We're putting a V10 into a Mazda MX-5! | Ep.5

[@Drivetribe]

What do you make of our engine choice? 🤔Thank you to Carly for sponsoring this video! Get 15% off your Carly purchase with code "DRIVETRIBE15" before 15th October when you click - bit.ly/drivetribeoffer

[@camarocharger8180]

Interesting choice, one of my favourite engines (certainly not very reliable) but I'm more worried about the handling side of things 😅, anyways you do you man, it's going to be a fun and interesting series, I'm all for it. 👍

[@jimchik]

I think it’s wayyy too much engine for the little 2-seater. What about something similar to the Mazda V6 that was put into the Probe/MX6 GT Series in the 90’s?

[@pjccwest]

Should be fun, just be careful about the weight distribution. Put everything possible as far back as possible. Obviously.

[@SHOdown13]

What about Z3 Z4 or Z8 radiators, props, drive shafts?

[@TheJustintyper]

No.

[@goose4150]

Suddenly putting a completely unknown V10 in a Miata sounds extremely more feasible than this😅

[@ghomerhust]

@@stevenwest1494 the thing is that if you use an all aluminum engine, like some LS, the weight balance barely changes. many have actually scaled the car once they did the swap and noted something like a 2% change in weight balance front to rear going from a 1.8 (in the NA) to an LS V8 with an aluminum block. granted, this engine is a fair bit bigger than an aluminum LS, what with the DOHC heads and stuff, but imagine if it had a cast block like the Viper uses

[@spiller83]

It does doesn't it.

[@ryanpearch2399]

Mx5

[@ThereAreNoHandlesLeft]

​@@ghomerhustls1 is only like 140Lbs more than the 1.8. It deserves to live in there

[@Filipe_2004]

Ahahahhahahahahahaha totally

[@colday74]

The problem with Carly is that you have to pay for it 3x times. You pay for the device (£75 when I had one), then you pay a yearly sub (another £75 when I had one) and then they changed it to an additional subscription for the 'advanced' stuff that you got most of for free prior to the new scheme. I binned mine off after that. Oh, also you cannot cancel from the App either, has to be done on their website. And if they sneaky charge you, they absolutely will not refund anything. I think the monthly payment is another 3 or 4 quid. I found customer service to be pants as well.

[@billymonkey111]

When bimmer code is about £15 one off payment...

[@karlj1717]

Yeah Carly is a massive scam you pay a lot of money to do nothing, you can get a code reader for about £15, everything else on Carly isn’t worth the money.

[@bugsygoo]

They got to pay for all this marketing somehow.

[@alexskywalker888]

Either KZbin is messing up, or DT is deleting negative comments. I posted a couple critiquing their use of Carly, but they've been deleted.

[@Roomsaver]

@@karlj1717It can’t even code my R53 Mini. The car’s been out for 19 years, what gives?

[@jamtea573]

That engine in this car is still at least twice as sensible as this moustache.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

No, its fabulous. He needs to grow it longer, tho. So he can curl the ends up.

[@ghomerhust]

@@Gentleman...Driver curled stache and a v10 NA, yep, that's the image i wanna see!

[@LewisRhymes]

Indeed, I didn't know November rolled round allready 😂

[@aussieausdeutschland4245]

Have you seen Lightning McBarra? That MX5 is bonkers.

[@dave-osmodernlife6885]

Im urged to ask him to turn his laptop and p.c into authorities, and stay away from schools

[@robin_marriott]

A custom radiator is the least daunting thing on that list, not sure why you’re panicking about that.

[@MCSTINKYWEINER]

Yeah I was wondering, a custom radiator is not a big deal at all, those subframes and firewall work is gonna be much scarier

[@CatamaxPor]

yeah ,that is quite funny that he got so worked up about the radiator when there are far harder things to fabricate and more expensive.

