The Miata is a hugely popular 2-seat roadster built by Mazda since 1989. It has proven to be a winner compared to other Japanese sports cars and its contemporaries built in Europe. This ’93 Miata looks routine until you notice the “Powered by Ford” script on the back. Pop open the hood and you’ll find a 302 cubic-inch V8 (how they shoehorned that in, I’ll never know). Kits are available online to convert these cars, so it’s not likely a one-off. But we’re told it needs a bit of TLC to be a daily driver. Located in West Covina, California, this muscular Miata is available here on craigslist for $9,500. Thanks to our Barn Finder Pat L. for another cool tip!
Mazda used the design of the English Lotus Elan as a benchmark for coming up with the Miata. The result was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster that was nimble and fast, making it a hit with autocross competitors. Its technical name is the Mazda MX-5, but more commonly known as the Miata in North America.
First-generation Miata’s were built through 1997 and at first, came with a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine that produced 116 horsepower. Base models came without power steering or brakes, but a 5-speed manual was standard in these little cars. For more than 40 years (1974-15), Ford had a minority ownership position which may or may not have anything to do with the 302-crate motor that found its way into the seller’s car.
The seller refers to this car as a “Monster Miata” due to its modifications. While the overall car has seen more than 240,000 miles, the V8 motor has about 40,000. When installed, the engine was brand new and came with a T-5 manual tranny, a 7.5-inch Ford rear differential, thanks in part to a “Monster Miata” kit. The car is in running condition, but the clutch needs some attention. It sports new tires, a new top, power windows, and power Wilwood front disc brakes.
We’re told this would be a great car for someone with mechanical abilities, so perhaps the needed TLC beyond the clutch. More than one million Miata’s have been put into service across the globe, but we wonder how many have had a V8 upgrade like this one. Online guides like Hagerty and NADA point to $10-20,000 as being top dollar for one of these cars but does the V8 add or deduct value? I would think the extra weight up front changes the car’s handling capabilities.
Monster Miatas were built by an upfitter in Escondido, CA. They purchased brand new Miatas and brand new Mustang GTs and did their magic. The advantage of their creations was that they were 50 state emissions legal.
They’re located just East of Grand Junction,Colorado.
The company started in San Marcos, CA as Monster Motor Sports.
I bet this is an absolute BLAST to drive lol! Not a big fan of the Miata, but I would own this!
Little car, big motor. What more could I want. Looks like nice work on it too.
Repeat after me “Cobramiata”..
For some reason,those blue stripes really set this off.
I own a Monster Miata, if you can get this one for under $10,000 it is a steal. V8 Miatas are fun
There are kits out there to put corvette engines in from flyin’ miata too!
My dad before his passing had an early 90’s Monster Miata.It was a properly built 302 V8 Miata.He said it looked factory was so well done and the extra weight didnt ruin the car,but it ran like spit :P
The seller says it all in his description. Take note. “Would be a great car for someone with mechanical abilities” Speaks volumes. You want something you WILL have to work on this is your car. Would love to see the counter guys face at Autozone when you attempt to get common parts. Totally clueless.
The little car was never engineered to have a V8. NA Miatas are hot. Original examples are in high demand. They are so popular Mazda has taken note. The factory has reissued many obsolete common wear items, Along with that OEM spec tires so everyone can feel the magic of why Miata is always the answer.
These are one of the most modified and drifted cars. They are an excellent track car. There are many specialty shops only intent to buy and part down. I know first hand when an MX5 ends up in a U Pull it within two days it is a body of white.
That’s why you are getting it at a reduced price. Sure there is work to do on it the seller probably deferred all maintenance until something broke. You can’t do that in a high performance car. Still selling for cheaper than you could build one.
Fun rocket 🚀 not surprisingly the clutch needs attention lol. 🔥
American racing colors look great on it. The 302 basic engine is lightweight at 425 with aluminum heads which is 125 more than the 1.8 in there .
Bullet in Australia fitted Rover & Lexus V8’s in these and also added S/C. They were much more highly engineered than this though.
Monster is a well respected kit for these. Even needing some work this is a very good deal. If it wasn’t on the other coast I’d be tempted, this would be an absolute blast for back-road weekends.
What kind of abuse would it take to destroy a clutch in a 2200lb car in 40k miles?
…we used to call it side-stepping the clutch…
Probably a choice between burning down the clutch or burning down the tires. Wrong choice!
There used to be a company based out of Jersey with another on FL that also made steel body kits for them to mimic ‘65 Mustang convert. Combine that with 5.0 and you could have some fun confusing the heck out of folks at red lights. I’d be interested in this one we’re it an East Coast car.
Yes that must be a blast to drive, but that is a lot of miles, no interior photos?
I would think the 5.0 HO motor, T5 tranny and 7.5″ differential would be worth $9500 if in reasonable condition.
If that motor will fit, how about a Coyote motor with a flat plane crank?? It may as well sound good while it’s burning its rear tires off.
But it looks great.
I’d also be a bit concerned about front weight bias, but ….
Looks like it would be fun changing the spark plugs
Always thought the Miata was based much more on the Alfa spider, open the hood of a 70’s spider and the similarities in engine and drivetrain are obvious.