Turning a Stock, Broken Miata into a Track-Slaying V8 Monster! Stacey David's BANSHEE - FULL BUILD

[@JCYoo]

Man, I remember watching you, all hung over on Saturdays in my dorm room with my buddies way back in the late 90s. So good to see you back on here, old friend.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Welcome back!

[@iceneet336]

the things said in the beginning about the Miata didn't age very well, now everyone wants one and their potential for being the ultimate trackj car has been recognized

[@elementaljosh]

This is definitely true. I bought my Miata with minor crash damage in 2019 for $2500, that same car would be 6000+ now. I just Ls6 swapped it this last spring/summer after a year of prep and planning and the cost of doing it was definitely north of $20k. That said, I think going the Chevy route definitely costs more than Ford, especially if you want a manual, and are time constrained like I was (I daily drive my car so I did 95% of the swap work in under a month). I used the V8Roadsters kit, which is definitely a bit pricier than the old monster kit but the fit and finish is definitely the best, and I didn’t have the downtime to measure and order in a driveshaft or make/measure for custom headers and the like. Now if I’d skipped the t56 magnum and gone iron block+stock ecu I probably could have still snuck under 10k but who wants an auto Miata unless it’s solely a drag car. I can’t be more satisfied with the result and having an aluminum LS paired with a t56 magnum close ratio and a 2.73 torsen 8.8 I feel confident attacking any prepped surface with no mechanical sympathy or regard for other people’s feelings. With ratty stock paint and nothing to give away the drivetrain save for some side pipes and some extra meat on the back the only thing I’ve lost to on the street was a lambo huracan, and if I put a ss2 cam in I think I could have edged it out. I’ve lined up against built STIs, two Evo Xs, multiple Camaros, a boosted Ls chevelle, ls swapped s10, plenty of slow mustangs, and even a model 3 dual motor. That last one was kinda close 😂 On the strip, I’m getting dangerously close to 11.5 in the quarter on street tires, which is the fastest I can run in a vert with just my roll bar, if I can get my hands on a hard top or do a full cage I’ll be safe to the mid 10s. It’s crazy what a 2400lb car with 400whp can do when it hooks, and I look forward to what it’ll do this coming season with some longer gearing and actual drag slicks

[@AffyisAffy]

That's because the affordable rwd sports car segment dried up except for miatas so their price and demand is artificially inflated.

[@justadummy8076]

Can’t really say “age well” when this was made 2 months ago, the guy is simply out of touch with modern car culture. The Miata has always been a driver’s car at heart, & has always been chosen as a modified track car by boy-racers. It’s such an iconic car, no one who knows anything about cars really sees it as a “girl’s car”

[@sativa1320]

@@justadummy8076 Its a re-upload, its pretty obvious this wasnt made in 2023 if you use half of ur brain. The miata has DEFINETLY not always been a drivers car.

[@Peterowsky]

This feels like it was made well over decade ago... yet they released it just 2 months ago. What's the obsession with the miata being feminine? It's been there for 34 years now, it's older than most babies who want a manlier car to make up for their lack of manliness.

[@a143gillmore]

Ive been watching you since I was 8 years old I’m 28 now and I’m so grateful you decided to repost these on KZbin! Love you show! Thanks or being you! ❤🎉😊

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you!

[@joeystrittmatter6890]

Same im 32

[@Popwarner-x1w]

@@OfficialStaceyDavid I'd like to see you build a V8 Vega.

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

@@OfficialStaceyDavid My dad, Robert “Tweety” Aldredge was Carroll Shelby’s main paint & body guy back in the day

[@ATT503]

just discovered this channel, it's awesome to see these cars come together!

[@mxrclxst]

The 90's is alive with this channel and its perfect

[@nukedathlonman]

Thank you! This is still the best of the best automotive shows going.

[@Nicknacktheking]

I'm not mechanically inclined but I enjoy this man for 32 years 😊

[@kevinwaynethompson67]

Ive been watching you build trucks and cars for over 30yrs. You do some amazing work.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks 👍

[@chriswilson433]

There is no one else on TV like him. The way he delivers on TV is incredible. 30:53

[@paulweston8184]

Hey S.D. I followed along with you and replaced the Miata motor with a 302. You're right! It was pretty easy. I mean I did have to rewind a few times but I did it! The only hard part was doing this at night in my apartment complex parking lot. They don't allow you to work on your car so I had to do it with just a headlight flashlight. Only thing I have left is to take her down to Midas and get me a sweet paint job!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

That's awesome!

