Home Turn Keys Kits Parts gallery Contacts BLOG

At Bishop we know that all car guys are not created equal. If you like turning wrenches, check out our Kits and Parts sections, but if you would rather just turn the key, you’re in the right place! Let us know what type of Miata you have, and what sort of application you have in mind. All Monsters are not created equal either, but whether you want a corner carving Monster that handles like it’s on rails, or a front-wheel pulling Monster leaves Porsche drivers with soiled linens when you leave the stoplight, the certified technicians at Bishop will perform the drive-train transplant and other operations that will make your Monster Your Monster.

February 10 2009: ANOTHER MONSTER FOR ADOPTION!

Well, the black beast is up for sale and available for adoption! Time for a new project and time for our little pride and joy to find a new home. Check out the details here...

NEW: BOSS FROG CHEVROLET POWERED MAZDA MIATA V8 ENGINE KITS

If you are ready for something new and  awesome for your NA or NB Miata, then look no further.  Boss Frog has developed some new Chevrolet V8 swap kits that will turn your car from mild to crazy! Read More from Boss Frog V8 Swap!

Monster Performance Parts and others on e-bay,  See Bishop's Sales Here >>   

MORE ABOUT:  90-97 Turn Keys | 99-05 Turn Keys | 06-Up Turn Keys | Kits | Parts

Monster adoption services AVAILABLE

KITS TO COMPLETE CARS: If it is scary fast you want, we can do it and all in a nice tidy package with one of our Ford V8 Powered Mazda Miata MX-5 conversions. We got it for the back yard mechanic that wants to turn the wenches themselves or for the driver that wants a complete jump in and go for a burn turn key pocket super car.

August 18 2008: Going, Going Gone!

Another happy Monster adoption took place over the weekend in sunny Gibsons BC. The latest white Monster from Bishop Sales is going to a new happy home in the sunshine coast of BC.

We will be listing our next Monster for adoption later or early next week! Our Red-5 will be the next Monster for adoption, more can be seen here >>

MONSTER MIATA ON EBAY: SOLD E-BAY LINK  | OUR DETAILS >>

Click here for Monsters for sale >>

Baseline Monster Performance: Unmodified 250hp 5.0L Engine

Acceleration:               0 - 60 MPH, 4.8 Sec.

Braking:                        70 - 0 MPH, 135 Feet

Skid Pad:                     .92 G's

Slalom:                         72 MPH

1/4 Mile:                       12.8 Sec.

The average conversion will add a mere 250 pounds to the car, resulting in a nearly ideal weight balance of 53% front, 47% rear. At Bishop the typical drive-train transplant in about a month, depending on the performance level you have specified. The typical conversion sequence is:

• Removal of Original Power train
• Modification of components to be reinstalled as required, ie. Firewall and IRS Rear Carrier
• Painting and detailing of parts prior to installation, Pre fitting of all components
• Installation of Suspension, including new rear drive assembly Ford 7.5” IRS unit, and optional Brake Upgrades
• Wiring modifications including ECU and integration between OE Mazda and the Ford power plant
• Drive-Train Transplant, fitment of manual transmission, new clutch booster and slave cylinder
• Engine Fitment - installation of new K-member, pre assembled engine and transmission assembly, fuel system, cooling system and final wiring connections
• Exhaust and emission installation
• Test Drive – Scare Mustang and Corvette drivers

 

Monsters with stock 5.0 efi engines that are the same year or newer than the project car, with all of the factory emission equipment intact & operating have passed British Columbia's strict emissions standards.

KIT CONTENTS: 1990 to 1996 Mazda Miata Base Kit includes modified K-member, modified oil pan, aluminum radiator, clutch master cylinder, clutch hose with fittings, clutch mast cylinder adapter, custom front & rear springs, manual transmission hanger, transmission mount, engine block mounts, differential hanger, firewall plates, radiator hanger with mounts, shifter adapter, sway bar mounts, differential torque mount plate, custom drive shaft, throttle cable ball receiver, custom coolant filler neck, modified hubs, custom axles with spacers, US washer bottle, cooling fans with hardware, clutch slave bracket, 1 5/8 inch thermal coated headers and installation manual.

Turn Key drive-train conversions available for 1990 – 2005. 2006 – Current Turn Keys available soon.

ENGINE

TYPICAL: Ford 5.0 EFI. HO. Mustang V8 1986-1994 or any 289/302

OPTIONAL: Unlimited Engine Upgrades – The Ford Small Block we favor is one of the most highly supported in the Automotive Aftermarket, so we can build your engine to any performance level. Superchargers available from Vortech and Paxton.

 TRANSMISSION

TYPICAL: Borg-Warner/Tremec T-5, 5 Speed

OPTIONAL: T-56 6-Speed Transmission

 DIFFERENTIAL

TYPICAL: Ford 7.5" IRS. Custom Hubs & Axles. 3.27.1 gear ratio (90-96 T-bird/Cougar)

OPTIONAL: IRS Bushings: Urethane or Aluminum, Rear end gearing, Torsen Limited Slip Differential.

 SUSPENSION

TYPICAL: Front & Rear Springs upgraded to allow for the weight difference.

OPTIONAL: Front Anti-Roll Bar upgraded. AWR Racing Spec Miata Performance Suspension System.

