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Thread: The Build: 2004 Miata Mazdaspeed w/LS3 crate motor

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Arrow The Build: 2004 Miata Mazdaspeed w/LS3 crate motor

    I've had a huge fascination for little cars w/big motors ever since reading about the Baldwin - Motion 350/454 Vegas decades ago. This guy did an incredible amount of work to get it right.



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDMrJhpeYiE
    Current Garage:

    2005 Mustang GT Premium
    2019 Ranger Lariat Super Crewcab 4WD
    2015 Triumph Trophy SE



    “You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
    Love like you'll never be hurt,
    Sing like there's nobody listening,
    And live like it's heaven on earth.”
    William W. Purkey

  2. #2
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    I was just talking with a friend about doing an ultra lightweight 4.6 WAP block sohc screamer build for one of these.

    arguing that being a better choice over the LS cost and what not.

  3. #3
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    There was a Windsor-powered Miata on the Power Tour this year. Dude was driving like a granny every time I was around him, but it looked like it would've been fun as hell to drive. Big fan of swaps like this.
    '03 Marauder | '91 Country Squire | '18 Flex Ecoboost | '92 Shadow VT1100
    former Panthers: '02 MGM, '04 MGM, '04 MGM v2.0, '04 MM, '07 P71 w/5-speed, '04 CVLX, '03 SAP P71, '10 P7B
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    Quote Originally Posted by offroadkarter View Post
    Reinhart's tuning skills were comparable to an ape slapping the keyboard in microsoft excel.

  4. #4
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    I didn't have the time to watch all 14 YouTube videos....what was the final cost of the build?

    These guys originated the Miata swap with 5.0L engines: https://monstermiata.webs.com/


    .
    Last edited by Joe Walsh; 01-05-2019 at 08:35 AM.
    2020 Ford Ranger STX DFI Turbo 2.3L 10 speed Auto
    2017 Ford Fusion Sport DFI Twin Turbo 2.7L V6 6 speed Auto (14.000 ET bone stock in 82 degree heat)
    1985 Mustang GT 5.0 Hatchback 4bbl 5 speed manual (525 HP 363 Dart block/AFR heads with Magnum 6 speed in the works)
    1984 Mustang GT 2.3 Turbo Convertible FI. 5 speed manual
    1966 427 Cobra (ERA) 468 all Aluminum FE 2x4bbl 5 speed manual

    SOLD : 2003 Mercury Marauder FI. 4 speed Auto
    w/Crower Cams & Springs, +1mm SS valves, mild port job on the cylinder heads.
    Extrude honed intake w/PHP spacer.
    Kooks Headers w/2.5" High Flow Cats & X-Pipe, Magnaflow mufflers, OEM tailpipes w/Megs Tips
    B&M Trans cooler w/fan, Level 10 Shift Kit, Art Carr Hughes Deep Sump Trans Pan,
    SVO Rearend Girdle, Redline Gear lube; OEM 3.55s
    'Real Gauges' + matching Trans Temp, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Fuel Pressure, Vacuum/Boost Gauge
    Built: 10/15/02 Bought: 12/16/02 Sold: 10/15/18

  5. #5

    Smile

    This is a bigger project than people think.
    Guy in the video makes it seem so easy .
    I guy I know at work did a fantastic swap Pontiac Solstice with a Chevrolet crate motor LS3 same as in video ,WOW it is a Monster , Conversion looks factory .
    SOLD MY MARAUDER .

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by IndyMerc View Post
    I was just talking with a friend about doing an ultra lightweight 4.6 WAP block sohc screamer build for one of these.

    arguing that being a better choice over the LS cost and what not.
    Not sure a 4.6 will fit due to it's physical size. LS or Ford small block is the best way to do it.
    2004 SB #2150 of 3214 Moonroof, Heated Seats and 6 CD Changer. Non OEM Mufflers and 32,XXX miles and counting.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by MERCURY 2003LSE View Post
    This is a bigger project than people think.
    Guy in the video makes it seem so easy .
    I guy I know at work did a fantastic swap Pontiac Solstice with a Chevrolet crate motor LS3 same as in video ,WOW it is a Monster , Conversion looks factory .


    I just watched most of every video and only saw him actually make A/C condenser brackets and exhaust pipes. I honestly fail to see this as a stressful project. It is 99% a kit car. Anyone with basic auto knowledge, tools, and a thick wallet could build that!

    Cookies go to the guys who made it all happen and eventually designed a kit so this dude and many others could go on to make “build” videos. LOL




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    SOLD 12/31/2021

    Cobra short block / ProCharger F1-A / Cog drive upgrade / Manley valves / Brian Tooley Racing valve springs / 80# inj. / -8 fuel line / -6 return / Aeromotive 340 pumps and regulator / 2012 GT500 TR6060 six speed / twin disc clutch / Driveshaft Shop GT500 upgraded CV joint shaft / BA5000 blow thru MAF/ 4.10's / Ford Racing 31 spline set up and Girdle / Metco D.S. safety loop / Stainless Works headers, cats, and everything else out back / ClassGlass hood / Bob's hood strut mod / Hurst line lock / Metco control arms / Addco front and rear sway bars / Monroe severe duty shocks all around / Race concepts rotors / Badgeless grille / 35% tint / FBM's interior LED kit and ambient lighting kit / Pioneer FB700 deck / kenwood speaker 4 Ch. / Rockford Fosgate 10" sub and amp / Kicker 6 X 8's all around / back up cam / bluetooth / Pioneer Xm / 704 RWHP 603 RWTQ tuned by Mo's Speedshop.

