RMcElwee and "Sleepy" (1990 with LS1, T56, 7.5)
 

For a few years I have been thinking about building/buying a V8 Miata but I couldn't figure out which I wanted to do. Cost was a big decision but I didn't want to miss out on the fun/satisfaction of building my own. In the end I found a happy medium. I bought a really rough V8 conversion that I will be forced to take apart and transport into another car. I've been telling everyone that I look at the car like a "box of parts" that I can drive around in before I build my V8. Anyway, I am officially introducing "Sleepy":

http://www.lightweightmiata.com/v8/v801.JPG

You guys will probably recognize her as the POS that was sold on Ebay on the 2nd try. I ended up buying her for $8150. I can see another $2000 or so for a nice Miata shell/interior to use for the swap so overall I don't think I did too bad on the price. The PO told me he paid $800 for the car and put $12,000 in the build.

FWIW, the intake sticking out of the hood always seemed strange to me before I actually saw the car. The hood is worth a grand total of maybe $10 so I can understand why he cut the hole in it.

I've started a website to chronicle the build (if you can call it that at this stage):
http://www.lightweightmiata.com/v8/


http://www.lightweightmiata.com/v8/day1/day107.JPG

Congrats!
The only other thing I found odd about that build on the ebay ad was the angle of the axles in the back. I'm using a Monster Miata 7.5 rear as well and my axles are almost parallel to the ground when the suspension is compressed. At least according to the pictures it looked like yours were at a very strange angle. Whe you put it all back together make sure he's got the diff hanger all the way up in the rear subframe (use new diff bushings or 949 ones).

I would save up a bit more for a really nice donor for the car. I agree that you did very well with the purchase. Since you've got a drivable "pile" for the time being why not wait another few months or even a year and get yourself a 3 to 4 grand donor that looks perfect. Automatics make great donor cars because they are usually garage kept, old lady owned and not used up.

Another thought is to wait until you can find a 1.8 liter (1994-97) donor as the stock driveline will get you much more. 1.6 drivelines are worth their weight as boat anchors but 1.8 drivelines can fetch between $1K and $1500 once pulled.

Good luck with it!

-Jason

I didn't notice this before but looking at the front it almost looks like it has a Monster Miata radiator. Does it?

-Jason

Yes, I thought that angle looked strange as well. I believe he made his own frame back there (still waiting on conformation on this) so I might modify it at some time.

I never thought about the 1.6 vs 1.8 resale value. Several good points, thanks!!!

No idea on that. I believe he did his best to follow Nathan's website. As I spend more time with the car I will get all these puzzles solved.

Its a PRC unit. You can tell by how much it hangs under the car without a front lip.

That's why I thought it was a Monster Miata rad. Our's hang pretty low as well and need to be covered by a lip.

-Jason

I think that swich on the dash was a after market alarm. On my miata build I found an alarm system installed under the steering column and they removed the rear defroster switch and replace with with a similar looking led switch. I looked at your web build site and it was the last picture on day one...That is what I am refering too.

BTW- thats an F-body PS pump. Looked like you questioned what it was.

No, my question is why does a Mac truck have a smaller turning radius than my Miata. The PO finally replied to my email and told me (I had not noticed this) that is was wide if you turn one way and narrow if you turn the other. I think I must need to unhook it and center everything but I am not sure. I'll have to take a further look at it.

Take a look at the thread count on your tie rods and see if they are equal.