Review: V8 Mazda MX-5 Miata! - The Modern Shelby Cobra

[@sarasotasupersportperformance]

First things first... Big shout out to **DriveOn Auto Spa & Coatings** in Hershey, PA. They are a veteran-owned business, and on very short notice got all the road grime from the transport up to PA off the car so it would be nice and clean the morning this video was shot. If you are in the area and need a detail, they are great people. As for weight balance and curb weight... The curb weight is actually 2790ish....2990 with a 200lb driver in the car. Weight distribution is basically 50/50...it is between 50/50 and 51/49. Soft tops will have slightly more front bias...you'll never know if no one told you though. Believe it or not, the Falken Azenis RT660 is a serious tire and you have to really try hard to break them loose in a straight line when rolling into the throttle. The mechanical grip far exceeds expectations as those tires simply stick and Mazda knows how to design a suspension to really work. The rear end squirm is the LSD doing its thing and gathering the car up as it puts power down. It all works insanely beautifully....in case Matt's facial expressions didn't make that abundantly clear :) Any further questions, feel free to contact via the website.

[@justinv4036]

One of the most exciting, desirable cars that I've seen in a long long time. I'm so happy that there are still heros raging against the fading of the light and keeping dreams like this alive in the world today. How does insurance work? For those that can afford to pay cash and not miss $75k , paying Miata rates for this monster would be a huge plus... but for those of us peasants that would have to save pennies for years, is there an easy way to get actual insurance coverage on the cost of the kit?

[@b-1edward293]

Hershey! Close to my home town. Nice!

[@bob-g3e3x]

Amazing drivers car, well done

[@TheNaqoyqatZ]

What's used for the LSD? Sure it's not the puny stock rear-end? (I guess I missed it in the video, but saw it mentioned in comments it's a 3.91 from a ZL1.)

[@calebroberts2179]

@@justinv4036 insurance would still be based on the horsepower partially, for sure higher rates

[@magna347]

matt i am 61 years old and battling cancer but i now own a 2017 wrx with only 30 thousand miles its my only car and my daily driver i love it will be the last car i own its a hoot thank you you if followed you from the begining keep it up

[@finished6267]

Keep fighting, brother. Let's see you enjoying that car for many seasons

[@ryanclough8439]

you and that wrx are gonna steamroll cancer man enjoy the drives

[@krasnaludek298]

Kick cancer’s ass 💪🏻 stay mentally strong & surround yourself with only positive influences.

[@cameronc1254]

Keep doing what you love, finish the drive with no worries

[@sierrachief117]

Put down the vape no seriously though wishing you the best

[@moneycarsguns9837]

I love how the whole time he is driving he is smiling or trying not to just bust out in a cheerful laugh from the excitement.

[@chefgiovanni]

Yes, cool car and great build. The kid driving sounds like a 6th grader. 🤣

[@eleanormassaro5195]

That’s a signature Matt Moran-style there!😁

[@call_me_lazarus]

on the dot... you feel his excitement and enjoyment, love it

[@someyoungguyjohnson7239]

This guy would smile at a morgue

[@AT-fi9dj]

Anyone would smile in a high powered Miata. Haters gonna hate

[@agaad22]

$75k+donor car is absolutely insane 💀

[@lclnbm]

Ikr

[@troymyers5181]

180 hours x $100 per hour is 18k, the guys who built this know their stuff so double that- 36k in labor alone. New crate motor- guessing 8k with cam upgrade minimum, 5k for transmission, they didn't mention the rear axle but it sure not stock - another 4k maybe, wheels and tires probably 3k- that's 20k conservative estimate not including new gauge cluster, ecu, exhaust, driveshaft, Brembo brakes ect. 75k for all of that is priced pretty fair.

[@pawg206]

@@troymyers5181all that to be slower then a built Honda for that money and wouldn’t even handle correctly on the track. It’s money spent to be different and that’s it. Someone has money to blow, at the end of the day I still like it!

[@MrRaitzi]

​@@troymyers5181company supposedly makes swap kit. Can't really understand point of a kit if it takes so much time and money.

