Hey guys...brand new to the forum here. I have a 93 that I picked up as a commuter/beater car and have recently been thinking more seriously about swapping my SLP 402 stroked LS-2 and T-56 from another project into. I also have an 8.8 diff out of a 99 cobra from when I was tossing this idea around a few years ago. I know there are probably dozens of threads on this topic but I just don't have the time to hunt for hours on the Internet just to end up where I started....confused. I have been looking at Boss Frog for install kits but I am open to other suggestions. Other than the basic hardware for stuffing the driveline in I know I am going to need a cooling system, fuel system, and engine management system so I am asking for help/advice on where to go and what has worked well for others. Again...I know this is probably a redundant question but I appreciate any advice/help I can get.

 

Hey sorry for all the spam above they will get it removed. Welcome to the forum! You have come to the right place for sure.

Unfortunately my advice is for you to do what you don't want to do and that is research. Your very best weapon is information and to learn from others mistakes. At this stage of your build reading build threads will be most valuable to sort out the confusion. I have been reading build threads for probably a year and still learn something new with every one. There is so many options and so many ideas of what is best you really have to research it and decide for yourself.

You might try what I did and an excel sheet for each option you have in mind. Put in the costs and weight the benefits for all your major options and let the data speak for itself. I started out for sure going to do a Ford build and ended up with an LS. At one time I was for sure going to use Martians frame but ended up with V8r. You just have to look at all the options and what worked for others and what makes sense for you to do. Since you have so many parts already you are half way there really.

The instruction book for boss frog and V8 Roadsters / Flying Miata are both on line. Read them cover to cover then read them again! Check out the builds on Flyin Miatas site and Jasons builds here

McCully Racing Motors- Our Builds...we're doing our part to help empowering Miatas one car at a time...

Yes he is a ford guy but he knows these cars really well and his build threads are packed with good information for all builds.

Check out the information and videos in this thread:
https://www.v8miata.net/general-miat...s2-vs-ls3-828/

Do your homework and then you will know what questions to ask and we will be able to help you better. If you reach the bottom of the barrel and still want to read check out my blog. But don't start there or you will probably abandon the idea all together!

 

I really appreciate the response. Dont get me wrong, I am not opposed to doing research at all, I looked into it heavily a few years ago when I first bought the car but then ended up just using it as a daily driver. That being said it has been a few years and im sure a lot has changed since then as well. I have already downloaded the boss frog manual and read over it as well. Today I bought a NB subframe so I can build my rear setup off the car with minimal down time for the install since the car is still my daily driver. At this point I am thinking of going with the V8R front subframe and trans mount kit to keep the engine slightly rearward and the boss frog diff kit and possibly axles. The car I picked up was obviously not pampered by previous owners and I like the idea of keeping it looking a little rough around the edges so I can shoot for the "sleeper" look.

 

Hey that is one of the things that has changed. V8R only makes the rear frame now.

Racing concepts is gone now so there are 2 1/2 companies that make kits. The 2 are boss frog and V8R and the half is Monster Miata because you can use his rear end (I am) Now there might be a new player by the time you get there because Martian told me a couple months ago he was just about ready to release the full LS conversion kit. His kit will not require cutting the fire wall.

For what it is worth the major stumbeling block for me was the oil pan. The V8R set up takes an $825 oil pan and for me that is a total deal killer. I wanted to cut the fire wall the have the engine as far rearward as possible but there is no way to justify that pan. I got lucky and found one on ebay for $375 so the decision was made for me. Well that and I don't like what BF does with their steering and I didn't want to wait for Martin any longer. So I ended up with V8R.

The 2 things that mess most people up are exhaust and wiring. BFs support for wiring is to send you to LS1tech and ask for help and Flyin Miatas idea of support is a $1700 wiring harness. For exhaust BF is really hard to work with because of the way they do their diff hanger and Flyin Miats solution is 2200 bucks. Which for me was no solution...

I got lucky and found some used stuff but again these are big things to look at as you plan your build. Also your level of fabrication skills can make a big difference. For example if you can make mounts for your radiator you can spend 1/3 the $$ on a radiator then buying one from FM. Same with the trans mount. The V8R trans mount is 450 bucks and it's about 10 bucks worth of steel and an afternoon project.

Great talking to you! I'm really excited to see your build come together. Do start a build thread as soon as you can. I'm still reading them!!