Have We Created The Ultimate Miata?

Mazda engineers could never have concieved an MX with a lower center of gravity or better front to rear weight distribution...but that's because they never thought of building one around an ancient Dodge Slant Six!
Can we prove once and for all it takes a Straight Liner Mopar guy to build an ultimate handling Japanese Sports car?
We think the odds are pretty snazzy.
#Slantswaptheworld #Slantsix #MazdaMX
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[@saxmusicmail]

Tony's attitude, "I'm going to do it. Everything else is just details."

[@curtscars6250]

Just when you thought you've seen it all uncle Tony comes out with a slant 6 miata. Well done sir!

[@tatialo37]

Can't wait to see it running!!!

[@svartskegg]

After this, the transverse 225 Fiero...

[@luvr381]

Can't wait to see you run her, makes me grin too. I'm still chuckling about the Fiero.

[@427_FE]

"Slantify the World" , there's your new Tshirt logo

[@genociderjill]

Inline Sixes for Life

[@brettspaulding5855]

I prefer "slanted life"

[@venge1894]

"On a long enough timeline, everything gets a Slant-6."

[@williamsanders468]

Slantification

[@stuffandjunkandthings364]

BUT- the logo MUST be printed at a 30 degree angle. Just sayin.

[@foquai7458]

still waiting to see the slant fiero, that would be a beast.

[@2lotusman851]

Never happen. I had a Formula with a V6. And that was a tight fit.

[@Whats-It-To-Ya]

I put a Cadillac Northstar in a Fiero years ago and it was tight. Real tight.

[@Whats-It-To-Ya]

@@frenchonion4595 I never got a chance to test drive it. I did it for a friend of mine who served in the Air Force with me. After I installed the motor and got it running, he took the car to a speed shop to have suspension work done and I had to move back home to Allentown, PA before the car was finished. I was living in Eugene Oregon when I installed the motor and trans and he still has the car, everything is the same except for new paint. I'll see if he'll send me a quick video of the car. It's painted intense blue, it's the color used on the 90's Dodge Neon R/T and it looks amazing. He says it's running mid 12's at the strip but I can't confirm that.

[@christiannelson7899]

I dunno, people are LS swapping them nowadays, I can't see a slant six competing with that. Weight to HP is pretty good on an LS. Now, creativity, simplicity aspect? Maybe. That's the beauty of this Miata project, like 4 wires needed to get it running. No computer anything. I like that aspect. Simple..

[@bbb462cid]

@@2lotusman851 they said the same thing about a little Sunbeam Alpine. Ken Miles did it in a week,

[@rickkephartactual7706]

I just found your channel tonight and love it. I can't work on cars any longer because my body is broken but your video's make me feel young again and brings back some great memories (also some memories of sweating, busting knuckles, and using choice words to get things to work).

[@lynnmaltese371]

I love how excited Tony gets when he's talking about this project. The other and more interesting thing is how he has taken extreme measures to make sure the engine is accessible for repairs in the future. An engineer would NEVER give something like that any thought. Full speed ahead Tony

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

Because they're designed to corporate greed specs and An engineer doesn't have to work on them .....

[@charlesprice7608]

Owe they think about it, the just don’t give a damn because they don’t have to work on them. They can tell you how long any repair should take before any car ever hits the showroom.

[@Gothamauto]

I guess all UT's years as a mechanic come into play when he reengineers his own project. He KNOWS he's going to be tweaking the hell out of this thing, so he's made everything easy access.

[@ScottKenny1978]

This is a race car/prototype, which means it's going to need a lot of work and tweaking before it rips.

[@entropy156]

So....small, rounded convertable sports car with a straight 6. What you have built, my friend, is a BMW Z3. However, since it is low tech and powered by a Mopar engine, it's better....

[@MouthfulOfZach]

As a Z3 owner, I wholeheartedly agree

[@kylethompson3218]

10:35 the way uncle tony says jackpot is literally pure priceless car enthusiasm.

