bunch of additional pictures, I have a photo gallery over on my website.
-Tom
-Tom
03-13-2015, 03:29 PM
#20
03-27-2015, 08:26 AM
#21
Hi Everyone! Here's the latest update and as always, if you'd like to see a bunch more pictures and a parts list, I plop those up on my Miata website. Thank you for checking all of this out!