[@gky3019]

It used to be 50k at flying miata, but that was also 8 years ago. You get yourself awesome performance for less than 100k. Of course the refinement isn’t there, but this build isn’t for everyone.

[@bronsongraff]

It isn't often you watch a youtube video that you really FEEL the visceral intensity of a driving experience. The expression on your face, matched with the roar of the car.. says everything. What fun.

[@mattr8904]

Everybody is excited over the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N & I'm over here like: PUT A V8 IN A MIATA!!!

[@RogueBeatsARG]

Who is exited for a Ioniq 5??

[@BN99239]

@@RogueBeatsARG For the 5 N, a lot of people actually. Hyundai did some unique stuff with that car.

[@odinikita4821]

I am not excited over any ionic 5n Hyundai electric cars are boring and Soulless sure my microwave heats up meat faster than my barbecue but I prefer barbecue

[@shadowninja569]

I saw a Hyundai Genesis coupe on the road yesterday and was like "Oh yea... This car exists. Imagine if made a N version of this instead."

[@smaniz]

Excited over the Hyundai Ioniq?! Yeah, sure ... ... all the people who don't care about cars at all.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

As an ND2 owner, it’s so weird to hear a V8 rumble from a “cute” Miata. Great review.

[@strategic_1223]

Makes me wanna do this to my nd2 lol

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Jorge!

[@Mavert83]

I have mix feelings here. Searching………….😂

[@Admiral-Dolphin]

This „cute miot fraction“ is the worst about the MX5 Community.

[@michaelbeaudo6761]

I work at one of the highest traffic gas stations in my area. a guy comes through every now and again in an NC Miata and one day I asked him about it because it wasnt too loud but it didnt sound like a 4 banger at all (it also had giant brakes for a miata and several hood vents). He told me that car originally was the r&d chassis for this same v8 swap program and that he bought it directly from flyin miata i believe. He tracks the thing and it looks like a beast he said it actually had to be rebuilt much stronger because it had too much power and some of the components couldnt take the torque leading to him spinning out on the track when they failed. I think he said they ended up replacing the original LS with a newer one as well. Super cool guy and amazing car glad I asked him about it.

[@thetruckingcarguy]

Loving the sleeper look, if that drove by, you wouldn't guess the v8 noise came from a Miata

[@DarkMatter1992]

There is an Australia company, Bullet Performance, that was doing this in the 1990s and 2000s, they used a 4.0 V8 from Toyota, and some of them were supercharged.

[@_Erogaki]

I bet those are much more complicated space wise. Those yota v8s are huge as hell.

[@DarkMatter1992]

@@_Erogaki Yeah, they had to re-engineer the front, they even gave it a single piece clamshell like a Dodge Viper, different headlights too (from Chrysler Neon). Numerous other upgrades were also done.

[@billywild5440]

At least they stuck with quality Japanese engines.

[@GooglePixelGoogle]

Monster Miata was doing this in the early 90's with 5.0 Ford V8s with T-5 transmissions. They are still around and they sell the old 5.0 conversions as well as LS conversions.

[@mitchell5064]

@@billywild5440ls is surprisingly reliable for how they’re put together out of the factory

[@integrafreak1]

YES!!! I’ve beeen waiting for this style of review again. Brings me back to the old days lol

[@strategic_1223]

Yea man I agree, as I read your comment I was like dang I’ve been watching this dude since 2013 I think. Subaruwrxfan lol. Love the old school reviews

[@thebackroomstockboy7336]

@@strategic_1223 hahaha I almost forgot that he used to be subaruwrxfan! Damn, it’s been a minute for sure haha

[@fv1291]

Not smog legal.

[@84imreplica]

Many years ago I owned a 1990 Monster Miata. It had a slightly warmed over 5.0 litre Mustang motor and Mustang 5 speed gear box. At the time I thought my V8 powered Miata was very quick, but it was not even in the same universe when compared to the V8 Miata you're test driving.

[@ElsinoreRacer]

But at least at that time it was an original idea. My 1st thought seeing this video, "This was new 35 years ago."

[@84imreplica]

@@Gruuvin1 So what what?

[@Gruuvin1]

@@ElsinoreRacer so what?

[@Gruuvin1]

@@84imreplica sorry, my response was for ElsinoreRacer. I fixed it.

