Introduction - From South East Michigan
02-02-2016, 07:34 PM
#1
V8 Miata Noob
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Introduction - From South East Michigan
Hello all,
I wanted to introduce myself to the forum, I am fairly new to the automotive world and have been working to gain experience by converting my 2000 SE MX-5 into a V-8 monster. I have been planning/working on by build for 18 months at this point. I had to plan out and purchase all my engine building tools and instruments first and lets face it, car parts aren't cheap!
My engine is almost complete, I just need a front end assembly drive and a wire harness/ECU. I put together what I hope will be a fun smooth running, enjoyable, yet powerful engine; A 347 c.i.d. big bore stroker from an aftermarket 302 Windsor. I have received much help from Livernois motorsports in matching system components to achieve the maximum power generation for my particular application. I am also planning to use Martin Wilson's conversion kit for the miata, with some customization such as a Ford 8.8 differential, an upgraded suspension, and brake kit.
My purpose in joining this forum is to get some much needed advice from experienced people who have gone through the builds. It would also be great to meet some fellow MX-5 people and meeting some in Michigan would be even better. Although I have done a fair amount of planning and research, I am getting to the point where unique issue come up for which "book solutions" don't exist. For example, I am assembling my intake manifold and question what the vacuum system will look like. I am not running smog pump, eliminated EGR, but am using the PCV valve, etc. I have the Edlebrock Performer II intake and Victor Jr. heads with roller followers, which forced me to use a taller valve cover. As a consequence, I had to use a 1" spacer between the upper and lower manifold (I am planning on redesigning the hood). So, I have questions about the vacuum fitting locations and sources.
Another question I have is what have people done about the fuel pump? I am running 39 lb-hr fuel injectors, I assume that the Miata fuel pump needs an upgrade?
I am unsure about what's involved with upgrading the rear to a Ford 8.8. Has anyone worked that out?
So, these are the types of questions I hope to get answers to. I am looking forward to meeting some great people and see some sexy cars!
Good to be here.
I wanted to introduce myself to the forum, I am fairly new to the automotive world and have been working to gain experience by converting my 2000 SE MX-5 into a V-8 monster. I have been planning/working on by build for 18 months at this point. I had to plan out and purchase all my engine building tools and instruments first and lets face it, car parts aren't cheap!
My engine is almost complete, I just need a front end assembly drive and a wire harness/ECU. I put together what I hope will be a fun smooth running, enjoyable, yet powerful engine; A 347 c.i.d. big bore stroker from an aftermarket 302 Windsor. I have received much help from Livernois motorsports in matching system components to achieve the maximum power generation for my particular application. I am also planning to use Martin Wilson's conversion kit for the miata, with some customization such as a Ford 8.8 differential, an upgraded suspension, and brake kit.
My purpose in joining this forum is to get some much needed advice from experienced people who have gone through the builds. It would also be great to meet some fellow MX-5 people and meeting some in Michigan would be even better. Although I have done a fair amount of planning and research, I am getting to the point where unique issue come up for which "book solutions" don't exist. For example, I am assembling my intake manifold and question what the vacuum system will look like. I am not running smog pump, eliminated EGR, but am using the PCV valve, etc. I have the Edlebrock Performer II intake and Victor Jr. heads with roller followers, which forced me to use a taller valve cover. As a consequence, I had to use a 1" spacer between the upper and lower manifold (I am planning on redesigning the hood). So, I have questions about the vacuum fitting locations and sources.
Another question I have is what have people done about the fuel pump? I am running 39 lb-hr fuel injectors, I assume that the Miata fuel pump needs an upgrade?
I am unsure about what's involved with upgrading the rear to a Ford 8.8. Has anyone worked that out?
So, these are the types of questions I hope to get answers to. I am looking forward to meeting some great people and see some sexy cars!
Good to be here.
02-02-2016, 09:26 PM
#2
V8 Miata Fanatic
Welcome to the forums!
It seems like you are off to a pretty good start, really diving in head first if this is the way you are looking to learn about the automotive world! I would suggest looking through a few of the more significant build threads, Jim has linked most of them here:
https://www.v8miata.net/v8-miata-con...esources-2349/
There have been one or two people...hint hint....that have messed with the 8.8 rear ends already, Most of the questions you have around the diff and fuel pump will be answered there.
It seems like you are off to a pretty good start, really diving in head first if this is the way you are looking to learn about the automotive world! I would suggest looking through a few of the more significant build threads, Jim has linked most of them here:
https://www.v8miata.net/v8-miata-con...esources-2349/
There have been one or two people...hint hint....that have messed with the 8.8 rear ends already, Most of the questions you have around the diff and fuel pump will be answered there.
02-03-2016, 12:14 AM
#3
Jim Stainer
Wow great intro and great start! The do diligence you are doing now will really pay off when you get into the thick of it.
Travis is right the best way to really understand the process is to read build threads. I would encourage you to not limit yourself to just Ford ones either. There is much to be gained by seeing what did and didn't work and everyones different approach and style.
From there post up questions for sure. There is a lot of guys that know Fords really well here and can save you much pain and suffering. One of the best ways to get tips and advice is to do a build thread of your own and you are plenty far enough to start one! You'd be surprised at how many guys will follow you that only post when they know a better way or to answer a question you post in the thread. The other thing is when builder fatigue sets in, (and it will set in) you'll have guys rally around you and cheer you on and that is huge. Been there done that... Anyway tips on posting photos and video for your thread can be found here.
I would also encourage you to create a signature so we know what you are referring to when you post. You'll notice most guys here have done that and it's really helpful to always know what you are building. Edit your signature here (click)
The rear end question depends on your comfort in fabricating and welding. There are a couple ways to do it and only one IMO that makes any sense. Several have done it and the most recent is here: https://www.v8miata.net/general-moto...ge4/#post18941
So welcome to the fun! I look forward to seeing your build!
Travis is right the best way to really understand the process is to read build threads. I would encourage you to not limit yourself to just Ford ones either. There is much to be gained by seeing what did and didn't work and everyones different approach and style.
From there post up questions for sure. There is a lot of guys that know Fords really well here and can save you much pain and suffering. One of the best ways to get tips and advice is to do a build thread of your own and you are plenty far enough to start one! You'd be surprised at how many guys will follow you that only post when they know a better way or to answer a question you post in the thread. The other thing is when builder fatigue sets in, (and it will set in) you'll have guys rally around you and cheer you on and that is huge. Been there done that... Anyway tips on posting photos and video for your thread can be found here.
I would also encourage you to create a signature so we know what you are referring to when you post. You'll notice most guys here have done that and it's really helpful to always know what you are building. Edit your signature here (click)
The rear end question depends on your comfort in fabricating and welding. There are a couple ways to do it and only one IMO that makes any sense. Several have done it and the most recent is here: https://www.v8miata.net/general-moto...ge4/#post18941
So welcome to the fun! I look forward to seeing your build!
Last edited by charchri4; 02-03-2016 at 12:30 AM.
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