Punting on the Mazda Build
 

Have decided to forgo the build as the K-member conversion is pretty much the same as the on hand vehicle which is 1st gen mustang.. Both require extensive suspension mods to make track ready.The mazda for the v8 conversion, and the mustang to bring the suspension from the dark age falcon design. And clearances are significantly more "tolerable." I will be giving up aero and bling, but still should have appeal due to vintage factor. And may provide little better sponsorship possibilities.
I suspect that few production vehicles would provide the "pucker factor" as these v8 conversions in such a light body. Memory affords recollection of driving the original 289 AC Cobra where one could sense the body flex when you showered down on it.
Did read with interest of those doing the swap outs with, IMO, extreme HP/weight combos. All that torque will always find the weakest point and hopefully it will be the loss of traction rather than shaft failure. Point being, one could possibly "overtire" and then needlessly shuck driveline components.
I will, from time to time, drop in and check to see what you guys have put together.
Happy Motoring-and watch for the patrol.
Tom

If you are scared, just say that you are scared. Good luck in your wrenching.

Perhaps a poor choice of words on my part. Maybe "thrill factor" or "adrenalin rush" would have been more appropriate.

scopx
I understand that the scope of a project such as this is huge and intimidating but the rewards are well worth the effort. I finished mine 2 years ago ( the mechanical stuff ) and started driving it last July.
I think that maybe this thread could put off some newbes so here goes my rant. After my first drive I was hooked. The chassis exibits NO bad traits, no flex, no wheel hop, it just goes. The Mazda engineers did an awsome job and then the frame rails and poly engine/trans mounts tie everything together. The chassis is tight and VERY predictable. Handling is better than the original stock setup. The car gains about 250 lbs and most of that is in the middle (right where you want it /comes from the transmission).
Yes I also spent $ on the body (paint, spoilers, HID headlight kit) and it looks as go as it goes. The local Miata club members all comment on the appearance as do passer bys. Most people don't know that it is a Miata mostly because of the sounds that come form the engine/exhaust.
I have had muscle cars before ( 1970 BOSS 302 modified with lowered suspension and mechanical fuel injection) and the Miata makes it look like a Pinto.
The Miata is truely a modern and much improved cobra. It's well worththe effort and $s spent.
Tom

With 235/60/15 MT DR's, I have one of the bigger stickier back tires of the group. I've dumped the clutch anywhere from 2500 to 6500 (3500+ results in MAJOR wheel spin). After 100+ passes, NOTHING in the driveline has busted. It just works. Around the corners, it feels tighter then the FRC C5 with a roll bar in it.

They are a riot. Mines scared me a few times. At 16-18mpg in town, its not bad on fuel economy either.