Flyin' Miata : Projects: The silver 2004 V8

April 7, 2009 - The newest patient.
This 2004 Mazdaspeed is about to take the big step. And the new engine is a real beast - a solid 500 hp. This is starting to scare us all a little bit.
entry 1

April 8, 2009 - Jon didn't waste any time doing the tunnel/firewall mods on this one.
Can't even tell it has been molested after he repainted it.
entry 2

April 8, 2009 - Looks great!
entry 3

April 8, 2009 - GM Performance Products harness is nicely labeled on all of the underhood connections.
This makes the job so much easier than working with a used unit.
entry 4

April 8, 2009 - More cleanly labeled plugs.
We like this!
entry 5

April 8, 2009 - Auxiliary fuse panel.
We couldn't find any room inside the car for this, so Jon had to lengthen all of the wires in the harness to fit it in the trunk.
entry 6

April 8, 2009 - Lots of thermal and heat insulation.
This makes for a more pleasant Miata, V8 or not.
entry 7

April 8, 2009 - GM factory ecu tucked up on the firewall.
The newer ecus like this one are nice and small, easy to stash. And they have been completely cracked by the aftermarket for easy tuning.
entry 8

April 8, 2009 - And even more insulation.
The better to hear you with!
entry 9

April 8, 2009 - This is really cool!
When you buy the ecu/harness package from GM Performance, you get the harness and fusebox, MAF sensor and (in this picture) the Drive By Wire gas pedal. No throttle cable to run, just plug it in to the harness.
entry 10

April 8, 2009 - Carpeting and dash are back in.
Back to completely stock appearance inside.
entry 11

April 17, 2009 - How to weld an aluminum oil pan without cracking it.

entry 12

May 6, 2009 - Checking the temps.
Once we get the whole pan over 200 degrees, it's ready to weld.
entry 13

May 6, 2009 - One Getrag diff, ready to go.
Just two tabs needed to be welded to the Miata subframe for the nose mount of the diff. The V8 Roadsters mount for the rear is a direct bolt on.
entry 14

May 6, 2009 - Frog arms and the new subframe.
You can see the V8R subframe holding up the new engine and the frog arms to stiffen up the front end.
entry 15

May 6, 2009 - Another shot of the subframe and engine.
entry 16

May 6, 2009 - New frame rails and transmission cross-member.
Notice the exhaust cut-outs in the cross member to maintain ground clearance. Really nice details on these kits.
entry 17

July 17, 2009 - We built a custom steel plate behind a modified speed stock bracket for mounting the speed a/c compressor.
entry 18

July 17, 2009 - Nice custom bracket that Jon built.
entry 19

July 17, 2009 - Starting to look like the beast it will be.
entry 20

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