[@MrJynxi]

They were worried about the cost. Try paying attention

[@robin_marriott]

@@MrJynxi Yep, I know. It’s probably the cheapest fabrication job on the list. They’re worrying about the wrong thing.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@MrJynxi I dont thin a custom radiator will cost them more then 500 Pounds. So thats the last concern they would have financially for a project of a scale like this. I would be more worried about damaging the engine, because this is the most expensive assett they have. Cutting holes in the Miata will not be easy, but then again, you can get probably another car shell for little money.

[@magicmaizie2015]

Custom subframes Custom drive and prop shafts and the thing that you're worried about is a Custom radiator 😂

[@richardschofield2201]

I ordered a custom radiator for my kit car. Think it was £250. The heater cores are all off the shelf and cut to length. Aluminium tanks welded either end, a few pipes and a cap and you're done.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@jameshogge]

​@@richardschofield2201I thought it would be something like this. Seems like one of the easiest parts to get built to the size you need

[@jerehada]

And an MOT with engine proud?

[@Syscrush]

I came to say this. His hangup with that makes him look utterly out of his depth.

[@jeremygaskin806]

You can hear in the mechanic’s voice he knows this is just stupidly crazy

[@MRMERLIN_021]

Putting that V10 in a Z4 chassis would make more sense.

[@MasterofNRG]

Yes, i like the idea of a v10. But even if it works and doesn’t need a very weird hood looking like frankenstein, i can’t imagine the handling will be great. Probably needs a contrete slab in the back to make sure the wheels grip. It seems too far fetched and the mechanic knows it. The mechanic already foresees al the issues and only seems to don it beceause Mike wants it.

[@matthewhall435]

Yup classic he's happy that is half dropped in and 5 things stopping it and going sweet will leave the rest to you mechanic know full well how much effort this will take 😅 no doubt the will reimburse him for his time but would also agree z4 would have been cooler !

[@mrflippant]

@@MasterofNRG Nah, he knows if he pulls this off with anything approaching what can reasonably be called success, he's got a whole new business line based on replicating the build for other customers.

[@db-ws9yn]

You should put the radiator in the trunk. Feed air in from above or below. Not only will you get the volume you need it will help weight distribution.

[@802Garage]

Yep that's why I chose to do a trunk mount rad in the V10 Impreza. No room up front, better weight distribution, more cooling system capacity, no need for a practical trunk anyways.

[@C-M-E]

@@richardharrold9736 Trophy trucks run one of the most demanding setups in all of racing, and routinely have their rads right behind the cab with loads of ducting, fans, etc to force air into them. Getting air to a rad isn't a problem so long as you're not in outer space.

[@aphasic6707]

Can you imagine that Mike will eventually have 2 Miatas, while under the influence, OF A MUSTASCHE?!

[@shr2000]

This wont be approved under Clarkson's supervision. XD

[@oikkuoek]

Rear mounted radiator is a must. Any 4" core will do that can fit in the booth. Run the lines through the shaft tunnel as hard aluminium pipe 36-48mm and you get extra cooling capacity with better weight distribution. You need to soft clamp the pipes to the frame, no welding, slight bends allowed. PVC would work too, only the transition from hard to soft is difficult bcz of the end bead. Easier to roll to alloy pipe. The exhast needs an X. It evens out the torque for better handling.

[@jako1234567890jako]

Exactly what I was thinking. I know a guy that has his radiator in the boot of his MX-5, it's some Jaguar V8 swap and he just used a radiator stood vertically in the boot with some fibreglass ducting taking air from behind the windscreen and it flows out where the number plate normally is

[@benstone4383]

@drivetribe

[@theobolmer2056]

My thoughts exactly, why is he worried about the cooling when there's a custom subframe to be had?

[@EeekiE]

I assumed this would be a bodged “telly job”, but this guy really knows what he’s talking about and puts emphasis on the engine position for weight distribution, calculated spring rates, and maintaining steering feel and suspension pickup points. This could turn out a very fun car.

[@slartibartfast2649]

If understeer is your idea of fun

[@heygek2769]

@@slartibartfast2649There will be more than enough potential for oversteer to counteract that, lol.

