Well after spending a couple hundred hours of research I have to come to the conclusion that the best and most cost effective way to convert my Miata to a V8 is to part out my beloved Camaro. I looked at selling it and doing a Ford or drop out LS1 but cost, hassle and getting a known good drive train tips the advantage to parting out the Camaro by quite a bit.



Cost wise it's a no brainer. The Camaro is worth about 10k as it sits and the Miata a few hundred. Selling the cool suspension and body parts from the Camaro should completely fund the conversion with Martins new kit and the LS1 T56 in the Miata should make it worth way more the the 2 cars are now. $15K??



But I'm really uneasy to start ripping apart a perfectly good car that there is no reason I wouldn't be happy with for the next few years. Am I nuts to be considering this?



You guys that have V8 Miatas and have owned something like my well prepared 49000 mile SS Camaro what do you think? Any regrets trading your former car for your Miata?



Any advice would be much appriciated!

 

Keep in mind we're just having a conversation here with no advise given. Your Camaro appears to be well sorted and likely exactly as you want it. I know I'd sure have a hard time sacrificing it even if it does mean bringing another V8 Miata into existence for the greater good, making the world a better place.

Also I've been surprised at some pretty nice cars of late just not selling. Not sure why except neither was perfect, just nice. One car had a new crate LS3 430HP engine, new Tremec T56 , new Getreg 3.42 Pos diff the builder/owner/seller (professional mechanic) used all V8 Roadster conversion pieces. Last I knew he's parting it all out including selling the hardtop and interior. Drivetrain had 25 miles on it and it looked great. I guess my point is it's a tough world when you're selling these days from what I'm seeing, hard to establish worth, easy to track what you've invested just don't put a lot of trust in selling for what it's worth.

But having said all the above, it sure is nice driving my little modest Ford powered Miata. If you do follow through reguardless of how, when it's all sorted out you'll be a happy camper.

Good luck, RR

 

If I was in your situation, I would forget about the Miata & install a set of turbos on the Camero.

 

Thanks guys I really appreciate your input. I had my voice of reason and his wife over last night and we hung out in the garage for a couple hours while he drilled me. He brought up several things I had not thought about. He was careful not to sway me even though I thought for sure he would say go the safe route.

Conclusions: The Camaro doesn't own me I own it. Whos in charge here? 2, I'm 53 year old empty nester so if not now when? And 3 my son is in the Navy and bought this car 7 months ago. He was soo excited to have wheels and loved the car. But it turned out to be a total disaster as one thing after another fell apart on it. When he came home at Christmas and found out what a pile the thing really is he was so discouraged. We all know how hard it is to feel like a failure in front of your dad. When I get this thing done what a blessing it will be be able to thank him for putting me in this situation. To be able to say with pride what he thought was an epic failure turned out to be a really great thing. Oh and no problem to ever sell it. His name is on the title already!

Thanks again for your input!

 

Decision made, GOOD LUCK!

RR

 

I stumbled on this thread today and thought I would post up what happened for new folks that might read this some day. This is the above Camaro now.



And the Miata


Yep I'd do it again in a second! The Camaro was a great car and I loved everything about it except it was 30% too big. The Miata is absolutely breathtaking with the heart of the Camaro in it plus I love having a convertible again.

 

Jim,
Great end to the post. I know it is hard to say goodbye to something that is a part of you but life is short and IF the Miata makes you smile then you made the right choice for you..