Extended LBJ Group Buy
 

BTW, I just put a small group buy up in the classifieds section for the extended lower ball joints. My hope is that those who are going to put them on their car NOW will get them, test them, and then give feedback.

Only "some" will be coming by air--hopefully 10 pair--and will dole those out based on the group buy list. Many more are on the way.

Last, we've had some good initial response from a sanctioning body for use on the track. Fingers crossed.

Engine Test Fit
 

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1449811996
The House Cat got a test engine fit tonight, and it's looking pretty good. It was a little stressful because the V8R K member and the engine mount brackets are both custom, and this is the first time with the engine in the car. It turns out that a slight amount of "massaging" will need to be done, but otherwise it's all good.

It fits, but needs a slight tweak before it's permanent.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1449811996


The engine was moved back a bit in the frame.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1449811996


Might need to get creative with the coolant reroute.

All you need is a big hammer for the reroute.

Precision. Bumping. Instrument.

Engine Test Fit, day 2
 

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1449889901


Fits....almost. Took the intake off today for a little grinding session.

I'm sure most of you have seen or done this before, but I went to Home Depot and bought some 3M traction tape (grip stop) for my pedals. Busted rubber comes off, tape goes on. A big patch is easier to razor blade off than a small one, and then finishing is easy with a file. Add Sharpie to hide bare metal. No, these aren't Tilton or Wilwood, but they give good feel. I add four stainless hex button head screws to the bottom holes of the gas pedal for a little extra grip too.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453247413


Home Depot 3M grip tape.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453247413


Goes on quick


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453247413


Bigger pieces razor off easier than smaller.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453247413


File the edges.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453247413


Sharpie hides bare metal. :)

Never did it for the brake pedal (I like being able to slip a bit on it for heel-toe), but I've given that exact treatment to the clutch pedal on all three of my Miatas. When you wear a size 14 boot, removing the rubber pad from the clutch pedal is literally the only way to get past it onto the dead pedal.

I used a similar product also from Home Depot. Didn't see the grip tape you refer to, mine was a flat, wide strip that is intended for applying to a stair step. Same basic idea, though.

Highly recommended, even if you have normal size feet. It's a massive improvement, particularly when your shoes are wet. Yes, I realize this isn't something Cord ever has to deal with in north San Diego county, but for the rest of us...

Same stuff. If you get it at Home Depot, it's in the tape aisle in rolls, ready for stairs. If you get it at your local skateboard/surf shop, it's grip tape. You know, because our size 12 feet are resting in flip flops. :)

I just went to the local skateboard shop and asked for a scrap piece of grip tape. They had tons of it. All sorts of color and designs. A tip next time you apply it (comes from years skateboarding), apply it and then round the edges with a round metal object, I use a screwdriver. This will perforate the edge after a few round on it and you can just pop the access right off with some pressure. It makes for a very clean edge.

I've done that too, and it definitely works well. Just forgot I guess...

I'm trying some new things with the House Cat. Some of that includes adding weight, but also adding a bit of refinement. This car will be more road-focused, so it needs to look the part.

The pictures are of the future aluminum front splash guards, and the rear trunk section, which will be made in fiberglass, and should be covered in fabric. The gas cap can be hidden with this setup.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453353950


Open the trunk and this is what you'll see. The cover hides the gas tank, and adds a small luggage area. Yes, hinge.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453353950


I'm toying with the idea of putting the gas cap under the trunk so it stays out of view.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453353950


This simple template is the front fender splash guard. It separates the tires fronts from the engine bay and helps direct air.


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453353950


Can't wait to see this in laser-cut aluminum.

I've been pondering the trunk idea as well for mine. It makes even more sense with a standard single hoop rollbar.

Also I already did this...


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1453360014

Don't worry, it retrofits! I'm still in the starting stages so things will come into focus as we get closer to the finished product.

Give me one reason why I shouldn't just avoid rust repair on my car and just buy a catfish instead and transplant.

You get to avoid rust repair?

Damn, good point. I guess one other reason is that I don't have a garage.


...or paved driveway.

I'm sad now.

How's the weather out there in Virginia? Good day for open top driving? :)

My car is currently up on jacks without an exhaust on a frozen mud driveway covered in snow. I am so sad; I had studded tires ready to go.

Someday I will have a catfish, I've been dreaming of this car ever since I first saw it. It's been decided, when living situations change. (Hiring btw?)

Cordy, ever think about making a full cab version for us folks in the north? If i was to buy this i'd need heat and a roof.

^this

...and heated seats and rocket launchers and an eject button