[@slartibartfast2649]

@@heygek2769 you need decent weight balance to be able to light up the rear tyres and expect it to slide nicely. I think it will be an absolute handful

[@EeekiE]

@@slartibartfast2649 That’ll also depend on what decisions they make on suspension setup any potentially any ballast. Which was basically my point. It’s not just being thrown in for a magazine photograph. But ultimately it’ll depend on who’s driving it. I’ve seen stock MX-5s scrub fronts all the way around an autosolo course and another without any handbrake usage turn in beautifully and slide around cones. And isn’t the entire point of a huge V-10 powered MX-5 for it to be a handful? I’m curious to see how it turns out if they can get the engine far back enough.

[@impoundedkota]

I love how the guy who doesn't have to do all of the work, is quite happy how well the motor doesn't fit.

[@bran170]

The dog running in slowmo was the most heroic shot of the whole clip!

[@P.Galore]

Just wanted to clarify something: You are putting BMWs most unreliable VANOS M5 engine into the totally reliable Miata .....

[@Miki2305.]

Thats a problem?

[@maarten8155]

Yes but v10

[@holly4131]

And what? Let people do what they want! Doesn’t affect you in any way.

[@i4y]

hopefully the money your comment made might make it viable, or at least entertaining.

[@justinminer1354]

BMW Fanboys Incoming: "But ultimate driving machine 😭😭"

[@MontyPython12]

Why not do a rear mounted cooling system? Plenty of drift cars running those set ups

[@W0o0dy]

@Drivetribe: put the radiator in the back with an open rear (drift car style) Bit of weight back there should help with the weight distribution.

[@camarocharger8180]

One of my favourite MX-5 builds of all time is Tom's Turbo Garage's V8 Miata, but the LS3 is not quite as heavy as S85, and I think he got the weight distribution at around 55/45, man this is going to be more than 60/40. Interesting swap nonetheless.

[@lorddoobsworth144]

The LS3 is much lighter than an S85, at the very least its 45kg lighter. Also it is much more compact so the weight is further back.

[@camarocharger8180]

​@@lorddoobsworth144Exactly why LS swapped MX-5's handle great too, they are like a modern day iteration of Shelby Cobra.

[@xeventhorizon666]

LS swaps fit better because they're pushrod and not OHC. The LS3 is far narrow than the S85 because of the smaller cylinder heads.

[@ThatChrisGuy]

"...I've added to the tw*t factor with my moustache..." 😂 Took the words right out of my mouth! 🤣

[@CaydeSmax]

he certainly did lets hope it's not staying :D ( not seen whole vid yet)

[@jamessizemore7103]

I would love a deep dive episode of all the engineering challenges in the design of the narrow v10

[@lostgps3005]

If/ when the NB gets the v10 should make it look like a mini viper

[@TheJediJoker]

Look into rear-mounting the radiator, both for space and for weight distribution.

[@GummeeH3]

I'd suggest seeing what the Ford 5.0l swaps are using for rads, etc There are already some kits out there that have done some of the work. No sense reinventing what's already invented

[@802Garage]

Well all of those clearance issues are reminding me just a bit of the V10 Impreza... At least width wasn't a big problem for me. I had to cut quite a bit of the firewall and transmission tunnel to get the engine in a reasonable position. This will obviously end up far better than what I did, but the budget is also considerably higher, hahaha. Manual transmission is absolutely the correct choice. I'm actually using a BMW V12 radiator rear mounted in the V10 Impreza. I'm sure a similar solution could work for you. My solution isn't proven yet. I flipped the exhaust manifolds forward and I'll be doing fender exit exhausts. Excited to see what you come up with. You're incredibly optimistic, but obviously have capable help. Great stuff!

[@junkyardhemi]

This is probably one of the most ludicrous swaps ever. I will definitely follow this series to its end. I want to see this happen.

