Project Stella MX
 

I had better do a build diary in here as well as one my own 16vmini forum. You guys have been really helpful so far cheers. It might look a bit disjointed as I've copied it from 16vmini.

started off a few weekend with this.......the very last time Stella will be started with the big bruiser Vauxhall engine.

then it was on with the strip down
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and you finish the weekend like this
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I'm so happy i decided to go the space frame route. The shell is really rotten around the sills
this is how i started the day off
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

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https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

I started cutting:D and found my sills rotten and about 5kg's of sand and rust in them:D
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

with the floor gone i had to make a temporary stand so i can move it about
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355758

That's where i left it for today. i'll finish cutting the bulkhead out tomorrow and try and make a start on the floor. Its good to be back in the garage:D

I had a good day today, bulkhead removed and i'm where i wanted to be at the end of the weekend. There is a bit of work to do to the shell to tidy it up but only a weekends work i think:D

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355807

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355807

Started on the space frame base but i can't really do much more till i get the MX5 and see where the prop shaft and exhaust tunnel are going to go.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355807

nothing is permanent yet so its just sat on the box section

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355807

I modified my stand so i can get it a bit higher to crack on with the body work

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414355807

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My space frame bits should be here in a few weeks but i really need the doner car to crack on.

A rather large parcel arrived yesterday from Custom cages
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356057

I now have lots of long bits of CDS and also some shorter bent bits:D

I'm going to concentrate on the shell tomorrow and maybe try and finish off the floor frame.

Bulkhead bit added.....this took longer than i thought it was going to so didn't get time to finish the space frame base.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356057

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356057

I started the day off on Sunday at 7.00am to a nice empty garage.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356184

I went to collect Bill's trailer in Lincoln and went here
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356184

some of you might remember it;) They were having there Festival of motor sport yesterday. I had a look but couldn't find any of you guys there your invite must of got lost in the post along with mine......ok maybe not mine as i'm not a member anymore:D

Big thanks to Joey who came to the track with me just in case they didn't let me in on my own
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356184

I towed the MX5 home to Leeds and then set off back to Lincoln to return Bill's trailer and then did the return trip back to Leeds. It was a long day and i finally got back at 6.00pm

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356218

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356218

[URL=http://s34.photobucket.com/user/mini-sprite/media/20141012_175119_zpsbgtchwkw.jpg.html]https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356218[/URL

Not much to write about as i'm still stripping the horrible piece of shite:rolleyes: Its not my favorite car at the moment as every nut and bolt is seized. I need it gone on Saturday so a few late nights are on the cards.

The only photo's i have are the ones i took on Sunday when i still liked the thing:D

I can use the front and back brakes as they fit under 13" wheels

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356262

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356262

After very carefully removing the wiring loom;) and all the other bits i need this is where i am

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356262

This is for Steve........its been like this for 3 days and i haven't been able sleep properly:D

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356262

The MX5 is gone:D I weighed it in on Saturday along with the floor pan and bulkhead from Stella. I tidied up at last and i can sleep again:D.

Spent the day sorting out all the running gear and stripping the bearing out of the uprights. I've got one drive shaft and CV joint that will not separate from the hub. CV joint is fucked........well it is now after i tried to persuade it out with a BFH:(

I had a look at where the engine is going to sit

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356305

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356305

I think it needs to be back a bit further as you can see the indent on the oil pan where the steering rack needs to be.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356305

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356305

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414356305

That's all for a while anyway as i'm off on holiday to Egypt in a few weeks, i might get next weekend in.

So that brings you up to date.

I need a few things clarifying please. I didn't get to see the underside of the MX5 before i stripped it. Am i right in thinking that the indent in the oil pan IS where the steering rack is located? I'm not using the MX5 rack but have to make up the front of the space frame.

Also i need a new CV joint.......once i get other one out of the hub :) Do later ones that have the ABS ring fit OK in a 1994 mk1? I don't want to use ABS but can use it in conjunction with a "hall sensor" for traction control.

