Well, I'm back in the game!! New mild 302 street build
#51
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Used the Ford Contour fans with shroud. They fit really nice. Used a Griffin radiator from Amazon 26x16 measurements. Just had to trim shroud in the corners to clear the inlet and outlet
#53
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Been difficult with experience building a foxbody conversion and now doing an SN95 conversion. Lots of lessons learned. A 95 throttle body does not fit a GT40 intake. Send it back and order a new 93 70mm TB. Now to fit the SN 95 sensors to it. Project in the works.
#54
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Throttle bodies
Just some FYI info for future use. I started out with parts from an SN95 conversion, but tore down and rebuilt the motor. I upgraded to a GT40 intake which is for a 5.0 Fox body car. I spent lots of money on trying to figure out how to adapt 5.0 throttle body to
SN95 harness. I just found and edlebrock adapter that attaches to 5.0 GT40 intake and accepts a SN95 throttle body. Should be in the mail. I’ll post pictures when it’s in and installed. I can know use SN95 harness for TPS and other TB sensors.
SN95 harness. I just found and edlebrock adapter that attaches to 5.0 GT40 intake and accepts a SN95 throttle body. Should be in the mail. I’ll post pictures when it’s in and installed. I can know use SN95 harness for TPS and other TB sensors.
#56
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
I looked into that. 2 reasons I went my route.
1- I have SN95 sensors. Cheaper to get adapter than new 5.0 sensors.
2- I read a post that the SN95 TPS is more responsive and operates with a different algorithm. I had start up issues last time and don’t want to go down that road again (even though I probably will anyway) lol.
1- I have SN95 sensors. Cheaper to get adapter than new 5.0 sensors.
2- I read a post that the SN95 TPS is more responsive and operates with a different algorithm. I had start up issues last time and don’t want to go down that road again (even though I probably will anyway) lol.
#57
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Only have one week left here at Fort Rucker before I have to load it back in the trailer and take back to Houston, TX.
Busy Day today. All wiring done, but kept loose in case I need to trace something. I’ll clean it all up once she runs. All lines, fuel, PS, brakes, clutch connected and filled with fluids. So many AN connections made, and so far no leaks. Key on shows good pressure from the new external fuel pump. Tomorrow I’ll bleed the brake and clutch. Steering half shaft reconnected and looks aligned. Tomorrow I will complete exhaust and O2 sensors. All I should be waiting on is the Edlebrock intake adapter. Hopefully I can get it by next weekend and attempt a start. I’ll probably start to turn the oil pump a few times just to get it all lubed up and ready.
Busy Day today. All wiring done, but kept loose in case I need to trace something. I’ll clean it all up once she runs. All lines, fuel, PS, brakes, clutch connected and filled with fluids. So many AN connections made, and so far no leaks. Key on shows good pressure from the new external fuel pump. Tomorrow I’ll bleed the brake and clutch. Steering half shaft reconnected and looks aligned. Tomorrow I will complete exhaust and O2 sensors. All I should be waiting on is the Edlebrock intake adapter. Hopefully I can get it by next weekend and attempt a start. I’ll probably start to turn the oil pump a few times just to get it all lubed up and ready.
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jrmotorsports55 (07-07-2019)
#58
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Interior back together, wires tucked, oils pump primed with good pressure on mechanical gauge. Just waiting for throttle body adapter to attempt the first start.
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jrmotorsports55 (07-08-2019)
#60
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Set back
Installed GT40 to SN95 adapter. It turns and lowers the throttle body. That made it hit the valve covers that I had. I’ve seen pics of this setup working. I have the stock valve covers back home, so I guess project is off till I trailer home in a week or so. Boo. Picture is with passenger valve cover off.
#62
V8 Miata Fanatic
Yeah, look at my build thread, I have the FR valve covers, and had to space out the throttle body quite a bit for clearance. My lower intake is milled down as well for hood clearance.
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jrmotorsports55 (07-14-2019)
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jrmotorsports55 (07-14-2019)
#65
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Spacer
I had to use this stupid 1 in spacer for valve cover clearance. Ordered it on Amazon 2 day shipping to slap it together so I could try and start it before I leave this Army base. Guess it was worth it. Manifold sits really high now. I think I can shave it half an inch and be okay. I’ll leave that project for when I get home.
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jrmotorsports55 (07-15-2019)
#67
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Thanks for the offer. I have a set sitting back home in Texas and will compare them when I return. It seems like even with lots of lift, these Ford Raving ones have lots of room in them. It was nice just to drive this thing into my trailer under its own power. Can’t wait to get it all sorted out and tuned properly. I’m going to add a quarter horse chip to tune in just like I did on my other 5.0 Miata.
#69
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Stock valve covers no worky! Lol. Switched 1 in intake spacer to a 1/2 in spacer. Had to trim metal off throttle body adapter, and hood almost closes. Think the next easiest step is to space the front subframe. I think 1/4 in should get me there.