[@ElsinoreRacer]

@@84imreplica It was made to sound like putting a V-8 in a Miata (and thinking, "Cobra-ish) was a new thing. The guy above kinda makes that point, and I underline it. Not too hard to decipher, Karen.

[@TheMGChannel]

Dropping bangers only this week! I drove a V8 NB Miata about two years ago making 401 RWHP and it was Wild to drive. Great review bro, you got to do more of this enthusiasts car reviews, not only great for your channel but they get your best reactions and we see your passion.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it! A V8 NB sounds even crazier haha. I’m hoping to work in more privately owned cars this year for sure but my passion is helping car shoppers find a new or used car they’ll love.

[@NickNackPattysWack]

I met the owner in Tennessee on his way back from this review, and this thing sits just right. The camera doesn't do it justice. Very nice and knowable guy and a really cool car.

[@MakingItHappenMWC]

This is your lane dude. Review these type cars and get bak to reviewing client builds. The new cars are already done to boredom.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

These are definitely fun and I’m gonna try to work in more personal cars, but my passion is to provide car buying advice on the new and used stuff.

[@MakingItHappenMWC]

@@MattMaranMotoring I hear ya. A good mix.

[@gigatron2008]

This. New cars are boring as hell.

[@jerryp2433]

I also like it when he reviews old cars.

[@MrBernaln2]

@MakingItHappenMWC is on to something. Maybe a special episode series?

[@bobbykhan5787]

It’s been a long time since you’ve been able to review something that “roars to life” and was so exciting. Thanks for reviewing these non-oem and older cars so we can enjoy as well. Needless to say the new car market is not offering much excitement anymore

[@phucm1282]

Love it!!! I miss these kind of modified car reviews. Do more of it Matt!!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I’m glad you liked it! I’m gonna try to work more in this year.

[@Isai_Calderon]

We got a V8 Miata before GTA 6

[@Sideways_Singh]

V8 miatas existed since they were created in 1989 lol. Flyin miata even had a v8 for this generation chassis since 2016

[@ItzzzBeamo]

We’ve had V8 Miatas since we’ve had like… the Miata.

[@AJ88874]

@@Sideways_Singhhe literally mentions Flyin Miata at the start lol did u not see the vid?

[@sesh3508]

Someone really wanted top comment

[@Snakeplisskin440]

Checkout Tom's Turbo Garage V8 Miata.

[@RenLacerda]

The sound of it... SOOOO nice and smooth. with all the driver feeling of a Miata, must be a dream!

[@ryanlu.500]

Hi Matt. I really enjoyed your past two videos. Less routines than usual. Really give me the old subaruwrxfan vibe. Keep the good work coming!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I’m glad you liked them! I’ll be doing lots more performance cars these next few months!

[@ivanredinger969]

You're a real OG, nice.... Hope he stays old school and continues to say "Lets pull on this back road and see how she does."

[@ryanlu.500]

@@ivanredinger969haha yea. Been a subscriber since the old BRZ days. I think one of my favourite reviews was the red F type. I cannot believe that’s almost 10 years ago. Time flies!

[@iKoNiiCk]

I’m

[@enkay3791]

As the owner of an NA Miata and an LS(x) E30, I approve! Love to see this legacy continued by SSS!

[@lilrockstarrs]

This is my all time favorite type of car reviews. Matt + fun personal cars as always love the content Matt!!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Blaze!

[@anydaynow01]

Hopefully he does more!

[@VirgiliusRomanus]

I have not looked at v8 miatas since 2012 , OMG what a growth. Incredible

[@youdidntbuildthat47]

I’d luv to take this monster to a Mazda dealer and prank them with an oil change request.

[@lmcg0710]

they’d know something was up the second it rolled into the service center before you even had the keys over

[@HarryPetropoulos]

Matt… this is my first video that I’ve seen of you… and I have to say. Just in this one video, I have come to say that you are on of the best car reviewers I’ve seen these days. Some people follow the same formula and maybe you do to, but your pacing and non abrasive/interesting talking points/passion has made this a very enjoyable video. Looking forward to watching more.

[@sxlx]

Now THIS is the answer!

