deezums

iTrader: (3)

I guess I could get a used NB set, but don't really think I want to take a chance on unknown mileage stuff.

99-05 Mazda MX-5 Miata Tokico illumina Strut Shock Suspension SET FLYIN MIATA eBay

Used 99-05 Mazda Miata MX-5 Strut Shock Suspension Tokico illumina Flyin Miata eBay

80% new price, for unknown mileage used stuff. lol

As far as I'm aware, NA shocks have a much shorter top thread, only around an inch in total. The NB has a stop, like two inches of smaller diameter shaft, then an inch of threads.



So, to use NA shocks on a fully loaded NB top hat, you need a sex bolt. I have no idea where to find them, maybe I make a bunch.



Don't you ***** go buying all the NA tokicos now, I need four sometime soon.

bahurd

iTrader: (8)

I have a few of those "sex" bolts if you decide you need 4.

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

I never understood why they call a sex nut a bolt.

deezums

iTrader: (3)

Female bolt would make more sense, inverted shoulder bolt, mid-op tranny bolt/nut.

deezums

iTrader: (3)

I believe I've daignosed this annoying as f-ck sqealing squeaking noises I'm having on decel, I believe it's u-joints.





YT description...
That's like verbatum what my car is doing, except mine is as loud and annoying as the 99 in the video above.

This NB is still smoother running than my old miata, even at speed. I doubt the u-joints are loose, just completely shot.

I think I can change a driveshaft in the street, I'll be done before the cops come and tell me to stop. Going to do that tomorrow, should be easy enough.

I'd like this car a lot more if I could downshift and engine brake without sounding like it's badly broken. The high pitched squeal travels sOOO far!

x_25

They changed the soft top latches in 03, so you are good there. A bit of foam on the back side of the top fixes the rattle.

An empty shell weighs about 500lbs. 4-6 guys can do it no problem.

Nice find, it's a good looking car!

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Have you adjusted the soft top latch? Super easy to adjust. Probably just needs to be tightened.

Looks like a good find. Congrats.

PS y'all have always had an NB development car.. .mine.

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

The 2nd time I ever drove my miata, first time with the wife, the top lowered itself as I hit about 75mph on the freeway. The latches were not adjusted properly. It was loud and unexpected, and probably set the world record for top lowering elapsed time.

deezums

iTrader: (3)

Thanks guys!

I already swapped my NA latches over, I think my top might be incredibly old and loose. I have the adjustment almost fully tight, almost to the point I think I might have it too tight. I might replace the top with a plastic windowed one, so I can use the M1 hard core. My harness bar will end any glass window pretty dang quick.

Where do we put the foam, between the top and the latch or up in the latch? Still rattles a bit over good bumps, I think a little bit of felt or foam furniture feet in the latch might do some good.

I too had rapid top lowering at 60, after that I think the windshield header bar was bent because it always sat super high in the middle. Made a lot lot of wind noise.

The driveshaft was the problem on the squeak, it is much easier to remove a driveshaft from a NA than an NB2 with all it's damn braces. On the other hand, this is a really really clean car, as far as rust and oil grime. Fair bit of horse or cow poo up under there, though. Looks like the rear cross brace split the ****, then it splatted right onto the diff and went everywhere it could from there. I should have took pictures.

lol


Still have one more rattle to try and figure out, but I think it has to do with the exhaust heat shields and my super toasted motor mounts. It's pretty regular, right around 2500 rpm in every gear.

x_25

Foam/felt goes in the latch, the big cup handle thing you use to open and close it.

For loseness, check that the plastic nipple cover things are still in place.

deezums

iTrader: (3)

One of the nipples is 3/4 left, and the other is all there. I think I might have busted one, though, cranking this thing so tight. Should I need to pull down hard before I close the latch, otherwise the pin and plastic will not fall all the way in. Then I crush the stupid little bastard...

I really just need a hardtop lol

deezums

iTrader: (3)

So since I figured out the loudest noise I started driving the car a bit harder. I think it's got some rod knock, sounds exactly like the 1:00 mark in this video here.



Maybe not such a good deal, grrr....

deezums

iTrader: (3)

Am I crazy, or does that sound like something in the bottom end?

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

sounds like most rods knocks ive heard. wtf why

deezums

iTrader: (3)

Because my life sucks, lol

It's not all that bad, wonder if I can just pull it apart and reassemble.

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

do the sean rebuild

deezums

iTrader: (3)

Was just about to start searching for that, can you make it easy for me?

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

I can, you have rods already right?

deezums

iTrader: (3)

I think Aidan might have rods for me, don't think I ever paid him for them though. I'll find rods though, just stock pistons for now unless they're dead. Maybe the BE oil pump gear set...

Found this one here
https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...4/#post1257619

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

Fit 90-05 Mazda Ford Mercury 1.8L Miata Protege NPR Piston Rings&Bearings Set BP | eBay

More Information for ENGINETECH MA18K5

mine was 1.6 though so your list will be a bit different, just look for the same brands/seller on ebay