An LS-swapped Mazda MX-5 Miata combines the agility of a lightweight roadster with the power of a V8. Miatas and LS engines are also famously affordable and reliable, meaning such a build usually doesn’t break the bank. If this combination sounds good to you, there’s an LS3-powered 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata located in Kansas listed on Bring a Trailer.
Under the hood lies a 6.2L V8 LS3 engine mated to a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission, which routes power to a limited-slip differential sourced from the Pontiac G8. The hydraulic steering rack is also GM-sourced, coming from a 2010 Chevy Camaro. The engine swap was professionally performed by Jesse Prather Motorsports of Topeka, Kansas in 2022.
A January 2022 dyno test recorded a peak output of 405 horsepower and 416 pound-feet of torque at the wheels. For reference, the LS3-powered C6 Corvette had an output of 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque at the crank when equipped with the base exhaust system.
Hailing from the current ND generation, this Mazda MX-5 Miata is in the Grand Touring trim and looks mostly stock inside and out, save the 17-inch Tobu forged wheels and Hard Dog roll bar. However, it has several modifications on top of the engine swap. A few include Flyin’ Miata chassis and subframe reinforcements, a Stage 2 Fox Suspension kit, and Big Mama Jama front and Little Big rear brake kits with Wilwood calipers. Additional Flyin’ Miata mods include aluminum pedals, a center-exit dual exhaust system, and a battery relocation kit with a master cutoff switch.
The Carfax vehicle history report shows no accidents and three owners in this Miata’s history.
Overall, this is a clean and well-executed Mazda MX-5 Miata LS-swap build. The desirable powertrain, combined with the tasteful updates to the brakes, suspension, and steering, should make for a tremendous driving experience for the lucky next owner. The auction ends on Wednesday, October 30th, and the high bid at the time of this writing is $36,000. Is that a good deal, or would that money be better spent on a C6 Grand Sport?
Comments
Hope it’s got long-life spark plugs…
GM – Capital Letters — Should have kept the Saturn Sky as an Opel and brought it to the Buick dealers …. It would have been an excellent competitor to the Mazda Miata with very few modifications. Keep the standard engine – but make the turbocharged engine more readily available. Maybe even do something similar to this LS conversion !!! Really, a nice powerful V-6 may have been a great option too !!!
Fire Mary Barra – she is destroying GM – Capital Letters !!!!!
My question would be: heat management? If this car runs 80mph for an hour on black asphalt on a sunny 90F day, what happens to oil and water temps over time? If you stop for gas after an hour of cruising, does the starter heat soak and get weak? I didn’t see mention of AC? Is the passenger heater core working? If all these things plus more details like windshield washer and sway bar mounts (and a hundred other things) are well sorted, $36k sounds like a very good price. Too many conversions like this get the “important parts” working and run out of enthusiasm before the details are sorted.
Nice science project but I can’t image this is a good long-term idea. Too much engine in too little space. As the owner of a 2024 MX-5 I can tell you the stock power/handling/fuel economy balance is fantastic.