[@payrocoin]

That part of Pennsylvania is absolutely beautiful. I loved the scenery and how nicely spaced the houses were.

[@Scientist_Salarian]

I was just thinking the same thing. Beautiful.

[@Saltinator]

Outside of blue cities, PA is quite beautiful.

[@im_an_alvani]

Man this is an ND built right. Love the 6UL wheels and what looks to be a much girthier steering wheel. I can't even imagine how nuts this would be on the track. Center exit exhaust is the chef's kiss.

[@mikes9939]

I owned a '93 Mazda RX-7 with an LS 2 and T 56 six speed swap done by Hinson Motorsports in Birmingham, Al. It weighed about 2850 lbs and everything worked including the A/C using the GM compressor, power steering using the GM pump and all the gauges were working correctly and accurately. It used the stock brakes and they worked beautifully. The car had the original 4.10 rear differential and I had replaced all the rubber bushings to help eliminate wheel hop. I was always concerned about the original rear end and did not do any hard clutch drop starts, but once rolling it was fair game. The stock tune was used in the factory GM computer and the car was so smooth and tractable, a real pleasure to drive. However once you got into it then it was a real terror. I used to snooker late model Corvettes into a little street fun and they were always shocked when I made them feel bad. I can totally appreciate how this car runs with even more power than mine had. Also the cornering is not affected at all and that's the best part. The LS is just what these cars needed all along and this one is no different. The great handling remains like the original but it's a way better car than the original engine in either case. It's a great ride.

[@876jesseJAMES]

I would have thought with the weight difference at the front the cornering would have been affected

[@mikes9939]

@@876jesseJAMES An LS engine like the LS 2 was only about 430 lbs. Really low for a real V 8. The 2 turbos and all the associated plumbing plus rotary engine was about the same therefore no front spring change was needed. Amazing! The increase in torque is the most impressive thing, the car just moves effortlessly. You have to drive it to appreciate how important power to weight ratios are. This will make a believer out of anyone that thinks that a little more weight isn't important. That's just a nonsense thought. I could simply ease the clutch out without adding any gas and the car would just move on with the engine at idle and then could take my foot off the clutch and add throttle. This was with the factory GM tune, very nice to drive. I would post a picture if I knew how, very cool car.

[@markmartin7384]

​@@mikes9939 LS in an Fd rx7 sounds perfect! Way better than in a miata because you have a much more capable chassis with room for more tire

[@extraordinarywolf320]

A V8 RX-7 is a crime!!!!

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Tell you what, this car really brought out the nostalgic Matt. I remember when he was SubaruWRXFan and I started following his stuff back when he bought a brz. So much time has passed yet this channel remains one of my favs. Love seeing him this happy driving a car again.

[@azraairye3027]

Its fun to see a man seems like a child got a dream toy. Respect for the tuners who meticulously chose all the right components n being so humble in producing the most optimum, yet the best at a Miata can be. Its not about maximizing evrythng or making a flashy car, but humbly picking n bringing out the best that a driver cn experience. Luv n respect for the tuners team.

[@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

I really enjoyed this video and loved the acceleration reactions! I wish I could see you take this on track! 😃🏁

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Me too! Maybe one day!

[@stonefootedcarspotting6463]

Good job James and Sophie! I just pulled the engine and trans out of a Malibu for my first time doing it, and did a transmission rebuild on it. No experience but we just went for it, and it’s working out well so far!

[@-Munditimum-]

Awesome. I could just feel how authentic everything you were saying was Matt. Would love to see you drive some V8 Solstices. There are some wild ones around. Cheers and thank you for the continued upload of amazing content. M

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it! I didn’t know there were V8 swapped Soltices, if someone offers one I’d definitely be up for that!

[@karimtafer9570]

Forget space programe and all the things. This is what we need tu understand humanity. This is the best programe ever. Thanks

[@patrickcallaway2614]

We’ve built 2 of these - LS2 NA and a LS3 495hp NC PFHT. Great handling and more car than driver when in my hands. :o

[@dolphcrane6420]

Your face driving this when using the power is so fun. I had a 71 Challenger with a 68 440 that ran high 11s. I know the joy of the power.

