Flyin' Miata converts Mazda MX-5 to V8 power
LS3 shoehorned into latest MX-5 for promised four-second 0-100km/h times and a price of US $50kUS-based Flyin' Miata – a conversion company famous for its V8 MX-5s – says it's nearly ready to sell its first Chevrolet LS3-powered ND-series roadster.
The company says the finished product should generate as much as 525hp (391kW), and considering the MX-5's one-tonne kerb weight, Flyin' Miata estimates a sub four second 0-100km/h time, even if the LS3 adds an additional 113kg to the ND's overall mass. Flyin' Miata's NB-series V8 Miata was clocked at 3.8sec for the 0-60mph test.
By Flyin' Miata's own admission the conversion is "a little nuts". It says it eventually plans to offer LT1 (460hp/342kW) and supercharged LT4 (no power figure quoted) variants as well, which like the LS3 conversion will be mated to a Tremec T56 Magnum six-speed manual gearbox and reinforced chassis, suspension, brakes, fuel and cooling systems.
Power will be put to the rear wheels via an "upgraded LSD rear-end, new driveshafts and new halfshafts".
Flyin' Miata says the ND's 50:50 weight distribution won't be compromised.
The current ND-series MX-5 is offered with a choice of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. The pair develop 96kW/150Nm and 118kW/200Nm respectively.
"There's still a long way to go before this is a real thing, but the initial test fit is promising. Very promising," said Flyin' Miata on Facebook. "Yes, that's a V8 engine stuffed in a 2016 ND Miata."
The company estimates a turn-key price of "no more than $50,000".
Flyin' Miata says its "purpose is to make your Miata accelerate harder, turn quicker and stop shorter". With this much horsepower in such a small chassis, we think they could be on to something.
Images courtesy of Flyin' Miata's Facebook page.
Related reading:
>> Mazda MX-5 1.5L v 2.0L Comparison
>> Mazda MX-5 v Toyota 86 Comparison
>> Mazda MX-5 1.5L Road Test
>> Mazda MX-5 2.0L Road Test
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