em99sport

iTrader: (2)

I went over to the storage unit today and drove the '99 around for the first time in almost two years. I installed a BEGi S4 kit (GT2560, 38mm Tial EWG), Enthuza 3" exhaust, and a Greddy Profec B Spec II EBC in January 2008, and work schedule/deployments kept me from spending time breaking it in.

I installed a Deka ETX9 today, and it fired right up. There is a minor vibration underhood at idle, but it goes away with any RPM. With some fresh 93 octane, it ran well and pulled clean throughout the revband. I'll be changing all the fluids, as well as the plugs. Additionally, the EBC is untouched, so I'll play with that.

The immediate issue is getting the car registered again, so I'll be making the short trip down to SC to get a plate, given that it won't pass emissions here in NC. Pics and videos will follow, as this project is finally getting back off the ground.

Rafa

iTrader: (22)

Welcome back. Sounds like you're in for some fun times!

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, it's been eating at me to have the car in a storage unit for so long. I've been driving my WRX wagon as a daily, and every day I'm away from the Miata, I become more of a Subaru guy. So, needless to say, I'm happy to get it back in running shape after such a long time.

The question right now is, what would one do first-- OS Giken, or the Goodwin BBK? The car has been built primarily for local autocross domination, with occasional track days/HPDEs/driving schools in mind. My next purchase will be 15x9 6ULs and 225 NT-01s, so I'm already planning on the next step. What ye say?

kidloco

Whats the reason of leaving an awesome car like that in storage? Also you said its for autocross use correct? how does spool time effect you in lowspeed and technical sections?
does it make it power over like crazy? Im guessing its at 260ish whp?

webby459

iTrader: (8)

I don't think you listed ECU here. That's a nice setup, have fun with it. Depending on boost levels, 260 whp is extremely easy to attain on this setup (I made that at 10-11psi), 290 whp or more is about maxed out. You didn't mention what diff you have now, if you're on a factory torsen that's probably enough for now. Also, what suspension parts do you have? Money is better spent on a nice suspension setup than on an expensive diff or brake upgrade. And of course the tire/wheel package is going to be huge. Those Nittos won't hold your car as well as you'll want in autocross, I know this first-hand. You'll have to be nice and soft in your rear suspension setup to get it to hook with any authority.

Have fun with that, I know first hand exactly how this exact setup feels. It's fun and a bit challenging to be fast in.

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

The car has been in storage because I'm in the army, and have been deployed and in schools for much of the past couple years. I have no idea what kind of power it's making right now.

It is a sport package, so it does have a Torsen, and it already has some Flex with 9/6 rates and a RB front bar. Engine management is an Xede for now, but I'm not as pleased with it as I would like. The entire reason for going with the piggy-back was to maintain emissions-compliance in NC, but with the Xede, that's a bit tricky. I might as well have just gone MS with it.

As far as the NT-01s, I know that they're far from ideal, but I have never autocrossed on R-comps. I'm planning on using the Nittos as a transition from Azenis/Star Specs to A6s, with the utility to run a couple track days/driving schools.

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

em99

Good to see you dragged the car out. Do you really need a BBK for autoX? I'd think pads with very aggressive cold bite would take care of it. You don't build up that much heat in autoX do you?

Won't pass emmissions? No cat? Big injectors? Is it throwing codes they don't like? Seems like a 99 w/ a piggy should be able to pass.

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

While the car will primarily see autocross use, it will ultimately do track days and driving schools.

One would think, but Stephanie told me to expect issues with it. The exhaust does have a high-flow cat, but if I would have known then about the current emissions concerns, I would have simply done the catless exhaust and the MS.

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

If you are still running stock injectors, disconnect the wastegate and turn off the piggy. I pass the sniffer test here in OR just fine with a high flow cat and 550's with my s4 system. Of course that's full ecu since I'm obd1. The high flowing cat should still be doing the job of cleaning up emissions. Grassroots did a test a year or two ago and most of the cats did just fine on keeping it legal.

