Gabriel

WOW - finally got a chance to watch all these videos... SOO AWSOME! you're build is really state of the art. You're videos are excellent, I'm really enjoying your series.

As a guy that also video-ed his build, although my videos are far from the professional quality that yours are, I know how hard it is, and I second it being impossible to do this in real time... Annoyingly enough too however, sometimes you get ideas on angles and things as your editing, but sometimes it's too late to go back and recapture the footage as the build has proceeded too far...

anyway - I do appreciate the level of quality in both your build and your videos. I'm looking forward to watching the continuation of your build!

Underdog

Hi All!

Here's the latest update, thank you for checking it out and if you'd like to see a bunch of photos and more details on the build, I have that posted over on my website at: V8Mazda.com

Underdog

Thank you Gabriel! Your kind words mean a lot to me and your absolutely right about the process. I appreciate you checking them out and I hope you are doing well!

V8MiataMike

Just an excellent build and video build!

Love it!

(note that I am a die hard Ford fan but all these LS builds are getting to me... uh oh...)

Mike.

Gabriel

I've been very happy so far that I went with the Ford build, but I completely agree, these LS builds are getting to me... tubular k-member with proper exhaust routing, that corvette intake coming out the front, huge HP numbers in stock form, newer technology, 6 speed....

I do believe Tom's build is definitely superior than the average LS build though, everything is just so well done.

When I go price out some of the components he's been throwing at this, my mental "over budget" alarm goes through the roof!! My budget was 10k lol... and I went over by 5k!! That's when i reassure myself that my Ford decision was right for me, because I simply would not have gotten into the project had I had to spend more...


Tom - I'm really curious how much a build like yours would cost the average Joe... do you think you'll give an idea of the total cost when you're done?

SupaDupaSteve

I saved this link in my bookmarks but I can't remember who's build it was. I do remember it was on LS1 tech though. Not quite to the same caliber as Tom's with the brand new crate engine but a really good build none the less.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...hl=en_US#gid=0

Also, if you are interested I've got a tally in my build thread of what I've been spending on mine. So far I'm a bit of 6k and I've got a good amount of work (and parts bought) but still a lot to go.
https://www.v8miata.net/v8-miata-bui...et-build-1889/

Gabriel

Humm - that's pretty cool - that first link shows a good amount of money regained by selling the used parts - including the built miata engine for 2500$.. I got 200$ for my stock 1990 1.6L... I'm sure Tom could get decent for that factory turbo engine..

I'd still like to see Tom's "brand new everything" LS build cost

charchri4

I wondered that ^ too and did a little crunching using the FM build list and came up with $31,352 in parts. https://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/costs.php

Steve I think that is Go Karts build. I can add another if anyone wants it. https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?...EnMKcJ0CspHsIw

Gator Bait

Crunching those numbers and figuring the amount of time it would take me is what helped me decide to buy Bert. I have a lot of respect for those of you that take it on yourselves. Especially those that have the level of detail that will end up with a result like Tom is sure to have.

Underdog

Thank you Mike, I appreciate the kind words!


Hi Gabriel and thank you again for the kind words. I think the beauty of a V8 Miata is that it can be built in different ways and to fit different budgets all with an excellent and fun end result. It's also an awesome learning experience. Others responded quicker than I did with cost estimates/lists, but yes an LS conversion appears to run between $15-$35k depending on parts chosen. My build would likely have been quite different if not supported by sponsors.

Thank you sir and I appreciate you sharing this info!


Thank you for the supporting info!

Thank you sir!

Underdog

Hi All!

Here's the latest update, thank you for watching and for the kind words too! I've got more photos and details on my website at V8Mazda.com if you'd like to check 'em out.

ItsAllRigged

Awesome vids, Mitch! Its great seeing another NB nearing completion.

V8droptop

Mitch, from Tom's Turbo garage :-D

Tom, you should deff change your name patch! There's a guy who sells vintage name tags on ebay super cheap.

I also found a lady on Ebay that makes custom name tags (since ali, mohammed, etc aren't very common!) I bought a bunch for my crew here. $5 or so a patch!

Underdog

Thanks man, I appreciate that and I'm glad you're enjoying them! I wish you the best with your build, it is coming along GREAT!!

Thanks man, but I like my coveralls having a different name.

V8droptop

Then Have I got a deal for you! I have green, dark blue and light blue, all with names that aren't Tom! If you need a set let me know, haha. Must have 20 pair by now, haha. And soon, it will be changing again, to Red! Go figure.

Haha, but here, my original thought:
C'mon, look how nice they are!
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...h+tom&_sacat=0

Underdog

Hi Fellas!

Here's the latest video update, it runs!! I've also got a bunch of pictures on my website at www.V8Mazda.com

Thanks for checking it out as always!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMANVXpcbIM

charchri4

Humm I was hoping to have the whole embed the video thing fixed by now. Sorry about that... I'm about 4 videos behind so I need to catch up but super glad to hear she runs!

Gator Bait

Sounds great!

Underdog

Thank you Jim and I appreciate the work you do to maintain and improve this great website!

Thank you sir! I'll have some more engine sound goodness for you in the next video.

Underdog

Here's the final installment of the "Project Thunderbolt" video series. Thank you for watching and for your support along the way, I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEsMeDCVbs

I've got lots of pictures and a parts list on my website at V8Mazda.com

Thanks again!

-Tom

5.0MX5

GREAT PROJECT....GREAT CAR....SO WELL EXECUTED! And oh so much more "will power/responsibility" than I showed on my first few drives in my Lit'l 302 car.

Well done Sir!

SupaDupaSteve

I'm so envious! Great job tom! just curious, what area are you in? looks like TN,NC area.

MX-Brad

Awesome job.
Need smoky burnout/fishtail video though.lol

Underdog

Here are a few pictures of how it all turned out!











Before and After!

MX-Brad

I got a good look at this car at Deals Gap this weekend. Beautiful.
It was great to meet you Tom and thanks for bringing the car for us all to check out.
Brad