[@RBMMediaa]

Guys we need to get this to half a million!!!! I’ve re-watched this vid several times! Let’s keep pushing it for Matt!!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I appreciate it! At the current rate it should hit 500k tonight!

[@briansmobile1]

That looks fun sharp and done right!

[@briansmobile1]

Dude, just had to re-subscribe. YT... why?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah I hear that a lot sadly, thanks Brian! Hope you're doing well!

[@RBMMediaa]

Honestly one of the best videos done by you, Matt! One of a kind car makes it all that much better.

[@onecarlowes]

Matt is literally smiling the entire video 😊

[@yeanwang3594]

mazda god up there, please put the new inline 6 in the next gen miata.

[@androiduberalles]

I'm betting it's too long

[@erictate8986]

@yeanwang3594 this is a great swap ,with a LS small block Chevy V8 engine under the hood of this Mazda Miata !!! Just imagine if Mazda, itself develop it's own V8 engine and Stuff it in it's rear wheel drive Miata, now that would be cool 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪💪💪👍👍👍👍👍

[@glasseyes5844]

I'd prefer if they brought back a 2 or even 3 rotor rx-7 😢, the miata should remain as it is. Maybe a 2.5 l 4 inline at most.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@glasseyes5844 Too many issues with the rotary...check why RX8's are so cheap in the market. And yes, I owned an RX and I miss it.

[@cwx8]

I didn't know LS3s could create power and torque curves like that. WOW. just wow.

[@kennedyracing7527]

Best review you have ever done!! I want one

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@donnieallums4847]

I drive a 93 Miata. I found a 91 that had been sitting under an oak tree for three years.. as you know the drain ports were stopped up and the inside has been wet. It is a white automatic . The car is completely covered in green mold. I went and winched it up on a trailer today, so this is gonna be my project probably for the next year. Wish me luck.! ☮️❤️

[@petermad7476]

Good Luck mate

[@michaelangelo5783]

Strip it and do a V8 manual swap. Or even a V6 manual swap would be nice, think the is350 306hp 3.5 with the is250 manual 6spd.

[@donnieallums4847]

@@michaelangelo5783 thanks for the reply . I am going to keep it an all matching numbers car for a future collector . It will only go up in value . 10 years from now my prediction is 15-to 20 thousand for a really nice all original Miata .

[@張雲程]

V8 is always the answer😎

[@robsolf]

A custom shop made a miata with a ford 5.0 back in the 90's. I love that this is an LS, though. Any high performance shop in town would probably be able to work on it.

[@GooglePixelGoogle]

That would have been Monster Miata, they are still around, and they still make kits for the older Miatas

[@themightyshogun]

My new dream car. Amazing job Matt.

[@call_me_lazarus]

6:40 .... gotta love it, man this car must be a blast to drive

[@Nicer_Ricer_JDM]

The car community thanks you, actually original car content 💯

[@iaahner]

I owned an ND, and had an LS3 on an engine stand, with this dream in mind. I ultimately built a vette instead because I was too lazy to see this project through. End result has similar performance, but the V8 miata is just so much more special. I love this build.

[@vincentcalicchia1987]

I have a 2022 Camaro SS 1LE, for less than $50k, best car bang for your buck. It has the engine of this Miata, and an absolute amazing 6 speed transmission. Nothing compares on road or track.

[@jasonshort43]

2022 Camaro is the LT1. This is an LS3.

[@IReahpZz]

@@kresnik_ssmore like 800-900lbs more .

[@Element_y]

"Nothing" compares on road or track? That doesn't sound right to me

[@IReahpZz]

@@Element_y for the money new I’m sure he’s prefacing .

[@Element_y]

@@IReahpZz fair enough. If we're specifically talking 'new' only

[@ryanrobertson3508]

used C6 grand sport corvette...add edelbrock supercharger, weight reduction, and you are done for half of that miata and none of the headaches.

[@huntersmith8338]

But you're still stuck with a soulless corvette

[@cmoney360CS]

It’s funny from every review of the edelbrock g force supercharger for those I’ve heard they are one of the biggest headaches out there.

