My LS1 Miata

[ls1_miata]

Hi, I'm Nathan and a caroholic. :)

I'm a mechanical engineering student at Georgia Tech.

I decided I was tired of the Flyin' Miata FM2 kit on my miata after about 6 months of ownership and wanted to do a LS1 swap. I don't have the tools at home to do any real fabrication nor the time really so I opted for Racing Concept's kit which includes everything needed for mounting a LSx and Ford 8.8 diff as well as a custom driveshaft, axles and a few bits here and there to get things like the clutch to work.

I used a 2002 Camaro LS1 and T56 complete with all accessories, wiring and PCM. I got the PCM flashed with a C5 Z06 tune. I use a Ford 8.8 diff with 3.55 gears.

I tore my car apt in October 2007, brought it to the paint shop, ordered the kit, got the car back from paint in the beginning of Feb 2008 (only 3 months behind...) and started the install.

I have made a detailed website with tons of pictures and info so check it out.

My Website: http://home.comcast.net/~npartist/

I just dyno'd it saturday at Dynolab and was REALLY happy with my dyno numbers, 328whp 355 wtq! Those are some great numbers for a stock engine. Here is a video. I have several videos on streetfire to view.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Nathans-LS1-Miata-Dyno_195945.htm



Also, here are some pics

[amaff]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Mr. Sumner I presume?

I saw the dyno run on Facebook (fire your cameraman btw) that thing sounds nasty. Methinks you need some more rear rubber. Just sayin ;)

[ls1_miata]

RE: My LS1 Miata

you are indeed correct (about the Sumner part). More rubber is harder to fit and just makes it THAT much more obvious that I have something under the hood. Trying to keep it a secret. :cool:

and i think I will have a new video of the run soon.

[Sawyer]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Looking good! I was actually just talking about LS1 swapped Miata's today!

[Roadster]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Welcome to the forum, Nathan! Gotta see this car in person asap. Pure evil. :)

[mustangtomiata]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Ironic...I'm going to tech in a couple of years, assuming i don't change majors, to be a mechanical engineer also and was thinking about doing the same thing. I'll have more time to work on it becuase I'll have my jeep ready to be daily driven.

[RotorNutFD3S]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Very sick sound to come from a Miata!!!
Impressive numbers and congrats!
And I love the license plate.

[deerock]

RE: My LS1 Miata

very nice car.

im terrified to even hear it start up. :jawdrop:

[Doppelgänger]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Hey man, good to see ya made it over! Did you ever figure out why the diff was puking at TGP?
Pictures don't do the car justice... it's sooooo damn clean!

[ls1_miata]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Hey man, good to see ya made it over! Did you ever figure out why the diff was puking at TGP?
Pictures don't do the car justice... it's sooooo damn clean!

Yeah, the backlash was too tight. Think the housing was messed up so I got a new one.

The car isn't THAT clean. I think the pictures hide the flaws, which it has many of.

[ls1_miata]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Due to many request, I have added the FULL wiring instructions for the swap.

https://home.comcast.net/~npartist/electrical.html#3

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

RE: My LS1 Miata

:jawdrop: I'm speechless... what a car!

[ls1_miata]

RE: My LS1 Miata

Got the car corner weighed.

With me in the car, 3/4 tank, both tops on:
Front Weight Distribution: 52.3% :D
Left Weight Distribution: 51%
Cross Weight: 50.2%

Why is this better than what flyin' miata reports with the V8 roadster kit? Well we know my engine is farther forward so it must be the fact that I have more weight in the back, like full-size optima battery, hard top, 6-point roll bar, etc. I do weigh about 100lbs more than them.

[MeFryRice]

RE: My LS1 Miata

That is freaking awesome!! I miss TQ. :(

[ls1_miata]

RE: My LS1 Miata

NEW VIDEOS!

In and out of car auto-x video:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Nathans-LS1-Miata-Nov_199591.htm

Yes, the camera points to far down in the in-car, I was having a mount difficulty... Atleast you get to see more of me working the wheel.

EDIT: see my other videos once you get to streetfire.