I wounder how much the hump would have to be widened to stuff a Automatic in the miata.

If it was Ford i wouldn't want too. But with Chevy. The first gear is great, and I think the car would do better for normal driving, and be faster on the drag strip. Which is what I do.

Yea I know, hate on....

But I just drove my brothers WS6 6-speed for a few days. And I have a LS1 auto camaro. I think I like the auto better. It definately hooks up better, and it still will burn tires all you want. And is more relaxing, when stuck in a hour traffic jam.

I'm just curious how much space I'd loose inside.

 

I won't hate. I wouldn't do it myself, but I will be interested to hear your answers.

 

It's a common question, and it's been done. Not by us.

The extra tunnel modifications would mostly be on the passenger's side, from what we've seen mocking this up. I think the biggest problem is the fact that the oil pan pushes the exhaust pipes out from the transmission tunnel to beneath the car. It has a big effect on ground clearance. Note the relative locations of the frame rail and the exhaust.

 

While I've never seen an automatic in a Miata, I have worked on automatic transmissions for ten years. I would think the biggest problems would be all the extras that an automatic require: cooler lines, wiring harness, room for heat disipation, etc. Besides, do you really want an automatic in a performance car? I wouldn't. Of course, I'm not a big fan of automatics in any car (rebuilding auto's is how I paid for my cars).

 

I'm not sure about the OP, but in the Vette world, RPM has adapted a few auto's into C5Z's and C6Z's for guys who only have one leg, or have problems pushing the clutch.

 

I can understand that. But, other than that I wouldn't see the point. I'm sure there are people who would prefer it, I'm just not one of them.

On a different note, I actually prefer the AOD/AODE to the 4L60/E. It's actually a better transmission. And I'm habitually a Chevy guy.

 

Who did it? How much more work will it be to use an automatic with that engine? I spend most of my days stuck in traffic so an automatic would be a lifesaver! Could you do side exhausts to get around that issue?

 

It's been done a few times with Ford 302's and AOL transmissions. I don't think they required any tunnel mods. I'd imagine the GM trans is bigger.

-Jason

 

Go auto. If that's what you enjoy, we build these cars for fun . so enjoy it.

Smokey Yunik said " the perfect car has a turbine in front & back "

Ive got 2 fast turbo/auto trans cars & love driving both. Stab it & steer !

 

Nah no one will hate you for going straight and with a welder and a big hammer I'm sure the 4L60 could be put in. No question you will never miss a shift and I get the traffic thing for sure. Still have have to tease you a little...

Fast Car:


Fast Driver:


But hey even the F1 cars have autos in them so go show us how it's done!

 

A little google action for ya.

v8 1995 mazda miata set up for ls1 roller forsale - ClubRoadster.net

I found a couple different posts on using an auto but they were all boss frog builds. Maybe because they set the engine farther forward in the car.