Just wanted to see if any one has swapped a 5.3 Gm Vortec L33(truck engine) into the miata? If so what kind of modifications would have to be done? Seeing that folks do the 5.3 swap in Fbody camaros frequently, I would assume that this would be a straight fitment. I know there are steering rack issues and oil pan issues(Im assuming, hence why im asking) but I just wanted to see if anyone had some knowledge they could share. Btw I have searched the forum for this issue with no results, just so no one freaks out about this question. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

Been done, see Flyin Miata's site for detailed instructions on the LS type motors. The L33 would need the ls1-ls6 intake for better clearance, and a modified F-body oil pan, among other things. The car that Keith raced in the Targa this year actually had an L33 in it.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

Mike

 

Thank you. This is my third miata and its time for a V8. Went all out with the autokonexion kit and it needs a fire breather to go with it. I think the L33 can be done with the V8 roadster kit that Flying miata offers. I will give them a call to get additional information. Just wanted to see if anyone else has done this. Thanks for the quick response.

 

The only benefit to the Aluminum engine blocks is weight savings. If you can stomach the extra lbs on the nose, then the iron block won't kill you. Most of those engines have active fuel management in the later years, so you have the option to use that system or the obstacle to work around it. IIRC, the deactivation solenoid stops the flow of oil to four cylinders.
If you aren't autocrossing the car, you can outrun the weight by producing more power. Handling will suffer, but again, if you aren't autocrossing, who cares....

Now, why the truck engine and not the aluminum car engine? You won't likely save more than about 600-700 bucks going with the 5.3 over the 5.7. The latter is plentiful and relatively inexpensive these days.

I'm not entirely sure what engine I'm going to swap in. I have 4 motors sitting in the garage...3 of them are iron blocks. If I could afford the motor I want in aluminum, I'd do it in a heartbeat. If that cost was just another 600-700 bucks, I'd do that immediately! In my case, it's several thousand .

 

V8 Roadsters based the spec v8r stuff around the L33 with a T5 transmission. Check into it on their site.

 

Ford 5.0 bored and stroked to 331 gets you 5.4 liters. That may be cheaper than both options...

-Jason