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Project "Midnite Runner" Miata - Build Thread

Hey guys. I'm a long time user of the forum. I don't comment or post much. I mostly use the forum for research, buy and sell. Anyway, I just wanted to start my build thread here. I understand some you may not like my car, or whatever. I don't care.
About 10 years ago. Bought my Miata for $1100, running car with rocker rust. The previous owner bought brand new NC (keep in mind, NC was the new miata at the time) I drove the car stock for about 3-4 years. I kept it stock, mainly because I had other car projects, and didn't want to dump money into. It was a great, and reliable car. Never had any problems.

## Also, I apologies for not being more detail about the build, this was yearsssss ago, and I didn't' have a full log of everything. ##

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...dea9bf5676.jpg
The first day I bought her.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...57f459045b.jpg
The only thing I did was maintenance, and swap to a borbet wheels.

A few years later. I got into racing, and autoX. Only then, I've decide to mod the car a bit more:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...14d883d4c3.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7f8182d560.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...55e4353fcd.jpg

Fast forward, I've decide to fix the rocker rust. And while i'm at it, decide to paint the car as well. The car was painted about 3-4 times (you will see this at a later post). This was painted indoor in a garage.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f748ec4d34.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b4e6d97cef.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6dc3cc447f.jpg

After I've painted the car, it went through a few more change, I can't remember what happen first, but the car has always been evolving ever since.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...47a11a8fa7.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...80f2a2fca1.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...cb1a29b16d.jpg

I wasn't happy with the garage paint job, so decide to paint the car again. I was lucky at the time, my old job trust me to use the shop after hours. Finished painting the car from 10pm-3am at nite.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...eb0af4f6bb.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...daffcfc0fe.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7267cd305e.jpg

Now is getting close to recent build. This was in 2017-ish. Still way more to go.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...dca56ba606.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...4fe4bef636.jpg

Moving forward another year or so..
Wide body is install. 40mm rear, about 25mm front. Painted the car again.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...655eca5f70.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ab56cff0b6.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...88a380fa30.jpg

Here's a day time photos. I'll have to find a picture of the front on my computer somewhere.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...467deb80fc.jpg

NOW.. finally a bit more current. I've decide to do a FULL make over. I just recently sold my old turbo engine to a friend, and now rebuilding another one.

I just wanted to update you all as well, that I finally have video progress on youtube at well.
https://www.youtube.com/sithaputh
Here is my Instagram : instagram.com/phillymiataclub/
@phillymiataclub

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1f3852c650.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a6d180dadf.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...959e07ad0a.jpg

This is the first video of the build. Each week 1 or 2 video will be uploaded of the whole process. Please subscribe to my youtube channel for more updates.
I have no clue how to embedded it here. Hopefully it works

Parts 001 - Door and Dash removal

Parts 002 - Brakes, Clutch and Wiring

Parts 003 - Bumper Removal and Engine Bay Shaving

Parts 004 - Front Bash Bar - Weld fill-ins

Parts 005 - Engine Bay Shaving, Weld Clean up

Parts 006 - Subframe Removal, De-powered Steering Rack

Parts 007 - Engine Tear down.
Coming soon.

A bit more update:

Engine tear down is completed, please watch the video here:

A bit more update. The machine shop just finished bore out my engine block. I'm waiting for a few more parts until I install the engine component. While waiting I've decide to make a custom tail lights.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ffba0e7fd0.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...03061ed8a3.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...25b769debb.jpg

What a great looking car you have.

Loving the build updates, keep 'em coming!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireindc (Post 1558002)

What a great looking car you have.

Loving the build updates, keep 'em coming!

Thank you friend, for taking the time to read and encouragement. Merry Xmas

-Sitha

Today, I reroute the brakes lines inside the dash. And made a few custom lines as well. Youtube video of the process coming soon.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2b0a17aee3.jpg

Finally finished rerouting all the brakes lines. It was very time consuming making these brakes flares
Video coming up later tonight.

Video is up online now: Custom Brake Hard Lines, and Proportion Valve.

