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Ferrariata? Modena Motor Meets Miata

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by thecheddar, May 30, 2017.

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  1. thecheddar

    thecheddar Formula 3

    Jun 29, 2006
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    Cheddar, The
    #1 thecheddar, May 30, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    This is a Tipo F131 V8 Ferrari engine from a 360. That's a Miata race car called "Morpheus." And yes, "Operation Red Pill" is going to happen! The mad geniuses at Blackbird Fabworx (who did excellent fab on my track car) launched the project this weekend.

    It'll feature a front-mid placement with a sequential gearbox to match the chassis' active DRS, flat bottom, and a list of custom aero innovations too long (and secret) to list. It's a tall package to fit, of course, but creativity is why they're the best.

    I'll be posting updates as they come.
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  2. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    #2 vrsurgeon, May 30, 2017
    I don't get it personally. I guess there's always a guy out there trying to stuff a V12 into a Yugo. Why not make the Miata tub a complete carbon fiber assembly? That way you'd have an ultralight tub that weighs like 50 pounds? And why do it with a 360 engine? Why not go the full gamut and use a V12 from an F12? Personally I'd use a modded GTR engine with insane HP. But that doesn't have the cache..
     
  3. thecheddar

    thecheddar Formula 3

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    #3 thecheddar, May 30, 2017
    Last edited: May 30, 2017
    Reasonable questions there.

    1. Maybe I'm wrong but I'm under the impression that a F12 V12 isn't real cheap, nor would it fit in much of anything.

    2. Miatas are arguably the most developed track platform available to mortal racers, and Blackbird's specialty (they manufacture high-end roll bars and cages). The custom aero is all carbon and the chassis trimmed and caged for a nice light base. They made the windshield cowl removable for coupe, roadster, or speedster use.

    3. He's a friend so I know he chose this because it fits (more or less!), it's fun, it's affordable, it's fun, it'll draw racer eyeballs to the shop, it's totally nuts, and...oh yeah, it's fun! An LS swap is more powerful, of course, but this is a premium shop that focuses on creative, sometimes wild projects (current customers include an NSU EV conversion, a Honda N600 with CBR1000RR motor, and various BMW, Shelby, Corvette, etc. track cars).

    Besides, a front-mid-mounted 400 HP Ferrari 360 engine in a package that'll weigh 1200+ pounds less than the Ferrari it came from will do pretty well, and its torque characteristics suit the Miata's size and light weight pretty well.
     
  4. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
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    #4 tbakowsky, May 30, 2017
    You don't need a reason to do anything like this. You do it because you can and want to.
     
  5. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #5 WILLIAM H, May 30, 2017
    It's a Barchetta
     
  6. Statler

    Statler F1 World Champ

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    #6 Statler, May 30, 2017
    Love it.
     
  7. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

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    #7 ///Mike, May 31, 2017
    +1.
     
  8. jagmanv12

    jagmanv12 Karting

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    #8 jagmanv12, May 31, 2017
    If you have a spare 360 engine, why not.

    Years ago there was a company in Germany that put Mustang 5.0 engines in MX5s.
    Now there's at least one company that fits Corvette LS engines into MX5 and Fiat 124.

    It needs to be an alloy block obviously.

    A V12 engine would be a bit of a squeeze, although years ago I saw a MGB with a Jag V12, so almost anything is possible.
     
  9. thecheddar

    thecheddar Formula 3

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    #9 thecheddar, Jun 1, 2017
    Exactly. Unlike those other swaps though, this will be a dedicated track/race machine with the 360 engine's weight (~380 pounds) mounted farther back with a tiny sequential box. Completed, the entire car will be under 2000 pounds. Not as fast as the LSx in a straight line, perhaps, but a flat-plane Ferrari unit will be more unique, interesting and joyful to listen to!

    I'm looking forward to seeing a proper NHRA-meets-Enzo-era 250 GT hood scoop for those lovely red intake plenums. Perhaps in clear plexi? ;)
     
  10. uadialej

    uadialej Rookie

    Jun 5, 2017
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    #10 uadialej, Jun 5, 2017
    A V12 engine would be a bit of a squeeze
     

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