[@prometheanhealing3942]

I'm glad you're still around, dude. I love your shows.

[@astral33]

i love how you used professional products to repaint the panels and vinyl , but as a poor guy, i scrubbed them down with water and baking soda, dried them, cleaned them, heated them up with a hair dryer, and painted them with black shoe polish. two years and they still look brand new!

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

Great idea

[@roberttanguay8532]

Ya, shoe polish is good-n-all until the weather gets hot and the oils and wax in the polish start softening and running

[@MrTexaspete30]

Absolutely love watching this guy put together cars. Brings me back to my younger days

[@manythanks6476]

This takes me back to being a kid and watching on sundays. Right on man.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks!

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

Great Work! I built a Simpson Design 'Italia' body kit 47:20 on my Miata/MX-5 back on 2003 or so. This process really took me back, but I did some things differently with the kit. Cut the headlight, side gills and grill opening before mounting. The rear was tricky and took a lot of trouble to get it right. These fibreglass pieces are not exact fit - they need trimming nearly everywhere. It comes undercoated, but rough, so the prep and paint took a lot of work. Also, the doors have a indented fold along the middle - that needs to get cleaned out and filled. The Indy fuel cap isn't connected to the filler pipe - its just a flip cover for the original Mazda screw fuel tank cover. Certainly gets lots of looks!!

[@aussiechris5904]

I don't think you can get the Simpson Italia kits anymore. Hopefully this outdated info doesn't give people wrong information.

[@Raymondruby27]

Makes me think of when i was 5 and 6 watching these with my dad

[@GulliJ]

🇲🇫 french here We love small cars and track toys but we don't have so large tolérance on laws... making this road legal in France is possible, but a real battle for months. At least I love what you do even if I don't take all same way for some details you made a real funny cars' I can't imagine she could be could at track with such weight balance but very funny for sure !!🎉

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks for watching!

[@austinsnider2957]

I love the work attitude and smile this guy gives when building a car he's a true hot rodder

[@MikeLaRock88]

If I were to see this car in person I would NEVER guess it is a Miata. Such a huge transformation

[@starbasecarolina3876]

Great compilation! Please do this for more builds!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

I agree!

[@kleimbach77]

agreed its nice to watch it like this without the ads in the show for stuff

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

More are on the way!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@OfficialStaceyDavid 👍👍

[@joshwilson4168]

I cant tell you how many times ive wached this build. Even bought all the dvds just to have it. Thank you guys for uploading this as a full build video.

[@BLACKOMAMBO]

I use to watch Stacey on tv, glead he didnt change, he an awesome lad and very talented

[@DracolegacyOfficial]

i remember watching this build series when it first aired, really appreciate getting to binge it all again right here

[@chadwick1084]

Brings me back to high school!! Circa early 2000s! Life is wild

[@tylerjohnson7826]

Absolutely love the professionalism in this video, precise details and education delivery! I pray my employees have this type of love for automotive creation like we do someday. We own an on/off-road suspension and accessories custom shop and this humbles me to see such meticulous work done even on a cheap vehicle. Treat all customers vehicles as a supercar. Take pride

[@NutnFartsy]

You are so calm and make this look so easy because of it. Love it!

[@e.t.watchman5142]

LOVE ALL YOUR VIDS YOU ARE AN AUTOMOTIVE ICON

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you!

[@douglaswoodard3412]

i miss Stacey David on weekends i watch every weekend loved the shows

[@kevinroark5024]

Im 48 now&still enjoy watching your builds&the tech tips you give us&you modified a truck belonging to my friend John Godwin from here in our hometown of WESTMONROE,La.Johns sister Ms.Norma Jean&her husband Mr.Haskell own the donut shops Haskells.That miata is awesome&Godwin's truck was a beast after you finished all the upgrades you did your magic,madskills on it.

[@tkskagen]

Other than"CHEERS", my Father and I could agree to watch Stacey's shows together back in the day. Great memories!

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

I admit it turned out looking pretty cool, but I think it would have been a little meaner looking with the cobra side pipes!

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

@charlesfreeman6614 Ok I'm listening

[@ChrisWijtmans]

it probably legally required cats so long tubes it is.

[@ef9087]

you were a massive part of me becoming a car guy. thanks for all the knowledge!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

That's awesome!

