If ford ever got a version of the Miata and dropped a V8 in it they would a a real new Cobra to fit in the slot of the short-lived T-bird convertible.

 

A Miata variant for Ford would make things more interesting. I wonder if Ford already has their resources tied up in other cars; there seems to be less of a need for them in this segment.

 

I think a Ford competitor to the Solstice would be great for GM. Especially if it comes with a V8… Such a car might just be the end of the “four cylinder only” thinking at GM.

I want a one with a bowtie, a V8, and make it red.

 

If Ford was smart, they'd keep their ego to a reasonable level and keep the Miata under the Mazda nameplate where it belongs. The last thing they need is to attach their usual home-run expectations to a car in a segment that probably won't ever move a lot of volume.

But, hey, I'm sure that the Tubular platform will get every badge under the GM umbrella stuck on it, so Ford might as well jump on this bandwagon as well. They could do a Mercury version of the Miata, too - betcha that'd be a monster in the monthly-sales charts.

 

Ford tried to put a V6 inside of the Miata a while back but the DOHC engine was so tall that an ENORMOUS hood scoop was needed to let the hood shut. I wish I had a picture of it around here to link to. Ford now only runs 32v OHC engines, making it nearly impossible to drop Ford V8's in the Miata. The LS1 and Ford 5.0 are different stories with the compact pushrod architecture. You can drop them in easily in the same space that the stock 4 banger takes up. Unless the Miata is getting a new platform after all of these years, I can't see a V6 emblem ever on the side of the car. Then ford would have to use the turbo 4 cylinder that is being developed for that rumored turbo focus, or they'd have to drop in a Renesis! Either way, both would be great engines for a Solstice fighter!

Now what if Dodge built the Razor?

 

An ALL-NEW larger Miata is coming in 2005.

 

I think guys in here are a little too hung up on V8, stucking them everywhere. A v8 is not THE answer. I can only imagine the weight bias in Miata - 70% front, 30% rear

Since neither V6 nor I6 fits into it, turbo 4 would be a nice solution, something with the likes of Mazdaspeed.

 

A v8 or at least a v6 version of the Miata being sold as a Ford Cobra would help seperate it from the 4cyl. (and possible Rotary engine option) in the next-gen Miata.

AC Cobras have become almost mythological and if Ford could recreate that magic by putting a V8 in a small roadster and sell it for around $35,000 and call it the Cobra it would be a huge hit.

Maybe Ford will change the name of the Cobra Mustang to something else like one of the limited production Stangs that have been coming out over the last few years (Mach-1?). Maybe those limited production Stangs are testing the waters for a new high-end Stang name.

 

Designing a bigger, heavier Miata to handle a V6 or V8 engine would completely destroy the essence of the Miata, in addition to not making a whole lot of sense for Ford. The heavier duty, shared platform that would result would also price the miata out of it's own market and Ford would be stuck with a THIRD low volume two seat car. They've already got the GT, Mustang, Mustang Cobra, Mach1, SVT Focus, Lightning, Marauder and T-Bird anyways, so it's not like they're hurting for performance/sporty cars.

But if you want a faster miata - don't worry, there is a turbocharged mazdaspeed edition on the way.

 

What is the Miata?

We have a Mazda MX5 - 2 door roadster is this the same beast?

I'm with muckz on this the MX5/Miata I don't think will or should get a V8.

 

Anthony,

MX5 = Miata

Same car. Different name.

 

The original AC Cobra was neither big or heavy and thats why people loved it but it stilll had a big V8 and in fact the ones with the big Ford 427 are considered the most valuable.

The 2-seater T-bird will be gone in 2 years and a new 2-seat Cobra could easily replace it and Ford could properly use the Cobra name for once.

Calling a Mustang a Cobra is like calling Calvalier and Camaro (its apples and oranges folks)

Fords current performance lineup:

Mustang ,GT, Cobra, Mach1 -,$20,000-$40,000 4 seater v6/v8 Rwd musclecar coupe/convertible

SVT Focus - sub-$20,000 FWD 4cyl hatchback (possible $30,000 AWD supercharged version coming)

Lighting- $35,000 RWD supercharged V8 truck

Marauder - $30,000+ RWD v8 4-door sedan

T-Bird- $35,000 RWD V8 2 seat convertible only

Ford GT- $120,000 RWD V8 2seat racecare for the road


When the T-bird goes it sure opens up a space to be filled by another 2-seat roadster . A Mustang convertible and the current T-bird are both grand tourers and neither of them are real sports cars. Im sure Ford knows that when the new retro Stang comes out it going to eat into T-bird sales since they are both GT's and the t-bird has 2 fewer seats. A real 2-seat sportscar/roadster similar to that of the legendary AC Cobra would be a totally different story and would give Ford something closer to the Corvette.