[@scottb4023]

I have to say I am impressed with the miata. Im not a Mopar guy or a miata guy but the thought that has gone into this and the planning i love to watch stuff like this take shape. A big thumbs up from me for taking an idea and making it happen. Not to mention you are documenting it for us to watch. Keep on keeping on.

[@jamesblair9614]

I’m impressed, you’ve done an excellent job fitting the engine, and using the alternator bracket for an engine mount was a brilliant piece of repurposing.

[@animoetprudentia2865]

Agreed. That alternator bracket is structurally sound, and aligned well with the factory frame. The square tubing patch looks a bit light, but so is the car, so... I guess we'll see lol!

[@speakbigtruth9383]

Wow now that is incredible back yard engineering and design. I love it! Awesome 😎

[@joshjones3408]

There used to be a bunch of those slant sixs in what use to be pelaums junkyard in Woodbury TN...in two that where used in logging skider....

[@onehellofapunkrockshow6181]

Uncle Tony is my spirit animal.

[@michaelalexander1972]

I just had to comment again. . And it looks great LOL!!! I absolutely love it,I can't quit smiling every time I see it..peace out brother.

[@bretholland8452]

This has to be the most unique Miata engine swap ever, I hope the Miata community embraces your creativity with support. I own a 2017 Miata RF and I am new to the community and so far everyone has been great. This build needs big exposure in the Miata racing and tuning world for the fact that yes, because of the slants unique layout, this maybe one of the engine swaps that really actually makes sense.

[@needmetal3221]

Everytime I think the coast is clear here comes another utg video. Have to put my nap off for 12 minutes. That cylinder head will be an interesting arm rest

[@215rwg]

no question about it - coolest /6 miata ever.

[@jimc3688]

\6

[@gregblack3860]

That gm 6 that was in the trailblazer would power the Miata fine .

[@billloomis3907]

You got me smiling from ear to ear...would love to see this thing on a set of scales.

[@tedjones450]

You should design today's cars, the Engineers today have no concept of maintaining an auto at all, Your actually thinking ahead on ease of service, great job Uncle Tony.

[@knote4958]

Well that's unsurprising, new engineers today get their degrees without having to turn a wrench

[@nauthizzz]

Remember, new cars aren't built with serviceability as a goal. It's about meeting whatever performance and/or emission and/or design metrics are mandated while minimizing material costs and ease of initial assembly. When 99% of your customer base is getting work done by professional mechanics who aren't going to turn away a car because it's hard to work on, it's not worth the extra cost to build serviceability into the design beyond some broad guidelines based on perfect conditions (with said perfect conditions also being how the manufacturers calculate book time for warranty repairs).

[@gordross4726]

I love seeing the grin on Uncle Tony's face! This is such a cool build and very well thought out. Really enjoying this. Thanks

[@richardlincoln8438]

Not to disparage Plan Z or Bottle rocket but this is Your best/most interesting project yet. Well worth the price of admission (Patreon)... 👍💪 Best Wishes Kathy and Tony.

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Best project on KZbin!!!!

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I've always loved the first-generation Miata and I've always loved my A-body Mopars but I never thought I'd see my two loves come together. I drove a 69 Valiant slant 6 for years so I have a special place for the slant sixes

[@porkchop0316]

Excited to see what this little machine does keep it up we can tell you are excited with this one great to see and congratulations on the new place

[@85superchris]

There's more thought given to serviceability in this build than a modern car.

[@AlexanderDeVille]

By a long way! Have you tried to even change a headlight bulb on some modern euro models!

[@danielsimmons7397]

@@AlexanderDeVille just to change a headlight bulb on my Silverado it takes me at least half an hour 😂😂😂 it's anything modern not just imports.

