What could you realistically expect to spend?
It appears our new crank bolt and new pulley haven't fixed the wobble and some weird noises are accompanying it.
Before I decide to do a 1.8 swap, I figured, "Might as well look into the 5.0 swap?"
A buddy at work is getting ready to put a 331 stroker into his E36 M3. Of course engine/trans etc is all much cheaper than an LS1.
What are the best places to look for info?
No answers for you regarding the swap ... but dont make this into a never ending project! Its a track day car, make sure its finished quick and enjoy it. I would go with a 1.8
J
We brought one to the challenge. Purchased a incomplete project ( Miata rolling shell and 5.0 motor/trans) for $1300 IIRC and put it together for the rest. With another $500-$1000 we could have made it a bit nicer.
By nicer I mean the special headers which aren't just reversed and run under the subframe leaving 2" of ground clearance and a hydraulic clutch set up rather than cobbling the Miata unit pushing the mustang fork. Maybe also getting the gauges working. With our custom mounts the hood just barely cleared and we had cut into the firewall to notch it. Not very HVAC friendly.
We have picked up complete 5.0's from the junkyard for $200 and found T-5's for pretty cheap in the yard or craigslist.
From what 949 racing recommends on spring rates, the 5.0 adds more weight over the front compared to the ls1 and they recommend increasing the spring weight by 50lbs
5.0 is what the monster miata kits are I am pretty sure
i picked up a complete all aluminum L33 engine out of an '09 Suburban- minus accessories- for $100..
L33= all aluminum 5.3 with LS6 heads that is rated at 315hp and will put out over 400hp with a $125 factory LS9 cam swap..
just saying..
Miata.net is a good place or you could wait for Keith to respond.
novaderrik wrote: i picked up a complete all aluminum L33 engine out of an '09 Suburban- minus accessories- for $100.. L33= all aluminum 5.3 with LS6 heads that is rated at 315hp and will put out over 400hp with a $125 factory LS9 cam swap.. just saying..
My problem is the transmissions. A stock T-5 works behind a stock 5.0, but will it last behind a stock LSx? Probably a L33 with reasonable driving, but... If you make 400 hp then the cost goes up to either make the T-5 withstand the added torque/power or you grab a transmission that cost 4 figures. Or an old 4 speed that muscle/mullet guys still want $600 for it, and you probably need to rebuild that anyways!
I guess my comments are more questions/ramblings that I think about and less arguing points...
I tried to put a T5 behind an L33. While it purportedly can be done (the SpecV8R series was using one), you need a special $400 slave cylinder, a new bell housing and you have to do some internal work to the trans to beef it up. After all that, the shifter is in the wrong place and you can't put the center console in the car. I fell out of love with the idea.
I've heard wonderful things about the L33 with a cam swap, but owning one as well an LS1, I'd go with the LS1 every time. Torques.
If you want 5.0 info, go to the Monster Miata site. I think it's more DIY-friendly a swap than the LSx one, as most of the parts are cut-and-weld stock bits. Prepare to accept some compromises on things like sway bars and ground clearance. Also, check out the "conversions" section of the Miata.net forum. It's a good one.
RossD wrote:novaderrik wrote: i picked up a complete all aluminum L33 engine out of an '09 Suburban- minus accessories- for $100.. L33= all aluminum 5.3 with LS6 heads that is rated at 315hp and will put out over 400hp with a $125 factory LS9 cam swap.. just saying..My problem is the transmissions. A stock T-5 works behind a stock 5.0, but will it last behind a stock LSx? Probably a L33 with reasonable driving, but... If you make 400 hp then the cost goes up to either make the T-5 withstand the added torque/power or you grab a transmission that cost 4 figures. Or an old 4 speed that muscle/mullet guys still want $600 for it, and you probably need to rebuild that anyways! I guess my comments are more questions/ramblings that I think about and less arguing points...
stock up on Saginaw 4 speeds- i hear the Monza ones are the strongest and have the best first gear- and always keep a good one around to swap in when you grenade one.. i don't know what they go for these days, but they were $50 parts 20 years ago..
Once Keith mentioned suspension compromises, that kills it for me. As this car is my track toy, and will likely end up becoming an Exocet at the end of next year.
Will continue looking for an NB engine.
Would be nice if I could find a cheap long-nose 1.6 and just get it in so I don't miss the entire season.
L33 & a different OE cam + an MY6 4-speed from a truck and a kit from FM/V8 Roadsters should be cheap and strong. The rear diff and axles probably needs work after that.
http://starcityracing.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=27893
What about an ls4 with a few camaro 3.8 t5, or any of the aisin frakentrans that will fit the GM 60 degree bell. You would be forging new territory but if you could make an MA5 fit and work, I know I would like to know that recipe.
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