Does FM perform V8 conversions?

September 1 2023 10:06pm • Est. Read Time: 4 MIN


I want MOAR POWAH!


Thank you for your interest in our V8 conversions!  The Flyin' Miata Habu, generally referred to as the modern-day Cobra, has been the stuff of dreams for most Miata enthusiasts and even for many other petrolheads that don't consider themselves to have any particular affinity for our cute, little hair-dresser cars.  These conversions use the well-known Generation Three and Four V8 engines from General Motors (commonly referred to as "LS" engines) that are plentiful, compact, have tons of aftermarket support and are easy to work on.  Even the most humble versions of the "LS" engine family made about 280 horsepower, and some of the more potent factory combos make well over 500 horsepower.  When you factor in aftermarket camshafts, heads, etc., and even forced induction, the options for high horsepower levels are limited only by your imagination and budget.

While Flyin' Miata had an extensive history of building LSx-converted Miatas from 2008-2019 and built some of the most exciting Miatas to grace streets, autocrosses, tracks, and hill climbs all over the world, we have discontinued our V8 conversion service and are no longer offering turn-key builds, or conversion parts for V8 builds.  There are two main factors here: there are questions about the federal legality of the conversions, and we have limited resources to build cars and do R&D. It wasn't an easy decision, but it was the best one for the future of the company.  

On top of this, several automotive media outlets wrote speculative articles about why we cancelled the program, but 99% of those media outlets never even bothered to contact us to ask us for an explanation.  So, in response to all of their misinformation, here's a video we put together where Keith goes into detail about our difficult decision:



However, it's not all bad news and dark clouds; we are able to focus more on the four-cylinder platform along with our other performance parts to suit every year of Miata.  V8 power by Flyin' Miata may be gone, but you can be sure that this was only one chapter of a very long and exciting story about the world's favorite roadster!

Plus, we still know plenty about converting your Miata to a V8 powertrain, so if you have questions about the swap or need brakes, suspension, wheels, etc., to help tame your V8 beast, we're happy to help out whenever possible.  



So, if I can't get my V8 Miata fix from Flyin' Miata, where can I go?


An LS-powered Miata is an amazing car!  As Ferris Bueller would say, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."  It doesn't happen all that often, but every now and then, a V8 Miata converted by Flyin' Miata does cross the chopping block at online auction sites like Bring a Trailer.  Generally, the FM-built V8 cars demand a premium over home-built V8 conversions, but if you're looking for a well-sorted Miata with lots and lots of grunt, it's hard to get much better.  Check out these notable examples of FM-built V8 Miatas that were previously sold on BaT:

...And a very special car that is near and dear to our hearts; our very own V8 development car for the ND platform, Indy:


There are quite a few other V8 Miatas out there, and sometimes, it just takes a bit of looking to find the right one for you.  Another good source is to check out the V8 Miata forum, which also has a classifieds section where you might be able to scoop up a previously-loved V8 Miata:  https://www.v8miata.net/cars-sale-4/

If you have a Facebook account, you might also check out the V8 Miata group for potential V8 Miatas for sale:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1618871215007657/



Yeah, but I want to convert my Miata to have that V8 rumble!


We get it; your Miata is your baby, and you don't really want to compromise your V8 dreams with any other Miata - it has to be your Miata.  In that case, there are likely any number of hot rod shops that would be happy to swap a V8 driveline into your Miata, though we don't know every hot rod shop around the corner from you or if they're capable of such a feat.  It's always best to ask around your local car scene if you're interested in having a local hot rod shop convert your Miata to V8 power before dropping it off to make sure that you're dealing with a reputable and capable shop.

However, if you just want a V8 conversion done right by people who know Miatas and have done many V8 conversions before, you can get in touch with the folks over at V8 Roadsters (https://v8roadsters.com/turn-key/).  They have been giving Miatas personality transplants for decades and are well-versed in the needs of a 400+ whp Miata.  V8R specializes in the personality transplants of NA, NB, and NC Miatas and also sells the parts to support DIY conversions for those platforms, too.

For ND (2016+) Miatas, Sarasota Super Sport Performance - located in Sarasota, FL, of course - is able to perform LS conversions on the newest generation of Miata using most of the same techniques and conversion parts we utilized when swapping in an LS3 drivetrain.  This includes fully turn-key builds with all the bells and whistles, just like the ones that FM used to offer before we hung up our hats.  For inquiries on making your ND into a Habu Miata, please fill out the request form on their website:  https://www.sarasotasupersport.com/.

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