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I just took a look at the specs for their cam . . . in a L33 with a LS6 intake should put it around 370 to 400 hp . . . NICE!!
On the T-5 deal, I wonder if most will go the T5z route (or the cobra gearset) . . .
From what I hear, it mostly the case that does the twisting/flexing and the gears can't take it.
I've seen a foxbody t-bird lose a T-5 at the kink at CMP. The owner said he went for an up shift and make nothing but crunchy noises.
Keith wrote:More on the V8R Spec series: http://www.v8rspec.com/forum/index.php. Basically, an L33 (aluminum 5.3 "Vortec" HO), T5 and standard V8Roadster install kit.
Thanks for the info Keith. It's a little hard to tell what their plan is though. Are they creating a race series for L33-motored Miatas? Sorry if I missed the definition of the Series. 
The information on the V8R spec is hidden in both that forum and the V8Roadsters forum. The intent is a spec series for L33 Miatas, yes. I have to admit I haven't followed it too closely. If you want to get involved, you need to do a bit of digging.
Angrycorvair, that was Elvis at the Mitty. It's got more power now 
We still have parts available for turbo kits we sold 15 years ago, so I anticipate we will still support the V8s in 2024.
Strike_Zero wrote:From what I hear, it mostly the case that does the twisting/flexing and the gears can't take it.
anyone know/heard of anyone that has attempted to beef up a T5 case with bracing/brackets with any success?
also, wspohn, thanks for the info about the Aisan transmissions but Keith did mention that they are using the T5 partially or mostly for sponsor reasons.
Forgot to mention - the Monster Miatas. They were done back in 1990 or so and got a huge amount of publicity, but I agree they never worked as well as they should. Part of the problem is that the 1.6 chassis were relatively flexy and there weren't any real chassis reinforcement options on the market. When we do the swap, we add in some extra stiffening along the "frame rails" under the car (which I've tested and proven to add a fair bit of torsional rigidity) as well as some extra bracing under the front fenders and in the engine bay. We also replace the factory subframe with a stiff tubular part instead of cutting and welding the stock piece as is usually done with Ford swaps. Add in a roll bar and it's not bad for stiffness. Using a lighter engine than the Monsters helps too.
Looks like some swap companies keep the Aisan, but others put a T56 in the Solstice due to strength concerns.
Yes, we have a major sponsor that really wants a T5 in order to publicize the spec series. But we're still talking.
Keith wrote:Yes, we have a major sponsor that really wants a T5 in order to publicize the spec series. But we're still talking.
Is there anything stopping you from modifying said T5 since you aren't running in the spec series? A stock one will NOT last. No ifs ands or buts Keith. Stock GM T5's blow up behind 3rd gen 5.0L camaro's, modified 5.0L mustangs blow the world class one up with things like GT40 heads, intake, cam, and exhaust.
So run one, but modify it. GM wouldn't even put the T5 behind the old vortec 5.7L motor.
stuart in mn wrote:Keisler has recently announced a new 5 speed transmission, based on the Borg-Warner T45. They're marketing it for the muscle car guys, but it looks like it would maybe work well in this application as well. It's smaller and considerably less expensive than a Tremec, and is supposed to shift better. http://www.keislerauto.com/
Keith, my Barracuda is down at Shafi's now getting one of their RS600 transmissions. If you have problems with the T5 before Targa, I could put you in touch with him.
If we do run a T5, it'll be built. I know they're weak in stock form. I will make sure that transmission will be sorely tested before the race, let me tell you.
I'd definitely be interested in talking to Shafi about that trans. We're looking for something to use behind hot Miata engines too.
And This Just In, Breaking News: looks like we might go for a full Spec drivetrain and run an L33 with the spec cam. I've been told 410 hp, 350 ft-lbs and very driveable. Hmm.
WOW . . .I was pretty close . . . hehe!! That does indeed sound like a NICE setup!! 
Keith is that just L33 + LS6 intake + spec cam + tuning?
As always, Thank you, Mr. Tanner.
Here's the proposed V8R spec, as of October. This is based on what I found on the V8Roadsters forum, I don't know if it's progressed at all. But since the poster (V8Roadsters) are the same people who would be building our engine, you can bet we'd have an exemplar engine.
Chassis- 90-05 fully caged cars must retain factory dash pad. Nascar bar are legal. All other interior and wiring maybe removed. Hard top optional.
Engine- GM L33 5.3L engine with 243/799 casting cylinder heads, blending of bowls and valve job permitted. Limited comp ratio to be determined. LS6 intake manifold, fuel rails, injectors with F body cable driven 78mm throttle body. Drive configurations are open but must remain all GM. Balance is open butmust be SFI approved. Camshaft is a V8R Spec item and stated specs. V8R oil pan.
Clutch/release bearing are open items.
Transmission- T5 synchronized gearbox. Ratio are open. No dog ring or sequel style gear boxes
Differential- Either the Getrag with G80 option or Ford 8.8. Ratio is open.
Brakes- open
Wheels- open but no larger than 15 inch
Tires- Hoosier 275/35-15 R6
Suspension- is open(shocks, control arms, etc)
Body- Fender may be pulled and rolled. Front air dams allowed and use of deck spoiler. No wings
That sounds really cool and getting on board with FM as a sponsor for something like the targa seems like a really smart way to generate interest. It's nice to see two businesses getting together like that.
Keith wrote: Tires- Hoosier 275/35-15 R6
Spec rim for that is 9-11"
You're building a roller skate, Keith!
No wonder you don't figure you'll have problems with traction.....
All the cool kids are doing it. (Giant tires, that is.)
Tires for the Targa Miata are an interesting question. Normally, we'd run a set of 225/45-15 R compounds on a street car for lots o' grip, and the Spec V8R cars use those big 275s. But that's not going to work for this car. The Targa (as of 2010) has a minimum treadwear requirement of 140.
So there go the big meats, you simply can't get a 275/35-15 in that compound. Heck, even when the R compounds were legal you only got 6 for a 1200 mile race, and I'm not sure the Hoosiers would still have legal tread depth at the end of that anyhow.
As an added bonus, the Targa isn't the track. There will be gravel and there may very well be heavy rain. A super-wide tire on a light car isn't always the clever choice. Weight is also important, as the car has to keep those tires in contact with some rough roads. I ran a 205/50-15 RA-1 in 2008 and I think it was the correct choice then - but I'll have more power this time and should probably try to put down a bit more rubber. Plus I've lost that lovely tread compound.
Which leaves us with one typical choice in our rolling diameter: 225/45-15. With our treadwear requirements, that means either a Toyo R1R (aka "the pirate tire") or the Hankook R-S3. I'll probably mount them on a 15x8 for more sidewall compliance.
So yes, in this case the Miata is proving to be a bit problematic for traction. Suggestions welcome! Tire and wheel sizing is free in my class, as are body modifications.
Toyo R1R might be a great choice. Due to the unpredictable conditions, I don't think there will be a "one tire to rule them all" solution, though.
Your ankle muscles are traction control...
Keith wrote:And This Just In, Breaking News: looks like we might go for a full Spec drivetrain and run an L33 with the spec cam. I've been told 410 hp, 350 ft-lbs and very driveable. Hmm.
That is an impressive HP gain, given the mods listed in a later post. In stock trim, Chevy quoted 310 HP at the crank for the L33.
It makes me reconsider selling the FC RX-7 I have with an L33/T56 combo already installed!
Doooeeeiiiittt!!
Those are some AWESOME numbers.
