Full Build: Stock Miata Transformed Into Spec Class Race Car

Carcass has always had a need for speed. After building the Honda Rally Civic and the OBS Truck, they came to the conclusion that there is always room for another race car. But not just any regular race car, we’re talking about building a cheap, yet very reliable race car by using a bone-stock 2005 Mazda Miata, and transforming it into a Spec Class Miata. That means that Carcass is limited to the kinds of upgrades they can add, like tires, brakes, exhaust, etc. Once it is fully upgraded and racing against other cars, the real factor that wins the race is the driver. Thankfully for us, because this build does not require much, we were able to source all of our parts from Summit Racing.
To avoid violating the rules, every modification done to the 2005 Miata had to stay within the parameters of the Spec class. What the guys did for their build, in particular, included fabricating a fully-functional roll cage from scratch, upgrading the suspension by replacing the springs and shocks for improved performance on the track, adding a performance clutch, and adding subframe reinforcements.
Once the final bolt was fastened, the Miata’s performance on the track was almost like night and day. Everything from how well it was able to handle the course, to the new track-specific tires sticking to the pavement. The Spec Class Miata felt like an experienced athlete in their element, which makes this build a huge success.
Find current POWERNATION sweepstakes: pntv.us/lnk_e1e1d016
Follow POWERNATION Everywhere:
www.powernationtv.com​​​​​​​​​​​
/ powernationtv
/ powernationtv
/ powernationtv
PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
Matco Tools: MATCO Tools are the Official Tool Supplier to Carcass
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18336_627d1ea1d2897
Sonax USA: Profiline Headlight Restoration Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18455_62150cd2679ec
Summit Racing: Advanced Clutch Technology Clutch Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18379_61dc8c337d923
Summit Racing: Bilstein Shocks & Struts
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18380_61dc8fbcd7f02
Summit Racing: Borla Mufflers
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18334_61b10abb81d8b
Summit Racing: Eibach Anti-Roll Sway Bars
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18382_61dc9169827b5
Summit Racing: Eibach Springs
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18381_61dc8ffbce331
Summit Racing: Kirkey Racing Seats
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18360_61bb9c404c469
Summit Racing: Konig Rewind Graphite Wheels
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18456_62150e146a7ce
Summit Racing
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18333_61b1079beb9d5
Summit Racing: Summit Racing 2.1 VOC Clear Coat Hardener
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18453_621509364c18f
Summit Racing: Summit Racing 2.1 VOC Primer Sealer
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18452_621508d53073f
Summit Racing: Summit Racing Single Stage Paints
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18454_621e3179d7693
Summit Racing: Summit Racing Wax & Grease Remover
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18451_621507b77ff2f
Summit Racing: Toyo Proxes RR Tires
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_18457_62150e3193e9d
Berryman Products: EZ Doz-It Penetrating Oil & Lubricant
Matco Tools: Matco Tools Spotweld Cutter
NCM Motorsports Park

[@EB240]

love the full build, but i have a message for the editor, please edit out the intro's for the episodes, i dont want to watch the intro several times. thankyou.

[@UpperDarbyDetailing]

Agreed. It should be edited as if it is one single episode.

[@zednott]

love the full builds

[@84imreplica]

I tracked a 1997 Miata for 4 years and had a blast. Except for an exhaust system the motor was stock, so it wasn't all that fast on the straight--a-ways, but with the suspension upgrades and track tires it was very quick through the corners. I loved the car, but I did miss my 1990 'Monster' Miata, with its 5 litre Mustang motor. The Monster was a blast to drive on the track. It cornered very well and was also very fast on the straight-a-ways. The only problem was the motor overheated on just about every 20 minute track session. The 1997, with its stock motor ran perfect and never overheated. Of the two, I wish I still owned the Monster.

[@greatwavex]

i have a 97’ as well, and i enjoy driving it. definitely my favorite car i’ve owned!

[@dootxdoot1943]

Never seen anybody do a full spec miata build on youtube and show it quite so well, never would have guessed it would be you guys that finally did it 😂 great vid!

[@Don-yj4qq]

This show is literally all I watch, POWER NATION is the bomb diggity! I love how you guys make things look SOOO easy sometimes! Experience is everything though👍

[@altonlyter2024]

The 90s called, they want their expression back.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy P-N, Thanks for doing the MIATA & Thanks for REMOVING that "mouse-trap" show-imitation-double-hoop NOT a Roll-Bar COOP ...

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-FINDER2525]

Thank you. When these cars are new some people tinker with them of course. But overall a lot of people laughed when I said these things could be built for the serious driver. Meaning a road track.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

I love a Miata, truly. There's a reason they're the most raced car in the world.

[@stevebarnette]

I worked SCCA for years and the Soec Racer class had the most cheaters by far. Excited to see how y’all do. Good luck.

[@xacalaca6627]

Nice build, just wondering why the engine wasn´t maintananced while outside. Like Oil and Filterchange (to a race spec oil) Timing Belt and Waterpump, Spark Plugs Airfilter etc..And cleaning the engine block to make sure not overseeing some rotten and leaking seals or tubes tec. If it comes to the point to be a reliable race car is not paint and replacing door rubbers ...