[@westonstaufenberg7278]

@@AlexanderDeVille yeah on a 09 mk5 gti, you have to remove the front bumper and part of the wheel well liners. Then you gotta reach in the lamp, untwist the igniter out then untwist the locking ring then pull the bulb out (if they're HID bulbs) Changing spark plugs/and fluids is easy atleast. The worst part of german cars is that you need special tools and sockets. A lot of Torx bits and some Triple Squares. (Triple Squares are only in auto part stores but not all of sizes that you might need)

[@michaelalexander1972]

You know Tony when you first slant 6 in a Miata... I went ,WHAT WHY ?? . But brother I that's the coolest s*** I've ever seen

[@theartist8906]

Well done Tony!!! As a kid back in the 80s I built a 68 Midgette with a bugeye hood. We were able to stuff a German made Merc 2.8L V6 into it. We did the same cutout as you and got the motor behind the front wheels. The fun part was that we were able to bolt the stock Capri trani to a Mazda RX3 rearend, no driveshaft!!. We switched sides on the exhaust manifolds and had it coming off the front of the motor. We dumped them down and out behind the front wheels. Then added glass packs along the rockers turning out at the rear wheels like the old stingrays. Added a set of Chrysler shocks to the front while keeping the stock ones and a set of torsion bars in the back and BAM, we had a mini Cobra. It was the faster car I ever owned and handled like a go kart. You're going to have fun with that one!!! Never Surrender!!!!!!

[@xbgtfella]

"Jackpot, right" (with adjoining cheesy grin) golden tony, golden!!!

[@HarleyHawk1]

Wish I could show you my 2nd gen RX-7, I could show you the coilovers, and how the geometry is set up for the drift. Lateral g's are handled different than longitudinal. You've got a head for this Tony I'm sure you'll figure it out. Sounds like you already know a lot

[@ONEFUNFONE]

This build is nucking futz and I love it Tony! People under appreciate the inlines and as a ford 300 guy keep these slant projects coming! Always been an engine I wanted to play with- haven't had the opportunity yet.

[@romannumeral5547]

I just love what you did. This is ingenuity and creativity at a high level. You're a man that definitely isn't afraid of a challenge. That thing is going to be a monster on the road course.

[@nv1493]

You're right Tony, we're now just like 1960's Cuba....

[@bravoA-su8xm]

heading to the great utopia of socialism North Korea

[@shawnbottom4769]

You're both delusional if you think this is remotely like Cuba or North Korea. For one thing lumber prices have jack to do with inflation like Tony supposed. Get a grip.

[@dakotadragoon8404]

COVID hits, people stop working. Gov prints money to “give” to people and provide unemployment. Gov says you can’t work to keep safe, supply of resources halts and has to catch up once given the all clear to get back to work. I’d say they come from the same roots.

[@retro440]

@@shawnbottom4769 Wake up, snowflake, and smell the coffee. Come out of mom's basement and see the real world. It's not pretty.

[@chrisheitzmann9279]

@@shawnbottom4769 your Biden is showing

[@stevegibbs9695]

Looks Great bro I can't wait to see n hear it run !!! Keep up the Good work!!!!

[@reno145]

Like you said about another build, "It is either going to run fast, or immediately blow up. Either way, something spectacular is about to happen."

[@zx1200]

Great job fitting that engine in there! Seeing is believing!

[@aprules2]

Tony Can you show us how to set the pinion angle when you do it?

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Front angle same as rear angle, but in opposite direction...

[@jrea424]

Can't wait to see what this thing will do! What's your plans on paint? Ratty looks are okay but it would do it so much justice to put some shine on that beauty

[@richardbrickner1688]

Needs to paint out the engine compartment.. make it look clean like Plan Z.

[@ScottKenny1978]

I'm hoping he goes for Plum Crazy purple. It's fit with both the Miata (colorful) and Mopar.

[@harryparentii9634]

Uncle Tony is a real deal hot rodder. I love his way of thinking and how he does stuff

[@purestress2597]

Now it just needs more holes. "Nothing is lighter than a hole."

[@zairomolino4074]

What about and hole with an hole within

[@howardwilliams8993]

@@zairomolino4074 That's just a bigger hole

[@purestress2597]

Perhaps a hole with vacuum.

[@kramnull8962]

@@purestress2597 That would suck.

