aphongt

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys, I've been lurking around for months reading the massive amount of information this site has. I figured what the hell... why not introduce myself?

I haven't seen alot of modified Sunbursts/Yellow miatas around here so maybe I'll be one of the few?

When I was 16, I didn't really know much about cars except for the fact it has 4 wheels.

During my friends birthday, his cousin which was the owner of a '90 FM powered miata took me for a spin. HOLY CRAP! that thing just flew. Ever since then I've always wanted one.

5 years later, I finally managed to get my hands on one. I bought it in October 2008, and I have only driven it a few times before winter fell upon ooooh... Edmonton, Alberta. (Gets sorta cold up here you see...)

This was how it looked when I got her...If you look closely, my first baby is in the background...Gotta keep it in the Mazda Family.

Previous owner did most of the work...but I'll be 'upgrading' the upgrades while time goes on.
Exterior: Flyin Miata Lowering Springs, Tokiko Illuminas, Konig Wheels (not sure of the model), Mid-Tenn flush headlights.

Power: Greddy turbo kit w/ cracked manifold, VTA BOV, Catalytic Converter delete, Magnaflow muffler, Intercooler, 305cc injectors, Greddy E-manage Blue, Profec-II Electronic Boost Controller, Aftermarket clutch..

I think thats it from what I can tell... Due to the cracked manifold and wanting more of an 'upgradable' path. I ditched the manifold/turbo/downpipe.
Also sold the Flush kit and putting the stock barn doors back on.

Currently in the works... I purchased a BEGI-S SS downpipe and when it comes, it will be mated with a FM (begi manufactured) Log Cast Manifold. For the turbo, I picked up a t25 from a redtop sr20det. Theres alot more work to make the turbo fit than I initially thought it out to be, but the only thing thats really concerning me is the power steering lines are in the way of the compressor housing.



This is the state its currently in, working on it here and there (the weather makes it unmotivating).

Hopefully I'll be able to finish whatever I need by April, so then it would be ready for some top-down cruising!

Cspence

iTrader: (11)

Its funny how turbo'd miatas have that effect. I had a stock 95 m edition for a while, and then had an opportunity to test drive a turbo'd 91 over 2 years ago. I sore I was done with miatas, but I have never forgotten that test drive which is why I had to buy one again, this time with the turbo.....amazing! Keep working on her, the weather will turn eventually!!

Rafa

iTrader: (22)

You noobs are taking all the fun out of greeting you.

I mean; you lurk for a few months, read and then; you present a perfect post!

You're no fun.

Welcome aboard

nicacus

iTrader: (7)

Depower the steering FTW!

aphongt

iTrader: (1)

Haha true. I think it has to do with the power that draws you in. Luckily it wasn't a "srt4" or I'd probably be getting a neon.. Actually I don't want to think about it.

Another feature I liked about it was... its totally a sleeper looking car and wasn't a popular car among my friends. Hell, I don't see miatas around too regularly. Maybe a couple times a week and its the same ones.

aphongt

iTrader: (1)

I know if I depower my steering while, it would make life ALOT easier. But I grew up with power steering...I don't think I could live with it! Actually when I bought my miata the previous owner had the belt off, I drove around without P/S. Didn't like it too much :(

I'm going to try to keep the P/S, see if I can modify the lines..which I doubt is going to work.

nicacus

iTrader: (7)

Search around a bit, having just the belt off will make it feel horrible.
If done properly depowered Miatas are the ****. You get used to it real quick. and you'll love it in the end. there has to be a million threads on this..

The general conscientious around here, if I'm not mistaken is: Power steering equals mega sissy/ panty waste to a superhero degree.

Nice car and welcome to the forums..

aphongt

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the comments. I'll most likely give the depowering a shot. Most likely when I had the belt off, there was still a good amount of resistance from the pump and what not. I'll do a proper depower later this month.

DeerHunter

Welcome Aphongt. We're neighbours, it seems. Are you a member of the local club? You should check it out as it's a great group of people, a huge number of which run turbo cars. More importantly, membership gives you access to some great autocross events held at Namao (our local decommissioned air base, for those out-of-towners).

Like you, I can't wait for spring to come. All this snow and cold is depressing.

Rafa

iTrader: (22)

Or you can come down here. Many Canadians do so this time of the year

BTW, I just checked; local current temp: 82*. Not bad

DeerHunter

Getting the Miata down that far south will be a little difficult. Either way, I'm not getting my driving jollies.

Rafa

iTrader: (22)

Says who? I'm currently building my 96 with forged internals and WI.

DeerHunter

I wasn't very clear. Getting MY Miata down that far south will be difficult, especially if I want to bring it back again for our summer here (autocross season, club drives, etc.). Another, separate project car probably will be a hard sell with the wife, so that's not really an option either.

Either way, I can be warm but will be forced to drive a more boring vehicle.

Rafa

iTrader: (22)

You were very clear indeed.

Sorry for the comments. It won{t happen again.

DeerHunter

Don't be sorry - I wasn't trying to be snide. I just thought I wasn't clear. Maybe I just have cabin fever or SAD, or some combination thereof.

Good luck on your build - it sounds like a fun project. Which part of the "Sunny Spanish speaking Non US Caribbean" do you hail from?

Rafa

iTrader: (22)

Hey, no issues here.

I actually hail from the other side of the pond but I live In Dominican Republic. (Next to PR).