[@jimmyforall]

Nice review Matt. I've been watching your videos since 10 years ago back when I was in PA. I really enjoy your work.

[@robsolf]

I'm sure the purists hate this, but I love it. This is like an attainable Eagle Speedster.

[@MeatMissle]

First time watcher, this was the most fun car review I've ever watched. You lucky man

[@mikethebeginner]

Why did Flyin’ Miata stop doing V8 conversions??

[@SuperMacGuy]

Legality and EPA I believe.

[@psyberiusblack]

…and cost. They just weren’t making money tying up the shop doing the builds.

[@mikethebeginner]

What do you mean tying up the shop? What else does the shop do? I thought all they did was do V8 conversions and sell parts.

[@markmiller6751]

​@@mikethebeginner Lots of parts.

[@alorrick7546]

LOVE my LSx powered Porsche 944s which has been my most favorite car to drive. best it is carb legal, and more so excited to be working on and building my mazda miata 2018 LSx swapped car. Which wife and I both cannot wait!

[@RBMMediaa]

That was awesome! Love the exhaust in the center

[@mikeyerke3920]

I thought that was cool too, but four exits like a Corvette would blow minds! 👍🏻

[@Fortress500]

Haha man you’ve been so consistent for SO long. You honestly deserve KZbin Automotive Hall of Fame for a specific automotive niche.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha thanks man! Yeah it's been 12 years of reviews on here now.

[@ninchalla_creates]

Would like to see more project cars on here. Good review

[@roberthaviar8243]

It is very hard to match well done LS3 swap in the light chuckable car. The sound of that LS3 with that exhaust package is a beautiful music!

[@Digiphex]

The Miata is criminally underpowered so that is why this is so cool.

[@Michael-li3id]

it's faster IRL than on paper. nd2 does 0-60 in 5.7s and that's with needing to shift to 3rd gear. If 2nd gear hit 60 it'd be in the 5.0s range which is quicker than most V8 cars from 15-20 yrs ago. From a red light I took a 97 mustang gt w/ the 4.6 in it.

[@Digiphex]

@@Michael-li3id So you make the car super lightweight and small and then erase that advantage by using a weak motor so it turns in Honda Accord V6 times? No way. I would put a turbo 4 in it.

[@Michael-li3id]

@@Digiphex as an ND2 owner the engine isnt weak, it's appropriate. Could it use more power? Sure, in 10% of situations I wouldn't mind more power. Other 90% of the time it's adequate or more than adequate. the nd2 redline is 7,500 RPM. Adding a turbo would knock the redline down to 6,500, and only allow for about 3k rpm of torque. The literal purpose of roadsters is having a free-revving engine with a high redline. adding a turbo to a roadster is like asking to remove the bed from a pickup. Their purpose is to haul stuff.

[@Digiphex]

@@Michael-li3id There is no roadster organization regulating the "purpose of roadsters." And thank god, because then we wouldn't have the 382 HP Z4 roadster, 3.8 to 60.

[@Michael-li3id]

@@Digiphex Z4 is a great car, except they didn't come in manual until this year I almost bought an 02 m roadster for $32k, which is what my new Miata cost.

[@XiseTK]

We just tuned one at our shop, NA miata with a LS3, wild ride for sure, going to need a very well tuned right foot and fast hands to keep it on the road

[@Velanestar]

$100k-140k, c6 z06, with low milage, built to whatever you dream- and have 20-40k left over- depending on what you're chasing It's a cool concept, but i think someone whos dedicated, patient, and knows how to wrench could replicate this (with a used v8 motor) for a 3rd the price or even lower. Like, junkyard motor you build, junk yard trans you build, junkyard miata you build, new suspension, exhaust you fab, holly system, you could still be under 20-30k.... Still dope and if i was a multi millionaire i'd so buy one but......thats ALOT of money for a v8'd Miata.

