New from Princeton

Just found this site. Looking for late model NB or NC to put a LSx in (Flyn' Miata conversion). Hope to find a straight body with some suspension and brake upgrades to get me started in the right direction, but am looking at a few MSM's that I'd yank the motor and sell (like the body on these). I pass by a shop on 982 daily with a number of track Miata's and enclosed trailers, curious if it's anyone here? Anyway, doing my research and hope to pick up a thing or too before spending the cash. TIA for any knowledge shared.

Welcome aboard.

Welcome.

Gotta search for the deals, soemtimes you can find some pretty cheap shells that people are just dying to get rid of. Save you the time in parting out if you are going to be changing everything out.
For the LSx swap, forums say "can be done cheaply for 15-18k" just assume double that to get it done right.
Just my 2 cents :)

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Originally Posted by mtrx804

Welcome.

Gotta search for the deals, soemtimes you can find some pretty cheap shells that people are just dying to get rid of. Save you the time in parting out if you are going to be changing everything out.
For the LSx swap, forums say "can be done cheaply for 15-18k" just assume double that to get it done right.
Just my 2 cents :)

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I had $20k in mind above the cost of the chassis; less if I can find a car with basic track mods already done (suspension, brakes, wheels, ...) I'm very torn at the moment to whether to tackle it myself or have FM do the conversion or something in between. FM charges $40k above the cost of the car. But that includes the factory new motor/transmission/rear end- pieces I plan to get from a low mileage salvage. Ideally I'd like to find a local business that can handle the pieces of the project I can't do myself. I want all the details done like seam welding and other chassis bits that make the end result better. I can do a lot myself, but I don't want a shade tree result and I'm not a welder so some pro help is a necessity.

I should add that what I want to end up with is a fun weekend toy with a V8 soundtrack. I want a clean well appointed interior with stock seats. something to take the wife out on spirited Sunday drives. It may see a DE day or two a year or an occasional guest day at ECR. It'll be set up on the stiffer side of street, but the softer side of track. ...I'm not fast anyway. :)

you should come out for the CB-radio party/cruise this Sunday... see the FaceBooger page above (MME)

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Originally Posted by JDSM

you should come out for the CB-radio party/cruise this Sunday... see the FaceBooger page above (MME)

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Interested..but I searched for dfw miata (w & w/o a space) and mme on FB. The mme results were....interesting....

As for a cruise, I don't yet have a Miata. Cayman's welcome?

Scroll down till you see cb tuning party. JDSM is in Princeton and is hosting. PM him for address.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dfwmiata/

Go with an NB for swap since it's sorted out better than NC. Look up Terry Fair at Vorshlag for local assistance.

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Originally Posted by Nails

Go with an NB for swap since it's sorted out better than NC. Look up Terry Fair at Vorshlag for local assistance.

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Tried calling Vorshlag yesterday. After listening to my inquiry the nice guy on the phone informed me I dialed the wrong number. Had to chuckle under my breath as he had patiently listed to quite the spill.

I saw on their site they do BMW engine swaps. Do you know if they've done any Miata LSx swaps?

Wish I could make it Sunday, but I was informed by the family social planner (wife) that I we already have commitments.

Vorshlag isn't doing to NB swap in the same capacity as the bmw swap from what I heard a while back. I could be wrong but if you want to do the work yourself got to fm or v8 roadsters

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Originally Posted by driftdevil

Vorshlag isn't doing to NB swap in the same capacity as the bmw swap from what I heard a while back. I could be wrong but if you want to do the work yourself got to fm or v8 roadsters

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Really what I'm looking for is a shop to handle the welding. I assume there is a reason FM seam welds. Is it needed in this group's opinion? Or are bolt in braces sufficient for most (not a racer, but don't want a noodle either)? I had intended to search for these answers in more threads, but since the conversation has gone there.... :)

Talk to Terry at Vorshlag.

http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/2301...-Alpha-Project

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Originally Posted by Nails

Talk to Terry at Vorshlag.

http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/2301...-Alpha-Project

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My search skills are obviously inferior! Thank you for the link! Exactly the info I needed. Oh my. ..and local.. happy happy happy.

Read the thread and slightly less enthused. I'm an immediate satisfaction guy. I'll give them a call though and see what they can do for me in a less than 6 month time frame. ...maybe incorporating some FM stuff and some of their lessons learned. ...we'll see.

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Originally Posted by Gator Bait

Read the thread and slightly less enthused. I'm an immediate satisfaction guy. I'll give them a call though and see what they can do for me in a less than 6 month time frame. ...maybe incorporating some FM stuff and some of their lessons learned. ...we'll see.

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To be fair, they are doing all the custome fabrication themselves. With a kit its almost unbolt the old and bolt in the new. Ive been reading about the swap for a couple years now.

well... found a NA already converted that I'm chatting to the owner about. ...reality setting in that I have never sat in much less driven a Miata. Anyone with a NA and stock seats mind letting stranger plop his butt in your drivers seat (just for fit, not drive).

