Interesting engine - 11.5 compression but rated to run one regular fuel. I like it! Too bad it wasn't around when I last did an MG conversion using and older tech GM 3.4.
Weight is comparable to the older L32 as well.
Photography by Chris Tropea
"So how much does it weigh?"
Good question, and it's one we get constantly when chatting about our V6-swapped Miata. But here's the problem with answering it: We've changed so many parts on the car since its last weigh-in—the cage, the brakes, the wiring, the aero, etc.—that we weren't really sure what the car currently weighs.
Time to right that wrong, so we broke out our Intercomp SW777RFX Wireless Professional Scale System and rolled the car across it.
These results are with a full tank of fuel and no driver.
Total weight? Just 2389 lbs., including our last-minute extra muffler to pass AMP's strict sound limit. How does that compare to other cars? Well, it's heavy for an early Miata. But for a 300-horsepower track car with aero and a strong cage, it's quite light.
Let us know what you think in the comments.
Interesting engine - 11.5 compression but rated to run one regular fuel. I like it! Too bad it wasn't around when I last did an MG conversion using and older tech GM 3.4.
Weight is comparable to the older L32 as well.
Here's the Targa Miata. That's a 1994 fitted with a 525 hp LS3 and a T56 Magnum. Stripped interior but two seats, I think it's missing the front half of the cage at this point. Full tank, no people.
That sounds like just over a ton of fun!
If I can maths, it would appear the weight distribution is about 54.46 F / 45.54 R (rounded). I think stock is something like 53/47, so not too far off from stock. Well worth it for an under-stressed, reliable NA motor! Given that the fact that it's caged with aero and a motor with twice the factory displacement, that's pretty light!
I know V8 Miata swaps were all the rage a few years back, but if I wanted a track Miata, this is the route that would most interest me. Solid work!
In reply to Keith Tanner :
That's lighter than I thought it would be!
I've been on track with you guys at CMP and AMP. This thing hauls! Blows by our E46 but you've got about 600lbs and 75 HP on us lol.
A friend has an NA powered by one of the old Buick 215 aluminum V8s. It's within 30 lb of the original weight. In hindsight, I should have put my aluminum 5.3LS in the free NA I was given a few years ago. Oh well......
A little heavier than I thought it would be.
My W2W ND (full cage, safety...) with the LFX and a full tank weighs 2,395, and I thought the ND was a little heavier than the NA/B? Weight distribution is about the same, but with ballast, start of race fuel and me in it it's at 51%/49%.
Taffy001 said:A little heavier than I thought it would be.
My W2W ND (full cage, safety...) with the LFX and a full tank weighs 2,395, and I thought the ND was a little heavier than the NA/B? Weight distribution is about the same, but with ballast, start of race fuel and me in it it's at 51%/49%.
Tom... Toooooommmmmm I have a spotlight suggestion.
Another data point, K swapped NA Miata, full cage, one seat, fire system, coolshirt system, similar Aero to the GRM LFX car, 1/2 tank, no driver:
Rodan said:Another data point, K swapped NA Miata, full cage, one seat, fire system, coolshirt system, similar Aero to the GRM LFX car, 1/2 tank, no driver:
I believe this is also your engine bay, which should be celebrated.
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