The windshield is now removed so I can have an easier access for paint. The crusty 25 years old molding was pretty bad, which will be replaced during the assembly process.
Youtube of this process coming up real soon.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2f366af387.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e57c010d46.jpg

Windshield Removal video is now online:

Fuse Box relocation and headlight re-wiring.
Video Here :

Made some Custom LEDs Tail Lights. Here is a video demo:

Video Part 012 of Project "MIDNITE RUNNER MIATA" coming out today on my youtube channel. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗲 : "𝗠𝗜𝗗𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗔". In video 012 we are a doing a full complete rebuild of the BP4W head. I could do a tutorial video if anyone needs it. Rebuild includes: Disassembly, old seal removal, resurface head, Hot steam acid blast, Clean, install new seal, install new valve stems, Sanding and lapping the valves, then re-assembly.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...39ccdef1ec.png
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2fb83bb19b.png
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...8e8a27814a.png
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2b3fe99f37.png
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...5282ab2b05.png
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...212c5a1812.png

Love the video's, its a nice take on the traditional talk talk talk video's on youtube. How much power are you shooting for?

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanIsInTheGarage (Post 1559996)

Love the video's, its a nice take on the traditional talk talk talk video's on youtube. How much power are you shooting for?

thanks bro, I can’t stand it when people post video on youtube and talk rubbish. Anyway, my goals is around 350-400hp.

lately it been very cold, and i’m finishing up another car project and should be back on track with more updates. Thanks for watching.

On this video, I made a show reel video updates of all the parts that will be install within the next few weeks.

You tease 14 isn't on the tube yet!

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanIsInTheGarage (Post 1562401)

You tease 14 isn't on the tube yet!

Hi Ian, sorry about that. I was tired and fell asleep editing the video last night. The video is online now.

Video #014 is up online now:

Build is look super sweet man

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryansmig (Post 1562427)

Build is look super sweet man

Thank you @ryansmig , More video coming up this week.

Video #015 is now online.

Good job, looking great. Question, what size is that oil drain? Looks small to me for some reason; but I'll be honest I've not even seen the one on my car yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanIsInTheGarage (Post 1564208)

Good job, looking great. Question, what size is that oil drain? Looks small to me for some reason; but I'll be honest I've not even seen the one on my car yet.

hey, Ian

The oil drain is 5/8, it's the same size of the turbo drain. if not ..slightly bigger, it should be plenty since the oil feel line is a pinhole restrictor

Video of engine build part 3 of 3

Love the vids man. What kind of tools are you using, by the way?

Quote:

Originally Posted by viperormiata (Post 1564347)

Love the vids man. What kind of tools are you using, by the way?

Thanks for watching..my dude.
Are you referring to Mechanical tools or camera equipment.. LOL
If so, i'm using a Canon 5d mk4, with 24-70 Lenses.

Adding a RX7 alternator

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxrpm (Post 1564354)

Thanks for watching..my dude.
Are you referring to Mechanical tools or camera equipment.. LOL
If so, i'm using a Canon 5d mk4, with 24-70 Lenses.

I was interested in both, actually. The photography work is great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by viperormiata (Post 1564689)

I was interested in both, actually. The photography work is great.

Hi Viperormiata
All the tool was purchase at harbor freight tools or amazon. It's cheap and it does the job for me. If you get me a specific tool name, I can send you link to the tools I bought.
Video up every week, please check back and subscribe :-)
Thanks

I question whether the wastegate actuator will fit/work in the engine bay with that orientation, it's hanging out quite a bit to the right.

One of the BIG problems with the EFR series is that the wastegate actuator's shaft only tolerates a couple of degrees of offset before it binds.

You really need to install the engine with mounted turbo in the engine bay first, then figure out how to orient the outlet to ensure that the wastegate actuator fits and functions properly (there's a video on the forums from Savington showing that the wastegate flapper valve shuts easily if you don't install the last nut on the shaft holding it. If you can't achieve this then you'll need to re-orient the turbo outlet or wastegate actuator bracket until you can - there aren't as many valid combinations as you'd like).

With an EFR turbo and integrated wastegate, you're really "Building around the wastegate actuator", if that doesn't function correctly, your turbo won't either.

- Learned the hard way :(

PS: If it DOES fit and work properly, WooHoo, let the people know!!!

Hi Lokie
Thanks for the input. For now, it just for the video and pictures, Everything will be finalized when everything goes into the engine bay. Where can I find that video you are talking about?
-Sitha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokiel (Post 1564789)

Savington's EFR actuator alignment how-to

DO take the time to ensure yours functions similarly before finalising your build.

You may be OK, KevlinK121's looks like it SHOULD work (not an EFR but should be similarfit): 2002 SE Kraken/2860 build in progress... perpetually in progress (see Post #42 for pics)

Thanks for heads up, Lokiel
I will look into that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokiel (Post 1564818)