you can fix the coolant hose "problem" with a MSM mixing mani. And no, I don't have a spare one lol
you can fix the ps "problem" by simply shortening that rubber hose. I had to do that on the begi s4 setup too.

other than that, very nice dude, so excited to see progress

btw I stuffed your jack, tow thingie, and wrench in gesso's box. going out tomorrow.
hope that's what you're waiting for since 70AD

 

Why, thank you kind sir
I've thought about this. I'll probably put up a WTB for an MSM mixing manifold this week and see what happens. I already have the MSM crossover tube with the nipple on it, so that would make things ultra convenient. If that does not work, its chop n tig time. Between Gesso and I, one of us should have a spare by now.

And speaking of spares, I actually have a spare NB PS rack specifically for depowering. I've not got around to doing anything with it yet, but it is something I'd like to try. I'm just not incredibly happy that I have to deal with this stuff at all, because I specifically ordered this in an attempt to avoid this kind of stuff. Oh well, its not like I'm going to return it.
As am I
Yay!

 

If not, I have a spare that came off the motor I disassembled for my new block.

--Ian

 

Regular or MSM? Because I'd probably take either at this point.

 

Regular (motor came out of a 10AE).

--Ian

 

I had the same mixing manifold and power steering hose issues w mine, this is how i delt with it.


Also re-routed the rack return line under the steering shaft

 

How much do you want for it? Have you met up with Gesso yet? If you'll take $10~$15 for it I'm sure Gesso carries cash, and I can catch up with him later

 

I haven't met up with Gesso yet, should be happening this week. $10 is fine.

--Ian

 

Schweet. I guess I could sent it via Paypal too. I figure I'll end up bringing the turbo manifold over to his place and we can test clearance on one of his many engines and figure out where to make the cut and how far to rotate the inlet.

I guess I could flip the mixing manifold, but I really dislike the stupidity that then follows with the heater return line. I don't mind making a few additional clearance bends here and there, but I very much dislike the 4' heater hose most people have decided to use.

 

ha

I was totally going to comment on this: while the NB1 definitely has less lowend grunt than the VEEVEETEEZ, pretty much the same holds true for my experience as well:

lowend/midrange increase is very significant with the MS3.

 

Stock ECU tuned for 87 octane, MS3 for 91?

--Ian

 

That, plus boat anchor iron manifold with pre-cat.

 

I guess.
But don't all NB2's run 91 or higher mandatory?
I know on the NB1 supposedly its recommended but not mandated, but not so with the 2

 

NB2 did have higher compression. I'm using NB2 pistons on the red car for the compression.

 

Its only a half point more between NB1 and NB2. I suspect it has more to do with the CA Emissions programmed stock ECU and terrible cast iron manifold design. As much as we make fun of them, I feel like there is a reason the Spec Miata guys ditch the CA spec NB1 ECU for the 49 State NB1 ECU. Gesso has the 49 State ECU in his Exo and I swear the engine just flat out responds differently. (Part of this may be the fact that its in an Exo )

For the record, the car is filled up with CA91 at the moment. If you believe the internet, this will drop NOx slightly at the expense of slight bump in HC. With not only one but two healthy cats on the car, I see no reason to worry about this. My ignition is functioning properly but I need to check my plugs. I think I'm still running one step hotter (6?) for trackday stuff. Probably not a bad idea to put whatever Mazda recommends as stock back in the car just to be safe.

At this point I'm just glad its not throwing codes. I've got a week or so to fiddle so knock on wood.

 

99-00s were advertised as running on 87. Mine would ping occasionally, so I ran 89 for the first couple years I owned it, before I installed the turbo.

--Ian

 

I've got cash, no need to PayPal. Ian, I don't think I'll be able to make it by tomorrow night. Thursday work?

 

Thursday I'll be in Willows. I will be back by the weekend, however.

--Ian

 

Just failed smog due to visual. Thanks Moroso AOS.

 

And that's why I like Tennessee's inspection. Stick a mirror under the car to look for a cat (if you drive an MR2 they don't even ask you to pop the engine lid to see the cat), check the gas cap seal, and do a sniff (at idle) to make sure its clean. Never open the hood to see all the shiny bits.