What's the thinking on this?

[Chubster]

Thoughts please, am I loosing my mind in these strange times (?) as I am thinking about changing the V8 for a MX5 unit.

I am currently running a 3.5 v8 fuel injected (flapper) it was dyno'd and set up with its current ECU to ensure it does not go lean through the range. You would be surprised how much so say standard ECU's vary, we went through 6 or 7 including early TVR and Vitesse items and they vary quite a bit on the fuel maps, even when you have two part numbers the same, the development was done by Lloyd specialist developments a couple of years ago.'

But having done the 'V8 thing' I am thinking about what to do next and a Hamilton MX5 conversion looks an interesting project.

[moestr7v8]

To increase the chance of losing your mind, just keep the V8 and buy yourself an MX5 there are quite a few on the market at reasonable prices, I am pretty sure if you lose the V8 you will regret it.
Cheers
Moe

[busheytrader]

My daily driver is one of the first Mk3 2L MX5's. It's done 105k miles, is 14 years old, we've had it 8 years and notched up 65k. It's been incredibly reliable, inexpensive to run and great fun. Good MX5's can be great value.

The Mk2's front chassis rails can succumb to terminal rust and cars are being scrapped as their values are low. Their engines and gearbox are now finding their way into various conversions and kit cars. We had a Mk2 1.8iSport many years ago and the engine and 6 speed gearbox were great. (Unfortunately it was written off on the motorway when an adjacent car had a tyre blowout at 70 mph) I assume this is the combination that Hamilton base their kit on.

I'd have words with Chris at RPi engineering before giving up on your V8 but that MX5 engine option looks really interesting! So does their prospect of an LS400 conversion as well!

The MX5 can't replace my V8 wedge (too emotionally invested) but if I'd never had the wedge I'd be more than happy with a MX5. Hopefully that doesn't make me a heretic.

[redbulletv8]

If you get rid of the v8 you will regret it, ask me how I know! I bought my present car 10 years ago converted to v8 and it will be sold when I go up in smoke.
The v8 maybe a dinosaur but so are most of us and when I start it up on the few days a month I get the time I smile and know its going to be a fun hour or two.
The lexus v8 is one that has crossed my mind a few times but it takes up a lot of room and the wiring is a little more involved, at 60 years of age I think I will leave it as it is.

[Axis of evil]

Australian company rebuilt MX5's with Lexus V8, (earlier versions ran Rover V8's


https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/d ... er-106009/

https://www.performancedrive.com.au/for ... mx-5-0619/

[Hasbeen]

I test drove one of the Bullet, [V8 MX5] about 6 years ago, when I wanted to retire the TR7 & 8 from daily driver duties.

They weren't bad at all, better than most on the market, including the Z3 & 4 BMW but I found the Honda S2000 the best available today.

Of course I then decided the mint S2000 was too good for shopping trolley duties, & bought an old Mazda 323 to collect the parking lot dings.

Hasbeen.

[Axis of evil]

I tried one of their first Lexus powered, Absolutely brilliant performance, stopped very quick as well!
Needed the seat belt to keep me on the rear side of the screen!
My only problem was that it was a ragtop, When going down the road at 100 upside down, I really prefer a roof between me and the gravel

The new MX has a roof, but only has enough room in the drivers position for short 9 year olds.