Flyin' Miata : Projects: The silver 2001 V8

July 22, 2009 - Geoff's car didn't arrive this way, we just forgot to take any pictures when it was still together!
The original request was for "not too much power". He'd been hoping for an LS1. Unfortunately, you can't get new LS1 crate engines anymore.
We were able to find the last crate LS2, which means it's a 6.0 that makes around 400 hp. Sorry Geoff, we did our best.
entry 1

July 31, 2009 - Geoff's car wasn't exactly slow to begin with, as it came in with a two litre and FMII.
The last people to work under the hood didn't keep things very clean-note the firewall grime.
entry 2

July 31, 2009 - Jon starts in with the Plasma cutter.
Yikes!
entry 3

July 31, 2009 - More Plasma!
There are two bulkhead reinforcements that need to be removed to allow the tunnel to be spread. They are then welded back in.
entry 4

July 31, 2009 - This is one of the bulkhead reinforcements sitting on top of the tunnel.
You can see the dark area on the side of the tunnel where it used to live. You can also see the cut line where the tunnel meets the firewall.
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July 31, 2009 - Just *some* of the stuff found under the dash.

entry 6

July 31, 2009 - Amazing how much stuff comes out of a Miata interior.
You could fill a one car garage just with the stuff that comes out.
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July 31, 2009 - The tops of these reinforcements have to go away.
Otherwise you couldn't have cylinder heads ;-)
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July 31, 2009 - After cutting.
But before clean-up.
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July 31, 2009 - Here is the original width of the tunnel.
BP (Before Plasma!)
entry 10

July 31, 2009 - Bulkhead reinforcement back in its home.

entry 11

July 31, 2009 - Seam sealer on all of the welds.
Just in case we have any pinholes.
entry 12

July 31, 2009 - Seam sealed and primed.
And it's a better paint job than Mazda did under the hood.
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July 31, 2009 - Done!
And ready for a BIG motor and wiring.
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July 31, 2009 - Final dimension.
Jon made sure the tunnel is wide enough to access the bellhousing bolts so a clutch can be done without pulling the engine.
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July 31, 2009 - One more.
Just to show the nice finish work.
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July 31, 2009 - New harness!
GM Performance harness comes through the stock harness hole in the firewall.
entry 17

July 31, 2009 - How nice is this?
Every connector on the GM harness comes nicely labeled.
entry 18

July 31, 2009 - Starting to go back together.
Factory dash harness is back in, plus Jon has installed thermal/noise insulation everywhere inside the car.
entry 19

July 31, 2009 - More insulation!
entry 20

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