Post by djwade on Jun 1, 2017 14:55:40 GMT
Hi all,
I've been documenting my progress for a while on some other boards, but it's about time I bring things over here for some more specialized knowledge.
My build started out as a standard LFX swap into a 1999 miata. I live in California, and the past two years have really increased how strict the requirements are for engine swaps. I won't get into too much of the nitty-gritty, but essentially it was going to be near impossible to get the engine swap road legal, which was the entire intent. In desperation, I began searching for a used kit or other way that I might be able to affordably continue with the build, given how much I had already invested into the swap. I ended up finding an awesome deal on an exocet sport kit with some very nice upgrades (double diagonal, wind-shield kit, etc). I pulled the trigger and that official began my build as the LFXocet build.
Now for a very quick history of what's happened so far and where I'm at today:
I originally had rebuilt the engine with forged internals and had prepared for forced induction, but evnetually decided against it because I didn't want to have to keep swapping back to stock every 2 years for smog when i realized it had already been 6 months and I hadn't installed the supercharger in the first place. I had done a few cosmetic changes to the body, such as swapping out the front end for a Mazdaspeed Miata (Lip not shown).
Soon after, I had started purchasing the parts needed for the v6 swap and prepping the body for paint
I spent a few weeks searching for a good LFX dropout from a camaro, and eventually found one with only 560 miles, so I ordered that and had it shipped out to me.
A little bit of cleaning and a swapped oil pan later, and I had the engine happily on the stand waiting for the V8 Roadster Components
While I waited on the pickup of the chassis from the seller, I got to work stripping down and parting out the miata.
Shortly thereafter, my kit was finally picked up by Stewart Transport, and began its journey west.
In the meantime, I've been cleaning out the garage and prepping for when it arrives, and trying to take care of some of the little things. The transmission had some broken mounts, so I replaced the extension housing, as well as swapped the stock steering wheel out for an NRG Quick release hub and steering wheel setup.
And that about brings us to present day. The chassis and components are scheduled to be delivered in two days, so I'm extremely excited to jump into things. I've already started compiling the documents I need to begin the SB100 registration process, and I have a scheduled DMV appointment for June 30th. If all goes as planned, the car will be a roller by then, so the 90 day temporary permit should be sufficient to get me to all the appointments I need.
The big issues I'm tying to mentally sort out for now are mainly the wiring and the wheels.
I was hoping on the 6UL Zeros being available by the time I needed some wheels and tires, but an email to them last night indicated they're still about 3 months out from production availability. I'm very much against spacers, and the best option I've found seems to be Traklite's offerings.
With regards to the wiring, it's looking like it's going to be best to do it from scratch, as all I really need to wire in are the lights, horn, and ignition/immobilizer, and using the entire miata wiring harness seems to be a bit of overkill for that. I'll probably start laying out the wiring this weekend, but I wanted to get measurements before I really committed to anything.
So that's where we're at now! More updates to follow in the coming days/weeks.
I've been documenting my progress for a while on some other boards, but it's about time I bring things over here for some more specialized knowledge.
My build started out as a standard LFX swap into a 1999 miata. I live in California, and the past two years have really increased how strict the requirements are for engine swaps. I won't get into too much of the nitty-gritty, but essentially it was going to be near impossible to get the engine swap road legal, which was the entire intent. In desperation, I began searching for a used kit or other way that I might be able to affordably continue with the build, given how much I had already invested into the swap. I ended up finding an awesome deal on an exocet sport kit with some very nice upgrades (double diagonal, wind-shield kit, etc). I pulled the trigger and that official began my build as the LFXocet build.
Now for a very quick history of what's happened so far and where I'm at today:
I originally had rebuilt the engine with forged internals and had prepared for forced induction, but evnetually decided against it because I didn't want to have to keep swapping back to stock every 2 years for smog when i realized it had already been 6 months and I hadn't installed the supercharger in the first place. I had done a few cosmetic changes to the body, such as swapping out the front end for a Mazdaspeed Miata (Lip not shown).
Soon after, I had started purchasing the parts needed for the v6 swap and prepping the body for paint
I spent a few weeks searching for a good LFX dropout from a camaro, and eventually found one with only 560 miles, so I ordered that and had it shipped out to me.
A little bit of cleaning and a swapped oil pan later, and I had the engine happily on the stand waiting for the V8 Roadster Components
While I waited on the pickup of the chassis from the seller, I got to work stripping down and parting out the miata.
Shortly thereafter, my kit was finally picked up by Stewart Transport, and began its journey west.
In the meantime, I've been cleaning out the garage and prepping for when it arrives, and trying to take care of some of the little things. The transmission had some broken mounts, so I replaced the extension housing, as well as swapped the stock steering wheel out for an NRG Quick release hub and steering wheel setup.
And that about brings us to present day. The chassis and components are scheduled to be delivered in two days, so I'm extremely excited to jump into things. I've already started compiling the documents I need to begin the SB100 registration process, and I have a scheduled DMV appointment for June 30th. If all goes as planned, the car will be a roller by then, so the 90 day temporary permit should be sufficient to get me to all the appointments I need.
The big issues I'm tying to mentally sort out for now are mainly the wiring and the wheels.
I was hoping on the 6UL Zeros being available by the time I needed some wheels and tires, but an email to them last night indicated they're still about 3 months out from production availability. I'm very much against spacers, and the best option I've found seems to be Traklite's offerings.
With regards to the wiring, it's looking like it's going to be best to do it from scratch, as all I really need to wire in are the lights, horn, and ignition/immobilizer, and using the entire miata wiring harness seems to be a bit of overkill for that. I'll probably start laying out the wiring this weekend, but I wanted to get measurements before I really committed to anything.
So that's where we're at now! More updates to follow in the coming days/weeks.