[@kramnull8962]

What you want is a superior hole. A hole that creates pressure. A hole that pressures all the other holes to become better holes than they are and want to succeed to become as one and work as one big hole... Swiss cheese comes to mind. You always have one big hole that tastes really good, but all the other smaller holes try really hard and know they can taste just as good if not better...

[@413x398]

The Ultimate Miata is, and has been, the 5.0 Ford-powered Monster Miata. Lots still out there. Slant is a snoozer.

[@erin1516]

The Miata is looking good. I can't wait to see the finished results.

[@MrGomjabber]

I just love straight 6's, so glad you are doing this. Grew up driving AMC's with straight 6s.

[@matt59736]

I never had any use for those things and I cannot stand new cars but Uncle Tony is building something that would love to own!! Cannot wait to see that thing running in the shop.

[@davidthehillbilly7995]

Thanks Uncle Tony. Now that I know what to do with the slant I've been playing with, I can get on with V8ifying my neglected Ranger....

[@werewally3156]

I remember reading hotrod rags back in the day and some featured car articles were headed "dare to be different" and just silly slogans like that, but these days im starting to see why. UT wants to put a slant in a miata and people are like "why? Why do that?" Well why not? I mean life is short yo, what's it gonna hurt? I mean, not every one has to think like you or agree with you, you know? Why not let people do wacky shit and just enjoy the show?

[@dagero10]

You really got to love a slant 6 to do a project around it lol

[@JamesSterling]

When you said you were putting a slant six in a Miata I thought you were crazy. Now, not so crazy. The installation is pretty neat. This will be interesting to see how it drives when finished.

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

You NEED to stiffen that firewall back up with a crossmember over the motor

[@scotthorn5792]

Back out a few episodes....its stout. TRUST THE WAY OF THE GEARHEAD MONK

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

@@scotthorn5792 yeah..., But no. He's chopped out to much of the fire wall it's lost all parralel stiffness when it goes into a corner under power the firewall is gonna turn into a parallelogram. Remember he is all about going straight he even said so. There is no strength left in that fire wall to keep the body straight. A crossmember will at least give a fighting chance to keep its shape.

[@bigbaderek1978]

@@patrickradcliffe3837 the engine is that support your talking about..it's hard mounted

[@scotthorn5792]

@@patrickradcliffe3837 yeah,but no.

[@lb9gta307]

@@patrickradcliffe3837 yes, he cut the firewall but what he cut he replaced with a steel box that he also tied to the dash bar. He basicly just gusseted the firewall doing that.

[@ronnelson7828]

As a Mopar owner once told me, "It handles great when it's going straight!"

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I heard that Kawasaki's were always like the mopars of the bike world. Tons of power , not such good handling. And I heard the reason for that was they had their development track at an airport or something. So, not many corners. Let's see how fast we can make it go from point a to b 😁

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

We'll see....I think it might surprise the skeptics.

[@01trsmar]

Mopar's actually out handled Ford&GM vehicles into the late 1970's/until the b bodes went away,but the M bodies handled better than the GM/Ford fullsize cars,even the fwd Daytona could out turn a Camaro or Mustang into the early 1990's..... Then with the Viper they blew everyone away even exotic imports.. Today the Charger/Challenger get flack but look at the times they pulled at Nürburgring,they handle better than most performance cars,and cars specifically made for handling!

[@01trsmar]

@@MrTheHillfolk ..Mopars handle better than GM/Ford products..the boat feel is from Ford/GM hit a bump bounce..bounce.. take a turn you have huge body lean..Mopars with torsion bars are ten times better than GM/Ford in handling..an old article from Car&Driver said the Dodge went around the canyon roads at 20 mph faster and at that point the Chevy and Ford would be off the road down in the canyon..

[@01trsmar]

Reason I liked Mopar's they handle really good(class leading) and have class leading performance!

[@jamesmcdonald2680]

Talk to Keith at Flyin' Miata about your suspension questions.

[@sterlingwilkey2124]

Uncle Tony that kicks ass a leaning tower of power in a little ass car.

[@87speedshop27]

That thing is awesome, gonna be a lot of fun!