[@Piznick64]

Yea dude got ripped off

[@Velanestar]

@@Piznick64 that's entirely based on perspective. (Plus pretty sure he's just borrowing it for a video) You can pay someone to do it, do it well, and have it come out looking like a stock Miata, but drive like an ac cobra and have all the bells and whistles figured out with all new parts Or you can put several hundred hours of labour into one with used parts that will look like whatever kind of effort you put in, and depending on how much you spend or don't spend, that might have you pretty high up in the spending bracket. Granted if you spent 50k, you'd still have a car the blows the doors off everything in it's price bracket that's not a laptop civic or a bubbad small block Chevy, and punches well above it's weight class too. While being reasonably comfortable. My point in my comment more or less was yes, for 100k-140k you can get similar if not better price to performance/smiles per gallon than this car, and you could also dyi it with used parts and save tens of thousands of not more in dollars. And it's not like it's not dope, and worth the money if you have it. But to someone who can barely afford his $6500 c4 repair costs and such while wrenching himself, this is as unobtainable as a Ferrari/Lambo/my actual dream car(C6 zr1)

[@urgandma]

​@@Piznick64 did not get ripped off. Very few people can do a project this big. Most project cars stay on hiatus indefinitely. Paying a skilled team to build you a turn key car isn't cheap, it is what it is.

[@klasseact6663]

Not everyone's a wrench, like myself, so I'd have to win the lotto for something like this...and I would!

[@mrspeeddemon727]

You're getting a lot more than just the motor for $75k. Did you not pay attention in the video? Motor, exhaust, new tires, suspension, steering wheel, gauges, gear box, shifter, bigger brake rotors and pads, etc. It's a whole kit you're buying, not just the motor. Plus you have to pay for labor to swap it all out.

[@quetzalcoatlz]

The license plate says Florida but the elevation changes and evergreens say otherwise. Absolutely beautiful wherever you live, reminds me of when i used to live in appalachia.

[@MelasMaidsAuto]

This is so sick 😮‍💨 love this video!

[@nextlevelup6810]

Matt will always have the best WOT reactions 😂

[@mcximus]

Can you just supercharge or turbo charge the Miata to make around 250 HP to the wheels? That's plenty of power for a tiny car like the Miata.

[@Velanestar]

You could, you could also k swap it, or ecoboost or j series swap it and it'd be a nutty little ride. But the point of this is to be a modern AC cobra.

[@07wrxtr1]

Yeah just not enough tire on it!! A 370z LS swap would be more manageable as you can easily run 305’s on the back

[@Velanestar]

@@07wrxtr1 id sooner update/upgrade a c4/c3 Vette. They weight about the same, and would require less to swap in a cammed LS into.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

You can, and Sarasota Super Sport Performance offers a turbo upgrade package too.

[@suprajay79]

Love the car. To answer your question, C6 Z06 is only 100-200 pounds more and has more potential than this for under $40k. Still love it though!

[@boatlover2296]

I’ve owned many Miata’s through the years. I have learned that the car is very balanced and putting a very heavy V8 in one would destroy the handling capability. My last one I installed a small supercharger that puts power output to 265 the car was a rocket and it still handled, stopped perfectly. And an added bonus was it didn’t break the bank!

[@buddyholleypoint9032]

It doesn't destroy the handling, the V8 isn't that much heavier than the motor that's in it. You can't beat on it mindlessly like the underpowered 4 cyl version, but it really isn't as bad as you'd think.

[@MishimaBloodl1n3]

That tunnel at 06:22 is the same tunnel from those crash videos xD

[@rhpicayune]

This is nice, but for around 80 grand, I’m probably going to lean towards my dream car, a factory warrantied 427 cobra replica with V-8, Tremec six speed, four wheel independent suspension, etc. And it will be very lightweight!

[@EddieRicks-i8v]

This is so much cheaper than a Ferrari 😊

[@comfort_in_discomfort]

Smiles per mile. Its not about comparing performance to other cars. You could buy a vette, you could buy a cayman, etc... its about the visceral experience. love it.

[@Cnar-dw3rl]

Which gearbox?

[@splenced7091]

4:32

[@aero0637]

In the mid-2000's Ford owned a controlling interest in Mazda and was manufacturing three or four different V8's, it's a shame we never got a proper Cobra successor from them on the Miata platform.

[@tzion115]

100k for just a v8 on Miata might as well put the money in the trash 🗑️, I’m sure the car is a lot of fun I’m really do , but the end is Miata at the end of pulling with Miata so expensive toy and that it is not like you can buy it and the Value will stay. He’s nothing special about that. V8 Miata was there for two decade , you can find them all over the Internet for way cheaper probably the $20,000 or under !