Stephanie Turner

You will get a CEL with a good, fast map. That is from advancing the ignition timing. Otherwise, it should be tuned so no other codes (besides the P0300) come up. You should still be able to pass the tailpipe test with the Xede and that cat. If the car is tuned, passing emissions is a breeze. Fuel trims must be good, then go in and remove any and all timing advance. Then take out 1% of fuel in the MAF map (to compensate for the removal of timing advance). Should pass with no problems, once the readiness monitors have reset. Even with larger injectors installed. I have had the Xede pass in Cali, NJ, NY, TX, CT, MA, Canada, and many other states. Glad to hear you are back, have fun with the car!

Give me a buzz if you need some help tuning.
Stephanie

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

NC uses an OBD-II scan, so only a CEL would gig me here. If it were just a sniffer test, I'm sure it would be good as is, given the HFC.

I will let you know if I have any issues/questions concerning tuning.

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

I've found a place to have the car tuned, so I hope to have the time within a few weeks. In the mean time, I'll be ordering a set of 15x9 6ULs and some 225s. I'm sort of wavering right now on the NT-01s or just going all-out and getting A6s. Regardless, I need to get the car aligned and corner-balanced as well.

Being that the car's brakes were already a weak spot, and it just sat unused for so long, I'm looking hard at the GW BBK. I can't justify getting new rotors and pads now, just to upgrade a ways down the road. As mentioned previously, the car will find its way on track in the somewhat near future, work schedule permitting.

If anyone has any related suggestions, I'm all ears. It's been long enough since I've really been enveloped in the Miata scene that I'm a bit behind the times now. Additionally, I appreciate hearing from Webby and anyone else with S4 kit experience. It really seems to be a different beast altogether.

zossy1

iTrader: (4)

I believe there are a couple of nice BBKs out there for sale right now, and good prices - check FS forum.

webby459

iTrader: (8)

You can't run A6s on the street, at all, nor run them on the track and expect to get any life out of them. The NT01s are on a different plane entirely, both in terms of tread life and in terms of grip. I've driven a bunch on both. NT01 is pretty close to a UHP street tire. I corded a front A6 in 66 runs. Probably a combo of a setup problem and some brake lockup, but you'd never be that far in treadwear that quickly in the NT01.

The S4 is a really nice mani. Not sure what you really need to know about it since it's already installed. You may want to think about getting one of their dp support struts to try to eliminate the mani cracking that could happen. Tune it and have fun.

I wouldn't see doing a pad/rotor refresh as a waste before doing a bbk. In a season or less you'll wear them anyway, and need another refresh regardless.

I've learned this year that I'd rather spend the money getting to more events than doing car upgrades. Just do what it takes to be reliable and get out there!

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

If you're still at Bragg this time next year and want some help with the car, let me know.

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

I've been a bit vague in this thread. I never intended to use A6s or NT-01s on the street. If I don't upgrade the brakes, I can continue to use my OEM 15x6 alloys for the little street use the car will see. If that is the case, I'll just buy some 195/50 Star Specs for them, as the current tires are kicked. If/when I do go with a BBK, I plan on buying some 15x8 6ULs for street use.


I was more referring to the quirks specific to the S4 kits, such as the talk of inevitable boost creep with the EWG. Simply put, I haven't spoken with anyone else that has/had the same kit.

Again, I know I have been vague to this point, but I am not the clueless guy out tossing dollars around. I have performed all the work on the car, and despite my recent involuntary hiatus from motorsports, I do have a little bit of autocross experience.

Btw: The 6ULs were ordered. Tires are next, once I finally decide on the NT01s. I do still want to get a little track time in, so it appears that I'll have to compromise some autocross grip.

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

Besides Afghan, I don't plan on going anywhere soon. Thanks for the offer.

em99sport

iTrader: (2)

Looks like I'll be picking up the cheap Centric front/rear rotors from 949, along with some Carbotech AX9s. I'm thinking about waiting on the lines, given that I'll be getting the BBK eventually, and the GW one comes with them. Anyone find issue with that logic?