Cheers Paul

I believe the rear ABS rings are just pressed on, so you should be able to transfer it from the broken axle to the new one. I've transferred front ones, but not rear ones.

--Ian

I got a lot done today:D Its all just tacked up at the minute.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1414870674

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I need some more box section to complete the diff carrier and add some more triangulation.

Paul

Are you not going to use the MX5 rear subframe? Ive seen a coulple minis online with the complete subframe some shortened and some left MX5 track.

Nah that's a very heavy lump of steel. I'm not using the MX5 wishbones front or back either, i'll be making my own.

Paul

Not much to see really work keeps getting in the way but I've made quite a lot of progress.

Engine mounts made.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

I was able to use the existing MX5 mounts but added the trusted Land Rover bobbins.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

I got the base welded up as well
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

Engine is in and sat on its mounts. The mounts need a bit more bracing adding but I'll wait till the engine is out again to have a bit more room.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

Gear box attached as well and this needs another fastening somewhere on the other side but its really solid as it is.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

If you look at the photo i have shortened the gearbox selector.......or at least i have started as i need a new selector housing as the casting broke when removing it out of the Mazda. Thanks to Richard Cole for this link The Mite | Customizing a 1965 Sprite | Part 18 | Relocating the shifter on the Tranny. I have been able to move the engine back and still keep a good position for the shifter.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1417294083

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Paul

Cool project!

woah woah waoh.....

Wait, i think i missed the part where you said why you're using a shitty BP motor in this project. Can you please remind me why in the hell you're doing this again?

Either way, this is awesome and i can't wait to see more. Even if it's not 9000rpm of screaming F20 ITB Honda goodness.

Honda into a classic mini has been done to death over here. I don't need a 9k screamer, I would go bike engine if I wanted that. MX5 has never been done into a space frame mini.......and the ease of turbo.

paul

I have been marveling at your work. This is quite an undertaking.

Please disclose the origin of the Land Rover bobbins and their benefits.

I love xmas holidays you get so much done

got around to altering the diff and getting rid of those big ears

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419701718

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419701718

getting the wheels where i want them and removing loads of arch:D

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419701718

got the diff cage all tacked up

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419701718

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shortened the diff

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419701718

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419701718

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419701718

i got a bit more done than i thought i would so i should get around to the roll cage and i can tie the front subframe and diff cage into it. I also need a bit more bracing on the diff as i'm not happy with just 3 bolts and it hanging. I already know how i'm going to do this.....maybe tomorrow.

Paul

Holy shyte dude, this is insane. Subbed.

This seemed like a perfect place to end the year. Stella looks like a mini shaped vehicle again:D

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1420051776

Frame is now welded

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1420051776

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1420051776

Loads of room for a radiator intercooler and oil cooler now. I had to shorten the frame by 100mm today. I'm getting rid of the front mounted thermostat housing and relocating it to the rear of the engine, which is well known coolant reroute option.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1420051776

See you all next year..........well tomorrow:D Happy new year everyone

Paul

*picking my jaw off the floor*

Rear drive + Mini = A dream come true.

I am super excited to see this project come to fruition.

This is awesome!

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1420053715

Agreed.

Started again with the welding. I've got the main cage fully welded up and it just needs to be tied into the front and back subframes and get a bit more triangulation in there.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1424635391

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1424635391

And sat the shell over the climbing frame

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1424635391

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1424635391

Should get a moving a bit quicker now

my next issue is measuring up for the wishbones? Anyone got any thoughts?:D

Paul

Link sorted....i had a few issues with my tablet.

paul

Are you solid mounting the trans with rubber bushings one the engine?

Very cool build. This reminds me of this build I have been following for about a year now.