[@wonderwolf9475]

that's my dream car!

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Alright! A JDM full build episode. And an MX-5 at that. 👍👍

[@mwilliamshs]

JDM? Miata was conceived and designed especially for the US market

[@fatmanoverlanding]

@@mwilliamshs Of course you'd like to think that. That's why it was small. Perfect for the US market.

[@r000tbeer]

1:16:02 now THAT is getting into your work!

[@gilbertsbiogasexpertske1120]

have been waiting for a jdm project from powernation Good build guys

[@rgreerjr]

a Mazda Miata that was made around the time that ford and mazda were practically the same thing does not a jdm project make. The Civic they did last season would be more appropriately described as a jdm project

[@jdmmike7225]

@@rgreerjr Funny, ones made in Venezuela and the other in Japan and you say the Venezuelan built car is the JDM build LMAO 🤦🏻 Almost no North American EK Civics save for SI coupe were from Japan.

[@Ghost_mx5]

@@rgreerjrMazda and Ford didn’t merge til like 05 or 06 though, the third gen NC Miata is the only one considered a Ford

[@gigi9467]

This is awesome! I have an ND but this makes think about my future build

[@aljeeper3292]

What an amazing and relative low buck build❤️I'm💯.... I'm totally impressed by what an the boys accomplished and I bet it's a real hoot to drive around the track. Please keep these builds coming 👍😉

[@smokinC5]

There is nothing low buck about this lol....they actually left alot on the table considering their resources and trouble

[@michaelsaywhat6980]

Wow. I enjoyed every second of this video. Awesome job. 👌.

[@andreas.gaming-wh9ry]

i loved that mazda miati in ti race car

[@-Just_Justin-]

This is great, I have the exact same car. They are wonderful little cars. I can't wait to see it complete. Also I'd like to recommend a coolant reroute kit.

[@tastotan]

those were some pretty welds on subframe reinforced

[@basshead.]

Nice car. The lady that used to cut my hair had one.

[@cobbysparks9891]

High quality content.

[@goodydisorder2026]

CAD=Cardboard aided design

[@charleslambert628]

Bilstein shocks are not legal in Spec Miata. The specified shock is a Penske shock made especially for the Spec Miata classes in SCCA and NASA.

[@HammerRocks]

Love it.

[@mikewhite3123]

For a car guy,this dude has some tig skills.

[@kalijasin]

Nice fixup 😁

[@MakerMatt0512]

Jimmy's dry quiet demeanor is the best thing on this show. Lol. The joke part of the video literally made me lol.

[@kmack764]

1:30:26 The sound that I made here had me totally embarrassed. Great video guys!

[@AndrewDRoyappa]

Truly baffling why there wasn't a before and after lap time measured. Like, it's a race car, wasn't that the point...

[@spoolin2bars]

Awesome that your building a track car. But how did they let you out on track without an instructor? You need someone in there to show you what to do, where to look, and even simple stuff like slapping your knuckles with a ruler to get your hand off that shifter and stop driving macho man style with your other hand in the 12 o’clock position! No way you guys can drive in spec Miata without a lot of days of instruction. Good luck.

[@MKB927]

Links in the info for the parts don't seem to work..just letting y'all know. Great video.

[@_SsoR]

Rookie question: the trail arm looks offset from the Mount on the axle, does that pose any issues? Or does it not really matter?

[@SuperOperator4]

How many 10mm sockets did that Mazda eat?

[@vickypratamaputravivo4940]

Mazda MX-5 in Carcass

[@demon1954]

Any point in swapping the suspension bushes?

[@justinhughes889]

I love these shows but as a gear head the build was kind of depressing don't get me wrong 5hp is 5hp but it's lost quickly at the wheels

[@dustyrhodes62]

I have a idea for a Miata build if you still have this one. Only need body shell.

[@mwilliamshs]

They removed floor pan rust and painted over it but bolted the rusty dash bar back in

[@boyscouts5000]

i think it would be cool to rotary swap it

[@desmondcooper3590]

Does everyone at power Nation strive on smart remarks?

[@dougmacrae9535]

Would like to see what you could do with a JCW Mini cooper.

[@gabrielsanchez7140]

👀 that donut 🍩 media shirt 👕 👌

[@tonyplummer6841]

Imagine back in the day having to build and tear down an engine with wrenches 🤯

[@dougmacrae9535]

Did you take the sticker off the tire?😲

[@woofer2121]

wont the computer just adjust the timing out when it knocks?

[@demon1954]

The classroom session must have failed to mention the most important part of controlling a car on track.

[@nickcabrera3982]

Why didn’t the dash support get prepped and painted? Feels weird with such care taken on everything else to skip that.

[@justinunger38]

I love the full builds why can't powernation upload full build videos once a week

[@JoshRD]

There would be no profit in that lol. Costs so much

[@henryandejbelcher7902]

Why not have the seat mount to the cage

[@geoffreyfox7618]

And if you indexed the spark plugs most likely get an extra 10 hp

[@Thelongmanable]

*_With a LS would make it AMAZING!!!_*

[@AndrewDRoyappa]

@@Thelongmanable in case you haven't heard of Flyin' Miata... you're welcome

[@backyard_mechanic]

Oh, I thought the miata trend was diying now... every youtube channel has done a miata build... Wish you guys would have done it a couple years ago when it was at its peak.

