Do I have to use a conversion kit to put a V8 in a 1992 Mazda Miata MX-5?

I posted a question recently about how to make my Miata fast and someone suggested putting a V8 in it. I really liked the sound of that so I looked up the suggested sites and they both sold kits. I just wanted to know if i could do it without those kits.Do I have to use a conversion kit to put a V8 in a 1992 Mazda Miata MX-5?
Flyin' Miata sells V8 engines for Miata with or without conversion kit. Here's a quote from their site



"Wondering just what goes into a conversion? Here's a list of every nut and bolt we use in one of our LS3 turnkeys. Of course, you're welcome to source these parts anywhere and simply use this as a guide.



You can buy any of these parts from Flyin' Miata using the part number provided, or simply use this as a checklist to plan your own build at home. We've also grouped some of the parts together into a kit to make life even easier.



This is a complete list for a 1990-97 V8 Miata that is not going to have air conditioning."
Yes. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. There are kits for this.



Stacy David did this on the program Gearz on the Speed channel. It was called the Banshee project. It is possible to build the Banshee for less than $10,000 including the very cool body kit if you were to use junkyard parts. His cost a little more money because he used a very nice Ford crate motor.



You can save a little money on your project by being very careful during the dis-assembly process. You will have many old parts from the original Miata that could be sold on EBay to help cover some of your expenses.



See the link below. It includes several useful links for your project



I would not recommend this project to a complete amateur. However if you are mechanically inclined this could be a great project. The end result would be a very cool, very fast car.



Good luck with your projectDo I have to use a conversion kit to put a V8 in a 1992 Mazda Miata MX-5?
No mate don't do it!! its not a good or even clever idea and there are such easier ways to get rpm, speed and Horse power out of a mazda.



Putting a v8 in a mazda miata mx5 is like using dishwasher parts to fix a refrigerator? it just doesn't make sense. oh yeah and I know people HAVE done it but it doesn't mean its the best way to go.



Go for a rotary engine.



The parts going in are mazda and the car is mazda - there is your first win.

The rotary engine is going to physically fit better size wise - less to modify to fit it in

The rotor will weigh about 1 fifth of the weight of a v8 motor - that's a huge plus

There are kits available and you wont have to put ridiculous over sized struts and front suspension in to compensate for the 'way too big %26amp; heavy' v8 motor.

The car will handle 100% better with the power to weight ratio of a rotary sized motor than with the v8 - thats another massive plus.



The ONLY reason I would ever consider putting the v8 in is if you are building a straight-line drag car which doesnt need to handle or steer well and in that case Id start with a different car all together.



Good luck

and please do yourself a favour and research the rotary option before making a decision

You'll be glad you did!
I would highly recommend it so that your car will be able to handle the sizable increase in power and torque. Monster Miata, http://www.monstermiata.com/ offers a complete V8 conversion kit that includes everything you need to safely and properly do the job, its got everything except the engine and transmission. They claim that their kit is easy enough to use that even a "shade tree mechanic" can do it.Do I have to use a conversion kit to put a V8 in a 1992 Mazda Miata MX-5?
You can do ANY conversion without a kit.



BUT



That means that you have to source each and every part required individually OR fabricate the pieces yourself. Now, if you have a well equipped home shop then that's no problem. And when you are finished you have to sort everything out.



With the kits, all the parts are included and the sorting out process is much shorter.
Yes, it can be done. Most of the kits either include or recommend replacing the rear end. When doing this the choices are using a solid rear axle. Which takes away a lot on the handling end. Get a independent rear end (source depends on drive train choice), which greatly ups the cost. The last thing you need in a Miata is for the differential to come apart. Sometimes in the form of shrapnel in the back.

I know of two who have done the project. One traded it off because it no longer was sweet in the turns and the other only plays with free way cruiser types.

It is very likely that by the time you invest in all the parts (with out the kit) you could have put a Jackson super charger on your car and be back on the road. That can put you real close to 1 HP per 10 lbs. If that can't scare you nothing will!
You have to change out almost everything. Plus it probably won't fit in the engine. It's definitely not worth doing. Instead you can spend the same money on a car with a V8 engine. But if you really want to just make your car fast go with a turbo, new exhaust system, and if you can a new transmission. An engine port would be a good idea too. Good luck ;)
Without using a conversion kit, it might be a little bit cheaper, but takes a lot more skill (welding, cutting, etc.) and a LOT more time. The kits are made to make your life easier, and they are very worth it.