I'll agree it's easier to say I'm wrong. Probably the easiest thing to do!

I just don't see the point in trying to discuss it. Anyone with half a brain not only knows that you are wrong, but also knows why you are wrong.

Anyway, back to my ignore list you go (where you belong).

Sorry to waste your time.

For all the people that "with half a brain not only knows that you are wrong, but also knows why you are wrong", I'm curious what I specifically I said that was wrong, and what is correct.

Does HP affect crank flex? Does RPM affect crank flex? Does crank flex affect gear loading on an oil pump? Do track-car oil temps affect the strength of oil pump gears in a way that street cars do not experience? Do harmonic dampers dampen harmonics on a crank shaft? If I'm wrong on some or all of this, I'd love to see some evidence that proves it. Been wrong many times before (have broken several motors over the years, mostly tuning mistakes), so could very well be wrong on something about this.

Ugh. I got my registration renewal today. I know I'd have to get a smog, but a buddy of mine has a smog shop so no big deal. However, I seem to have been randomly selected to be required to take it to a STAR station. Looks like I need to go fully back to stock, and if I'm going to do that, I might as well throw in the built motor when I put the go fast bits back in. Pretty annoying because I was going to put that off for a while.

"Randomly selected" :squint:

I haven't been not randomly selected for a test only star station for any of my cars in like a decade.

Right...

all cars of that vintage are "randomly selected"

Exhaust was a little on the loud side after my parents borrowed the car or a bit. Took a peak and found that the turbo outlet was missing 3 bolts. Upon closer inspection, the other two weren't even finger tight, and one has backed itself half way out. Should I be locktite'ing these, or just torquing down harder?

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c173a540b0.jpg

You can crank the turbine bolts pretty tight. I just use anti-sieze on the threads and lightly grease the mating surfaces with wheel bearing grease.

I don't think lock tight will hold due to the temps. You could try some ResBond if you had some spares of it. Otherwise just tighten them down as much as you can. I only have had one other customer have issues with them backing out, and it was right after he ported the turbo. We think he just did not tighten them enough when he put everything back together. Since replacing the bolts and retightening he has not had any issues.

Bolts replaced with much tightness. Should be good to go now!

Thanks!

I use stage8 locking hardware everywhere on my turbo. Only thing that would stay.

From time to time I actually work on my car. This week was one of those weeks! I rebuilt the shifter (OMG what a difference that makes!) and I made a radiator cowl out of ABS.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...048fe61d0d.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1ccadb9e53.jpg

That shifter!!! im glad you finally did it, it was probably the worst shifter on a Miata i have ever felt. hope all is well!

Yeah, the shifter feels amazing.

I found a few occasions to drive my car in the past few weeks. On my last drive someone failed to see a stop sign and gave me a little love tap. Their insurance game me a check and today I'll start buffing this out.

Well, if this was anyone else's car, it would really suck. But considering how you got to this point, congratulations on the check. :bigtu:

Making progress. I decided to cut off the parachute while I was at it. Now I'm working on paint . Doing the front bumper too because it's chock full of chips and chunks.
I added pictures in case anyone else needs to pop out a dent.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...9d7e44defa.jpgBig dent
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7f3dd968c8.jpgHeat 'er up real good
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...3e2dc9316a.jpgPush it out starting with the biggest point of impact
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a803778718.jpgLike that
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d23268c19c.jpgThen move on to the smaller dents. It's so easy a three-year-old can do it.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...253c18dde3.jpgSand
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f11c6fe8f3.jpgReady for paint
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...79d4ea24ec.jpgCut off the parachute

So I made an epic mistake. I figured that the paint was so easy I could do it with my eyes closed, but as it turns out it helps to use your eyes to read the labels of the materials. I laid down the base coat just fine, but then I accidentally used reducer instead of hardener to mix with the clear coat. I had to strip the whole thing and start over, and the stripping took longer than the painting. Super annoying, but that's what I get for not paying attention. The end result is not too bad, and while I was at it I did the front bumper (which was in suuuuper rough shape) and de-badged.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7569ae934a.jpgLaying down paint, again
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...aadf1ca0e8.jpgNot a show car shine, but I did manage to avoid getting too much orange peel. The clear laid down nice and smooth.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...55a4c6f5ee.jpgNo badges
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...978736d1f6.jpgtrimmed bumper

Wow, maybe one day I can get you to do my bumpers.

That sounds dirty.