Photo and Video Updates
Here you'll find all of the updates on this car. In each update you'll typically find tons of pictures and a video too.
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #1 In this update, we lay out the master plan of this build and then get right down to business by beginning the teardown process. Posted on 1/30/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #2 In this update, we complete the job of stripping the chassis to prepare for the upcoming modifications and then break down the stock drivetrain to harvest the parts we'll reuse. Posted on 2/13/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #3 In this video, we free our engine from the crate it's been living in and get to work making room for it in our engine bay! Posted on 2/27/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #4 This time, we continue chassis work to make room for our LS3, get to mounting our Getrag differential, the Tremec Magnum arrives and we modify the LS376/525 so it will work well in our Miata. Posted on 3/13/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #5 In this update, we install our new serpentine drive system, begin work on our radiator install, start installing on our Corvette Z06 intake setup, mount our drive-by-wire gas pedal and finally bolt on some shiny new headers. Posted on 3/27/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #6 In this update, we install our new Chevrolet Performance Clutch setup, mate the engine to the transmission and then do one final test fit to make sure everything looks and fits just right. Posted on 4/10/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #7 In this update, we seal up our engine bay and chassis mods for good, address the the age-old problem of the heat and noise generated from sticking a giant engine in a tiny car and then make our engine bay look great again. Posted on 4/23/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #8 In this update, our chassis preperation is complete which means it's time to start putting old Thunderbolt back together again! In goes the fuel system, chassis wiring, shifter and much more. Posted on 5/8/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #9 In this update, reassembly continues as we install suspension upgrades, driveline components and begin to tackle the big job of wiring the LS3. Posted on 5/22/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #10 In this update, we're finishing the bulk of remaining electrical work, plumbing the radiator and heater hoses, installing the suspension (while adding some much needed upgrades) and putting the "Thunder" in Thunderbolt with a custom exhaust. Posted on 6/5/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #11 This time, we face one of the most exciting, yet nerve wracking moments a car guy will ever experience- the first start and drive of a newly built car! But let's not get ahead of ourselves, we've still got tons of work to do before turning the key. Posted on 6/19/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #12 In this final installment of the "project" portion of the series, see and hear how all of the hard work on Thunderbolt turned out! Posted on 7/3/2015
Thunderbolt Visits Miatas at The Gap XIX In this update, I take Thunderbolt for a scenic, but quite challenging ride down the Tail of The Dragon to meet some of the greatest Miata enthusiasts on earth. Posted on 7/29/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #13 In this update, break-in time is over so it's time to put Thunderbolt to the test! Posted on 10/30/2015
Project Thunderbolt - Episode #14 In this update, it's been two years since Project Thunderbolt hit the streets. I'll update you on how it all turned out and what it's like to own and drive. Posted on 6/30/2017
Crowd Reaction at Cars & Coffee In this update, we visit Harper Auto Square's giant Cars & Coffee event here in Knoxville, TN. While we're there we get people's reaction to the idea of a giant V8 in a tiny Miata. Posted on 7/21/2017
Driving The Dragon! In this update, we take the Project Thunderbolt LS3 V8 Miata for a spin on the world famous "Tail of the Dragon" en route to the 21st Annual "Miatas At The Gap" event!. Posted on 8/11/2017
LS3 Miata Build Cost In this update, I break down all of the costs to give you an idea of how much it woulc cost to build your very own Thunderbolt! I also cover the time it took to build my car while producing the video series. Posted on 1/5/2019
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