[@mcwally514]

If you used proper punctuation and grammar, I would have understood your ramblings 😂😂😂

[@DaddyFuz]

English?

[@Soapboxwarrior]

I understand you

[@YUKI-xv3sq]

Knowing it's small and light for V8, still hard to believe it fits into Miata's tiny engine bay. Great job!

[@DeuceDevious]

Never seen this channel. First video. Definitely will be my last. Him trying to justify a 75k plus 30k donor as a bargain is embarrassing.

[@zgSH4DOW]

It's not a sales ad It's not about you

[@DeuceDevious]

@@zgSH4DOW y'all can chill for this man all you want but there is no way that this man can be taken seriously saying that the Corvette e Ray is a worse by than a LS swapped Miata

[@Broke2FastGarage]

Not a single soul, not one. Cares about what you think.

[@DeuceDevious]

@@Broke2FastGarage it's a good thing I don't need your approval to comment. Like I said, you can shill for this man all you want

[@PrimitiveMLG]

These are the reviews we need again. The performance car reviews!

[@AcM.5233]

Been doing this for years for under 15 grand. That price is insane

[@raymondjunger4742]

Hey bro, i know you since your BRZ and Subaruwrxfan-era. Glad you're doing well and that you're still active! Much love from Germany.

[@Emilthehun]

That is one clean build! Beautiful car , and obviously no expense spared in this build.

[@alangross2277]

That right there is a dream car! I drive an ND2 RF with the BBS Package in Machine Gray and to have the LS3 Package would be the ultimate sports car!

[@TheRealestJoseph]

This is very cool! My only concern is the bigger motor ruining the Miata’s weight distribution. I wonder if this would be good on a track! I want to see a turbo new Miata versus this one lol

[@mastrsk8]

My wife had an md-5 and it’s really fun to drive. I can only image how great an LS in it would be!

[@DannyBoyGhost]

Yo I did not expect that sound from this Miata what a sound of beauty this car is fully loaded nicely loaded sheesh I can express how much I would love to have this beauty 😊 I’m overwhelmed

[@christocr]

You're just having too much fun with that thing! Cool car. Too bad this variant wasn't offered from the factory.

[@johnr7794]

The video showing the ground clearance makes my C8 look like an SUV. The C8 HTC is the perfect vehicle.

[@Viralityoflife]

I hope this video gets to 1 million views! You deserve it

[@Fitforacting]

Amazing!!! I have always wanted to see you review one of these ❤

[@szafado]

now this is a proper sport car from mazda iv´e always tought of this, but the money to build something like this is insane!

[@revmatchproductions]

Matt this video is so good for your channel!👍🏼

[@nrakma]

The first one of these I saw was in 1990. The Miata owner had a new small block ford to keep the weight down as all American v8 were still cast iron back then. It had a T-10, unknown rear axle. More show than go because of traction issues, due to near stock size tires for the sleeper look.

[@droid0311]

Monster Miatas have been around for a LONG TIME. They used to be 5.0 Mustang motors. I remember seeing them at Super Ford Sundays back when I was a kid at Maple Grove Raceway

[@lairdnelson18]

That car sounds great I love that exhaust note

[@texan176]

Love that someone put in the effort to R&D the build but for the cost, a used manual transmission M4 or new manual M2 is the cheaper and better buy for a driver focused car that is made for the pleasure of driving above all.

[@jasongaudreau2075]

Flyin’ Miata has been doing this for YEARS! And I believe since they are a specific Miata race team….theyve got it down. Look up their KZbin video from long ago…and you’ll notice they specifically address braking, and handling with the weight and power of a v8 in there. Hope these guys did the same and just didn’t dream up how to stuff the ls in it. That’s been done all the way back to gen 1 Miata’s.

[@OctaneStreet]

"The Modern Shelby Cobra" haha, what a great comparison and title! That thing is awesome.

[@evmotorsports]

monster miata was doing this back in early 90's for 20 years , you can pick one up for about 20-35k with or without supercharger and other options .