[@mjo326]

Thanks for posting the entire series - love it!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@TwstedTV]

THIS is what makes youtube great. Videos like this. Full episodes. Thanks Stacy, I enjoyed watching this. 😉👍

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SUPERPOWERPHIL]

I remember meeting you at the Edmonton Powerama years ago, both my girls loved you and it was a bucket list moment for me. Cheers man

[@dirtrider3526]

58:21 "today we will be cooking" had me cracking up! Ugh im so happy i found ur channel recently. I watched u my entire childhood and was so sad to see u leave powerblock. I followed u to all ur shows throughout all the years!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you found the channel.

[@MaggieKeizai]

Man, that thing needs a new dashboard. One thing's for sure, though: Jim Simpson's Miata redesigns are absolutely killer.

[@courtneyallen2250]

you, sir, are fantastic. Thank you for posting and sharing

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you kindly!

[@glennramsey917]

I watched this build years ago .. one weekend after the next .. I absolutely loved it .. Stacy has thought me sooo much and has gave me confidence in getting things done .. and I've gotten things done !!! Lol

[@Mtlmshr]

I worked at Rod Millen Motorsports when they came out and we put our 300HP 1.8L turbocharged Rally engine in one and put it on the cover of Road and Track (before the cars hit the showroom floor) we painted it Yellow (when they came out you could only get red white& blue and the red ones were the only ones with a hard top) needless to say it was a monster and I loved driving it around Huntington Beach in those days when the Fox body Mustangs were the hot things and that Miata blew there doors off! Look it up!

[@thunder_lloyd]

Loving these full builds of the cars I watched you build years ago

[@cruz25617]

Man... Since the very early 2000's, is when i first started watching his show with my father. I was about 14/15 i think? I'm 35 now, and with a kid of my own. Stacy looks the exact same. The guy just does not age.

[@Mike_and_Life]

Love the full builds in one episode!

[@dustyrhodes62]

Have always loved this build style.

[@vierendeelsstephane2598]

omg stancy david I remember you so well the GOAT of build off

[@ericoffutt9499]

the envy i have that Jim gave you one of his kits to use yourself in modern day is palpable. really nice work i think he would approve.

[@craiggoebbel1241]

Awesome project.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you!

[@collinsmith9941]

I was doubtful that you could make that car cool in the beginning , but you did it that thing is sweet!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks 👍

[@manicr1]

Throw that kind of money into a project and it should always look cool!

[@jameshutchins3396]

Now this is an exciting build which for me is what hotrodding has always been about. Thank you

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Glad you like it!

[@peterbonnez]

Close to automotive perfection for me. Excellent work.

[@pizzaman454545]

This is one of your sickest builds 5 stars

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you!

[@jesse33cdn]

Just found your channel, love your humor. Rx-7.... amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ love from 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@1483TBird]

When this episode first came out in the 90's it changed my life. Stacey 'FN' rocks and kicks a$$

[@MichaelWilson-sn1yo]

One thing I absolutely love about your videos is your work is safe, and you do things the right way! That little Miata is quite nicely done indeed, good fit and finish. I would of kept it stock looking to slip past the regular pony cars. Can you do something that is ugly and fast?

[@kevinkirk4285]

Fascinating build! This stuff keeps me motivated with my own one-of-a-kind project. I bet it is a blast to drive.

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

Thanks Stacey! Great Build! A real "Screamer" 👆

[@kevinlewis9151]

Im watching this for the 5th time around, I love the concept

[@gjergjib.9896]

I have been waiting for years for this video, please do the cougar next 😊

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

The Cougar is coming!

[@BoardwalkBullies]

Same here! even though he used a Panther body 5.0L as a substitute for the mustang one. That's OK, we know what you're getting at.

[@BrightStar3862]

Beautiful and reasonable build. Great job. Hooraah, Ted.

[@erwickline]

Stacey I have to say, there is so much going on in the world you lose good content creators in the mix of things.. I saw your content years back on T.V. and just now seeing you again on the Tubes - Subbed! About 18 minutes in and I'm so thankful to find it again! I watch all kinds of car guys, especially like Derek's channel Vice Grip Garage. Guys like you and Ed China - true originals. I have total respect. Thx again

[@connorprice7642]

couldnt agree more

[@DaleCarterDrives]

One of my favorite things is making guys in Camaros and Mustangs, even a few 911s point me by on the track when I drive my "Girls Car" :-) The only mods are replacement shocks, a front sway bar, a roll bar and some Falken RT660 tires. Great video.