OPTIONAL: Racing Beat Sway-Bars, Urethane, Shocks/Struts, Springs

BISHOP NA-R SUSPENSION PROGRAM:

For the track minded, we have a full range of Spec Miata chassis and suspension parts for your 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd generation Mazda Miata MX-5. A regular question we face with our callers is "But you loose the handling when you shove a V8 in there". In fact, with a typical V8 conversion we only add approximately 250 lbs and the front to rear weight ratio is approximately 55/45.  We here introduce the Monster Spec-R for those Monster lovers that want to go to the track and enjoy their ride, or simply enjoy spirited driving and love the feel of a real true performance monster.

Available parts include anti-roll bars, roll cages, sport springs, performance shocks/struts, urethane bushings, delrin bushings, adjustable sway bar end links, control arms, chassis reinforcement, stabilizers, coil overs, and of course, brake packages that range from rotor/pad/line combinations to Brembo big front upgrades.

 BRAKES

TYPICAL: Stock

OPTIONAL: KVR Performance Rotors, Pads, Lines and Calipers or KVR Big Brake upgrade for front Calipers/Rotors. Spec Miata Brake combination available from AWR Racing.

OPTIONAL: Monster Big Brake Kit

Any questions about kits, parts or installations are welcome. Contact  Bishop by phone at  604-970-3454 or e-mail and we will respond promptly. If you're in the neighborhood, then drop by the shop in North Vancouver BC and we will gladly give you a tour of our facilities, but beware – there may be a Monster in our shop when you visit! We really love to share the fun with other Miata and MX-5 owners who want to take their cars to the next level of performance, appearance and handling!

Bishop Sales is the sole Canadian Distributor for Martin at Monster Monster Miata Inc in San Marcos California. If you are in the USA, go to http://www.monstermiata.com

 

 

V8 MIATA QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

 

Q: What skill level does one need to do the conversion himself?

A: Average knowledge of automotive tools and parts changing. The process is comparable to doing an engine swap

Q: What is the first step toward getting a V8 converted?

A: Getting your Miata to us is first. We use several transport companies that will pamper your car. This is an additional expense. You should have a good idea of what options you want at this time. Half of the cost is due at this point and half upon completion.

Q: What all is involved?

A: The Miata drive train, cooling system and unnecessary parts and wiring are removed. The engine compartment is thoroughly cleaned. Then comes the cutting and welding followed by detail painting of the modifications. Now the suspension gets the make over along with changing the differential and half shafts. The wiring modifications follow that. Now its time to install the newly detailed engine and drive train. Next is a checklist for engine start up. Following this is the exhaust and air conditioning shop. A final checklist before the test drive. A short drive and a complete inspection. More test driving. More inspecting. 200 miles of city and highway “performance driving” and the car is ready for its new life.

Q: How much weight does the V8 add to the car?

A: Approximately 250 lbs. total.

Q: Why convert a perfectly good car?

A: First, we guess you have not driven one. We have always liked the sound of a "throaty" high performance V8. We have built many car kit and the sight and sound of a seemingly innocent Miata waiting for the light to turn, rumbling, shacking, about ready to come out of it's skin, appeals to me. When the light turns and the Miata leaps with that throaty roar, you feel the G's and you see the reactions -that's why.

Q: How is the overall handling of the car affected?

A: The car maintains very good handling. The Miata loves the V8. On acceleration, the rear end squats and holds firm while the front is still nimble & sensitive. After a short drive, the car quickly becomes predictable. Of coarse the car can get out of shape fast with too much throttle; too much power is a problem we can live with.

Q: How long does the conversion process take?

A: A basic conversion takes 4 to 5 weeks.

Q: What is the weight distribution after the conversion?

A: With a half tank of gas, 53/47.

Q: What exhaust manifold do you use?

A: Custom 1 ½" tubular headers, thermal coated inside & out. 1 5/8" are also available for the higher performance engine.

Q: How is the clutch pedal pressure?

A: It is soft to medium. The clutch master cylinder we use is exactly the right size. Any bigger and the pedal pressure would be to firm. Any smaller wouldn’t completely disengage.

Q: Who does the conversions?

A: We personally can do the conversions. Aside from exhaust, air and tires, all the modifications take place in house.

Q: What about emissions?

A: The converted Miatas that have passed British Columbia's strict standards are: stock 5.0 efi. Engines, the same year or newer than the project car, with all the factory emission equipment intact & operating.

 

Back | Top of Page | e-mail | Bishopsales.com | MySpace Page

PERFORMANCE PARTS AND TECH SUPPORT FOR YOUR MAZDA

Each Bishop Ford V8 Powered Mazda Miata MX-5 conversion requires us to work on every system in the Miata, so when we say WE KNOW MIATAS, it is no idle boast! Bishop has performance parts for all Miata's ranging from 1990 to the current model year MX-5, all provided with the level of Tech Support you need to make sure the job gets done right the first time.

HOT HEATSHIELD PRODUCTS - Canadian Distributor of extreme performance thermal insulators and barriers. Including header wraps, sleeving, mats, cloths, shifter boots, starter covers, and more for your Monster or racing Miata.  >> Learn more at Bishop's Heatshield Website

COSWORTH SUPERCHARGER FOR THE 2006 & UP MAZDA MX5: The Cosworth bolt on Supercharger system for the 2006+ Mazda MX-5 features a state of the art 4th generation Eaton MP62 rotating group housed in an integral inlet manifold. Learn more about the Cosworth Supercharger for the MX-5!

A FEROCIOUS MONSTER:  Check out our fierce Monster Miata build like no other Monster on earth! A 1999 500 plus horsepower Vortech Supercharged Miata built for speed, turning corners and street style! Watch our build progress and the loads of fun you can have with 500 hp plus in a 2400lb car.

Prepare to be impressed: Link >>