So here I sit, realizing it's been quite a while since I've actively participated in these forums. Long-time lurker, as they say. My previous build thread, about 15 years ago, ended abruptly due to an aimless career and financial constraints. That project fizzled out, and I ended up selling that car. But things change.

Fast forward to 2017—I purchased my current car from a friend, TurboRoach, who had already swapped in a JDM 1.8 VVT engine paired with a 6-speed transmission. However, I soon realized I didn't care for the 6-speed and traded it to none other than Bob Bundy in exchange for some help with a leaking gas tank back in 2019.

Initially dubbed "Fat Shamer," my Miata reignited my passion for motorsports, starting with AutoX because track days were financially out of reach at the time. Being a track photographer eventually opened the door for me to drive on track again, albeit in short sessions. Nothing groundbreaking at first, but by 2019, things started to pick up momentum. I upgraded the chassis with Xida Race suspension and Racing Beat hollow sway bars, and I found an incredible deal on a Wilwood BBK.

Around this time, a local buddy set the benchmark by managing a sub-2-minute lap at Ridge Motorsport Park with his 120whp Miata. Inspired by this, I began chasing lap times, and after a couple of seasons—plus a tune and some aero—I finally matched his 1:58.xx lap time. But the car’s tuning and wiring were far from optimal, constantly oscillating between running rich and lean, accompanied by sensor issues.

In the meantime, I became close friends with the awesome folks at Chikara Motorsports, eventually building a partnership to showcase their products. Coincidentally, my neighbor, John, turned out to be an experienced engine builder with a history in vintage Nissan race cars and ex-Indy cars. With his help, I started piecing together parts in 2020 for a significant engine upgrade. Despite a serious health scare that year, I steadily accumulated parts.

Initially, the plan was modest: port and polish the head, add cams, springs, and adjustable cam gears on the stock block. However, ambition got the better of me. The project quickly escalated, leading to Ocean Wong from Chikara Motorsports assembling a fully built 2L engine with an 11:1 compression ratio and a Maruha stroker kit. John meticulously refined the head, knife-edging the runners and deshrouding the combustion chamber to 51cc volume per cylinder.

As the build progressed, my friend Kevin began crafting bespoke autosport-grade wiring harnesses, simultaneously upgrading his secret track weapon. Seizing the opportunity, I grabbed a Haltech Elite 1000 ECU and WB1 controller during a Chikara Black Friday sale in 2022.

Life took significant turns around this time—I proposed to my long-time girlfriend in 2022, and we married in 2023. Unfortunately, I also lost my mother suddenly on Halloween of that year, causing my car projects to temporarily stall. Then, in March 2024, my wife and I bought a house, pushing the Miata even further to the back burner.

But determination eventually won out. In April 2024, with help from Kevin and my friend Stephan, we installed the new engine and wiring harness over a weekend at Stephan’s shop. There, I befriended Stephan’s neighbor, an experienced tuner specializing primarily in Porsche, Audi, and Lamborghini. Despite his exotic background, he happily helped tune my Miata, guiding me through a careful break-in of about 1,400 miles following Ocean's recommendations.

Initially facing issues with crankcase pressure and catch-can overflow, I removed the PCV system and upgraded to -10 AN fittings, modifying the valve cover baffling to solve the issue. Now, the catch can behaves beautifully.

The tuning journey culminated at EVO MS with my friend Sam dialing in the engine on the dyno, yielding an impressive 178whp at 8k RPM and 146ft-lbs of torque. We discovered the initial tune lacked short-term/long-term fuel corrections—fixing this brought much-needed stability.

Recently, I upgraded my aero setup from a 9LR wing to a Racebred 250RS wing mounted on Kazespec stands, complemented by Professional Awesome quick-release splitter mounts and supports. I've also integrated a Race Capture Pro Mk4 data logger from Autosport Labs, complete with an array of sensors.

Next on the agenda is adding Bosch Motorsports fuel and oil sensors for precise monitoring, plus a knock sensor. The car currently leans slightly near redline; adding these sensors should help diagnose the cause—whether it's ECU corrections needed or a tired DW100 fuel pump.

I recently participated in my first OnGrid Time Attack event at Ridge Motorsport Park in March 2024, but brake issues prevented completion. However, round two in May delivered fantastic results—the first dry event with the new setup yielded a 1:55.6, which improved further to a personal best of 1:54.85.

Now, with the added power, I'm re-learning the track, optimizing driving techniques, and adjusting to avoid overheating the tires. My ultimate goal is hitting around a 1:50—an ambitious but exciting target for a 178whp Miata on street tires.

Stay tuned; I'll keep updating this thread as the build progresses!

 

welcome semi-local, and great intro thread too! Post up some pics, love to see it! I was at your brake issue ongrid day, had my own issues. Most expensive 20 minutes of track time I've ever had!

What tires did you and your friend run on for the 1:58 lap at 120hp? We barely managed a 1:59 with RS-4s, but it's one of the hardest "200" TW tires.

 

I believe we have been xbox friends from like 2011 hah, I'm friends with Jeff C and Jeff Mills, as well as Jason Lee (500whp miata from 2011)


I think my friend did his first sub 2 before the ridge got 2 seconds faster and was on re71r, then a052. then the Ridge extended the run out at a couple of corners and flatten some of tge curbs and the track was easily 2 seconds quicker.

I did my 1:58 with nankang cr-1s (245/45r15) on a 15x10 wheel.

Here is a progression image of my miata over the years! Named "fat shamer" but now renamed "chihuahua energy "


The current design I made for when it was dubbed "fat shamer" due to the xidas race stiffness, even a person 1% body fat would feel a jiggle and my car that would bring so much joy, also brought shame. But also "shamed" heavier cars ha


This is a recent design. Just hadn't made into stickers to rebrand the car with the new engine. It has a chihuahua vibe where its loud obnoxious bark but tiny bite.

 

I paid for the event insurance through motorreg and was reimbursed for the missing 2nd day! Highly recommend spending the extra $37.

 

Oh damn, next time! Haven't played xbox online in years, but hi!

RE71 and a052 are leagues above the RS4's we're required to run. I miss the grip from before Lucky Dog's tire deal with Hankook.