LUGNuts Custom Miata V8 Roadster
Hey!
I have a great idea. Why not take a Mazda Miata and stuff in a powerful but relatively inexpensive Detroit V8.
It does sound like a great idea, but it was also obvious, after only a small amount of time researching the idea that it had been thought of before.
Popular substitute engines were modern Chevrolet small block OHV V8s (due to their compact size), and Ford Modular V8s (which work well, but are pretty wide.
From a Lego perspective, removing the technic simulated I4 with a technic simulated V8 involved much the same engineering exercise.
Increase some space around the front suspension and front subframe, and a modest height increase in sections of the bonnet. Surprisingly, the last factor was indeed quite modest, due to the overall decrease in engine depth, thanks to the 90 degree Vee spacing.
The major reason for not doing this modification is upsetting the Miata's natural chassis balance. This balance is due to the torque tube chassis and mounting the lightweight engine behind the front axle (much like a Chevrolet Corvette, but in a smaller overall package). By adding a heavier V8 engine and gearbox, more weight would be mounted on the front wheels, losing some of the handling delicacy of the original.
Nonetheless, the V8 conversion is likely to be not uncommon on cars over 10 years old, as owners look to provide themselves with an immodest helping of additional power and torque.
This Lego miniland-scale LUGNuts Custom Miata V8 Roadster Rat-Rod has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 102nd Build Challenge, titled - 'I Smell a (Modern) Rat!'. In this challenge, any post-1996 vehicle can be built as a rat-rod.
The Miata (also known as the Mazda MX-5) is the recently superseded NC, third generation model sold from 2005 - 2015.
LUGNuts Custom Miata V8 Roadster
Hey!
I have a great idea. Why not take a Mazda Miata and stuff in a powerful but relatively inexpensive Detroit V8.
It does sound like a great idea, but it was also obvious, after only a small amount of time researching the idea that it had been thought of before.
Popular substitute engines were modern Chevrolet small block OHV V8s (due to their compact size), and Ford Modular V8s (which work well, but are pretty wide.
From a Lego perspective, removing the technic simulated I4 with a technic simulated V8 involved much the same engineering exercise.
Increase some space around the front suspension and front subframe, and a modest height increase in sections of the bonnet. Surprisingly, the last factor was indeed quite modest, due to the overall decrease in engine depth, thanks to the 90 degree Vee spacing.
The major reason for not doing this modification is upsetting the Miata's natural chassis balance. This balance is due to the torque tube chassis and mounting the lightweight engine behind the front axle (much like a Chevrolet Corvette, but in a smaller overall package). By adding a heavier V8 engine and gearbox, more weight would be mounted on the front wheels, losing some of the handling delicacy of the original.
Nonetheless, the V8 conversion is likely to be not uncommon on cars over 10 years old, as owners look to provide themselves with an immodest helping of additional power and torque.
This Lego miniland-scale LUGNuts Custom Miata V8 Roadster Rat-Rod has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 102nd Build Challenge, titled - 'I Smell a (Modern) Rat!'. In this challenge, any post-1996 vehicle can be built as a rat-rod.
The Miata (also known as the Mazda MX-5) is the recently superseded NC, third generation model sold from 2005 - 2015.