[@rmp5s]

Stacy is a legend!! Didn't know he was still doing stuff...INSTA-SUB!!!

[@jernejfunkl8300]

Very good and interesting project...and you are a 'smiling' master :) I like !

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you very much!

[@jessebrown1400]

Awesome build, I'm a Suzuki guy here, thinking about dropping in some beefier powertrain and drivetrain. This video is indispensable, one of best builds I've ever watched. Absolutely spectacular 👍👍🚀

[@yokushyu]

That was a blast, i was really surprised that this have only 30k views man.

[@jeanpaulcomeau8131]

Brilliant video as usual . Great job . Thank you

[@Redmenace96]

Nardi steering wheel is pure gold. Glad to know they are still available.

[@netgnostic1627]

I'd love to know the before and after weight, and before and after front wheels vs back wheels weight. I love the rear independent suspension solution! I'm so happy you didn't go live-axle. Great project! Say, I was hoping to see some sciencing-out for balancing the suspension for handling - sway bar stiffness and tuning.

[@patrickturner479]

That looks like a lot of fun. I love how the car looks and love the fact you can take your guitar with it. Great job! ❤🔥🤘

[@robertbuckner2353]

Beautiful job. Does it have hood latches?

[@GoodForYou4504]

Gotta say, I found this to be a very cool episode. Couldn't stop watching and may even do a build like this after my current project truck is done. Certainly would be changing things up! 😉

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Variety is good!

[@AGreedyTree]

This is so cool. I wish there was a behind the scenes episode.

[@djmakeway8683]

Holy shit i watched this guy for years on speed tv growing up. He’s like my automotive mechanic dad hahaha

[@aerynlovell4754]

I never noticed Miatas before watching this build. After watching the Banshee build whenever I was stopped in traffic, I would notice a Miata and wondered if it had a V8 under the hood.

[@michaelpaulos420]

Now you got me thinking. ; maybe that's a bad thing lol. It's beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial I may very well be using it!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Have fun!

[@KountSmakulla]

I like the pop up headlights. I wonder if it would look good with the rear of that kit and some wider front fenders and maybe a bumper. Edit- I found them on google. I guess they call it a fastback and I like it.

[@annec.1966]

I like the humor on this channel.

[@BigMuddyCountry]

Miata's are the most raced street car in the US, there are about as many track day miata's as there are lifted jeeps.

[@keithusace4352]

Yep I definitely would put some heat shield around the hump, I had a 95 stock and the heat coming off the hump onto my leg would get almost unbearable in the summer time

[@nickpetrillo8300]

This was an awesome video. I might buy your book for my friends' kids!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@fredmercury1314]

4:20 That's not strictly true. AC were using American V8 engines in their cars, and it was not exactly a girl's car. Shelby did not exactly "put in some horsepower" because it already had that. What he did was take a small, overpowered road car, and turn it into a lethal track weapon.

[@philippederosierjr.2319]

I found you! Been referencing your work for so long. I watched you all the time on speedvision.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Welcome to the channel!

[@benchenzo]

Dude! Stacy! The man!

[@mannye]

Love this build! I would keep it as a Miata though. Maybe it's only me, but the rear wheels sticking outside the fenders bother me. Also. pop up headlights are freaking cool. And what's more of a sleeper than a stock Miata?

[@cafemochaaa]

Yea had me till the goofy body kit. Pop ups are what make NAs the best

[@scatpackdriver2535]

Original body, seats, side mirrors and steering wheel with a new pearl white paint job with the scoop pearl white as well . No stripes. Would have looked good too me. The scoop being black was a real thumbs down to me it didn't go well with the different color stripe.

[@damsam4369]

Beautiful restomod. Just curious what about the electrics and updated gauges?

[@Thompsongs]

This just increases my appreciation and love for my own NA6, even if it won't ever get a V8 stuffed inside.

[@kevinlewis9151]

Yeah this Miata Banshee build is minimal HP, I can't wait to build a 1300 HP turbo monster out of one of these. Thanks Dave. Your truly a visionary.

[@ogregriffiths6069]

I salute you Sir that is the greatest mullet haircut I’ve seen since the 80s🫡 Love from the UK 🇬🇧

[@philryan7254]

Hi Matt, I thought you had bought a right pupp, but once again you worked your magic and saved a nice little car for someone, good luck with it. Cheers Phil form Newark.

