Pros and Cons
 

So I've been kicking around the idea of doing a LSx Miata build. Upon some discussion with some locals, some of them have expressed their skepticism with the whole idea. The big thing they keep suggesting is that with such a short wheelbase, this car just won't handle well with so much power. Theres a opinion that even an experienced driver would have a hard time controlling this thing and it won't perform that well, even be frustrating to drive.

As to note, I don't think any of these people have owned a Miata, though I'm positive they've seen them in the local events they participate in, none of which have been v8 swapped. Locally, theres mainly drifting and autoX with some HPDE. I'd be only interested in the HPDE and autoX, not so much the drifing...

Anyone have experience with this or can chime in from a more technical standpoint as to why this viewpoint may be right or wrong?

Just do it. You won't be sorry.

An LS1 Miata has the performance of a C6Z with the maintenance of a Miata. Need I say more?

Flyin' Miata, who have been building and racing Miatas long before V8's came on the scene, now supports the V8 conversion as well. Take a look at the comments on this page: http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/ especially as regards autox.

These guys are without question Miata experts.

Mike

Yea, I've definitely scoured every inch of the interwebs that I know of looking into all this. I guess there will always be some nay-sayers, its just when experienced locals begin to advise against it for performance reasons, I begin to get a little leery. But I've seen plenty of owners seem to think its a good setup. Had a couple mention it quickly oversteers on the knifes edge, but I imagine that's from people that wanna go WOT a little too much.

It is a great platform. Just do it. Your naysayers are not speaking from experience and don't know what they are talking about, no offense.

If they dig in their heels show them this video. Note all of the expensive factory cars I am passing, and the red Porsche GT3 (on DOT r-comp tires) I am chasing down at the end of the video.
http://youtu.be/SaVZHO9VXdM

Plus I am not the only one racing one of these.

I have owned Miatas for the last six years. My first one became my LS car. I can say without a doubt that a well thought out and exicuted swap is as good handling and fun as a stocker. The trick is to upgrade all of the systems not just stuff a big engine in a little car. If you have people that are telling you things because they "think" they know, do what I did.... build it and SHOW them! I enjoy the looks on people's faces when I open the hood...first thing is usually "Holy Sh*t". WHen they find out that the car is so close to stock weight they are in awe. One ride is all it takes to prove your point. Good luck.

A sprint car has about 2 pounds per horsepower and has a wheelbase close to or shorter (depending on the car) than a Miata. The outrageous 1,300 pound big block powered CanAM cars of the ''60s had a wheelbase within an inch or two of the Miata. An LS Miata will have enough power that you need to pay attention, but it's not a case of going so radical you'll end up regretting it. There is some compromise. Adding any weight to the car is not a plus. A good driver will notice the weight increase. But..... the weight increase does not come close ruining the car. With respect to lap times, any small reduction in cornering capability or agility is more than made up for by the additional power. And, better tires, suspension upgrades, and good alignment cam more than make up for the weight.

consider this...
 

The process has been around for a while..over ten years..It seems like some of the earlier kinks wrt wiring are mostly the result of the converter (owner) or have been met with aftermarket suppliers...You not working on a beta version here..The process is well documented...the community is deep with knowledgable 'practictioners'...not kids trying to 'go-fast'...the output vehicles are competing at relevant levels in both drag and strip (not sure about this one to be honest, maybe someone can come in with some facts here)...contrast this to 'local' venerable authority with no direct experience...Aftermarkets have breath and deep...choices are numerous for all aspects wrt power plants & other mods...Seems like there needs to be a nay sayers only as a counter weight to all the other data points....I own...but can't say much about driveabilty...I don't think the car or I'm quite up to a spirited drive at this juncture...Key point here too is I'm not an experienced driver, I'm feeling the need to get better educated in this area with some hands on training to boot...this seems wise if only to remove some of the fear I'm starting to develope wrt lurking monster...You decide!

"Big and heavy" Ford V8 powered Miatas have been terrorizing Corvette and Ferrari drivers at track days for the last 20 years. Do a search on youtube for some vids of them handling terrifically on track. If iron-blocked fords can handle well I'm sure the new fangled, "light as a feather" LS will not mess it up.

-Jason