I'd like to say hello to all V8 Miata builders. I've got a nice, clean 92 NA that's just a driver. My new project is another 92. I bought a stripped, former SCCA racecar. I already had the 7.5 diff, T5, and a fresh 350 (old guys don't call them 5.7) bracket race motor on a stand. Sorry. I have a thing for motors with the distributor in the back. Some of my old projects were a 68 Corvair with an LS7 454 in the front, and a 93 Amigo with a 383 sbc.
I was just wondering if there were any other cavemen like me that have done this swap?
Thanks, Dave in Indy

 

Welcome to the site IndyDJ61



Enjoy the stay!

 

Hey Dave,

I live in Old Town Carmel. I am putting an LS1 in my 1990 Miata (eventually). The 350 you have is probably iron and thus heavier than the aluminum LS series engines. Not to mention the distributor being at the back. Also there aren't any off the shelf kits for that swap.

I have read internet posts about people that have put 350's in Miatas so it can be done. Nothing wrong with going your own way, but it will probably require more fabrication.

Good luck!

Lance

 

I've got a 6.0 w/aluminum heads on a stand. I know the 350 is old school, but it is bulletproof. The electronics for the LS motors still seem unreasonably high to build a stand alone system.

 

Are you thinking carburetor? Luckily here in Indiana there are no emissions inspections so we can do pretty much whatever we want.

I just like the drivability of EFI and want to keep the weight down. If you're using aluminum heads you'll probably not be adding too much weight (80lbs?) over an LS1. I'm not sure if a 350 is wider or longer than an LS1.

I'm a ford guy and was originally thinking about using a 302 (stroked to 347) w/aluminum heads but the LS1's is around the same horsepower right out of the junk yard for a lot less money and gets decent MPG.

Of course if it's just a go-fast toy MPG may not matter to you.