[@rkmbnt]

A V12 could be much simpler to put in a MX5 even though it has 2 more jars. V12 is a 60 degree V which can be considerably narrower than a 90 degree V.

[@opgedronken]

This is true. I have a Merc V12 in an mx5 and it fits quite well, it only really needs the radiator relocated into the bumper, other than that it's like any other swap into an mx5.

[@James-f4u3x]

I would go with the 72 degree volvo v8

[@crinklee]

Freddy Mercury now on drive tribe 😂 the show must go on😂

[@benen8440]

The radiator in the back (trunk), with electric cooling pump and fans makes probably the most sense. And because the exhaust is on the sides there is no heat source in the back.

[@draggonhedd]

For the rear end, look into the bolt-in v8 mx5 rear end solutions. They exist, some of them i think even use BMW diffs, and it means that subframes and axles are available. For big brakes, Wilwood. For cooling, I would ABSOLUTELY go with a rear mount radiator, like a drift car. Don't even TRY to fit one up front. Just dont bother. It will help with the weight distribution too.

[@Erik_mit_K]

Dara is just the nicest guy. He even been friendly laught at the MUSTASCHE hahahaha. Love this shop

[@stephanopolopolis]

Mike jumps the Shark…. I’m here for it 😂👍

[@71bassg]

you have nailed the moses come fly with me look "if you'll pardon the pun"

[@eagle_and_the_dragon]

"Are you growing that moustache for a bet?" - Clarkson probably.

[@chrisv6335]

Movember hasnt started mike

[@aizazrehman5153]

Inspector Mike isn't real it cant hurt you Mike with a mustache looking like the quintessential brit policeman:

[@1Also]

I love this Britgineering Style of shed building a Sports car into a Fighter Plane.

[@rekleif]

I would probably have chosen an engine from an F430 or Alfa/Ferrari v6 from the Gulia... Maybe with the VW r32 or 36 as second choice, but it will be an insane build either way, I smell a bonnet bulge in the future of your MX5.. Peter Bjørk put a Lamborghini ex GT3 engine in his Volvo 245, search Volvoghini and you will find his build series. It sounds insane...

[@chrishenniker5944]

I’d have gone for a small block Ford , as there’s already a kit for it. He’d have been better off putting the BMW V10 in a 1940 Ford or Lincoln Zephyr.

[@placesbramlepoops]

Loving the new look...... Willie Thorne😂😂😂

[@poached_egg_on_cars]

My old driving instructor built an MX5 track car and he had a big engine in the front, then run the radiator in the boot with air scoops on the bootlid to save space. All youd need there is a (big) off the shelf rad, and the only custom thing will be the rad hoses

[@nadnerb_sr20]

Rear mount radiator is definitely the way to go. Gotta get some of that weight distribution back

[@sethmoyer]

One of the greatest road car engines ever made, for the 15 minutes before it blows itself up

[@carrotty9429]

Thought Nigel Mansel was hosting for a split second 😂 😂

[@defaultdriftco00]

I love how he is Mike in all the episodes he’s been in!

[@LastOnSunday]

Custom sub-frame? Yes, Yes, Yes! Custom prop-shaft & Custom drive shafts? Yes, Yes, Yes! Custom radiator? Oh, that might be expensive?😂😂😂😂

[@markpair-rk9po]

Can't stop laughing at the tash😂😂😂

[@johannes7059]

Well done, to the filmers and editors of this one, I really liked the shots and editing 👏👏👏

[@jospi2]

Now he looks like the Mini-me version of World's Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper.

[@bobftw2618]

You should use a rear transaxle instead of the standard transmission. Would help with fitment and weight balance.

[@jonwarb]

Forget the MX5!! What on earth is that on your lip?! You look like Captain Mannering’s little brother!

[@michaelbrooks8332]

Rear mount the rad with some ducting, I would help shift the a little waight as well

[@Sideways_Singh]

I always wanted to do this to an miata ND in the future. Super excited to see this done, this is gonna be epic. You should do alot of chassis stiffening mods and suspension.

