just got my LS1 for my subaru WRX
10-04-2005, 12:45 AM
#82
On The Tree
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IRS is good direction Just a quick update, before completing my LS1 T-56 Miata project, I just sold my LS1 complete and ordered a new LS2 today. The best choice I've found for the rear end is the Ford 8.8 IRS SVT Cobra or T-bird which I've installed using 3:73 gears and a Detroit Locker True trac posi (helical gears, not clutch packs or a locker design) new Miata hubs done by Mark Williams and custom length axles.
I'm still sticking with my ultimate sleeper concept.
I'm still sticking with my ultimate sleeper concept.
10-04-2005, 08:07 AM
#83
TECH Regular
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by LS V8s in Miatas
Just a quick update, before completing my LS1 T-56 Miata project, I just sold my LS1 complete and ordered a new LS2 today. The best choice I've found for the rear end is the Ford 8.8 IRS SVT Cobra or T-bird which I've installed using 3:73 gears and a Detroit Locker True trac posi (helical gears, not clutch packs or a locker design) new Miata hubs done by Mark Williams and custom length axles.
I'm still sticking with my ultimate sleeper concept.
I'm still sticking with my ultimate sleeper concept.
10-04-2005, 08:19 AM
#84
On The Tree
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, but No, I don't have unlimited funds I just sold two LS1 engine packages with ECUs and harness to afford the LS2. Also I'm coming up on a year without having the V8 Miata project completely finished. The positive side is the slow progress has allowed better research, selection and the integration of better technology.
Having driven both an Elise and a V8 Miata, I still perfer the Miata. My friend Bill with his Ford 5.0 V8 Miata (heavily modded 400 HP V8 of course) handles Viper GTS-Rs, ZO6s and race prepped Porsches and BMWs regularly on track (road racing courses) so yes I'll still take the Miata over the Lotus and hope I don't spend that much money
.
Having driven both an Elise and a V8 Miata, I still perfer the Miata. My friend Bill with his Ford 5.0 V8 Miata (heavily modded 400 HP V8 of course) handles Viper GTS-Rs, ZO6s and race prepped Porsches and BMWs regularly on track (road racing courses) so yes I'll still take the Miata over the Lotus and hope I don't spend that much money
. Last edited by LS V8s in Miatas; 10-04-2005 at 08:29 AM.
10-04-2005, 03:41 PM
#85
TECH Regular
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm just jealous 
having to scrounge ebay and junkyards for cheap used parts. I had a Miata the same year and color as yours. Loved it. Can't imagine what it would be like if you can maintain the weight distribution with that much power and response. Looks like an awesome conversion. Nothing like making your own supercar at a fraction of the price of the off the shelf exotics.
http://photobucket.com/albums/a358/redmistmotorsports/
having to scrounge ebay and junkyards for cheap used parts. I had a Miata the same year and color as yours. Loved it. Can't imagine what it would be like if you can maintain the weight distribution with that much power and response. Looks like an awesome conversion. Nothing like making your own supercar at a fraction of the price of the off the shelf exotics.http://photobucket.com/albums/a358/redmistmotorsports/
10-05-2005, 10:34 AM
#86
TECH Regular
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
glad you found a shop that will help with the mounts, that should make things move along faster for ya :tup:
to avoid the bumpsteer problem that moving a steering rack presents, you need to do some funky stuff to your tie rod ends to keep their range of travel and the arcs they travel in, similar to stock.
to avoid the bumpsteer problem that moving a steering rack presents, you need to do some funky stuff to your tie rod ends to keep their range of travel and the arcs they travel in, similar to stock.
10-05-2005, 01:08 PM
#87
On The Tree
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Houston TEXAS
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bumpsteer Ackermann OMG the geometery. ?bumpsteer?
We are talking Ackermann dynamics and whole sum of other suspension things.
Your car is going to be all over the road if you don't get this right.
If your steering arm doesn't follow the same lines as the A-arms when the suspension moves up and down then you will get bumpsteer.
There is a lot to this.
One thing to think about is. You steer through a corner your inside tire follows a smaller circle so that tire needs to turn in more than the outside. Ackermann
I say from guessing if you lowered your steering rack by 2 inches and didn't modifiy the steering knuckle.
You hit a bump then the wheel is going to steer inward slightly.
if you hit a hole the wheel will steer outward slightly.
The greater the speed the more influence it will make.
I would hate to run into the car next to me all because of bumpsteer.
We are talking Ackermann dynamics and whole sum of other suspension things.
Your car is going to be all over the road if you don't get this right.
If your steering arm doesn't follow the same lines as the A-arms when the suspension moves up and down then you will get bumpsteer.
There is a lot to this.
One thing to think about is. You steer through a corner your inside tire follows a smaller circle so that tire needs to turn in more than the outside. Ackermann
I say from guessing if you lowered your steering rack by 2 inches and didn't modifiy the steering knuckle.
You hit a bump then the wheel is going to steer inward slightly.
if you hit a hole the wheel will steer outward slightly.
The greater the speed the more influence it will make.
I would hate to run into the car next to me all because of bumpsteer.
10-06-2005, 04:08 PM
#88
On The Tree
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Info resource I know from my own project putting a GM LS2 V8 into a Mazda leaves alot to get your head around, but the bump steer potential problem is something that Mazdaspeed factory race support has already resolved in Miatas with heavy suspension mods (lowered) and other geometry changes (IE there are special tie rod ends available through Mazdaspeed with corrected angles).
Anyway it follows if they have them for Miata Racing applications I know they have to have them for the RXs due to their much longer Racing heritage in RXs worldwide.
Contact Mazdaspeed Tech Support, they should be able to help you!
Anyway it follows if they have them for Miata Racing applications I know they have to have them for the RXs due to their much longer Racing heritage in RXs worldwide.
Contact Mazdaspeed Tech Support, they should be able to help you!
Last edited by LS V8s in Miatas; 10-06-2005 at 06:33 PM.
10-11-2005, 11:11 AM
#91
Teching In
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What a monster! I love how the engine fits so nicely, it's almost as though Subaru hoped people would try the swap. 
It looks like it should fly but only being RWD you should anticipate some 
Keep us updated, and, you wouldn't by chance have pictures of the transaxle in but not the engine would you? I'm sure you took them both out at the same time but I was curious where it was in relation to the wheels. And redmist, love the 530 project, I'm considering a '88 M6 conversion.
It looks like it should fly but only being RWD you should anticipate some Keep us updated, and, you wouldn't by chance have pictures of the transaxle in but not the engine would you? I'm sure you took them both out at the same time but I was curious where it was in relation to the wheels. And redmist, love the 530 project, I'm considering a '88 M6 conversion. 
10-26-2005, 10:06 PM
#96
I didnt read the whole thread, but I saw some talk about excessive bumpsteer due to moving the rack down. What I did when I put a rack in my 73 camaro was.. turn down and rethread the inner tierod. Then instead of using I stock style outer tierod you can use a spherical rod end. This allows you to use a small spacer to make up the difference between the tierod and the spindle or steering knuckle. You will also have to drill out the outer tierod stud hole in the spindle. Doing this I have kept the stock geometry and have no excessive bumpsteer.
