Has any one out there looked into putting a 370z (VQ37HR) engine and trans into a Mazda. Seems an interesting possibility since you can make a lower cross member with clearance. The engine is only 21.5 inches long, and puts out a min of 310 HP to over 355+ easily. High revving and lots of after market toys available. They can be had complete for less than $2000 + trans.

 

The LFX can be had for not much more money and will bolt right in with an off the shelf kit from V8R. It makes 320/280 and is readily available. I'm not against the VQ engine (I own a VQ35 powered 6MT sedan) it's just a more difficult option for most people.

 

Did not know of it, or read much on it, what car was it in, and who is V8R?
thanks, Fred

 

Some obscure guy by the name of Corky Bell tried the VQ35 about 4 years ago, there was a thread on miata.net engine swap forum. It apparently didn't work out. It involved moving the steering rack, always never a good idea.

V8R=V8 Roadsters, a pioneer in tubular subframes, progressed to swap kits, originally based in Tampa.

A post in that same thread mentions that the 302 is the most bang for the buck, oddly enough.

Mike

 

v8 Roadsters

 

I figured that the rack would have to be moved if I use the RX-7 front spindles and hubs as the arm is a bit longer so to keep from getting weird bump steer etc. I am not headed in the engine direction totally away from my original 302 with webers, just exploring some other options as well. A good friend of mine own a Z tuning and conversion shop and was telling me of how nearly bullet proof those VQ35/37s are especially if I am going to track the car, and for the HP can be had for a nice price. The transmissions and rear are geared for what we want too, and a whole lot of parts are out there for performance, This GM FX engine is still a bit of an unknown as far as I can tell. will do more homework....no matter what I need to come get your front piece...its is still the best that I have seen.

 

Have you looked into rx-7 hubs in miata spindles? It can be done, probably easier than full spindle swap. Custom brackets for brakes are required, but also simple.. Bir sure the benefit of rx7 spindles unless you want bolt on brakes

 

Yes, In fact a set are being done as we speak. I figured after looking into it, that was the way to go.

 

Awesome. Another guy pioneered it. That's my setup too. You get bigger front bearings from the rx7 as well, a bonus. If you are already getting custom brake brackets, it's an easy solution.

 

Yes, and you should be able to go to the RX-7 14 inch rotors. I have 18 inch wheels, so no clearance problems to deal with either

 

Never thought about 14" rotors, that wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm running 12.5" rotors, I believe. I'm using RX-7 rears, though. Nice setup.

 

You get too big and you can really feel them in the steering wheel. Going from stock the the Vette plates the car for sure feels heavy but it rides better and stops MUCH better.

This is kind of a cool comparison of stock NA 10" and the 12.8" vette plates.