  8. #8
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    I was a little suspicious of the guy because his garage was frickin' spotless...
    No grease, no oil, no anti-freeze spills
    No tools, no bolts, no parts scattered all over
    No blood droplets
    AND
    No beer cans!!
    2020 Ford Ranger STX DFI Turbo 2.3L 10 speed Auto
    2017 Ford Fusion Sport DFI Twin Turbo 2.7L V6 6 speed Auto (14.000 ET bone stock in 82 degree heat)
    1985 Mustang GT 5.0 Hatchback 4bbl 5 speed manual (525 HP 363 Dart block/AFR heads with Magnum 6 speed in the works)
    1984 Mustang GT 2.3 Turbo Convertible FI. 5 speed manual
    1966 427 Cobra (ERA) 468 all Aluminum FE 2x4bbl 5 speed manual

    SOLD : 2003 Mercury Marauder FI. 4 speed Auto
    w/Crower Cams & Springs, +1mm SS valves, mild port job on the cylinder heads.
    Extrude honed intake w/PHP spacer.
    Kooks Headers w/2.5" High Flow Cats & X-Pipe, Magnaflow mufflers, OEM tailpipes w/Megs Tips
    B&M Trans cooler w/fan, Level 10 Shift Kit, Art Carr Hughes Deep Sump Trans Pan,
    SVO Rearend Girdle, Redline Gear lube; OEM 3.55s
    'Real Gauges' + matching Trans Temp, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Fuel Pressure, Vacuum/Boost Gauge
    Built: 10/15/02 Bought: 12/16/02 Sold: 10/15/18

  9. #9
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    Lightbulb

    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Walsh View Post
    I didn't have the time to watch all 14 YouTube videos....what was the final cost of the build?

    These guys originated the Miata swap with 5.0L engines:

    https://monstermiata.webs.com/



    .

    Summary of the project begins in Installment 12 - not a mention of the final costs. I'm interested too.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEsMeDCVbs
    Last edited by Invective; 12-27-2018 at 03:09 AM.
    Current Garage:

    2005 Mustang GT Premium
    2019 Ranger Lariat Super Crewcab 4WD
    2015 Triumph Trophy SE



    “You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
    Love like you'll never be hurt,
    Sing like there's nobody listening,
    And live like it's heaven on earth.”
    William W. Purkey

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Invective View Post
    Summary of the project begins in Installment 12 - not a mention of the final costs. I'm interested too.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEsMeDCVbs
    $15,000 for the crate engine, wiring harness and computer, transmission, clutch, bellhousing, linkage and driveshaft.
    That leaves headers, exhaust, big brakes, rear diff, motor mounts, firewall patch panels....so he's well over $20,000.
    I wonder if anyone has done a badazz rotary engine swap for the Miata?


    Mazda 'Thunderbolt'....? I'd rather build a ThunderBolt replicar....

    Last edited by Joe Walsh; 01-05-2019 at 08:36 AM.
    2020 Ford Ranger STX DFI Turbo 2.3L 10 speed Auto
    2017 Ford Fusion Sport DFI Twin Turbo 2.7L V6 6 speed Auto (14.000 ET bone stock in 82 degree heat)
    1985 Mustang GT 5.0 Hatchback 4bbl 5 speed manual (525 HP 363 Dart block/AFR heads with Magnum 6 speed in the works)
    1984 Mustang GT 2.3 Turbo Convertible FI. 5 speed manual
    1966 427 Cobra (ERA) 468 all Aluminum FE 2x4bbl 5 speed manual

    SOLD : 2003 Mercury Marauder FI. 4 speed Auto
    w/Crower Cams & Springs, +1mm SS valves, mild port job on the cylinder heads.
    Extrude honed intake w/PHP spacer.
    Kooks Headers w/2.5" High Flow Cats & X-Pipe, Magnaflow mufflers, OEM tailpipes w/Megs Tips
    B&M Trans cooler w/fan, Level 10 Shift Kit, Art Carr Hughes Deep Sump Trans Pan,
    SVO Rearend Girdle, Redline Gear lube; OEM 3.55s
    'Real Gauges' + matching Trans Temp, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Fuel Pressure, Vacuum/Boost Gauge
    Built: 10/15/02 Bought: 12/16/02 Sold: 10/15/18

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Walsh View Post
    $15,000 for the crate engine, wiring harness and computer, transmission, clutch, bellhousing, linkage and driveshaft.
    That leaves headers, exhaust, big brakes, rear diff, motor mounts, firewall patch panels....so he's well over $20,000.
    I wonder if anyone has done a badazz rotary engine swap for the Miata?


