street/track NC build
 

2013 Club - build thread

I bought this car new. I added suspension and tires right away. I did some HPDE with it for a while. Four years later I have kept the engine stock because I don't mess with engines on the level that really is worth the hassle to me this time. I had a MSM before this. I piece parted the engine together but stopped short of a standalone ecu. It frankly sucked as far as a boosted car so go.

Instead of doing that again I am going from 0 to max because fuck it. I want to go fast and have a giggle about it. Here's where its been since around 2013:

Chassis:
Soft top delete
Blackbird Fabworx GT3
Removable hard top
Ohlins DFV
Racing Beat sway bars & end links
Enkei PF01SS +48
Yokohama S-Drive 235/40/17

Cosmetic stuff:
AutoExe steering wheel
Redline Goods shift & Pbrake boot
Voodoo shift knob
Euro fog light bezels
Pioneer AVIC-5000NEX
Stubby antenna

Engine:
EcuTek RaceRom

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...deefdd1181.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...954170f7fa.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...79fa965bcf.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c07ce30317.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...fe4c6b79f9.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7860055b9a.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...82ed41d3c2.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1c17632eb4.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6198207675.jpg

Pretty soon I am driving the car to Texas to have Dynotronics install a 2.5 EFR system. More pics of what I've got for that project right now are below. Exhaust, Fuel and lesser details I dont have specs for but I'll post them when its decided.


Fab9 EFR 6758
Good Win triple pass radiator
Moroso collant ex.



https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...910bf8ec28.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...7161b3060c.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c833677208.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c4008d17c1.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f98cb04902.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...4f8ce2b733.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1f364b6db2.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...982c25314e.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...dd2ed90eca.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...85b28ea786.jpg




I do plan on getting some sort of telemetry recording stuff. The goal is to get videos up that can tell a better story than I can. Lateral acceleration has been fun for four years but not thrilling.

As far as my ideas for the engine go - I like the idea of strong, under-stressed peace of mind. Turns out I have a few exciting fuel types near me, which I only recently learned. RaceRom has four on the fly maps and I do plan on an ethanol content sensor helping me use them.

This is incredibly exciting! If I hadn't been stupid and traded in my Winning Blue 06 with the factory hard top, I would be at a similar point with it. I was in talks with Joe at Dynotronics about a 2.5 EFR for me too... I will instead live vicariously through this build thread!

This project has been my dream for about 15 years. I tried previously with an MSM, but got laid off and had to sell it. Now Im in a position to dump some money into a miata again and I decided to go full ultimate street car.

This thread will be a little retroactive too. I had several years of pics and stories from me actually working on the chassis and handling, but being stupid with one hard drive for everything I lost all of it when the drive failed - just before I decided to get back into the forums and put it here. So I will try to cover what I have done and parse it out over the next few months.

But the turbo engine is finally happening. This thing is the result of scope bloat. I was going atmo 2.5 until about three months ago. Its gotten expensive and complicated so im going to leave it to a pro. Its too risky for me to try to make so much power while figuring it out. If I had to fix or correct problems way more often than I am able to enjoy a well-sorted car then it would not be worth it to me. I totally commend those who commit to years-long projects who don't get to enjoy it as much as its being worked on.

On the topic of this project, I'm going to order an AIM MXS dash logger this evening. It seems appropriate for my power goals and I like data. I looked at Innovate gauges but determined that for the cost of the gauges I would like, the dash logger does way more for a little more money. And I really don't like typical gauge mount locations in cars. (like A-pillar, tack on mounts, glovebox, etc.) The double din navigation stereo I have removes the one traditional location I would use.

Cool build!

Just sent you a PM.

Car is gorgeous. Need to paint that top. Otherwise A+

I like where this is going!

With NCs dropping in price, building a nasty 2.5 dual-purpose car sounds like an awesome idea.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...dfc1d3daaa.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d3cc06fdd5.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...62a0c148e8.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...09eff4f653.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...453628d2be.jpg


I got an AiM MXS Strada dash. This is the display version only (no data logging) with the street icons. I like the idea of the dash being user friendly for others not familiar with unmarked indication lights. Its probably going to be mounted on the steering column in front of the stock gauge cluster. I'm really excited to see this thing work. Its going to be awesome. It will cover all my engine sensor info through CAN bus. I think the only other gauge I will need is for ethanol content.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a4909c020c.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...474f3c5c54.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0d10ee641f.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0a8912bb1b.jpg


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...cfb032659b.jpg



Quickjack BL-3500. Great for tiny cars with pinch weld lift points. I love this thing for the Miata. Before I bought this, getting all four wheels up was a multi-step pain in the ass. This will set up in about two minutes and get the car up in a few seconds. I was hoping I would have more uses for the lift, but the low weight limit and set lift points end up limiting how you can use it. For instance, this will not work well with an older Audi A4. The weight isn't the problem there, but the inboard jacking points are out of the range of the rubber pads. If you lift your Miata a lot, I recommend this. Probably go right to the BL-5000 though. Its bigger and can lift more variety of things presumably.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b80a34b52a.jpg

Great looking NC! I like where this is going.

