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I assume some (most?) have seen this. I hadn't and was spellbound through all 14 installments.
So if you haven't seen it. Enjoy.

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

If that had you spellbound (and I agree, it's excellent), go check out Project Binky (just plug it into youtube, you'll find it). It's not an MX-5, it's a Mini, but my god are they good at what they do! Both in the mechanics/fabrication, and in the humour and delivery.

Seen it a couple of times, it lays some ground work for me

There are some guys putting a Dodge Hellcat motor into an NB. Looks like a butcher job as there will be nothing Miata left.

...and that's the thing about the "Thunderbolt" job, it aims to minimise the impact on the MX5. The builder has a real love and respect for the MX5 and doesn't want to turn it into a Frankencar. The only remotely negative thing I could say is that I'd have given bonnet catches a miss (although I DO recognise their value)

ManiacLachy wrote: go check out Project Binky (just plug it into youtube, you'll find it)

That is a terrific series - those guys are just perfect! Started watching it and now i'm hooked. Did you notice in episode 10, @ 18:06, it's an MX5 CV boot

ianoz wrote:

ManiacLachy wrote: go check out Project Binky (just plug it into youtube, you'll find it)

That is a terrific series - those guys are just perfect! Started watching it and now i'm hooked. Did you notice in episode 10, @ 18:06, it's an MX5 CV boot

I'm glad someone took the plunge. They are absolutely amazing, every episode my jaw hit the floor at least once. I know I wasn't too keen on it when people told me about it, but so glad I got into it. Now I'm just waiting for more episodes!

I didn't notice that actually, but any excuse to re-watch an episode I'll take!

Hi,

There is another great option on Youtube for a build series for a V8 MX5 based on a ford 5.0L windsor engine. I know many may discount this as not being an LS (i.e its old, its heavy, its a ford etc. etc.) but a well built windsor small block will still pull 400-500hp depending on config. and the weight penalty is not that great (it disappears completely if you use an aluminum block as a base..i.e. DART or Ford RACING) AND the fitment issues are greatly reduced over an LS (tunnel mods and front body cutting).

The link for it is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHutJ4NCgnY


I watched this series end to end about 4 times and its great. Having built this car (ford v8 mx5) and dríven it every day, I can say its works very well. From the drivetrain engineering to the driving experience.

Its a great step by step series, definitely worth a view

Enjoy.

No chance for a miata-shelby here due to licencing. Sort of kills the excitement.

bootz wrote:No chance for a miata-shelby here due to licencing. Sort of kills the excitement.

There is always a chance...Where is "here" for you ?

Engineer wrote:

bootz wrote:No chance for a miata-shelby here due to licencing. Sort of kills the excitement.

There is always a chance...Where is "here" for you ?

Unfortunately, unless you want to go for the nightmare process that is ICV, 4.4L NA is as big as you can go with the MX5 in Australia.....

So, let's talk about the screaming Audi V8 from the RS4 shall we!

Let's not. Leave the engine in the RS4 as the Audi would be a much better car.

bruce wrote:Let's not. Leave the engine in the RS4 as the Audi would be a much better car.

100%

I would love to see a MX5 with the 2.5 V8 from the Montreal.
A real screamer.
Heaps more exotic than a 'common' LS3

bootz wrote:I would love to see a MX5 with the 2.5 V8 from the Montreal.
A real screamer.
Heaps more exotic than a 'common' LS3

Thats a lot of effort for a nominal power uplift...but the noise would be good