[@candycornpeeps]

You guys should look at the v8 radiators that people use for swaps. Flyinmiata has several options with great fan designs. If you do not like that there is also super Miata and Springfield dyno. Those are the best radiators for this chassis.

[@donaldwatson6342]

Awsome! The Ole 50's put the biggest engine into the smallest car hotrod! Love it!

[@Ingens_Scherz]

Love the slomo hero doggo shots. That's pure Lucy.

[@ThereAreNoHandlesLeft]

In case youre curious, with a stock 1.8 (290lbs) the miata weighs about 2300lbs and near 50/50 distribution. The S85 V10 (530+lbs) puts the total weight to near 2600lbs and roughky 54/46 weight distribution (or better). Not actually that awful.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

That's not that awful, but they're going to struggle to get the S85 far enough back to avoid it handling like an Audi. If they do get it far enough back, that also makes me wonder if the bits that will inevitably break will then be accessible, but that sounds like a problem for later 😂

[@James-f4u3x]

Adding 240lbs mostly in front of the axle line will make a significant difference

[@Jon.S]

Mike looking like he came to the garage straight from his parole hearing

[@xjoshwilliams95]

Rear mounted cooling! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@JoeyJoJoJuniorShabbadoo]

This video and the latest Tavarish P1 video came up next to each other in my feed. I picked the V10 Miata swap. Well done, Mike.

[@nic_s3385]

Maybe when this one is done, try and get a few V10 swapped cars together and do some comparisons. Can you imagine a track day with just V10s screaming around it?? There's been a couple of V10 swaps over the years... E30s, E46s, there is a 1M with a V10, there's even a guy who put the V10 into his much newer F10 5 series. I don't think there's anything like it on youtube... a whole episode of just V10s...

[@CHUDHUCKER]

B is for Build did the Z car as well.

[@timofthomas]

Right so, about three seconds in.. i cannot help but hear Jeremy implying the distraction of the moustache! XD

[@josephkelly4893]

Can’t wait to see this progress, great choice of vehicle and motor

[@jonkingman]

Replace entire front end bodywork with one piece type carbon fibre? gotta get that weight down.

[@bryankotsch]

Viper V-10 would be interesting. And right behind the driver. Wheelie time!

[@GraySaint1]

this is a mazda mx5, and this is Mike's moustache!

[@MaverickBlue42]

If you want to use off the shelf radiators, you chain a bunch of various off the shelf radiators anywhere you can fit them and upsize the coolant pump. Throw one in the back too and cut some vents in the trunk floor to balance the weight a bit more 🤣

[@HeartLessGem_]

I'd say the other custom parts that you'll be needing for the mx5 will be way more expensive then a custom rad.. Might be able to get away with tucking a alloy rad underneath the the rad support just make it really wide, nonetheless im excited to see this! 👌🏾🤙🏾🇦🇺

[@bigbadcivic2]

your mustache is amazing 10/10

[@cliffwebb3002]

Love to see Taylor rays take on this love his fabrication work

[@xKiNx]

That stache is givin me confidence!! Gogogogo

[@imidsikkey]

Might want to check out Scotty's MX5 from Carnage - Street machine on KZbin. He's got a L6 Barra running 8's down the quarter. That thing will be producing a lot of heat with a bit less room in the front given the length of the engine. Might be worth checking what radiator he used. It would surely fit your build :)

[@Ashfielder]

Remember to brace the chassis!

[@CHUDHUCKER]

1:58, now that's a proud dog, ha ha ha!!!

[@abzzeus]

You could move the radiator to the boot? Reduces weight up front and adds to rear

[@RobK0304]

Stick the radiator in the trunk and make 2 big holes in the trunk lid for the vans

[@imSchwaggy]

Air suspension would be sick. Especially for something so custom.

[@grislyfox]

The age old question. Just because you can, should you? Nine times out of ten, the answer is Yes.