Loading up the car tonight and setting out for New Braunfels in the morning. Should have a boosted Miata in a couple weeks.

I'll try to get some pictures along the way. If you are along my route and know of good driving roads, I'm interested to drive them.

I had no idea dynotronics was that close to me. There are some ok roads up in the hill country too. Plenty of German and Mexican food down here!

Be sure to check out The Three Sisters and Lime Creek Road as you go through Austin. If you have time on your hands, you can explore around the area you will sure find some exciting roads. Also don't forget to sample the barbecue as you go through central Texas, trust me it's amazing

I've ridden The Three Sisters on a cross-country trip with a buddy a few years ago. We visited Enchanted Rocks and the surrounding area. Might be worth a revisit!

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f1e156664f.jpg

There are lots of great roads in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, a few in NE Oklahoma as well. I've spend tens of thousands of miles on 2 wheels on many of those roads.

PRO TIP: Skip 69 going through OK. Stay on the turnpike to OKC then drop down 35, you'll save some time and skip mulitple small towns with stoplights.

BONUS: Come through OKC and I'll take you out for a burger and beer.

10-4 On the hwy 35 route. I might just take you up on that beer. We'll see, I'll be in the area on Sunday. :beer:

Just let me know, concealer knows I'll take you somewhere good. Shoot me a PM and I'll give you my number.

The car is now with Dynotronics. It was a pleasure to finally meet Joe and talk shop. He's got a nice facility with roadsters all over the place. I saw a couple forum member's rides including Zala's beast. Very nice looking cars.

The entire Fab9 kit fits in the trunk of the car if you strip the trunk out. All in the box it shipped to me in. I put the GWR triple pass radiator on the parcel shelf. It fit nice and snug. So if you go with this kit and want to hold it in your hands before its installed, you can pack it and take it with you. https://forum.miata.net/vb/images/smilies/638.gif
I did shim up the intercooler on cardboard blocks to prevent the formed metal trunk floor from imprinting the intercooler vanes over bumps.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ec43052c80.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d391170a3c.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b064c7940a.jpg




After planning with Joe it seems my differential is going out to Ben Herne for a custom 3.45 R&P install. Its getting the Quaife ATB too. He wanted to know if I had power goals and I told him I just want an over-build under-stressed car in the end. He thinks at 350 to 370 whp I will avoid munching the transmission if I drive reasonably. So thats where we will probably be. An E85 tune will be in place to make for a hero mode though. The roads are long, flat and straight where I live. Might as well tune for it.

Then I got a Kia Optima rental car and I have to say, its pretty nice. I drove up to Austin to get a hotel and then hit up Lime Creek Road just 15 minutes away, which is an awesome driver's road.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2e7ecccab4.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...06e7cb86fe.jpg


Now for the best part.. The waiting game. Joe seemed to think that end of September is a safe bet for completion. Outsourcing the differential work adds some time. He also might do some trick dash work to fit the MXS. A good safe baseline tune is critical so he will probably not rush that process. Good news is my car won't have to wait long to get worked on. I've been planning this behind the scenes for over two years with Joe. He is going to prioritize my car, so I appreciate that.

For now I'll drool over the other projects in the build threads to bide my time.

Gonna be in Austin while you wait?

I stayed in Austin for just one day. Then I took a flight home. It would be cool to take a vacation for several weeks and drive the car home. Haha - not really feasible right now. The car will be shipped back to me when its done.

Well, that did not go as expected. Dynotronics is swamped with work and my car's build has more than doubled the original allotted time frame. Today my stupid city decided that a morning frost was enough to dump salt all over the roads.

So thats that. I thought getting the car to Joe in August was early enough to ensure some quality driving time this fall, but now its over. As soon as the car gets back to me it goes into storage for four more months.

I'm bummed out. I just want to hibernate.

That sucks. Joe is always swamped because of him being a one-man show. I am surprised he gets anything done on a timely basis.

Soooo I finally get to update this thread.

