TBH when I first purchased the car I was in 2 minds as it was 'auto' - but actually I really grew to like it and it is still more than capable of lighting up the tyres at up to around 50mph if you floor it...
Alas the MX has passed to new hands... I thought the same about manual/auto at first but came to like the auto and it is plenty quick enough in that form - will lose the backend if you floor it at 30mph... I bought the car from the guy that had carried out the conversion... The conversion is very popular in the US but relatively rare this side of the water...
Hi Melvyn. Im planning to squeeze a lexus ls400 v8 into my mx5 some time this year, i would like to use the auto box that comes with the engine, you wouldnt happen to know if the lexus auto box fits in the gearbox tunnel ok would you ?
This is one awesome sounding MX-5 :) Too bad it doesn't have manual transmission. Did you have the conversion done in the UK or did you import it from the US?
Its a shame this car isnt on the road anymore in 2020, its sorn and MOT expired in 2016. What happend? Will someone one day come across a V8 roadster barn find?
Yeah I bought it not long ago, found in a garage no roof up, covered in dust and engine not turning over. Had been sat for just over 3 years I think. Currently in my garage, got it running again now and it’s getting built up. Saving for top end kit which is a fully CNC ported runners/intake/exhaust set up rated at 360hp on stock set up, this engine is bored to 306ci, forged rods, new bearings etc, underpullies, updated 130amp alternator , shorty headers, custom exhaust so should be putting down around 380hp/360tq when done. A 347ci striker kit is $1200 dollars less than the top end kit so did debate that for a little while which turns it into a 5.7L instead of 5.0 but easier not to go back into the block for now and go top end kit. Power should be 340 per tonne if 380hp which is more than the new Audi R8 v10 so if I ever need more power (prob not) the striker kit and the top end kit will deliver around 440hp and 400bhp per tonne. I actually have 2 V8 mx5s now I also have a 262hp/260 torque red mk1 4.0 1uz manual converted v8 with Toyota supra r154 gearbox so don’t feel the need to change this to auto as have one already!!
@@SshiggyY not lying I do have it :) sounds awesome, hoping both will be at shows this year, took the 4.0nto a few shows and plan to go to japfest, silverstone classic, players classic with red one (just in case yellow one is being built still as baby here next month) and then MX5 owners club meets/events like national rally in September with both 4.0 and 5.0 and shall insure dad to drive one up
