electroCrunch's 99 NB - streetable track toy
06-15-2022, 01:39 PM
#121
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 113
Total Cats: 55
Sharing my quickest hot lap from the last TA event. I'm already aching to get back on track, it's gonna be a long summer.
Last edited by electroCrunch; 06-15-2022 at 02:22 PM.
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10-11-2022, 05:17 PM
#122
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Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 113
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TWO-PART UPDATE:
Part 1: The event
I attended the NASAAZ event at Podium Club Attesa in Casa Grande last weekend. It was the inaugural NASAAZ event and my first time at the track as well. The turnout was huge, the newly paved paddock area was pretty much full. I camped out there Friday and Saturday night to make the most of the event and avoid early morning drives to the track. After consistent rain Friday night, it was dry the rest of the weekend thankfully.
I walked away with 1st place in my Time Attack class, but with only two attendees in my class. We need more TA-A drivers, turnout varies and is usually lacking. My personal best, which yet again was my winning TA lap, was a 1:55.75.
The track is awesome. The surface was in excellent condition, they have electronic flagging systems, and the few amenities that are there are new. I really enjoyed driving this track, it has some really fast sections as well as some tighter more technical sections, with good elevation changes to keep things interesting. I had a pretty great spin off track coming downhill into "the esses" (GoPro wasn't working so I didn't capture it). The straightaway is long, it's the first time the Miata has gone over 100mph on track (about 105 if my speedometer is correct).
Tires: I can feel the Nankangs taking a little longer to warm up, and grip is dropping off a little at 18 heat cycles now. That said, I stilled got my PB and took 1st in TA on the 18th heat cycle, so there's still life left in them. I'm on the fence with trying out a new 100tw tire next, maybe I'll give Maxxis a go depending on cost and availability. I'm open to input.
The miata ran well, no issues. I did notice my steering is making a slight noise now. I can only hear it when going very low speed or parked, when the force is the highest and most difficult to turn (depowered rack). It's a slight pop, like something is binding and letting go ever so slightly, or something like that. I'll check to make sure all nuts & bolts are tight first, then will move to tensioner. I hope it's not an issue within the rack. It's a relatively faint noise from the cabin, but can be heard outside the car as well.
------------
Part 2: The event prep
Before the event I spent a chunk of time doing general maintenance, inspection, and chassis clean up, plus a pretty neat upgrade. For maintenance, I flushed: coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential fluid. I also regressed all of the poly control arm bushings. Those zerks I took the time to install when I rebuilt the arms made quick and easy work of regreasing with Super Lube. I also had a new windshield installed because the old one was very pitted and starting to crack. I had the installer add a visor strip across the windshield as well which was nice for early morning or later afternoon sessions.
The upgrade... 1" Wildwood MC kit from SuperMiata. It was well worth the money spent. My braking feel and modulation leveled up, as did my heel-toe a bit. It's a solid upgrade to match the dynalite calipers.
GRacing shifter update.... I noticed the shifter was making a louder rattling noise on track, so I don't think I can say they fixed the rattle. Just a PSA for anyone considering the shifter. I still think it's an excellent shifter and don't regret it based on performance, it's just a bit noisy in my setup.
Next planned event is the end of month.
Part 1: The event
I attended the NASAAZ event at Podium Club Attesa in Casa Grande last weekend. It was the inaugural NASAAZ event and my first time at the track as well. The turnout was huge, the newly paved paddock area was pretty much full. I camped out there Friday and Saturday night to make the most of the event and avoid early morning drives to the track. After consistent rain Friday night, it was dry the rest of the weekend thankfully.
I walked away with 1st place in my Time Attack class, but with only two attendees in my class. We need more TA-A drivers, turnout varies and is usually lacking. My personal best, which yet again was my winning TA lap, was a 1:55.75.
The track is awesome. The surface was in excellent condition, they have electronic flagging systems, and the few amenities that are there are new. I really enjoyed driving this track, it has some really fast sections as well as some tighter more technical sections, with good elevation changes to keep things interesting. I had a pretty great spin off track coming downhill into "the esses" (GoPro wasn't working so I didn't capture it). The straightaway is long, it's the first time the Miata has gone over 100mph on track (about 105 if my speedometer is correct).
Tires: I can feel the Nankangs taking a little longer to warm up, and grip is dropping off a little at 18 heat cycles now. That said, I stilled got my PB and took 1st in TA on the 18th heat cycle, so there's still life left in them. I'm on the fence with trying out a new 100tw tire next, maybe I'll give Maxxis a go depending on cost and availability. I'm open to input.