 

There is no way they can take a Miata, give it a heavier duty rear end, heavier duty suspension, stiffer frame, larger wheels and tires and not end up with a heavier car (unless of course, you used premium materials and charged $40,000 for it). All this added weight for the heavier duty parts would have to go on both models (even the 4 cylinder Miata) or you wouldn't really be sharing a platform. The reason the 350Z is so much heavier than it needs to be is because it was designed on a shared platform that was heavy duty enough to support the other cars and trucks built off of it. Shared platform cars always have to be heavy duty enough to support the largest variant (which is great if you want the "big" one, but not good if you want the "small" one.)

Just because some small firm can stuff a 5.0L V8 into a miata doesn't mean Ford can do it. They have to worry about things like crash safety, handling charicteristics, warranty (how much would it cost to fix a bent frame?) costs and other regulations.

Sure, they could come up with something, but the Miata is the WRONG place to start. The car is great because of its PURITY. It is not WATERED DOWN. It's platform is dedicated, NOT SHARED.

Screwing up one of the best, most fun cars in the world (at any price) to expand the line is a travesty in my eyes.

 

 

I guess you think the AC Cobra is also just one biggest screw ups in automotive history as well

Some people will never get it


There was an aftermarket company called Monster Miata who installed V8's in 1st-gen Miatas.

I guess putting a V8 in a Miata is so difficult that this guy can do it himself.

Check it out this guys V8 Miata @ http://www.v8miata.com

Here's the FAQ's from that site to help you out:

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What skill level does one need to do the conversion himself?
A: Average knowledge of automotive tools and parts changing. The process is comparable to doing an engine swap

Q: What is the first step toward getting a V8 converted?
A: Getting your Miata to me is first.We use several transport companys that will pamper your car.This is an additional expence.You should have a good idea of what options you want at this time. Half of the cost is due at this point and half upon completion.

Q: What all is involved?
A: The Miata drive train, cooling system and unnecessary parts and wiring are removed. The engine compartment is thoroughly cleaned. Then comes the cutting and welding followed by detail painting of the modifications. Now the suspension gets the make over along with changing the differential and half shafts. The wiring modifications follow that. Now its time to install the newly detailed engine and drive train. Next is a checklist for engine start up. Following this is the exhaust and air conditioning shop. A final checklist before the test drive. A short drive and a complete inspection. More test driving. More inspecting. 200 miles of city and highway “performance driving” and the car is ready for its new life.

Q: How much weight does the V8 add to the car?
A: Approximately 250 lbs. total.

Q: Do all the instruments work correctly?
A: Yes. The Miata has a slight voltage difference than the Ford, which requires calibrating for the gauges to read correctly.

Q: Why convert a perfectly good car?
A: I have always liked the sound of a "throaty" high performance V8. I have built many a car kit (Cobras, GT-40's) and the sight and sound of a seemingly innocent Miata waiting for the light to turn, rumbling, shacking, about ready to come out of it's skin, appeals to me. When the light turns and the Miata leaps with that throaty roar, you feel the G's and you see the reactions -that's why.

Q: How is the overall handling of the car affected?
A: The car maintains very good handling. The Miata loves the V8. On acceleration, the rear end squats and holds firm while the front is still nimble & sensitive. After a short drive, the car quickly becomes predictable. Of coarse the car can get out of shape fast with too much throttle; too much power is a problem I can live with.

Q: How long does the conversion process take?
A: A basic conversion takes 3 weeks.

Q: What is the weight distribution after the conversion?
A: With a half tank of gas, 53/47.

Q: What exhaust manifold do you use?
A: Custom 1 ½" tubular headers, thermal coated inside & out. 1 5/8" are also available for the higher performance engine.

Q: What is the approximate top speed of a "stock V8 Miata?"
A: The fastest I have driven a "stock" V8 Miata is 150 mph. The temperature was 75° out, no wind and at around 800 ft. altitude. The top was down and the car was getting light. I backed out. One of the “Mega Monsters” reported in at 175 mph during the Silver State race in Nevada. The car was supercharged and had around 400 hp. The final drive ratio was 3.27:1. The 5th speed overdrive ratio was .80 The top was up and the car was boarder line airborne. The driver was Richard Holdner, a photo journalist who has "huevos grande".

Q: How is the clutch pedal pressure?
A: It is soft to medium. The clutch master cylinder we use is exactly the right size. Any bigger and the pedal pressure would be to firm. Any smaller wouldn’t completely disengage.

Q: Who does the conversions?
A: I personally do the conversions. Aside from exhaust, air and tires, all the modifications take place in house.

Q: What about emissions?
A: The converted Miatas that have passed California strict standards are: stock 5.0 efi. Engines, the same year or newer than the project car, with all the factory emission equipment intact & operating.