Behold The Subaru WRX-Powered Mazda MX-5 Miata AWD Off-Roader

The Mazda MX-5 Miata was never meant to drive fast on anything else than asphalt – the smoother the better.

There’s an MX-5 NA owner who begs to differ, however. Caleb Sandlund, a.k.a. Gingium on YouTube, owns two first-generation Miatas. One of them underwent a turbo conversion while the other has recently been converted into an AWD Lifted Miata, as the owner calls it. Why do that to an Mk1 Miata, you ask? Well, why not?

The photos and videos make it obvious a lot of work went into the project, which features parts not only from Mazda but also from Subaru and aftermarket specialists.

See Also: Someone Built A Stretched Mazda MX-5 NA Pickup Truck

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-qRuHpJHGD/

The Miata’s drivetrain, for example, has been swapped with a Subaru WRX drivetrain including the EJ205 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. In the 2002-2003 WRX, this engine delivered 227 HP and 217 lb-ft (294 Nm) of torque but healthy increases are expected in the AWD Lifted Miata given the upgrades.

Obviously, the all-wheel-drive system has been fitted to the Miata as well. To make space for all this extra hardware and add off-road cred to the project, Caleb also fitted a long-travel suspension.

The videos on his channel are very detailed and explain every step of the building process but, if you don’t have time to watch them, here are some of the main mods. As far as the powertrain is concerned, they include a new, bigger turbocharger, intercooler, and exhaust, an upgraded clutch and fuel system, and a rear-mounted radiator.

Elsewhere, the heavily-modded Miata NA was given a roll cage to protect occupants during spirited off-road driving, custom Sparco wheels shod with all-terrain tires, flared wheel arches, neatly-integrated bull bar, a hood scoop and more. Last but not least, the Miata off-roader received the World Rally Blue paint as an homage to Subaru.