If you love the power and torque of GM’s LS V8 engine but prefer a lightweight and compact wrapper, Throttlestop may have the perfect solution. Located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Throttlestop offers a range of interesting, enthusiast-centric vehicles. Recently, it added a pair of LS-swapped Mazda Miata Roadsters to its collection. Now, these V8-powered Mazdas are featured in a new video, showcasing their go-fast prowess around the famous Road America race track.
The video, hosted by the professional racing driver Randy Pobst, provides a look at a white Mazda Miata from the NC2 generation and a red Mazda Miata from the NC1 generation, each transformed significantly from their original specs. The white Miata is equipped with an LS3 V8 engine, previously used in the C6 Chevy Corvette between 2008 and 2013, which churns out a stout 430 horsepower. Meanwhile, the red Miata houses an LS7 V8 engine, previously cradled by the C6 Corvette Z06 and producing an eye-widening 570 horsepower.
These vehicles offer an exceptionally high power-to-weight ratio that dramatically alters the cars’ driving dynamics. Not only does the setup boost acceleration considerably over the factory figures, but their minimal aesthetic modifications conceal the impressive power hidden underneath, making these little two-doors quite the sleepers. Beyond the roll cage and muffled burble of the V8 exhaust, no one will be the wiser.
Substantial upgrades were made to the vehicles’ suspension and braking systems to handle this significant increase in power. These systems now provide a stable and responsive driving experience, even when unleashing all that V8 grunt.
Overall, the presentation by Randy Pobst vividly captures the dual nature of these cars, offering a comfortable and smooth experience on the street, all while tempting the right foot with raw power and exhilaration on the track. Check out the full video below:
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Comments
Wow. I’ve often thought of whether that could be done with the Sky/Solstice.
I’d be curious to how all of the added weight of these heavy LS engines affected handling. The fun factor of the Miata has always been its light weight which made it a blast to drive.
Ls engines aren’t heavy, the ls swap only adds 160lbs to the car vs stock and 2/3s of that weight is sitting on the rear axle. They handle phenomenally
A Cleveland, Ohio, firm did LS swaps into both the Sky and Solstice when they were in production. Some of the V8 cars were shipped to customers in Europe and South America.