Sorry not sure i understand your question?

the engine is mounted on very hard rubber landrover mounts. The gearbox will be mounted on a plate with 4 x smaller bobbins. If it moves too much i can put a damper on the engine as a steady. It should be ok though.

paul

Oh good. Didn't seem like a good idea to have engine on rubber and trans solid mount. Sounds like you will also be mounting the trans on rubber.

A bit of an update....I've been really busy in the garage but doesn't look like much. I'm down to what i didn't realize was going to be so complicated and that is making the wishbones. Making them is easy, measuring and testing isn't. There is tons of stuff to take into account and I've learnt so much about suspension geometry.

I found a brilliant bit of kit racing aspirations. Once you have measured you enter the data into it and you can see what effects what and see what happens to the roll center and camber in a corner.

I've made brackets for one side......mirror image for the other side. The racing Aspirations site has helped withe the placement of the brackets.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427054607

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427054607

The start of a jig for the upper control arms that's just welded to the bench

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427054607

Paul

The first thing I thought of was Project Binky as well

Project Binky will be a bit of a trailer queen i think. Mine will be ragged around the tracks of the UK.

Here's the latest

Front wishbones are done. Pickup points are still only tacked on. They are fully adjustable on car so setting it up should be easy:rolleyes:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428441587

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428441587

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I made a start on the backs today but didn't get much done. I need some short coil overs.

Its taken me a lot more time than i thought it would. I hoped to have all the wishbones finished by close of play tomorrow but this isn't going to happen. I should have a full weekend on her though.

Paul

That looks good. You weight should be around 1500lbs (682kgs)

Out of curiosity, what are you basing that overall weight on?

Paul

I might have to get another set of 7" Avons :D this is a shot of the 8" wide tyre i was running on the front of Stella when i was running the big Vauxhall/Opel:o
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428785126

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428785126

Anyway that's a long way off yet. I finished up the front suspension today, well i finished mocking it all up and used the AVO coilovers i was running last year. They are too long so will need some shorter units.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428785126

Thats the shortest springs i have and the unit is still bottomed out

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428785126

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428785126

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428785126

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This is a bit of a comedy shot:D the wheels look like totally different sizes

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1428785126

I still need to make the rear LCA's I might crack on with this tomorrow.

Paul

Great progress it's really starting to come together now.

The front suspension looks like it has good travel available to it upwards (aside from the shocks bottoming) but the frame would touch the ground. Are the connection points for the control arms to the chassis mounted too high (I have never built a suspension and have no idea what I am doing)?

So long as my calculations are right then it will be fine. The damping will be set to "man" with 500 l/b springs on the front it will not bottom out. The ride height can come up a bit maybe 10mm or so.

Don't get me wrong though this is all new to me and there is a certain amount of "suck it see" going on. It only gluing metal together.

Paul

Reet, this seemed a good point to take a break from building for a few weeks. I've been on it for about 6 weeks now doing the wishbones which took way longer than i thought.

I thought it better to do a bit of a walk round before stripping it down and welding all the mounts and pick up points. I have to alter the gearbox mount as its way over engineered......(too heavy). The diff is also going to be changed for the same reason, still keeping the MX5 diff but getting a custom cover from Talon Motorsport that will be easier to mount.


And this is where she sits waiting

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More updates in a few weeks:D

Paul

Sorry to those who were genuinely interested in my project. There will be no more updates.

Best wishes Paul

What!?

Butt hurt because he asked a stupid open ended question and got razed for it.

You don't have to be perfect to post on this forum but fuck me it helps.

Oh, hence the new avatar. Lol

Just think of it as an initiation ceremony.

You can remove the avatar yourself, then just get on with your life. Be honest with yourself, it was a pretty daft question you asked.

I was keen to see how this turned out, don't let keyboard warriors hurt your pride, they would probably never dream of tackling a project like this.

Same this is a cool build!!!

and people blame this forum for being childish...........

yes, we're the childish ones:

I cant wait to meet up in person so he can teach me a lesson in gay incest.