Well, If they kept the original AC engine and then tried to sell the car as an AC model with the heavy duty 427 Cobra chassis and flared body it would have been slow as *** and a worse performer compared to the original AC car. But that didn't make sense then, and it doesn't now.

Didn't Shelby only buy the BODY from AC and use his own chassis on the later, higher output cobras? (Cobra experts please answer).

BTW, in your miata example, you neglected to mention how the aftermarket miata swap guy would meet all FMVSS requirments and whether he completed full durability testing and would be willing to warranty the car for 3 years or 36K miles. Did he do crash testing to make sure that the heavy V8 at the front of this small lightweight car wouldn't intrude into the cockpit in a collision? You also neglect to mention how Ford would fit a CURRENT PRODUCTION V8 engine into the car, as the smaller 5.0L likely doesn't meet emissions requirements now, and won't in the very near future (one of the reasons it was discontinued).

Don't worry, I think there's hope for you.

 

Werm at times you are totally clueless

For a true well-balanced sports car a supercharged or turbocharged 4 cycl. would be the best option but some people would love to have a V8 in a small roadster (obviously you are not one of them).

I dont understand your hang up if Ford made a specialty small roadster with a V8 based on the the next-gen Miata for a particular niche market. Im sure if Ford really wanted to make a new Cobra they could engineer the engine bay to accept new-gen V8 to meet all required saftey and emission regulations. We dont even know the actual specs of the next-gen 2005 Miata at this time other then it will be larger and more powerful then the current miata.



Dude- its all just fun speculation so get a life because your "ANTI" approach to this is lame. You are the only guy on this forum that takes the fun out of talking and speculating about cars.

the important FAQ's from www.v8miata.com:

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.

 

Have you even looked at the physical size of a MOD V8 and compared it to say, a Miata? Sure, it could all be engineered and done, but what you'd end up with is a bigger, heavier, costlier platform to support this Ford roadster and in the process you would destroy the essence of the Miata. Why is this so hard to understand?

I work in the automotive industry every day (as an engineer). I've been involved in both product design and manufacturing. I know more about the auto industry than you ever will.

If anyone is clueless, it's you.

 

Werm,

WOW! You must impressed with yourself that you have pointed out the "obvious" that a heavier and larger V8 motor would require stonger reinforcement, stronger tranny ,and would make the car heavier and change its balance.

I already know all this but I still like to have fun talking and speculating about future cars so dont be such a DORK

What did you design and engineer anyway? The Aztek or something

 

Surprisingly I'd have to go with WERM here. The V8 motor isn't necessarily the answer to everything, guys. I was the one who felt the Trailblazer SS was a disappointment when it was shown with the old run-of-the-mill 6.0 V8. I was hoping for a turbo 4.2 I6. Why? It's different. It's creative. And it makes for an even better basis for some sick modifications.

Don't mess with traditional V8 power in my Camaro. Don't you dare use a turbo 6 in a Corvette. Don't mess with the formula of a lightweight, nimble roadster with a high-strung 4 in the Miata. Understand now?

 

So, johnsocal, what exactly are you trying to prove?

Are you trying to make the point that a V8 CAN be put into a Miata?

Are you trying to make the point that the Shelby Cobra was a cool car?

No one is arguing that.

Fact is, a modern Ford V8 would NOT work in the current Miata without ruining the whole car. World's a different place than it was in 1965, and they have a lot more to worry about on a FACTORY car than if they can stuff an engine in the bay or not.

Would a Miata with a V8 swap be cool? Sure. I'd be glad to drive one if I knew someone who had one. That doesn't make it any more plausible for it to actually happen in a real factory car.

 

FWIW, I remember reading a article in Road and Track about the next gen Miata, and the guy who originally dreamed up the idea of the car stated that he would not want it to grow much in size. He felt the small size of the car kept it close to its roots as the spiritual succssor to the small British roadsters of the 60s.

 

And of course, all of us Camaro lovers/owners are thinking of putting V8 into the Miata we don't have... and that is why the whole FAQ is in the post... is that what you were thinking?

links are allowed for a reason

 

I think weight distribution in percent would be a better indicator of capabilities/limitations that this V8 swap brings to the car. One guy's opinion (an opinion that determines whether he eats today or goes to bed hungry) is a rather subjective take on the handling.

 

As much as i love v8's, i too think it just isn't for the miata. It should stay a 4 banger with maybe an optional Turbo on the side.