[@Canadiancarguy1987]

That car looks like it could be extremely well balanced!! it would be interesting to see how nimble it is!

[@modelnutty6503]

exactly. with right suspension parts, tires+brakes this beast might be very surprising. its gained about 900cc's vs what it came with, rear end ratio may be a bit low is just going to make it snappier accelerating.. it might even do a quick 1/8 mile.

[@robertkoontz7865]

Wow Tony you really slammed that slant 6 back & down in there. Can't wait to see it on the track.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

With the designs in my head and your practicality, we could build an awesome car that would look and drive good, and be easy to work on.

[@Highspeedoffset1]

Amazing and creative! Those oddball engine swaps are awesome!!

[@dougdority5589]

This thing hits the sweet spot. I had a Miata for 440,000 miles from new, and the first cars I ever drove were slant 6 dodge darts, a 67 and a 71. Show the interior, in the previous video it looked like the dash and fascia was going to perfectly cover the bigger doghouse. Tony should keep the Miata instrument cluster because it is tach and Speedo and water temp, so not worth the effort to replace it with something else. Cannot wait for the next vid.

[@castleaether1965]

8:18 Tony, wouldn't those welds eventually form stress cracks in the metal? Wouldn't you want to use mountings with rubber bushings like modern cars so that the engine has some clearance to move when its torquing?

[@mvb819]

When he revs the engine it will lift the front left wheel off the ground

[@castleaether1965]

@@mvb819 You know how Vin Diesel does a wheelie, right? He pulls on the steering wheel.

[@NoMissOutdoors]

Even if its not the most ultimate, it will definitely be the fricken coolest by far!

[@Fredsgarage]

You will have to take it to a SCCA event. The Miata-mob is going to scream. Then Show them a good time in the slaloms!

[@McChuckD]

Pop up and down headlights! This thing is going to rip! Can’t wait to see it in action! 🤘🏼🔧

[@josephfleeman]

Im looking forward to seeing the finished product

[@ryanrohauer5940]

the ultimate miata no. a very unique, well thought out miata yes

[@Denver1976Man]

I love it. I can't help but smile and laugh. Watching progress. Great Video!

[@AtZero138]

Build Anything Race Everything!!

[@johngage9791]

Wow. You're going to have a lot of fun with that thing. Once everything is sorted out you are going to be spending less time going in a straight line. Maybe a trip to the Goodwood hill climb? That would be a hoot.

[@crazycoffee]

Hey Uncle Tony. Have you had the thought of a turbo or supercharger way in the future of the Slant Miata?

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

YES...a turbo equalizer

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

While the solid mounts across the sub frames for sure will strengthen it! You may still want the strut tower brace due to the leverage applied to that upper strut mount area under heavy loads🤔 Love the project and your thought process Tony this thing is going to be so cool! Cheers!

[@ik2476]

Big smiles on Tony’s face lol!

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

KUDOS Tony....Rule of thumb came to mind when yours displayed the clearance between fire wall and throttle... I'd give You a Rule of thumb PhD. It is going to be a blast just watching your creation operate😁😁😁

[@dodge4x418]

If for no other reason than to watch all the Mazda purest have kittens I love it!

[@mikewest5529]

This gets me excited!! Can’t wait to see her rip!! I always wish Ford had done a turbo slant rather than the v6 tt.

[@Towing417]

From an ex miata owner...I'd spend the coin on the strut tower brace. Or make one. You'll be glad you did.

[@TheGforcead]

You are gonna be glad you brought it foward some, you want the front tires to have weight to turn the car, you get push (Nascar term for front plowing and tires not biting, not going around the curve) I can't wait to watch you cut a driveshaft! Most folks are scared to death about cutting and welding a driveshaft. I have cut and welded many, I put dodge motors in chevys, Small block dodge motors where big blocks were. One of the best cars I ever had was a "76 Chrysler Cordobla with a 318 2bbl, it run 150mph with a Rochester 2 jet off a 307 chevy. Top end on that thing wass unlimited! It had 120mph on the speedometer, I had the Needle all the way around to "R" in the P-R-N-D-2-1, had it to "D" twice! Ladies loved that car!