The miata ran well, no issues. I did notice my steering is making a slight noise now. I can only hear it when going very low speed or parked, when the force is the highest and most difficult to turn (depowered rack). It's a slight pop, like something is binding and letting go ever so slightly, or something like that. I'll check to make sure all nuts & bolts are tight first, then will move to tensioner. I hope it's not an issue within the rack. It's a relatively faint noise from the cabin, but can be heard outside the car as well.
------------
Part 2: The event prep
Before the event I spent a chunk of time doing general maintenance, inspection, and chassis clean up, plus a pretty neat upgrade. For maintenance, I flushed: coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential fluid. I also regressed all of the poly control arm bushings. Those zerks I took the time to install when I rebuilt the arms made quick and easy work of regreasing with Super Lube. I also had a new windshield installed because the old one was very pitted and starting to crack. I had the installer add a visor strip across the windshield as well which was nice for early morning or later afternoon sessions.
The upgrade... 1" Wildwood MC kit from SuperMiata. It was well worth the money spent. My braking feel and modulation leveled up, as did my heel-toe a bit. It's a solid upgrade to match the dynalite calipers.
GRacing shifter update.... I noticed the shifter was making a louder rattling noise on track, so I don't think I can say they fixed the rattle. Just a PSA for anyone considering the shifter. I still think it's an excellent shifter and don't regret it based on performance, it's just a bit noisy in my setup.
Next planned event is the end of month.
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10-11-2022, 09:06 PM
#123
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Posts: 1,208
Total Cats: 303
Lookin' good!
We're looking forward to running Podium/Atessa later this fall with PCA. I'm really glad to see the trackday orgs getting to run there. So far life has prevented us from making a couple of planned trackdays this fall, but we'll get back to it eventually.
We're looking forward to running Podium/Atessa later this fall with PCA. I'm really glad to see the trackday orgs getting to run there. So far life has prevented us from making a couple of planned trackdays this fall, but we'll get back to it eventually.
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10-12-2022, 11:20 AM
#124
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 113
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I wish my GoPro wasn't acting up. I think it was overheating. I'll go through the footage and see if I have any sessions worth posting. Day 1 sessions were pretty much a wash, just learning lines, braking zones, and trying to grow bigger ***** for the fast sweepers.
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10-12-2022, 12:06 PM
#126
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 113
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Asking the real questions. I like it.
It's a stock 3.4 V6, stock gearing. It pulled it fine. There weren't any big hills to climb though, so keep that in mind. I wouldn't attempt to pull it up any mountain passes with the 4Runner.
I basically have a few things going against me for towing with the 4Runner, obviously it's an older V6 so lacks on power, but torque felt good getting going from stops. Tires are a 32", and added weight from bumpers. I have added a massive secondary transmission cooler, which works quite well. I plan on adding a brake controller to it in the next couple of weeks.
It's not my long term tow rig, but it does just fine on flat tows that are relatively close. I was surprised how well it did actually.
It's a stock 3.4 V6, stock gearing. It pulled it fine. There weren't any big hills to climb though, so keep that in mind. I wouldn't attempt to pull it up any mountain passes with the 4Runner.
I basically have a few things going against me for towing with the 4Runner, obviously it's an older V6 so lacks on power, but torque felt good getting going from stops. Tires are a 32", and added weight from bumpers. I have added a massive secondary transmission cooler, which works quite well. I plan on adding a brake controller to it in the next couple of weeks.
It's not my long term tow rig, but it does just fine on flat tows that are relatively close. I was surprised how well it did actually.
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10-12-2022, 12:25 PM
#127
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 591
Total Cats: 114
Asking the real questions. I like it.
It's a stock 3.4 V6, stock gearing. It pulled it fine. There weren't any big hills to climb though, so keep that in mind. I wouldn't attempt to pull it up any mountain passes with the 4Runner.
I basically have a few things going against me for towing with the 4Runner, obviously it's an older V6 so lacks on power, but torque felt good getting going from stops. Tires are a 32", and added weight from bumpers. I have added a massive secondary transmission cooler, which works quite well. I plan on adding a brake controller to it in the next couple of weeks.
It's not my long term tow rig, but it does just fine on flat tows that are relatively close. I was surprised how well it did actually.
It's a stock 3.4 V6, stock gearing. It pulled it fine. There weren't any big hills to climb though, so keep that in mind. I wouldn't attempt to pull it up any mountain passes with the 4Runner.
