If someone tells you they race a Miata, you automatically think of road racing. You definitely don’t think about drag racing. You know, those long, skinny Top Fuel cars that blast down the quarter mile in short seconds. Well, here’s something interesting; a first-generation Mazda Miata NA with enough power to embarrass a Mustang.
This 1990 Miata is far from stock. And with that massive hood scoop, a wheelie bar and drag racing tires, it’ll never be on the road course ever again. This is a pure dragster, with a massive Kaiser Racing V8 engine under the bonnet. The car is for sale at USD $39,000, or minus the engine and transmission for the bargain price of USD $22,000.
The engine is a 322 CID (5.2 L) Kaiser Racing engine, but it’s based on a Chevy V8. It’s got an Aurora short-deck block, Bryant crankshaft, and Jesel Keyed lifters and 855 HP on tap. In a car that weight just over 2,000 lbs, that must make this Miata one wild ride.
But…gosh, it is one funny looking car.
We saw a 49 GMC pickup yesterday. The engine had been completely refurbished and the outside left intentionally rusty. The truck was only 6 inches off the ground. I asked him how he keeps from scraping the road. He doesn’t. Remind me why I forgot to take pictures. Loved the pictures on your post today. That Miata has a sweet little paint job. But yeah, kinda strange looking.
Well, if you see it again, definitely snap a pocture!
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I’ve heard of this style called ‘Derelicte’ where the rusty outside in clesr ccoated to maintain the rusty look (but not continue to rust) but under the hood, completely new. Sometimes even electric!
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I just love the creativity people put jnto their cars. They are kinetic sculptures.
It looked pretty derelicte to be sure! Things went off the rails when he whipped out a postcard for his church and invited us to visit.
A powerful short-wheelbase drag car is a bitch to keep going straight on the track. This Miata, with 800 plus ponies under the hood must be a real nightmare to race. But the car is amazing.
You’re right. Thats why those ‘altered wheelbase’ cars were so popular in the 60’s. And of course ‘rails’ and funny cars. If you wanna go faster and keep it out the wall, better lengthen the car.
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I just thought is looked so funny, and was such an outrageous idea.