[@roadrunner4404]

Lovin it. But I'm 6ft 2 n 290lbs. I did drive one once but almost looked over to of windshield

[@ScottKenny1978]

Same problem I had.

[@jpaulkepler4638]

Dry sump oil system? Oil tank in the trunk ? Just thinking out loud.

[@bcbloc02]

You got that thing shoe horned in there a lot better than I thought you would!

[@stevesedio1656]

You don't want the center of gravity as low as possible. Here is a good forum dedicated to suspension and braking on the NA/NB Miata. N A/NB Suspension/Handling/Brakes mods - MX-5 Miata Forum As far as front to rear weight, the Miata is almost 50/50, ideal for canyon carving. An LS engine swap only modifies that a little.

[@colbyshirley]

You want to keep the weight as much in the center of the car from front to back and from side to side as possible for auto cross and twistys instead of farther back like it drag racing so maybe that will help and what you did with this car is AWSOME big fan of the channel been watching you for a while and will keep doing so. thanks for teaching us younger guys the older ways.

[@BigT27295]

That is awesome as hell Uncle Tony... Cant wait..

[@deanrobert8674]

This is a true 1of1 build Tony, going to need some 305's for the tourk 👍

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Evil genius at work!

[@trevnerdhubbabubba6230]

Love the new shop! Keep the info vids coming !

[@willadams5758]

I am such a fan of your work. I'm a Doritohead but I do love the old mopar stuff. This is amazing. Also love your carb explanation vids (for real, my old Mazda still rockin' the nikki carb that came on the 12a, i'm never gonna FI her)

[@zelenskysboot361]

F'er has become my favorite channel. Put a slant in a a semi! Gear teaching😁

[@Bikerbob59]

That is a sweet looking rig.

[@chrismarshall4702]

I'm looking forward to seeing the Slantata on the track!

[@enigmasvids9615]

Hi Tony, you may have created a hot air dam at the rear of the engine. Similarly this happened to a fellow classic car enthusiast after shoe horning a V6 in place of the small 4 banger in his car. The fix was to vent the rear cavity so the super heated air could exit the engine bay.

[@duranbailiff5337]

Absolutely Freaking Awesome Unca Tony! You are on the right track...🤓🤗😎

[@MyLonewolf25]

Please run an accumulator on this to help deal with oil starvation

[@johnbreadsell1401]

Great fun Tony more "Power" to you

[@paulhammonds2932]

I'm not really a mopar or Mazda fan but man anyone who likes vehicles .has to say this is hella cool.

[@2lotusman851]

Some guy tried 4 snowmobile motors (4wd) and entered it in the Can Am car series back in the sixties. It didnt qualify. My room mate had a 440cc Suzuki Arctic Spirit snowmobile engine and drive train, tube framed car for auto-x and it worked very well.

[@rafipr6165]

I can't wait to see it finish! Great built! 👍

[@oldschoolmotorsickle]

Unique, if not Ultimate Miata! I like it, it needs a T5 or stock Miata transmission behind the 170 six. Handling WILL be great, no doubt there. Tony, you are going to love that car at the auto cross. It might even disrupt your straight line driving mindset!

[@scottbatey3130]

Mount the windage tray from a 340 on to the bottom of the slant six and it cures most of your oil starvation problems. Yes It bolts up I have one on mine

[@01trsmar]

Cant wait to see this thing hit the road! How many hours do you have in this Miata,inquiring minds want to know!

[@tannerthalman4261]

Been waiting for my whole front suspension to ship for over a week now. Super frustrating waiting to order a ton a brake stuff but don't want to order anything until I know my last shit shipped. It's ridiculous

[@joekurtz8303]

One of the slickest shifting 5 speed gearbox is in the stock Miata. The feel & short throw . Anxiously waitng

[@Thugl1f]

You have created the perfect car for the 24 hours of lemons race. It is a fun race for low cost race cars.