Hi to all. I own a 96 turbo Miata. I live in the Caribbean.

Ever since the local shop installed my 3.63 gears, I've faced issues and I'm pretty sure sooner or later I'll end up having to change the diff. That got me to thinking about the possibility of starting a V8 swap but doing so in a different order. My plan would be to start by the rearend instead of the engine.

So here are a couple of dumb questions:

1) What transmission and diff should I consider?
2) Would I be able to use both with my current engine for a while?
3) Can anyone point me to which parts I would need?

Thanks,

Rafa


Sorry Frank. I posted in the wrong section. Would you mind moving this thread to "Introductions"?

 

I assume they set the gears up incorrectly?

 

Indeed they did. They took it apart afterwards but said they found no issues and never fixed it.

That is why I'm asking about whether I could mate the 8.8 Ford diff and a new transmission to the Miata engine.

FWIW; I decided to ask because my 5 speed transmission blew up a couple of weeks ago and I'm installing a 6 speed I had bought.

 

If you end up swapping engines, you might need less gear, but with your current setup, the 3.6's are perfect. Look up how to setup a 9 inch ford rear end, then do it with your 3.6 geared rear. It might not be too late to save it, and gears aren't that hard to setup.

 

Hey, many thanks for that idea!

I'll start researching the 9 inch rear end.

 

Your welcome! The 9 inch and the mazda rear end setup is almost identical, with backlash and turning torque numbers being the only thing different.

To turn the rings, the diameter of the "ribs" inside them, then drill two holes and put small bolts through a foot of flat steel clamped by nuts. Worked great and and only cost 50 cents

 

I don't want to abuse your courtesy but; any chance I could get a pic of this?

I really don't understand it. Sorry.

 

I have since "disassembled" it and used the metal and bolts for other projects.

I used 6mm bolts and small 1/8th inch thick bar.

I hope this picture helps

 

chpmnsws6; many thanks for that drawing!

 

That is the best,we americans are so crude at times....
(G)