Why bother with a puny four-cylinder engine when you can have a big brutish V8 under the hood of your brand-spanking-new Mazda MX-5?
The folks at Flyin’ Miata has finally concluded their work on transplanting a GM-sourced LS3 V8 into the new Mazda MX-5, codenamed ND. The company can sell you the parts needed for the conversion, or a ready-built MX-5 with the 6.2-litre V8.
The company will offer the LS3 with three tunes. The first is a standard tune that pumps out 430 hp, identical to the power figures of recent Camaros and Corvettes. Next up is the E-Rod LS3, but with additional emissions monitoring for customers living in stringent states. Last but not least is the LS376/525, fitted with performance camshafts that allows the LS3 to pump out a whopping 525 hp. All models are equipped with a six-speed Tremec T56 Magnum manual with a custom shift lever that drives the rear wheels via an AAM differential from a 2015 Camaro.
In addition to that, the Colorado-based company has thrown out the Mazda’s original electric power steering, replacing it with a hydraulically assisted unit with a variable ratio. Despite that, Flyin’ Miata was quick to point out that the stock gauges, push start button and infotainment system remains fully-functional. The conversion also added another 113 kg to the little MX-5, creating a weight bias that is 53:47 front/rear.
Full specifications of the LS3-powered Mazda MX-5 listed below:
- 430 hp 6.2L LS3 V8 engine with a two year warranty – a 2015 Camaro SS engine
- 6-speed T56 Magnum transmission with a custom shift lever
- FM spec Moroso steel oil pan with baffling
- LS7 clutch and flywheel
- AAM differential from a 2015 Camaro
- custom-built dual pass crossflow radiator
- dual Spal fans on a custom shroud
- new aluminum driveshaft
- heavy duty halfshafts
- stainless steel headers and dual exhaust with a lifetime warranty
- Magnaflow high-flow dual catalytic converters
- upgraded fuel system
- new GM-built engine wiring harness and engine management
- Flyin’ Miata custom engine dyno tune for more power and improved drivability with our specific parts
- OE-style motor mounts for good NVH control
- custom air intake system with hot air baffle
- rear mount Odyssey battery with kill switch and engine bay jump start terminal
- Corvette C6 starter
- fully functional stock gauges
- FM sway bars front & rear with adjustable end links
- Flyin’ Miata FOX Racing suspension
- ABS
- FM four wheel little big brake kit
- air conditioning
- Hydraulic steering conversion
- relocated washer bottle
- many custom stainless brackets required for a clean installation
- Flyin’ Miata alignment
Options and upgrades include:
- LS3 E-Rod engine (better emissions compliance), $640
- LS376/525 (525 hp, 489 ft-lb), $1780
- carbon fiber driveshaft, $520
- aluminum oil pan, $70
- 6-piston front, 4-piston rear brake upgrade, $725
- Swain Tech White Lightning ceramic coating for the headers & cat pipes- $925
- Hot Rod Therapy DBW cruise control- roughly $1000, price TBD
- wheel and tire packages – please speak to us for recommendations and pricing
- Hard Dog roll bar – please speak to us for recommendations and pricing
Via: Flyin’ Miata
