Flyin' Miata : Build diaries

Laguna Blue
A pretty car gets an attitude.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, September 08, 2010
The 2.25" springs on the V-Maxx suspension give lots of clearance for fat 15x9 wheels with wide rubber.
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Scuba Steve
Scuba Steve's Miata gets a personality transplant.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, August 09, 2010
All buttoned up and ready to go!
Does Steve look happy to you?
(more)
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Bert
Bert gets a V8 implant.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, August 02, 2010
Bert is being used to mock up the NA (1990-97) V8 exhaust systems.
This means he's sitting waiting for a bit as the final production parts show up.
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Igor
Watch Igor get transformed from a banged-up stock Miata to a quick little beastie, using off-the-shelf FM parts.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, April 06, 2010
The big brake kit comes with an adjustable proportioning valve so that we can fine-tune the brake balance.
This can make a dramatic difference in the braking ability of the car if it's set up right, so it's an inexpensive way to improve the stopping power of almost any Miata.
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Mike's V8
A nice 2002 gets a horsepower injection.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, May 19, 2010
A final portrait.
We brought Mike's car down to the Miatas in Moab event where it was a big hit. The trucking company will be picking it up shortly to take back home to him.
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Elvis
Elvis has had a number of engines over the years - a big horsepower turbo monster, a high compression naturally aspirated mill and a more mild turbo setup - but the most recent is the one that gets the most attention: he was our first V8 installation.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, May 25, 2010
Here's the whole exhaust system laid out.
It's been removed so we can check fitment on a 1990-97 chassis.
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The Rocketship
A 1993 LE that combines luxury touring with very strong turbo power.
We originally built this car several years ago. It's back for upgrades.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, April 28, 2010
The car needs more spark, so we've mounted a set of coils from an LS3 V8 on the car.
The bracket design - done by Tyler - worked so well we're putting it into production, and we'll have a Big Spark kit coming soon.
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The Pi Car
Another 1990-97 V8 conversion. What can't be improved by installing 480 horsepower?
Start from the beginning
Latest update, March 26, 2010
We needed to do some road testing to ensure everything on the car is in perfect shape.
But the soft top is in poor shape - it's going to be fixed as soon as the car returns to its owner. So we stuck one of our hardtops on. We're not sure it improved the aesthetics of the car.
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Dan's V8
Our first 1990-97 V8 conversion.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, April 28, 2010
Dan lives in Alberta, Canada.
Between his northern address and our high elevation, he wasn't able to come pick up the car for a long time. He finally flew in and drove the car home. It's shown here in Montana.
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Geoff's car
We know this car well. It's been to us several times over the years for various upgrades. But Geoff decided it was time for the big step, and had us put an LS2 underhood.
We're done with the car, and Geoff's enjoying it immensely.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, October 01, 2009
Pretty much the last step.
The GM ecu puts out 56000 pulses/mile, while the Miata speedo expects 8,000. This interface box lets us doctor the signal. Fine tuning involves driving at a steady speed and calibrating off a GPS.
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The Silver MSM
This car came to us fairly modified from the start. But that didn't mean there wasn't a lot to do! The chosen engine was a 500 hp LS2 from Holden.
This car is complete.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, August 14, 2009
Thaaat's all folks!
Headed home.
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The green 99
The first customer V8 build. We put a 480 hp LS3 in, and gave the whole car a makeover.
The car's finished and in the hands of its very, very happy owner.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, January 06, 2010
Robert sent us a picture of the car today with its new nose.
He's really enjoying it.
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John's Westfield
We don't offer turn-key Westfields anymore, but here's one we built in-house. John's planning to take this thing touring all over the US, so it's set up with a little more luxury than most Westies. For example, it has heated seats, a trailer hitch and even a roof!
Start from the beginning
Latest update, August 12, 2010
As promised, John returned for our annual Summer Camp.
Here's a peek at the tonneau cover installed. This helps keep heat in the cockpit and debris off the various electronics he has installed in the car.
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The FM Westfield - modifications
Follow along the post-construction life of our little turbocharged lightweight.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, April 08, 2009
This is the standard Westfield grille.
Fairly tight mesh, which doesn't help airflow through the radiator and intercooler.
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The FM Westfield - build
We built the first Miata-based Westfield with left hand drive. We came across a few little problems and helped Westfield sort everything out.
Start from the beginning
Latest update, October 14, 2008
This diary shows a typical Westfield build.
It's the story of our car from packing the crate in England to track testing and final registration. If you're interested in what it's like to put one of these cars together, here's your chance!
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The Targa Miata
The Targa Newfoundland is a week-long tarmac rally that combines runs through tight little village roads to undulating coastal highways. So, how would you build the perfect naturally aspirated Miata to handle it?
Build and development
The race - first in class and 16th overall!

The Seven
Before Westfield came out with their Miata-powered lightweight, Keith built one of his own. Then he took on the Ariel Atom on the track and even wrote a book about it. Completed, but still occasionally updated.
The Seven

The MGB GT
How do you get baby supercar performance with classic style? If you think like Keith does, you take a 1972 MGB GT, cut the frame off at the firewall, build a new frame with Miata geometry, add a custom three-link rear suspension and then ram the drivetrain from a 1998 Camaro inside. This one is currently under construction.
The MG