I basically have a few things going against me for towing with the 4Runner, obviously it's an older V6 so lacks on power, but torque felt good getting going from stops. Tires are a 32", and added weight from bumpers. I have added a massive secondary transmission cooler, which works quite well. I plan on adding a brake controller to it in the next couple of weeks.
It's not my long term tow rig, but it does just fine on flat tows that are relatively close. I was surprised how well it did actually.
-tf_tyler
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11-14-2022, 06:11 PM
#129
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 113
Total Cats: 55
I've been slacking on timely updates...
I'm not sure if this is well known and I just didn't have a clue, but I wanted to share what might be a safety concern. After the event at Podium Club I noticed my steering making a strange noise. Like a pop/click sound and the slightest of play. Upon inspection I discovered that my aluminum Works Bell wheel adapter was beginning to strip where the spline end meets the steering column in the car (steel). I feel like I avoided a catastrophe by catching this soon. Just an FYI for anyone else running an aluminum steering wheel adapter to be careful if you have a manual or depowered steering rack.
You can kind of see the splines are starting to wear down
I've since upgraded to this steel unit from Daikei
UPDATE: Arizona Motorsports Park (CW) October 29-30th
I had a great weekend at AMP a couple of weeks ago. It was my first time at this track. The track itself was nice, I liked how it flowed and proved to have some challenging turns. I also registered for UMS Tuning Time Attack, TA-A class. I wish we had more competitor's in this class. I was the only person to register and show up (the other driver who registered blew a head gasket unfortunately). So I walked away with 1st place points by default. That said, my best time was still a respectable 1:56.14. And again, my fastest lap was put down during the time attack race. I was able to film the whole race if anyone would like to watch...
As usual, I didn't get many pictures and couldn't justify spending money for the professional photos..
The last event and time attack race of the season is December 3rd again at AMP. Hoping to finish the year and season strong. https://umstimeattack.com/results/season-2022/
I'm not sure if this is well known and I just didn't have a clue, but I wanted to share what might be a safety concern. After the event at Podium Club I noticed my steering making a strange noise. Like a pop/click sound and the slightest of play. Upon inspection I discovered that my aluminum Works Bell wheel adapter was beginning to strip where the spline end meets the steering column in the car (steel). I feel like I avoided a catastrophe by catching this soon. Just an FYI for anyone else running an aluminum steering wheel adapter to be careful if you have a manual or depowered steering rack.
You can kind of see the splines are starting to wear down
I've since upgraded to this steel unit from Daikei
UPDATE: Arizona Motorsports Park (CW) October 29-30th
I had a great weekend at AMP a couple of weeks ago. It was my first time at this track. The track itself was nice, I liked how it flowed and proved to have some challenging turns. I also registered for UMS Tuning Time Attack, TA-A class. I wish we had more competitor's in this class. I was the only person to register and show up (the other driver who registered blew a head gasket unfortunately). So I walked away with 1st place points by default. That said, my best time was still a respectable 1:56.14. And again, my fastest lap was put down during the time attack race. I was able to film the whole race if anyone would like to watch...
As usual, I didn't get many pictures and couldn't justify spending money for the professional photos..
The last event and time attack race of the season is December 3rd again at AMP. Hoping to finish the year and season strong. https://umstimeattack.com/results/season-2022/
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12-08-2022, 07:01 PM
#130
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 113
Total Cats: 55
Winner!
I wrapped up the year at Arizona Motorsports Park last weekend. We ran it in CCW configuration, which was my first time running in this config. With rain in the forecast, the first two sessions were dry. Then around noon it started to rain and didn't let up for the rest of the day. Yay. I only had my 100tw Nankangs with me so my plan was to learn to drive in the wet on these tires. I was able to get 1 session in the wet before the time attack race and learn how to control the car in the wet. Luckily it worked out pretty well for me. I walked away with 1st place in class amongst a couple of other Miatas. I didn't feel fast in the wet, but I guess I was faster than the other Miatas so I'll take the win.
This also means that I'm 2022 TA-A season champion, accumulating the most points for the year in my class. I'm not the fastest driver in-class nor do I have the fastest car in-class, but persistence and consistency paid off.
So what's next? I think it's time to get this engine sorted out and built. I'm working through the checklist of all of that now and have found a machine shop based on a few recommendations. This means I won't be back on track for at least a few months. While the Miata is down I plan to thoroughly go through it to strengthen any of the weak spots that showed up during the season, as well as some other upgrades which are in the works.
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