MX250 with subtle muscle car mods

306craig · #1 21st July 2016, 23:49

Saw this on Gumtree and I am VERY interested:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mazda/mx5-...a.-/1177676570

Anyone know the history of this build?

Really, really, REALLY considering getting hold of this and going for a V6 Ford, V6 Mazda (same thing really), or Rover 3.5 conversion to continue the 'muscle car' them - possible Eleanor paint job? Anyway, this is my question - does anyone know of any V6 / V8 complete conversion kits on the market? I know you can read countless 'I did it this way' accounts on various MX5 sites, but was wondering if anyone is doing an all in one kit?

All advice gratefully received,

Cheers, Craig.

Tribute Automotive · #2 22nd July 2016, 07:20

We built the car for the original owner in Dec 2014/jan 2015. He had a supercharger kit to install after we finished with the car, I think he cooked the engine and then sold it on to the person who is advertising it:

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...ead.php?t=5263

For v6 conversion try:

http://crapengineering.weebly.com

306craig · #3 22nd July 2016, 07:50

Cheers Chris. That answers 2 questions - 1. We're the modifications to the kit done to a good standard? Done by Chris and Dan so sorted. 2. The ad mentions a possible head gasket, Chris confirms the engine is cooked.

Hmm mm, decisions decisions.

Cheers for the pointer for the v6 Chris.

landmannnn · #4 22nd July 2016, 09:58

Considering the cost of the base car, kit, wheels and extras, £2000 is an absolute bargain. Not keen on the rear lights.

BTW, you can get a full LS conversion for the mx5 in the US. Not cheap mind.

306craig · #5 22nd July 2016, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by landmannnn

Considering the cost of the base car, kit, wheels and extras, £2000 is an absolute bargain. Not keen on the rear lights.

BTW, you can get a full LS conversion for the mx5 in the US. Not cheap mind.

Just got off the phone with Chris. He remembers the original build and agrees wih you - absoulte bargain. Wheels, coilovers, front to back stainless exaust, base car was good and solid, worth 2K every day. Even just changing the lump for a serviceable 1.8 unit I think this has some serious potential!!!!!

Danny_HUFC · #6 22nd July 2016, 11:14

So have you bought it craig?!

306craig · #7 22nd July 2016, 11:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny_HUFC

So have you bought it craig?!

Emailed the guy Danny, the ad has been placed by a mate. He gave me the proper guys phone number - texted him and no reply, so emailed the original bloke again asking him to pass on my number.

Very confusing, but hopefully i will be able to talk to somebody about it this weekend, seriously considering it.

Barber · #8 22nd July 2016, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by 306craig

Just got off the phone with Chris. He remembers the original build and agrees wih you - absoulte bargain. Wheels, coilovers, front to back stainless exaust, base car was good and solid, worth 2K every day. Even just changing the lump for a serviceable 1.8 unit I think this has some serious potential!!!!!

Would the later 2.0 not fit?

WorldClassAccident · #9 22nd July 2016, 13:18

Just drop the 2.5 V6 from the Ford Probe / Mazda MX6. IanA has a mate with that done so I am sure he can direct you a bit

os this http://crapengineering.weebly.com/

landmannnn · #10 22nd July 2016, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barber

Would the later 2.0 not fit?

Yes, but you can pick up a 1.6/1.8 for under £200, not so with a 2l

WorldClassAccident · #11 22nd July 2016, 17:27

Do you reckon you could squeeze one of these in?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-C...-/222194037219

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M3-F80...4AAOSwaB5XjRbM

gas guzzler · #12 22nd July 2016, 19:08

There's been quite a few V6/V8 conversions on MX5 NUTZ, v6 alfa, couple using the V8 Lexus (cheap to buy). The LS corvette way is expensive, not only for the kit but the engine and gearbox as well. Rover 3.5 (or it's numerous variants) are plentiful and reasonably priced. Things to do are cut the subframe back to allow room for sump, make some engine mounts, make a gearbox mount shorten prop and put a mk2 diff assembly in. I had a BMW diff in mine but have been told a mk2 diff is good enough. Rover may be old hat to some but you have to bear in mind it's all alloy and weighs pretty much the same as a 1.6 mx engine

Andy

306craig · #13 23rd July 2016, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorldClassAccident

Do you reckon you could squeeze one of these in?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-C...-/222194037219

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M3-F80...4AAOSwaB5XjRbM

Either one of those would be awesome! !!!!! Remembering I am working on my drive due to garage constraints unfortunately not very realistic. Thanks for the pointers though.

306craig · #14 23rd July 2016, 11:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorldClassAccident

Just drop the 2.5 V6 from the Ford Probe / Mazda MX6. IanA has a mate with that done so I am sure he can direct you a bit

os this http://crapengineering.weebly.com/

That is the route I was thinking. To be honest it is not a case od going for huge a month of power, it is more about getting the sound right to match the look of the car.

Chris has already mentioned crapengineering so ifar I decide to get it they will be getting a call.

306craig · #15 23rd July 2016, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by gas guzzler

There's been quite a few V6/V8 conversions on MX5 NUTZ, v6 alfa, couple using the V8 Lexus (cheap to buy). The LS corvette way is expensive, not only for the kit but the engine and gearbox as well. Rover 3.5 (or it's numerous variants) are plentiful and reasonably priced. Things to do are cut the subframe back to allow room for sump, make some engine mounts, make a gearbox mount shorten prop and put a mk2 diff assembly in. I had a BMW diff in mine but have been told a mk2 diff is good enough. Rover may be old hat to some but you have to bear in mind it's all alloy and weighs pretty much the same as a 1.6 mx engine

Andy

Thanks Andy. Some good pointers.

306craig · #16 23rd July 2016, 11:25

Thanks for all the advice and pointers guys. Extremely grateful. Finally had some contact last night. Not from the guy who owns it but from the guy who is advertising it. He says the bloke is desperate to get rid as he needs the space and wouldo take a lower offer just to be rid of it. So I am definitely going for it. Need to find someone to transport it now. Result!!!!

Lucky@LeMans · #17 23rd July 2016, 16:34

The ad shows £1500 now , bargain !

306craig · #18 23rd July 2016, 17:41

I know!!!!! I am trying like hell to get hold of him. Ringing, texting, emailing the bloke who placed the ad, nothing back. You would think he didn't want to sell it. I will be proper p****d off is someone else gets it.

306craig · #19 23rd July 2016, 22:07

At last he has got back to me, he has been ill for the last couple of days apparently. At least communication has started.

Saw this on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2918215245...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Might be a good cheap way of getting a V6, just drop the complete lump out of it and transfer to the other one. Loads of good sellable (or keep for future builds) stuff on it too.

306craig · #20 23rd July 2016, 22:33

If any photoshop wizards fancy playing around and trying an Elanor paintjob please feel free.