I'll post more next week, but the car is finished. Its scheduled to be picked up from Dynotronics tomorrow and delivered to me by Monday the 4th.
I did not think this was going to take 9+ months on the outset, but so it goes. Next time I have more incentive to do it on my own.. Joe has been really good to work with, despite the delays and setbacks, he is honest man and does a clean build and install.

for now, a easy-does-it break in tune at low boost with 91 octane.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.p...ictureid=23031

Just putting miles on right now. Some glamour shots since cleaning it up.

https://s6.postimg.cc/nm7yzymkx/DSC02403.jpg

https://s6.postimg.cc/luf052qdd/DSC02400.jpg

https://s6.postimg.cc/sxmvkpiy9/DSC02401.jpg

https://s6.postimg.cc/l4w7ssi4x/DSC02402.jpg

https://s6.postimg.cc/inkglf3ch/DSC02398.jpg

Gonna try to get some data logs soon. From what I gather from the dash unit, its hitting its 11ish psi or 185 kpa at partial throttle if I let it get to 4500 rpm or so. The 64 degree intake air this evening was great for power and spool! Hell yeah.

Updated parts list:

Engine/Drivetrain

Dynotronics built 2.5
EcuTek Race Rom
Forged rods/Forged pistons/9.2:1 comp
Integral 1.5 camshaft/FI grind
Fabricated intake manifold
ARP hardware
Fab9 turbo kit/Borg Warner EFR 6758/Custom 3" mid/GWR Roadster sport dual
GWR triple-pass radiator
Treadstone intercooler
DW 800cc injectors/DW 300c fuel pump
Greddy Profec boost controller
Clutchmasters FX350 clutch
13 lb steel flywheel

Chassis

Soft top delete
Blackbird Fabworx GT3
Removable hard top
Ohlins DFV
Racing Beat sway bars & end links
Enkei PF01SS +48
Yokohama S-Drive 235/40/17
Track Dog Racing battery relocation kit

Cosmetic

AutoExe steering wheel
Redline Goods shift & Pbrake boot
Voodoo shift knob
Euro fog light bezels
Aim Strada street version digital dash
Pioneer AVIC-5000NEX
Stubby antenna
Moroso coolant expansion tank
GWR silicone hose kit/red

I don't like NC's but I love this one.

Same here. My uncle let me drive his NC and I was very unimpressed. I bet yours is a blast though, can't wait to see some dyno numbers! :D

Uhmmm. we need videos man, this thing is unreal.

Basic dyno is posted. I'll get more data eventually. It made 350 whp @ 7000 and 320 ft/lbs @ 3500 on a dynapack at ~11 psi. After a few thousand miles and everything is through the break-in period I'm going to add a few more psi.

100%. I clamored for videos of everyone elses stuff when I was waiting for dynotronics to complete the engine, so I can't be a cop out. I'm not set up for good video media at the moment, but I'm working on it. I'll have something up by next week.

Dang, last year got away from me. I'm going to resurrect this thread and kick it back off with some pictures. I've got plans for the car this year and I'll try to keep up.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...dba1cff4f3.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...091d9d2038.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...4e4f7522fa.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1ee1120812.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...279e72c0c5.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6d59be6ae6.jpg

This is a seriously cool NC; I like the sinister, black look paired with the hard top!

I really like this car. A lot.

This is such a tempting path for me. Any issues post-install?

Nothing out of the ordinary or insurmountable. Typical boosted car stuff. I had to chase a boost leak, a few rattles. Dynotronics build the engine and it runs on his EcuTek ROM files. The only downside to this so far has been the response time for tuning requests. You need to have saintly patience with Joe. He works very slow.

If you are capable of tuning yourself, the hardware is good to go. The engine runs great, and very quiet. Full 3" exhaust, but has a hi-flo cat. I'll try to get some videos up soon.


Next up is the install of a return-type fuel system and ethanol content analyzer. Gonna get the car ready for E85 and more boost.

I love everything about this car.

Also noticed your WI plates. Whereabouts are you from? Would love to check this car out in person sometime if we cross paths at an event. I'm in Milwaukee

I'm in Oshkosh. I enjoy meeting Miata people so I'll try to get out to some events this year with FVSCC or CWSCC.

Your NB build thread is insanely good. I'm working through it right now, but nice freaking job on that thing, and the other projects in there too.

Thread resurrection.

With a cautionary tale.

Not long after my last post here I was on a data logging session with the car when I melted the engine. I had the Aim dash unplugged so that I could have the laptop plugged into the CANBUS. Its an either-or situation, and since the Aim dash is mounted in front on my stock gauge binnacle that means I get no instrumentation during data logging. Its all on my laptop screen. Driving alone and everything had been going really well so I hadn't noticed the engine temps. Turns out that when the car was warming up in the garage it popped a plug in a deleted coolant circuit and dumped all the coolant into a big crack ion the floor. So I didn't notice it and drove off. The thing was running so strong that it didn't complain at all until it simply made too little compression to idle. It happened pretty fast. I was not smelling the roses.

