The green 1999 V8

While we're working on the car, we're also installing a set of gauges so the engine can be fully monitored.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Here's a better look at the new seats.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Out come the stock seats to be replaced with a set of Corbeau A4s and harnesses.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Part of the updates include a ceramic coating on the exhaust.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Not only does it look nice, it'll help keep the heat down in the cockpit.

We have a visitor!

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Robert dropped the car off for a number of upgrades. This was the first customer V8 car we built and, while he's happy with how it works, we're going to upgrade a couple of components to the latest specification. First, we have to take it apart.
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Robert sent us a picture of the car today with its new nose.

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He's really enjoying it.

Yowzir!

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Three and a half times more torque at 2200 rpm than the stocker makes at torque peak. And it just goes up from there!

All smiles!

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

You would be, too. Check out the dyno chart in the next picture.

Final result under the hood.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Looks like Mazda put it there ;-)

Put two V8 Miatas in a car show and even the grizzled old hotrodders notice.

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Lots of people just wanted to hear them.

There should be no problems pinning the right side gauge.

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Custom FM gauges!

A cleverly hidden "START" button.

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Looks factory, right?

Doesn't get much prettier than this.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Just waiting on a/c and ps brackets to be done.

New FM race radiator and fans.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

The GM engine is pretty efficient at cooling compared to a similar hp Miata engine, but no sense trying to count on a plastic radiator.

You have to squint just right to see this.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

One header tube has to be dimpled to clear the steering shaft.

Robert's car already had FM big brakes and we added in a set of JIC shocks.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Jon is installing lots of thermal/sound insulation under the carpets.

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The V8 exhaust is tucked up pretty tightly to the floor.

One polished stainless Deuce coming up!

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This will look great.

This is the new GM fuse panel.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Jon had to lengthen the harness to fit it in the trunk.

Mounting the GM ecu.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

Jon found a spot on the firewall to mount the GM Performance ecu inside the car.