 

Sorry for the delay I was gone camping all weekend :-D


First of all my whole point was that I think it would be cool if Ford made a new small V8 2 seat roadster that was built on the "NEXT-GEN" 2005 Miata platform.

I never said I wanted Mazda to make a V8 in the current Miata I only brought up the V8 Miata when "Werm" said that it was impossible, and I simply proved that not only was it possible but people are currently doing V8 conversions as we speak. While these conversions are low-budget swaps it does show the potential of what could be done.

Yes, I think the AC Cobra is a cool car and I think the Cobra name would be better suited on a small V8 RWD 2 seat roadster like it was intended than a Mustang.

Since the ALL-NEW 2005 Miata wil be larger it might be possible for Ford to get a version of this larger next-gen Miata and make it the basis of a new V8 RWD 2 seat roadster and call it the "Cobra".

This all just fun speculation for me and I would personally like the see a true Ford Cobra resurrected and I thought that maybe it could be built on the same platform of the larger next-gen 2005 Miata.

I dont want the Miata to change its successful 4cyl. formula and this is why a V8 Ford version would not compete against the Miata and a new Cobra would become a special niche vehicle to fill the 2-seat roadster T-bird when its axed in the next couple of years.

I dont understand why someone would be so "HUNG-UP AGAINST" the idea of speculating about the possibility of the return of a real Ford Cobra.

Damn- its all just for fun anyway

 

Well because the original argument (as most understood it) was to offer a V8 as an option in Miata.....

Also, though Miata may be getting larger, will it be large enough to accommodate V8? They could do 2 things: 1 - build next gen Miata that could accommodate V8, and share this platform with Ford. Or, 2, build a new model that is based on Miata, yet is re-engineered to accommodate V8. Does Ford have a case for a TOTALLY NEW model to be introduced into their lineup? This was OUR line of reasoning. Most everyone does not want anyone or anything to mess with the successful MX5 formula - small, light, 4-cyl quick car. Make it larger/heavier - and the car loses its appeal. And that's precisely what they would have to do in order to allow Miata platform to use V8.

 

Even Vauxall wants a V8 version of the Pontiac Solstice but GM doesnt want to produce it because they are affraid it would beentering Corvette territory and not because its impossible or wouldnt perform well.

I never stated I wanted a V8 Miata (check all my posts if you like) I only used the V8 Miata reference to show the possibilies.

The Cobra name has no right being placed on a Mustang and Ford only did this since they had to actually use one of their trademarks in order to keep it. Shelby at one point challenged Ford that they were hording the Cobra name and they were not actively using it , and if a name is not activiely being used for a certain length of time it can become publically available again. Since Ford did not have a unique and/or new car for the Cobra name they slapped it on highend performance versions of the Mustang as a quick solution.

I personally would like to see a real Ford Cobra again thats true to its roots and see the highend performance Mustangs called the "Mustang Mach-1".

 

The Modular V8 in my Mustang measures roughly 29"W x 26"L x 24"H. This is the smaller, 2 valve engine and it is a fairly tight fit in the Mustang. If anyone out there has a Miata, I'd be interested to know how much room (roughly) is available in the engine compartment. Hell, I'd even be interested to know how much wider the Mod 8 is than the 5.0, if anyone's got one of those.

If anyone is interested in a very cool but "feasible" Miata check this out: http://www.miata.net/news/v6.html (BTW, notice how tightly the 60° V6 fits in there, and the size of the hood scoop required).
Ford has been using "Cobra" on Mustangs as far Back as the 1968 COBRA JET (428ci) Mustangs and has used it throughout the Mustang II era and at both ends of the Fox era. A long line of Mustang enthusiasts (possibly several hundred thousand) would disagree with the statement that "Cobra" has "No right being on a Mustang".

 

The first Shelby AC Cobra was produced in 1962 and the last one was built in 1968.

It not surprising that Ford used the "Cobra-Jet" name on the Mustang in 1968 since Shelby was racing Ford Mustangs at the time and there were "Shelby Mustangs" being made around that same time as well.

The Cobra name was attached on Mustangs in an obvious attempt to use the sucessful (and now legendary) racing success of Caroll Shelby's original 2-seat V8 Cobra's on the mass produced and profitable Mustang line.

Were there any other "Mustang-Cobra's" made in the 70's and 80's that were really memorable?

Ford didnt even bring the Cobra name backuntil the early 90's until Chrysler decided to produce the "Cobra-inspired" Viper and Shelby wanted the Cobra name for his own cars.