[@BlissTV_Channel]

My buddy spent 36k on maintenance for his v10 m5 last year alone WORTH IT THO

[@gg2324]

he could have bought 2 second hand m5 for that money lol

[@fuselpeter5393]

Now put the MX-5 engine in a M5

[@TheJustintyper]

At least the M5 would be pretty reliable, slow af, but reliable look

[@robgross3524]

I remember Clarkson over the years referring to pornographer’s cars (like Richard’s 300ZX Turbo). Mike now sporting a pornographer’s mustache 😁

[@DermotCarroll]

Savage hair cut Mike!!! 😂😂

[@Drivetribe]

What do you think of our plan for this second V10 car? 🤔Thanks to Carly for sponsoring this video, get 15% off your Carly purchase with code "DRIVETRIBE15" before 15th October when you click - bit.ly/drivetribeoffer

[@spiller83]

You don't want to know what I think. Lol

[@Alexnahar]

Rear mount the radiator

[@dcimports3517]

Speak to Crapengineering about building you a subframe, they have built extra strong ones for LS v8 engines etc.

[@Mark_Williams300]

Getting serious Sergeant Major vibes from Mike's new look

[@PerdixDesignLtd]

Don't do that, Mike!! I thought I'd slept through October into Movember! 😳🤣

[@diogolopes1985]

Radiator:mushimoto Brakes: porshe 911 gt3 brakes Exhaust:custom titanium Ess compressor( I think it calls like that)

[@auslacroix]

Nothing could prepare me for... THE MUSTACHE. 😂 Looks great, Mike!

[@42Oregon]

That is a fine Mach 1 Mustache there mate!

[@babydave2662]

Rear mount the cooling system and whatever else you can, try and restore some sort of weight balance.

[@54mgtf22]

Hey Mike. Love your work 👍 I don’t know if you’ve noticed but a caterpillar has taken up residence on your top lip.

[@crapengineering]

I may have mentioned this before.....more than once on your project videos.....but I make tubular Mx5 subframes , thats what I do.....

[@ethanguerrlich165]

Twatish build and mustache had me rolling😂

[@thusmarshal8815]

You could put the rad in the boot of the car and cut a an opening like drift drivers do or like gingium did with his awd Subaru STI swapped Miata. Can't wait to see the build videos..

[@1darryloflife]

Cooling if you are going to use water based coolants then you need an expansion tank above the engine or steam pockets will appear causing possible head gasket problems. Otherwise I would use a nano glycol waterless coolant either Evans or Liquid Intelligence. In both cases you will need to use a custom water pump capable of churning coolant without cavitation (if water based is used) at a rate of 10 liters per minute at 500 rpm, and at least 50 foot of head pressure. The electric pumps do not like head pressure so best to use a custom impeller on the standard BMW water pump. I bring these point to your attention because we have 30,000 hours of Dyno experience with cooling systems.

[@blackshaderhunter990]

This two projects are so cool.

[@09juliancarr]

For a radiator you should get in touch with Reaction Engines… it’s pretty cool tech

[@johnrowell942]

Nice project engine and look forward to seeing more.

[@ethangwynn2753]

You could chain multiple radiators together and have a scoop or a vent somewhere to get airflow through a second one

[@lauriedooker1031]

I’ve only got one thumb to give but it’s your boys. Love this type of build. I’m into my first , a 914 with 996 suspension and subframes Steering and brakes . Wrx fa engine and box and custom tank and rads with w2a intercooler. 👍😂🇦🇺love this stuff.

[@keithposter5543]

In.Sane. Love it. That really is a lot of extra weight at the front though - 100kg+. Hope you can tame it

[@dr2165]

have you considered moving the radiator to the back? might make things easier since it frees up space at the front, and you can go with as big a rad as will fit in the boot with appropriate fans etc.

[@glynotglen1098]

Awesome. Thank you for making and sharing this. Well done! Inspiring stuff.

[@CBMedia404]

I have a S65 M3 V8 in my E30 and it’s madness, this is just going to be f’in ridiculous 🤣