    I'd rather build a ThunderBolt replicar....

    Stop it, you are giving me ideas I shouldn't have. A Thunderbolt replica would be fantastic.
    2004 SB #2150 of 3214 Moonroof, Heated Seats and 6 CD Changer. Non OEM Mufflers and 32,XXX miles and counting.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Walsh View Post
    I wonder if anyone has done a badazz rotary engine swap for the Miata?
    I found out a few years ago that putting rotary engines in a wide array of Japanese bodies is apparently quite popular in Puerto Rico
    1963 Marauder S-55, Super Marauder 406
    Only factory 406 powered Marauder, and earliest built Marauder documented to still exist.
    https://sites.google.com/a/wmich.edu/supermarauder/
    ______________________________ _____________

    First retailed 2003 Marauder
    Bought 6 June 2002
    #168

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fastbob View Post
    Stop it, you are giving me ideas I shouldn't have. A Thunderbolt replica would be fantastic.
    A fellow member has one!!...

    Check out John Kuhn's ride;

    https://www.mercurymarauder.net/foru...ad.php?t=56409


    .
    2020 Ford Ranger STX DFI Turbo 2.3L 10 speed Auto
    2017 Ford Fusion Sport DFI Twin Turbo 2.7L V6 6 speed Auto (14.000 ET bone stock in 82 degree heat)
    1985 Mustang GT 5.0 Hatchback 4bbl 5 speed manual (525 HP 363 Dart block/AFR heads with Magnum 6 speed in the works)
    1984 Mustang GT 2.3 Turbo Convertible FI. 5 speed manual
    1966 427 Cobra (ERA) 468 all Aluminum FE 2x4bbl 5 speed manual

    SOLD : 2003 Mercury Marauder FI. 4 speed Auto
    w/Crower Cams & Springs, +1mm SS valves, mild port job on the cylinder heads.
    Extrude honed intake w/PHP spacer.
    Kooks Headers w/2.5" High Flow Cats & X-Pipe, Magnaflow mufflers, OEM tailpipes w/Megs Tips
    B&M Trans cooler w/fan, Level 10 Shift Kit, Art Carr Hughes Deep Sump Trans Pan,
    SVO Rearend Girdle, Redline Gear lube; OEM 3.55s
    'Real Gauges' + matching Trans Temp, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Fuel Pressure, Vacuum/Boost Gauge
    Built: 10/15/02 Bought: 12/16/02 Sold: 10/15/18

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Walsh View Post
    $15,000 for the crate engine, wiring harness and computer, transmission, clutch, bellhousing, linkage and driveshaft.
    That leaves headers, exhaust, big brakes, rear diff, motor mounts, firewall patch panels....so he's well over $20,000.
    I wonder if anyone has done a badazz rotary engine swap for the Miata?
    Think I rather spend the money on putting a ridiculous cubic inch engine in an AC Ace.

  15. #15
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    This guy did a Miata LS swap 'dirt cheap' with lots of used, inexpensive parts including using a $750 LS vs a $7,800 LS crate engine.
    The swap still came in at over $13,000....
    Plus the Miata and suspension mods for a total of $26,000 +....
    so the guy in the OP is into his swap for a LOT of money $$$$$.

    https://www.turnology.com/news/ls-sw...-to-do-a-swap/

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Man View Post
    Think I rather spend the money on putting a ridiculous cubic inch engine in an AC Ace.
    Yes!..... I will definitely stick with my AC Ace - FE swap....


    Last edited by Joe Walsh; 01-05-2019 at 08:51 AM.
    2020 Ford Ranger STX DFI Turbo 2.3L 10 speed Auto
    2017 Ford Fusion Sport DFI Twin Turbo 2.7L V6 6 speed Auto (14.000 ET bone stock in 82 degree heat)
    1985 Mustang GT 5.0 Hatchback 4bbl 5 speed manual (525 HP 363 Dart block/AFR heads with Magnum 6 speed in the works)
    1984 Mustang GT 2.3 Turbo Convertible FI. 5 speed manual
    1966 427 Cobra (ERA) 468 all Aluminum FE 2x4bbl 5 speed manual

    SOLD : 2003 Mercury Marauder FI. 4 speed Auto
    w/Crower Cams & Springs, +1mm SS valves, mild port job on the cylinder heads.
    Extrude honed intake w/PHP spacer.
    Kooks Headers w/2.5" High Flow Cats & X-Pipe, Magnaflow mufflers, OEM tailpipes w/Megs Tips
    B&M Trans cooler w/fan, Level 10 Shift Kit, Art Carr Hughes Deep Sump Trans Pan,
    SVO Rearend Girdle, Redline Gear lube; OEM 3.55s
    'Real Gauges' + matching Trans Temp, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Fuel Pressure, Vacuum/Boost Gauge
    Built: 10/15/02 Bought: 12/16/02 Sold: 10/15/18

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