Tag: roadster

4G63 EVO 8-Powered MX5

On this site alone, we’ve seen more than a few different types of MX5 engine swaps, including a 13B turbo, 20B PP, 2x LS3 V8s (here and here), and of course the standard engine converted to turbo (here, here and here) and even supercharged. More often than not, though, it’s the MX5 that becomes the donor vehicle, with many vintage chassis swaps using venerable Miata’s for their drivetrains. This build there, though, is one of the first times I can honestly say I’ve seen something entirely different applied to a Mazda roadster, in the way of a Mitsubishi Evolution 8 engine converted to rear wheel drive. Along with the very interesting engine choice comes a stack of gorgeous home-built fabrication work to set off the rest of the car, transforming it into a formidable track beast.

Click here for more Mazda builds. Click here for more MX5 builds. Click here for more engine conversions.

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Elvis’ BMW 507

Yep, that’s right, a BMW owned by the King himself! After starring in an exhibition, the lucky roadster finds itself at the hands of the team at BMW Classic, where it receives a full factory-fresh restoration documented with stunning photography. This has some similarities to the Official Porsche Restoration that I featured way back in 2012 (posts 1, 2 and 3), where a factory-official restoration wing gives new life to a classic from their marquee.

Thanks to Tony for submitting. Click here for more BMW builds.

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20B-powered Time Attack NC MX5

Time Attack season is almost upon us, with World Time Attack Challenge just around the corner (click here for my photos from 2010), I thought it would be a great time to share this long-term build from Australia. The brainchild of a Mazda aficionado and die-hard collector, this NC MX5 welcomes the addition of firstly a supercharged Renesis 13B, and then a 20B 3-rotor with individual throttle bodies and a whole host of goodies. Apart from all the CAD screenshots, machined metal goodness, fabrication, welding and general race-car building, you’ll also find a bonus R35 GTR build and a visit to Mazda HQ in Hiroshima within the thread.

Thanks to David from MX5CarTalk & Pixel Culture for submitting. Click here for more rotary-powered builds.

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Saab 96 / Mazda MX5

I remember back in 2011 when I posted a certain chassis swap build, I commented on how long it had been since the last one was featured on the site. Well it sure doesn’t seem like we have that problem any more, because it feels like almost every second build is a chassis swap! If you’re having dejavu at the title of this one, that’s because I’ve already featured a similar project in the past. It seems the humble Mazda roadster is quite a popular donor for these types of builds. The more the merrier I say!

Thanks to Samuli for submitting. Click here and here for two more MX5/Miata-based chassis-swap builds.

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Triumph TR6…or Z06?

Firstly, I feel I need to apologise for the amount of LSx builds on the front page, as I generally like to aim for a bit of variety on the site. But hey, if people keep stuffing them into cars in interesting ways, I have to keep featuring them! This one is a bit more than just an engine swap, though, because the owner has transplanted a lot of the underpinnings of a Z06 Corvette into his unsuspecting Triumph TR6. The most significant part of this build is that we learn the owner and builder is actually wheelchair bound, yet this proves no boundary to him as his enthusiasm and dedication to his car shines through, making the most of his situation and enjoying his passion to the fullest. So next time you’re feeling lazy or making excuses about your own project, have a read of this thread. My hat is tipped to you, Sir.

Thanks to Peter for submitting.

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Datsun 411 / MX5

We need people like Bob. People with vision, people who have skills and love putting them to good use, people who have the itch to continue creating cool cars, time and time again. You might remember Bob from one of his previous projects that also graced these pages, the MX520. It seems that stuffing Mazda MX5 running gear under Datsun bodies is obviously something Bob loves doing, because he’s back to his old tricks, this time with a Datsun 411 wagon on the receiving end of the grinder.

Click here for more chassis-swap builds.

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Forum spotlight: JDMST (pt3)

Back again with another JDM Style Tuning forum spotlight for your viewing pleasure. This time we’ve got an NC MX5, an AW11 MR2, an FC RX7, and a 4-door R32 Skyline. So here’s 4 more of my favourite builds, coming right up…

For previous spotlights, check out Part 1 and Part 2.

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Project Speedster MX5

Here’s another build I’ve had my eye on for a while which was recently completed. Like most people these days, I’m a fan of appropriately modified Mazda MX5‘s. But being such a popular platform, it becomes harder to get one to stand out from the sea of Roadsters, without ending up with an over-modded abomination. One way to break away from the pack – if you have the skills – is to create your own one-off special edition, something with more than a selection of bolt-ons. That’s exactly what The MX5 Restorer did to this once battered and bruised NA; he chopped, carved and sliced it up to create his own version of a Mazda Speedster, perfect for those windy roads on a warm summer day.

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LS3 NC MX5

In the past I’ve seen plenty of pictures of NA MX5’s with their windscreens chopped off, hurling around a race track with a minimal amount of metal left on the car in the interests of faster lap times. But I have to say, this would be the first time I’ve seen the same treatment being given to a newer, NC model MX5. Not only has it been put on a healthy weight loss program, it also now has an LS3 V8 sitting in front of the lucky driver, new custom front and rear subframes, plus a whole lot of other stuff you should definitely check out below.

Thanks to Jon for submitting.

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MX5 Comic Book build

Recently I created a new post tag called “People who get it”, for those occasions where an owner or builder will put extra effort into their threads to make for an enjoyable and informative read. But where to from there? Is that as good as it gets? Is it possible to take it a step further than slick photos and well-structured posts? Yes, my friends, yes it is. Let me introduce you to Wil and his foray into the roadster life. Wil decided to document his new found obsession in a light-hearted comic-book style format, much to the delight of his audience. Is this the future of build threads? I can’t wait to see what other ideas people come up with, the bar has been set!

More MX5 builds here.

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