Flyin' Miata : Projects: Dan's 1997

September 28, 2009 - Our newest patient!
Dan brought this car to us from Alberta to be filled full of rumbling goodness. He's going to get the "standard" LS376/480, which is the LS3 with a hot cam and 480 hp.
entry 1

September 28, 2009 - Looking under Dan's hood, we found a surprise - it's supercharged!
Will he notice a difference going back to a normally aspirated engine? We think he will.
entry 2

October 1, 2009 - The pile starts!
This is just the beginning of the pile of stuff that has to come out.
entry 3

October 1, 2009 - All has to go!
We told you the pile would be getting larger.
entry 4

October 1, 2009 - The fenders have to come off to do the Frog Arms.
It's also a lot easier to do major work when there are no painted body panels to worry about.
entry 5

October 1, 2009 - A JRectomy.
Out comes the blower.
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October 1, 2009 - The wee 1.8 has been dispatched.
Jon is working on fuel lines now.
entry 7

October 1, 2009 - Told you the pile would grow!
But wait, there's more-see the next picture.
entry 8

October 1, 2009 - Only the suspension parts and rear subframe will be re-used.
The rest goes to deserving Miatas or Westfields on the waiting list for organs. Don't forget to sign your organ donor card!
entry 9

October 1, 2009 - The chopping begins.
This side has already been cut, hammered wider and ready to weld back together.
entry 10

October 1, 2009 - Odd perspective.
No, that's not a model car in the background, it's the most recent V8 conversion, which is being delivered tomorrow. You can see the cut where the firewall meets the tunnel in this shot. Next, the tunnel will be widened, firewall folded back and all welded back together.
entry 11

October 1, 2009 - Inside view.
You can see the cut where tunnel meets firewall. Near the top of the tunnel you can see the rust colored area where the gusset has been removed to allow reshaping the tunnel. This will be welded back on for strength.
entry 12

October 1, 2009 - Driver's side reshaped.
Now things are starting to go back together.
entry 13

October 8, 2009 - Stronger sway bar mounting points are installed.
We also move them forward just a bit to help clear the engine.
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October 8, 2009 - Here's the rolling stock for Dan's car.
16" ASA wheels with some very sticky Kumho Ecsta XS tires.
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October 8, 2009 - Ooo, shiny!
Dan's new oil pan is ready to go on. It'll be a shame to pour oil in this thing, it's a work of art.
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October 13, 2009 - Several coats of custom mixed paint later.
The shop lighting makes this look like it's not even close to the original color. Don't panic, Dan, it is just right!
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October 13, 2009 - All seemed to be going well with the wiring.
The factory harnesses are awesome.
entry 18

October 13, 2009 - Until the harness suddenly ran amok.
Jon is lucky to escape with all but his dignity intact. Don't try this at home, kids.
entry 19

October 15, 2009 - Jon installed new carpet.
Very shiny carpet.
entry 20

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