[@9inchpp]

0:05 Mo Powa Babeh!

[@brettjacobs242]

Its disturbing watching these guys under the car while the camera is moving up slowly. Makes it look like the ramp is dropping the car down. LOL.

[@chrisschlis9440]

I wish there were more "stripper" car options with all of the "PRO's" qualities that the Miatas have. I have NEVER wanted a convertible. Newer ones have roofes but they come at a price... oh well. Great build/videos though!

[@kb9oak749]

No final lap time? WTF?

[@g0th1cazn]

I want to find a fun project car to race and put a LSX motor in.

[@markw8139]

The timing mod. This looks way too easy to be true .I’m guessing you need to be be VERY careful slotting the bolt hole for the cam sensor. If the CAM sensor is too far away from the trigger wheel on the cam pulley the car will not even start. Great alternative to a Flyin Miata adjustable trigger wheel though!

[@mwilliamshs]

Skip to 8:00 for actual relevant content but it's just a discussion of spec miata class

[@sidneysanders5726]

I wonder if they ever did a drain and refill on that transmission?

[@sidneysanders5726]

I know who you are, stop scamming people asking for money to have some rims shipped to them.

[@1STGeneral]

@@sidneysanders5726 report them

[@sidneysanders5726]

@@1STGeneral done!

[@stegomon]

Is this a reupload

[@fredb.6884]

I’m a car guy been working on most all car my whole adult life, watching these shows too. With Military service it helps me cope. When I seen the guy put that rusty dash support in the fully new painted car that troubled me. A real car guy would never spend that time painting inside and outside but install rusty parts… 😢 Sadness..👎🏾

[@dtfr69]

you should rephrase that it is legal in non emission states to drive with the catalytic converter out

[@dontmindme5821]

Anyone else spot the donut short at 2:56-2:57 on the left?

[@CamAteUrKFC]

Spotted

[@bannablitz247]

Best mod I ever did to my old Miata was putting stock size tires back on. These cars were truly balanced and much faster with the stock size tire.

[@yeti.runner]

I have two track Miata’s that prove otherwise

[@michaelem7883]

heh, im my country this bilstein setup cost 75% of the entier car price =)

[@Backwoods_870]

I like the one Stacy David built more.

[@yeti.runner]

Two completely different purposes. Straight line speed isn’t everything

[@nunopt4071]

i dont really get teaching lines in a crown vic? sayin u cant do multiple things at one time? i trully that instructor never got out of that course

[@jeffebinger1218]

when watching the summit ad ,since this episode is sponsered by summit, observe the sbc cam for $129, beware these cheap cams are most likely hencho de china and there are a rash of cheap cams going flat uppon breakin, buyer beware.

[@jamesdiehl8690]

A stronger heavier rubber band! Get rid of the chain drive rear end!

[@UpperDarbyDetailing]

With how you painted the car, why paint the interior with spray bomb when you could have just used the same high quality car paint? It would have been easier, faster, and looked better.

[@mikewhite3123]

JDM fan,but every time I've tried getting into a Miata,I can't find a place to put my purse,so I just can't get into it....

[@corkforbrains]

They screwed up the crew takin the older tech outta the picture.. He was always adding in things that he picked up along the way and not only kept things interesting but, quite often you walked away having learned something. Most of what these two spit out is clearly scripted. Too bad, it used to be a pretty good blog.

[@Thelongmanable]

*_LS, LS, LS, LSX!!!!_*

[@danielgervais9960]

i dont understand my name is danny i need to know why are wrecking a great car if was my car i be really upset specialy taking the radio out i love music

[@rider_of_black3012]

now ls swap it?

[@jamesdiehl8690]

The cage goes in, adds more weight and you lose the 5 hp you gained. 😞😓😩

[@yeti.runner]

More important for chassis rigidity. Helps a lot in the turns

[@demon1954]

True that. Which would you prefer?

[@chrisbouchard4719]

Must not have learned much in the class, driving with just one hand on the wheel and one on the shifter🤦🏼‍♂️

[@craigpatterson5991]

Needs a kswap. What’s the point of those pointless so called mods to the exhaust and timing? Lame. Who cares about Miata spec club? Do something cooler. Y’all ain’t gonna use it anyways. So what’s the point ? Oh yall went racing one day? Wow. Hardcore bruh

[@blairbreland1443]

What a waste of air time.

[@ButteredToast_93]

Still cannot believe you guys turned an ek civic into a rally car 😂 what a joke

[@lycanwarlord]

Unfortunately carcass is the least appealing motor tend show.

[@bmxrider71]

I want to know the lap times before and after

[@El_Toxico_Cuhh]

@donutmedia 0:05

[@altonlyter2024]

This week on Carcass, we take something completely useable in everyday life and turn it into something niche and useless. Isn’t this their 100th race car? Enough already. It’s like they are completely running out of ideas.

[@rayvarnson8976]

For Powernation these guys are boring.