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- - Project: Merlot r4cecar (https://www.miataturbo.net/build-threads-57/project-merlot-r4cecar-73601/)

Project: Merlot r4cecar

Sooooooo...I created a build thread a while ago but in the wrong section because I'm dumb and can't read. Take two.

Relatively new on the site but been boosting for almost a year. A change in employment has allowed me to make some changes in the fun car. On to the goods.

Car:

95 M-edition which I acquired first of the year in 2012 from a local for $2,000. Had around 94,000 miles and ran fine. Didn't look all that pretty and there were some hack-job items on the car when I picked it up.
Original Car

I boosted it with some parts I picked up off the site and it's been very fun despite horrible tires and stock suspension, sways, you name it. Now it's time to get serious and build it big; build it right.

Goal: 350 at the wheels. Many have done it, i'm sure. I've estimated my power anywhere between 180-200 with the current setup (2554 @15psi, 3" back, FM big intercooler, all stock internals) and I'm ready to move up.
To meet the goal, I'll be using a 2871R, Manley rods, and FM-Wiseco 9.1 CR pistons. From my reading, I'll be at or near the highest abilities of the 2871 but I'm looking to keep the spool relatively quick for streetable use.

With this "big" HP goal come the need for a good infrastructure to build off of. The car is being stripped down to the tub and built back from there. The list of parts is huge so stuff will get mentioned as I get to buying it, putting it in, etc.

I'll start this thread with the donor block which is a recently rebuilt 95 Merlot block as well. The clock read well over 200k but the engine still had the cross hatches in the cylinders - impressive. Wish I took pictures of it before I sent it off to the shop. The machine shop is doing a 1mm overbore to 84mm (mic'ing each piston), checking the mating surfaces, checking the main caps with new hardware in case it needs a line-bore, and hot tanking.
I'll snap a few when it gets back. EDIT: it's back! Pics in below.

Diff night - which is always my favorite. Pulled the original rear end and PPF for the rebuild. Swapping in a 3.9 ring and pinion. 3.6 is probably a better option but I'd like to try out a 3.9 set first. Anyways, pictures:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1368905917
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1368905917
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1368905917
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1368905917
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1368905917

That's the OP. Time for a slew of pictures with some bad humor here and there.

These aren't exactly in chronological order, by the way.

HF engine stand..

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372301115
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372301115

Here's a whole bunch of random stuff. My ability to focus on ONE sub-project at a time is not very good at all. The result is that I have this string of pictures that jump all around and laziness prohibits me from organizing them sensibly.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372303564

Sweet compressioney goodness. ^^^

I ended up using a push-rod valve spring compressor for a DOHC setup which was a mistake. It's what I had. :ohwell:
A long night of beer and head

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372303564

Here's the diff carrier. I sandblasted the whole thing (no pictures) then decided to change my plans up. I'm using a 2nd gen rx7 carrier now since they don't have the relief cut. More dangerous? probably. Anyways, here's some shots of pressing the damn bushings out. Luckily, I had my trusty HF 20 ton press.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372303564
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372303564

Now, I'm gonna get flamed for this one. Here it goes, anyways.

V-maxxes.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372304060

Some would ask (and they're correct) "how can it be a racecar with cheap a$$ suspension?" My answer is "it's not". Maybe, and MAYBE some time down the road I'll track, autocross, whatever. Right now, I'm just having a blast.

V-maxxes aren't too bad though. Good balance between ride comfort and performance.

On to the car itself.

My buddy and I thought it would be nice if we could work on the car in the garage or out, weather pending. How would this be possible if the subframes would later be removed? The "carcart" was the result. 350# casters at each corner. Rolls fairly well and can be spun, moved, you name it all with one person.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372304060
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372304060
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372304060
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372304060

Like I said in the beginning - Infrastructure is important. Everything has to come out. Not only is it a good learning experience, but it gives me a chance to thoroughly check the car over; To make sure it's built right.

In for built motor glory. What turbo you going to run on this thing once its built?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireindc (Post 1025721)

In for built motor glory. What turbo you going to run on this thing once its built?

Garrett 2871R. I could definitely go bigger (3071, mmmmm) but I want to keep somewhat of a small spool time without falling short of my goal.

Did I mention 56k death, yet?

Hey look, a valve cover. Sandblasted, ready for high heat prime and sexy coat of Merlot. Y'know, for that "coordinated" look.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588

Back to the diff.

When I rebuild diffs I like to make them look pretty, too. All that work restoring the inside (removing oil deposits, residue, cleaning passages, etc) means I might as well spend some time at the blast cabinet making the outside nice as well. My very own diff is no exception.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
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https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588

New OEM pinion bearing with race since I wrecked the original one. It was MUCH easier to get on than off. Thank you again el cheapo HF 20 ton.

Don't have a picture of my fancy mic, unfortunately.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305588

After it's all sandblasted and thoroughly rinsed (including the carrier) I paint it with a rust resistant matte black. I leave the carrier in straight aluminum though, cause that's sexy.

Some more random bits

Name the control arm? That's coincidentally sitting on the laptop I'm posting from. Laptopception.

I didn't realize until recently that you CAN NOT get front upper ball joints without buying an entire control arm from various sources for damn near $350. Luckily, V8 Roadsters makes one that is "rebuildable", looks like it has zerks, and doesn't break your wallet into too many pieces.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305859

M tuned coolant re-route. A healthy part of every big boost build.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305859

Name the control arm that's getting bent because I'm an idiot?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305859

Another valve cover shot

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1372305859

That's all for now. Hopefully the next update won't be so prolonged and have a bajillion photos for me to upload and sift. Which may mean that pictures start appearing in the actual order I'm doing them...It won't be any more logical, sadly.

I recently read in Dsport magazine of a guy trashing his engine because of media from sandblasting being trapped inside his valvecover. Are you sure its cleaned out well?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilicharger665 (Post 1026491)

I recently read in Dsport magazine of a guy trashing his engine because of media from sandblasting being trapped inside his valvecover. Are you sure its cleaned out well?

I sandblasted mine with no issues. I did however pull all the baffles apart and clean the inside with a nylon brush and some purple power.

I have also read many horror stories about media used on various parts getting into the oil and making short work of the block. I pulled ALL thhe baffles in the oil pan, valve cover and intend to wash all parts before reassembly. Appreciate it!

It's control arm night..again...here's to not bending any more!