NA Miata full NB swap theory

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03-28-2016, 08:54 PM
2000MiataSE

NA Miata full NB swap theory

Before I start this is just theory for now, to decide if the madness is actually sane.

I right now have a 2000 Miata SE and getting tired of its Katrina curse and BS and looking to get and NA here in a few months. The question I have is doing a full NB swap into the NA, like taking the rolling chassis out from under the NB body and dropping the NA body on it. Then doing a NB dash swap and my idea is that if i did all of that the factory NB ecu and harness could be put in place in the NA without hickup or minor modification. Other than the eye watering work it would take does it sound feasible to you guys?
03-28-2016, 09:45 PM
POS Racing

I hope your not planning to move the Katrina Cursed NB crap into the NA shell.
03-28-2016, 10:07 PM
PManess57

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

I hope your not planning to move the Katrina Cursed NB crap into the NA shell.

Well that's a fair point. The NB drivetrain has less than 40k miles on it, so it can't be that bad. The cursed carpet and seats are staying in the NB, more than likely. The plan is to swap ECUs and chassis' harnesses so they stay drivetrain and dash specific. I like to think soul, and curses, remain tub/body specific.

-The idiot who gave him the idea to swap everything
03-29-2016, 06:55 AM
Labora

You certainly could, I'm not sure I WOULD unless the NB is hammered bodywise.
03-29-2016, 07:21 AM
Steve E

Getting the dash to fit might be an issue. You certainly will have to fab some mounts and drill some holes. IIRC you will also need to relocate the middle exhaust hanger and a 4/2/1 header will not fit in the tunnel.
03-29-2016, 11:07 AM
2000MiataSE

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

I hope your not planning to move the Katrina Cursed NB crap into the NA shell.

mechanically the car is more solid than anyone I've driven then engine, 6 speed, and torsen are all tip top. The ecu was replace and so were most electronics so everything electrical works. the body is cursed every time I do something to make the car better it get reversed 10 fold. So I'm just sorta one dumping money on paint and body stuff and a new top after being vandalized.
03-29-2016, 11:09 AM
2000MiataSE

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve E

Getting the dash to fit might be an issue. You certainly will have to fab some mounts and drill some holes. IIRC you will also need to relocate the middle exhaust hanger and a 4/2/1 header will not fit in the tunnel.

I thought the NB dash was drop in and if the NB harness swap was done probably minimal wiring.
03-29-2016, 11:14 AM
Rogue

So your going to scrap the Mahogany to build a NA?
03-29-2016, 11:41 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000MiataSE

I thought the NB dash was drop in and if the NB harness swap was done probably minimal wiring.

You may want to do a bit more research than just taking the word of PManess57. ;-)
03-29-2016, 12:59 PM
OZMDD

I predict a 2-miata partout coming up, about 3 months after you start tearing-up the NB.

The work it takes to put the NB drivetrain into an NA body is going to be far more than the reward you will get. The NA8 isn't really much less powerful than the 2000, and the 6mt in the NB sucks around town, imho.

Just sell your NB and buy an NA if that's what you want.
03-29-2016, 02:03 PM
2000MiataSE

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue

So your going to scrap the Mahogany to build a NA?

That is a possibility.
03-29-2016, 02:05 PM
2000MiataSE

Quote:

Originally Posted by OZMDD

I predict a 2-miata partout coming up, about 3 months after you start tearing-up the NB.

The work it takes to put the NB drivetrain into an NA body is going to be far more than the reward you will get. The NA8 isn't really much less powerful than the 2000, and the 6mt in the NB sucks around town, imho.

Just sell your NB and buy an NA if that's what you want.

I've actually grown fond of the 6 speed, feels more silky to me. The other possibility is just head swapping an NA and taking the trans and 3.90 torsen out.
03-30-2016, 09:09 AM
POS Racing

So what is the backstory on why you would contemplate such a massive project?

What is wrong with the NB??
03-30-2016, 01:17 PM
2000MiataSE

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

So what is the backstory on why you would contemplate such a massive project?

What is wrong with the NB??

its just worth so little that I can't justify doing paint and body work on it or replacing the top again (vandalized at collin college), It'd be cheaper to just get another car and take the good bits from mine.
03-30-2016, 01:28 PM
2000MiataSE

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

So what is the backstory on why you would contemplate such a massive project?

What is wrong with the NB??

Nothing is set in stone just exploring my options, i have considered just selling it which is the most logical thing to do.