Hi from North MS
 

I've recently gotten a 1995 Miata in excellent shape. The previous owner is in her 70's and she also has a smaller Mercedes she drives more. So this unit was well maintained and garage kept.

I'm a 48 year old Ford guy. I own 7 Mustangs and about that many Ford trucks. It wasn't my intention to buy this car for a conversion but I'm warming up to the idea having remembered watching Stacey David's build on Gears. When I got the car it wouldn't stay running. The owner's son had a shop throw several sensors at it, in response to CEL codes but ultimately I put a good use ECU on it and solved it.

I'm considering a 5.0 swap. A good near stock configuration with about 300hp. I've done many 4cyl to V8 swaps on Mustangs and built my own AC Cobra replica from Factory Five. I have experience cutting a 65 Mustang down and rebuilding the front end with modern tech. And also currently cutting down a 68 Mustang down and going with a 2001 firewall, floorpan to tail lights swap. Google SN65 project, is basically what I'm doing to my 68.

I'm figuring a 10K budget on this swap. My main issue,,, is pretty simple... the same issue I had with my AC replica..... I'm 6'4" and 230lbs.... The car is a tight fit! So if I go this route I'll just build to resale and keep theme not to radical. The paint is good, A little hail damage on the hood, new top and good interior but the seats could use a new skin. So that would help with my costs
I have found the Monster Miata kit for about $4K and looks like a good place to start.

Book value on my car is about $2800. However, the lowest comp I've seen near me, in the identical color with more miles than mine is $4850. Most of them with 120K miles are $3800-$6000. I'm mindful that if I were V8 swapping a Mustang, the body would be worth about $1500.

I don't watch values of Miata's that much. I'm not sure if there is any danger of losing value on this one by doing this to it or not.

Question, LS Swap or Ford 5.0 swap?? Since it's not a Mustang, I could go either way. When done I'd probably sell it and from what I've seen, they bring 10 - 13K, 16K or so.

I want to make sure I keep it in a "resale" range and not hurt the value of it.

Other than that... me and my two son's build Mustangs and a few trucks. We have a lot of fun and this Miata might be the next fun one!

There is no right or wrong answer to the age old question of Ford vs Chevy. In a nutshell, the GM swap will likely cost more, but if you are in it to sell down the road will also likely sell for more. Both engines can make similar power, and despite what a lot of people say a ford 302 isn't that much heavier than an aluminum LS motor, especially if the 302 has aluminum heads.

I suggest pick what you like and don't look back.

Also, welcome, we like pictures here, so post some of your other toys!

Welcome, Patrick!

I just joined today and have had a V8 Miata on my mind for some time. I live in TN, maybe an hour from Ashland.

This may be providential in a way...you want to build a V8 Miata to sell, I lack the space to build one...

I have been looking for an NB Miata as my starter car, hoping to find one not too expensive that I can drive a few months whilst I try to decide how to proceed with what will ultimately be a V8 conversion.

Learned a fair amount so far just browsing the forum! Thanks for letting me join in the fun!

Thanks!
Chris

Hey Chris! Well my Miata ownership was much shorter than anticipated. I recently sold the car to a young man who lost his Miata and nearly his life in a wreck last May. His identical Miata (options and color) was destroyed by someone who pulled out and Tboned him. He was pronounced dead at the scene and the police knew his father and had already called him. Then... his foot moved... He made a full recovery and is now able to walk.

They told me stories about how he would wash this car in brutal cold temps and wax it. Maintaining it, etc... He knew a lot about the car and went over mine with a keen eye checking everything.

When he told me his story I knew it would go to a good home.

Meanwhile it's spring break,, me and my two son's are wrenching on two of our Mustang projects.

Patrick,

What a great story! I am very happy for that young man!

I really enjoy seeing people that are passionate about a particular car get to enjoy that car!

I hope you and your boys enjoy that time together this week!

Chris