The Mazda MX-5 Miata has spent decades proving that a sports car doesn’t need enormous horsepower to be entertaining. Its appeal comes from lightweight construction, responsive handling, and the satisfaction of extracting everything from a modest four-cylinder engine.
Swapping that engine for a Chevrolet V8 sounds like a great way to make the Miata faster. Of course, the bigger issue to consider is whether such a conversion destroys the balance that makes the original so enjoyable.
That’s what the Driven+ YouTube channel traveled to South Carolina to investigate, with host Max and professional racing driver Sam Maher-Loughnan testing a highly ambitious ND-generation Miata. Built by Sarasota SuperSport Performance, it packs a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter Chevrolet LS3 under the hood.
The company isn’t merely chasing horsepower, either. Its builder, Lawrence, wants to recreate the experience of a modern-day Shelby Cobra, combining American V8 character with a compact, open-top sports car.
A Corvette Engine in a Miata
The LS3 produces a claimed 560 horsepower and approximately 460 lb-ft of torque, with roughly 460 of those ponies reaching the wheels. That’s an extraordinary output for a car originally designed around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Its compact V8 reportedly adds only about 200 pounds, preserving much of the Miata’s lightweight character. The conversion also includes a six-speed manual transmission, upgraded driveshafts, and a modified Camaro SS differential.
The Engineering Goes Beyond Horsepower
Packaging the V8 required substantial changes, including replacing the factory electric power steering with a hydraulic system. The presenters praised the steering feel, while the custom center-exit exhaust delivered what they considered the best soundtrack featured on their channel.
The car also offers an unusually direct driving experience, with no traction or stability control. Its short wheelbase and substantial torque demand respect, particularly when the tires haven’t reached operating temperature.
A Roadster Built for Driving, Not Lap Records
Maher-Loughnan had already driven the Miata on a track and found its suspension somewhat soft, while the street-oriented brake pads struggled with sustained track driving. Neither issue spoiled his enthusiasm.
On winding public roads, both presenters felt the conversion kept the Miata’s playful personality intact. They especially praised the manual transmission, immediate throttle response, and V8 soundtrack echoing through the surrounding countryside.
The Price of a Modern-Day Cobra
Sarasota SuperSport Performance quoted $66,900 plus tax for the conversion, with customers supplying their own left-hand-drive ND Miata. The company was also preparing to operate under the Lawrence Stubbs Automotive name.
That’s a serious investment before purchasing the donor car, especially for a conversion without modern electronic safety nets. Still, both reviewers came away convinced that its character justified the price.
Their verdict wasn’t based on lap times or outright speed. It was the combination of a responsive chassis, a manual transmission, and an unforgettable V8 soundtrack that convinced them this Miata could be the ultimate driver’s car.