How Daddy Motor Works Engineered a Ferrari V8-Powered Mazda Miata

A Japanese custom shop has completed a four-year engineering project that fuses the high-revving soul of an Italian supercar with the accessible platform of a classic roadster. Daddy Motor Works, based in Aichi, Japan, recently debuted a Mazda Miata powered by a Ferrari Tipo F131 V8, an engine originally sourced from a crashed 360 Modena.

The build, often referred to as the “Ferramiata,” is not merely a shock-value engine swap. It represents a meticulous effort to maintain the Mazda’s legendary handling characteristics while quadrupling the prestige of its powerplant. Despite the massive increase in cylinder count and displacement, the Ferrari V8 weighs approximately 66 pounds (30kg) more than the stock Mazda 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, a relatively minor penalty that preserves the car’s near 50/50 weight distribution.

A functional hood scoop originally from a Subaru WRX was integrated to accommodate the Ferrari's intake system.

Engineering a Hybrid Identity

The car’s architecture is as much of a “Frankenstein” creation as its engine bay. The project utilizes a second-generation (NB) Miata chassis, chosen for its improved structural rigidity over the original model. However, the builder performed a “face-swap,” installing the front end of a first-generation (NA) Miata to accommodate the iconic pop-up headlights that the NB generation lacked.

To feed the mid-mounted Italian engine now sitting in the front of the Mazda, the builder integrated a functional hood scoop from a Subaru WRX. This modification provides the necessary clearance and airflow for the Ferrari’s intake system while adding a distinct, aggressive aesthetic to the hood line.

Drivetrain and Mechanical Choices

Rather than attempting to adapt a temperamental Ferrari F1 automated gearbox or sticking with the stock Mazda transmission, which would likely fail under the V8’s torque, Daddy Motor Works opted for a modern Japanese solution. The car uses a six-speed manual transmission from a Toyota GR86.

This choice was driven by both durability and ergonomics. The GR86 gearbox is designed for modern sports car performance and offers a crisp shift feel that complements the Miata’s driving experience. Mating the Ferrari Tipo F131 to the Toyota transmission required a custom-engineered adapter plate, a centerpiece of the four-year development process.

The result is a functional masterpiece that delivers a high-pitched, exotic exhaust note during street pulls, as recently showcased on the “Dino DC” YouTube channel. By combining Italian engineering with Japanese reliability and tuning philosophy, Daddy Motor Works has created a vehicle that functions as a cohesive sports car rather than a compromised show piece.

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