[@MrMichaelPack]

One of my favorites thanks Stacey

[@peppermann]

Brilliant. Watched the whole 90 mins. Makes me wanna grab a spanner and dismantle something. 👍

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

That's the idea!

[@johnhallock2713]

Stacy David I just wanted too say you sir are a genuine all around badass... you always stick true too your styling and/or flavor and while yes it's not necessarily so much the style these days however that's what sets you apart from every Tom, Dick & Harry & their bandwagon they all seem too be hopping on/off of every other day, not too mention you actually build your stuff too ACTUALLY TAKE OUT & TEST IT, DRIVE IT, BEAT ON IT & MOST IMPORTANTLY JUST ALL AROUND ENJOY IT... In my opinion I really like the modern(ish)/classic(ish) feel & styling you've incorporated into all of your builds myself... Out of all of these yrs between TRUCKS & GEARS I THINK WITHOUT DOUBT MY FAVORITE TRUCKBIS COPPERHEAD & BANSHEE IS MY FAVORITE CAR... As long as you keep on uploading anything I'll be here too watch it & enjoy watching every minute of em... thank you very much for the idk how many yrs of knowledge, motivation & all around amazing advice & here's too hopefully few more yet.? If ya ever find yourself thinking ya need a protégé & one who can do exactly as you say & who also takes pride in everything they do count me in...🤗 God bless from utah..Utah... P.S- R.I.P Mr, Carroll Shelby, your missed by countless people...

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you for watching over the years!

[@silvestrostileitalia]

Congratulations! The car looks awesome!!!

[@TurboHappyCar]

Great video! I've always enjoyed Stacey David's content. A great host with a great attitude and no manufactured drama, just having fun working on cars. I'm guessing the show is from around 2006 and about the time when I had my 1990 Miata. For anyone watching now thinking he cut up a classic car, at the time they were cheap little 💩box cars. I think I bought my car for $2500. 80% of the cars at an autocross were red NA miatas. For this one, I'm not to keen on the body kit, but this was in the Fast and Furious / Need for Speed Underground era, and it was all the rage. Also for anyone watching, that's exactly the wrong seat for a 5-point harness. Better off with the stock belt. Great stuff tho. 👍

[@Spiritof_76]

Not keen on the body kit? It looks fantastic.

[@TurboHappyCar]

@@Spiritof_76 Personal preference. 😂

[@joogullae3456]

I'm surprised it wasn't an LS swap. Nice to see something different.

[@tphvictims5101]

There’s a guy down the street with a Miata sitting in the street. Everytime I walk by I remember this VERY OLD video (look at his hair color) of yours.

[@ssupriyanto]

What a gorgeous little car!

[@andrewspisak4]

Thanks Stacey for an enjoyable morning of watching you and your creativity, which is soo often overlooked. Anyone can stick a high HP motor in anything and call it a hot rod, but you have always had a vision for "outside of the box" street machines. My son and I are about to take on a Miata project, and he was adamant on specific years and models due to some engine issues, now I can say, let's go muscle, and not worry about what is in it originally. I do have a question regarding some of your pricing, and saying it is a 20K build. My guess is closer to 35K? I also wish more people would realize how much $$$ you can save by building your own VS buying a new... A high performance new car will run about 50-75K easily, put half that into a forgotten car, and you will have a true Hot Rod...

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

It would be more expensive with inflation, but you could keep costs down by using used parts. Miata prices have gone back up too. You're right that you will save money doing it yourself, plus you know what's been done to it!

[@johannjohann6523]

Cool video, and yes even without a top it is a most sought after vehicle. I got to work on a real cobra once. New brakes and tune up. It had a 427 Roush somewhere around 500 Hp, side pipes and was so loud you could hear it a mile away. But boy it sounded good (especially after I got done with it. :) But to this day it was by far the best paint job I've ever seen on a car. Light blue metallic flake with the single offset racing stripe down the middle. Absolutely beautiful mirror finish. And did I mention loud, in the best way? lol!

[@veilsidefun]

My childhood when seeing this aired in the 2000s

[@rusty383]

I got to drive one only one time in life only to get broken Hearted. It was a kit car with a 350 Chevy and a 2 speed automatic power slide transmission. The AC Cobra is the best most Perfect Sport Car ever conceived. Carol Shelby the living legend.