We’ve recently seen a Toyota 86 being given a big heart transplant in the form of a Ferrari V8. Now, it’s the Mazda MX-5’s turn.
Thanks to the crazy but talented folks from Flyin’ Miata in the US, the little MX-5 has had its humble 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine replaced with the mighty LS3 V8 from General Motors delivering a colossal 391kW of power.
The same engine, albeit in a different state of tune, is also found in the latest VFII Holden Commodore’s, where it churns out 304kW.
Impressively, the bigger lump at the front “only” contributed to a weight gain of 119kg over the stock model, although 53.4 percent of the weight is now up front, with the remaining 46.6 percent distributed to the back. The MX-5 has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution from the factory.
The V8 engine isn’t the only GM-sourced component that Flyin’ Miata has fitted to the pumped up MX-5, either. It also gains a six-speed T56 Tremec manual transmission (again similar to the one in the Holden Commodore).
That’s not all, the modified roadster features a custom Corvette-styled exhaust and has a number of other optional upgrades, including a carbon fibre driveshaft, bigger brakes, a roll bar and an aluminium oil pan.
The conversion kit is priced from $US49,995 (without the car) for the 320kW 6.2-litre LS3 V8, while the more powerful engine featured here costs an additional $US1,780.
Read ForceGT’s Mazda MX-5 Review here.
Specification:
- 430 hp 6.2L LS3 V8 engine with a two year warranty – a 2015 Camaro SS engine
- 6-speed T56 Magnum transmission with a custom shift lever
- FM spec Moroso steel oil pan with baffling
- LS7 clutch and flywheel
- AAM differential from a 2015 Camaro
- custom-built dual pass crossflow radiator
- dual Spal fans on a custom shroud
- new aluminum driveshaft
- heavy duty halfshafts
- stainless steel headers and dual exhaust with a lifetime warranty
- Magnaflow high-flow dual catalytic converters
- upgraded fuel system
- new GM-built engine wiring harness and engine management
- Flyin’ Miata custom engine dyno tune for more power and improved drivability with our specific parts
- OE-style motor mounts for good NVH control
- custom air intake system with hot air baffle
- rear mount Odyssey battery with kill switch and engine bay jump start terminal
- Corvette C6 starter
- fully functional stock gauges
- FM sway bars front & rear with adjustable end links
- Flyin’ Miata FOX Racing suspension
- ABS
- FM four wheel little big brake kit
- air conditioning
- Hydraulic steering conversion
- relocated washer bottle
- many custom stainless brackets required for a clean installation
- Flyin’ Miata alignment
Options and upgrade prices (in US$):
- LS3 E-Rod engine (better emissions compliance), $640
- LS376/525 (525 hp, 489 ft-lb), $1780
- carbon fiber driveshaft, $520
- aluminum oil pan, $70
- 6-piston front, 4-piston rear brake upgrade, $725
- Swain Tech White Lightning ceramic coating for the headers & cat pipes- $925
- Hot Rod Therapy DBW cruise control- roughly $1000, price TBD
- wheel and tire packages – please speak to us for recommendations and pricing
- Hard Dog roll bar – please speak to us for recommendations and pricing.
Source: Flyin’ Miata