The following 2 users liked this post by Gunpilot:
fordified (08-17-2021),
jrmotorsports55 (08-27-2019)
#70
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Little set back
May be a bit before I get to jump back on the Miata. My LS RX-7 died. I am getting ready for The Texas Mile October 17-20 and the engine decided to crack 2 pistons. The stock pistons could not handle the boost. I thing the rings touched.
I have pulled the motor and decided to do a full up engine build. New 6.0 iron block bored .30 over, all forged bottom end with H-beam rods, custom cam, ported 243 heads, valves with dual springs. I have about a month to build it, install, break it in, and then tune the beast. With my large T6 turbo, looking for 800WHP under low boost (12psi).
After the race, I'll get back on the Miata.
I have pulled the motor and decided to do a full up engine build. New 6.0 iron block bored .30 over, all forged bottom end with H-beam rods, custom cam, ported 243 heads, valves with dual springs. I have about a month to build it, install, break it in, and then tune the beast. With my large T6 turbo, looking for 800WHP under low boost (12psi).
After the race, I'll get back on the Miata.
#72
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Back at it
Time to do some custom exhaust work. Decided to cut out the rear fender a bit and add rectangle side exhaust tips. Little street sweeper action.
The following 2 users liked this post by Gunpilot:
jrmotorsports55 (03-30-2020),
tbone heller (03-30-2020)
#73
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Been a while
Miata has been sitting and waiting, and waiting, and waiting....... I FINALLY accomplished my goal with the RX-7FD/LS project. Hit 202.2MPH in the standing mile. Sold it right after and got a Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. That's an entirely different story.....
Now for the Miata. I got the side pipes all cut in and exhaust welded up, While it sat outside, forgot that I used water in the radiator while everything was mocked up and it did not like the big freeze we had here. 2 freeze plugs popped out, and I hope that's all the damage that was done. Freeze plugs were reinstalled and coolant added. I do have a mysterious disappearing coolant issue I cant resolve. Oil looks fine and no smoke from exhaust.
Finally tackled intake and air filter fabrication, oil and water sensor install and gauges mounted in factory AC location center console. She starts and runs, idles great. Cant wait to get it on a dyno to do a quarter horse tune. Took it for a test drive, and have a few small issues. 1- Clutch slips under initial acceleration and then grabs, 2- oil pressure drops to 10PSI at idle after car gets hot, but goes up under throttle, 3- steering wheel not aligned properly.
1. Clutch just hopefully needs an adjustment. I looked thru my notes and can not find what clutch I used. Did I re-use the one I inherited, did I order a new one? Who knows. I hate when time slips by so fast.
2. Oil cap was off of valve covers, but don't think that is the pressure issue. I need to double check ground on oil pressure sender. Installation was rushed.
3. I hate the spline on the steering shaft. Those dang headers make it a bear. I may see if I can do it at the upper knuckle closer to the steering wheel.
Ill get some pictures up soon. First start (again) was fun after sitting outside. Apparently my side pipes catch rain and like to store it in the exhaust system. I shot out gallons of water when it cranked. I keep them covered when not in use now, and no issues.
Now for the Miata. I got the side pipes all cut in and exhaust welded up, While it sat outside, forgot that I used water in the radiator while everything was mocked up and it did not like the big freeze we had here. 2 freeze plugs popped out, and I hope that's all the damage that was done. Freeze plugs were reinstalled and coolant added. I do have a mysterious disappearing coolant issue I cant resolve. Oil looks fine and no smoke from exhaust.
Finally tackled intake and air filter fabrication, oil and water sensor install and gauges mounted in factory AC location center console. She starts and runs, idles great. Cant wait to get it on a dyno to do a quarter horse tune. Took it for a test drive, and have a few small issues. 1- Clutch slips under initial acceleration and then grabs, 2- oil pressure drops to 10PSI at idle after car gets hot, but goes up under throttle, 3- steering wheel not aligned properly.
1. Clutch just hopefully needs an adjustment. I looked thru my notes and can not find what clutch I used. Did I re-use the one I inherited, did I order a new one? Who knows. I hate when time slips by so fast.
2. Oil cap was off of valve covers, but don't think that is the pressure issue. I need to double check ground on oil pressure sender. Installation was rushed.
3. I hate the spline on the steering shaft. Those dang headers make it a bear. I may see if I can do it at the upper knuckle closer to the steering wheel.
Ill get some pictures up soon. First start (again) was fun after sitting outside. Apparently my side pipes catch rain and like to store it in the exhaust system. I shot out gallons of water when it cranked. I keep them covered when not in use now, and no issues.
#74
V8 Miata Habitué
Looking good Gunpilot! Keep the pics coming
When I see build pics like this it brings back all the memories (headaches and bruises and cuts !) from my build there are just so many little things to do...to het these conversions completed. Its the death of a 1000 small cuts. No one mod is hard.....but when there are like 200 of them it gets old fast..
keep up the great work!
When I see build pics like this it brings back all the memories (headaches and bruises and cuts !) from my build there are just so many little things to do...to het these conversions completed. Its the death of a 1000 small cuts. No one mod is hard.....but when there are like 200 of them it gets old fast..
keep up the great work!