^There will be a bunch at the SCCA autocross tomorrow.

Glad you're looking at an already complete car. Since you're an "immediate satisfaction"/no-weld kind of guy, that's what you should do. My only hesitation in buying a completed car is that all cars require upkeep and when you're dealing with an engine-swapped car, you had better know it well -- because the neighborhood mechanic won't. If you're not doing it yourself, I'd highly recommend a local shop with a great reputation so you can continue dealing with them if something goes wrong. Trailering a car back and forth to Colorado doesn't sound too great to me.

Seam welding is something I would only do to a race chassis with a short life. It's a great way to get corrosion started, especially areas where the backside is not accessible for surface treatment (like the door sills). I would not recommend it for your intended use.

MER in Cresson is also doing V8 swaps. They're right next to MSR. Pretty good guys.

Maintenance and parts replacement I can handle w/o issue though I would use local shops for items beyond my skill or time. No intention of trailering to CO unless it's to run US-550 or to hit the Jeep trails. Thanks for the explanation on the seam welds and the info on MER.

If you're an immediate satisfaction guy thinking about a V8 Miata, you should JUMP on this: http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/for_sale2.php It's sorted, complete, and clean.

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Originally Posted by cwisenheimer

If you're an immediate satisfaction guy thinking about a V8 Miata, you should JUMP on this: http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/for_sale2.php It's sorted, complete, and clean.

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That's the exact car I'm looking at. Keith is getting me more details on a few things I'd like done. I didn't want to post it to limit possible competition. :)

LOL @ 480hp on seven inch wheels with 225's, mediocre brakes, and shit suspension. His health reasons must be a heart attack.

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Originally Posted by Nails

LOL @ 480hp on seven inch wheels with 225's, mediocre brakes, and shit suspension. His health reasons must be a heart attack.

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I road the poop out of a 97 TL1000S. It is the 2 wheel standard for horrible suspension and brakes. ...I was 20 years younger too. Oh well... the wife has me well insured and I can go smiling. ;) I don't doubt there will be upgrades needed during the learning curve, but I think it'll be entertaining at min.

Welcome to the board, sounds like a fun project.

I've got a late model NB for sale:

http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/2621...utocross-Ready

A bit of parting out has already occurred but the suspension, brakes and wheels and tires are still there.

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Originally Posted by cwisenheimer

http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/for_sale2.php

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Its Bert! Nice car and well loved.

Sucks Pete has to sell it. Glad he is still alive though. I feared the worst when I saw it.

Sounds like a few of you know this car. Anything that could be shared about it and how it was used post conversion?

Deal has been made and deposit made. Tentatively taking delivery in CO Aug 8th. :)

Congratulations. Have fun with your Miata.

Miatas at Hallett is coming up in Sept. http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/2588...ett-9-12-13-14

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Originally Posted by cone-cerned

Congratulations. Have fun with your Miata.

Miatas at Hallett is coming up in Sept.

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Thanks.

Doing a member day or two at ECR (friends' membership) with some instruction before letting myself loose untethered.

Very cool, I hope to see the car when you get it.

Do you have any changes in mind for wheels, tires, suspension & brakes?

C

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Originally Posted by chriscar

Very cool, I hope to see the car when you get it.

Do you have any changes in mind for wheels, tires, suspension & brakes?

C

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The rear is getting the big brake kit to compliment the front kit. Front will have new pads and a proportioning valve is being added. The front is also getting the cooling duck while they are changing the hubs. I'm going with a set of Kasei K4R wheels in 15X8. The suspension is being adjusted but staying with the current components.

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Originally Posted by Nails

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dfwmiata/

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I've requested to join the FB group twice... it would appear I'm not worthy. (?)

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Originally Posted by Gator Bait

I've requested to join the FB group twice... it would appear I'm not worthy. (?)

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What? They don't want you at the kids table? :facepalm:

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Originally Posted by Rogue

What? They don't want you at the kids table? :facepalm:

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I am prone to spilling my milk, but I didn't think the word was out on me yet. ;)

You're not missing much.

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Originally Posted by Gator Bait

I am prone to spilling my milk. ;)

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They're more the "Juicebox" generation ::Bike::

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Originally Posted by Rogue

They're more the "Juicebox" generation ::Bike::

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But all the cool kids are on FB! :cat:

http://www.evilsugarradio.com/wp-con.../05/haters.jpg

Finally!! ...Flying out to CO tomorrow morning to pick up the car from FM. Planning a 4 day weekend to enjoy the roads and sights. There is of course the last stretch from Amarillo that is going to suck a bit. ..maybe some Texas mile practice will be in order... Should be good to get up to 70 or so I would think.. ;)

pic with the new shoes...

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps665d76a4.png