Anyway. I was gut punched. Totally my fault. $7000 race engine completely melted down. Never got to enjoy it.

Well, I didn't give up. I needed time though. I saved up for a year to buy another engine with no compromises. Dynotronics took another year to build and ship me the engine. And this time I was going to do the install to (A) learn the process myself and (B) perform it to my satisfaction.

That process is nearing the end after an 8-month swap and improvement session. This car went from being my main hobby to something I did every other weekend. Life gets busy and all that. I felt like updating this thread to kind of pick up where I left off. I'm currently pretty close to having it back on the road.

December 2021, new engine arrives.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ee85b0796f.jpg

Build specs:

PISTON SET, 9.5:1 ESSLINGER
ROD SET ESSLINGER 6.136" H beam
BALANCER BOLT ARP
FLYWHEEL BOLT ARP
CAM BOLT ARP
HEAD STUD SET ARP (CUSTOM AGE 625 OPTION)
MAIN STUD SET ARP
ROD BEARINGS ACL
MAIN BEARING SET KING
THRUST SET OEM
HEAD SET OEM
REAR SEAL OEM
GASKET HEAD COMETIC
CAMS STAGE 1 ESSLINGER
CHAIN TIMING OEM
TENSIONER OEM
CHAIN RAIL OEM
CHAIN GUIDE OEM

CONVERSION LIST
2.5 TIMING COVER TO MX5
2.0 OIL SUMP AND PICKUP
2.0 BALANCER MODIFIED
CRB REMOVAL MODIFICATION
2.5 OIL TO 2.0 OIL MODIFICATION
MACHINE SERVICE LIST
BORE/HONE
ALIGN HONE
DECK BLOCK
TANK BLOCK (ULTRASONIC CLEAN)
CRACK CHECK CRANK, BLOCK AND HEAD
BALANCE ROTATING ASSEMBLY
5 ANGLE VALVE JOB WITH PLUNGE CUT
SET SEAT PRESSURES TO DYNOTRONICS SPECS
ADJUST CAM TO BUCKET CLEARANCES FOR CAMS
KEY CRANK AND SPROCKET

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0c553a9462.jpg

Getting the layout of the shop.

New chassis parts to install during this new build phase:

I.L. Motorsports chassis underbrace 3-piece kit.
LRB aluminum air tray for radiator and side support
Racebred Components quick-detach front splitter


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b7a579c4a7.jpg

January 2022,

Borrowed the engine hoist and floor stand from, a buddy. Disassembly begins.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...4e744eaa17.jpg

Decent progress after day one. Lots of labeling wires, hoses and plugging disconnected fluid lines.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ee9c2ff443.jpg

The I receive the next major component upgrade from Walter Motorsports. Got lucky on the timing and ordered a custom 3.63 ring and pinion set with Tomei LSD prebuilt in a core.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...bd2b5549f5.jpg

Really clever packaging/shipping solution! Cheapo rolling cooler.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b596a8496a.jpg



https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1cbc20170c.jpg


At this point I'm looking at all the systems on this car for potential improvement. Realizing I never did anything with the brakes, all the way down to factory brake fluid. So I went to GoodWin Racing and got a brake package from them. Went for a more budget setup here to save a little coin. No monoblock Wilwood 4-piston calipers, but some nice fresh rotors and pads with steel lines.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2ae3e3d11f.jpg



https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...98ca217f0f.jpg

Some more pictures of parts removal.

Prototype 1Goal fabricated intake manifold. A pre-production unit.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...bde99e330f.jpg

Cooling pack with power steering reservoir

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e46850aa62.jpg

Front end getting lighter

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...9f92f5af30.jpg

This was end of day two progress

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...5ff977ef53.jpg

At this point it became apparent where my coolant leak was from. Here is the coolant bypass hose with the deleted circuit that previously went to the throttle body. Just a cheap Chinese rubber nipple with a small hose clamp. crazy huge disappointment to find this was the failure point to my expensive race engine.. this 2-cent part. And it is under the intake manifold and inaccessible/undetectable with everything together. I will change this block-off and never have anyone else make a decision in this build process again.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f1cddf98c2.jpg

Almost March, 2022.

Time for the front engine cradle and suspension to drop out.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...720ad6982b.jpg

Something neat about the QuickJack 5000 - If you use both rubber blocks at each corner there is just enough room to roll the whole shebang out from under the car on a typical floor jack without having to raise the body any further with a sketchy lift.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...4ba2708888.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d4958bb487.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c97cbe2a4a.jpg

Engine is out! Now I get busy with some other projects while I gather supplies to actually perform the parts swap.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0aeccad3d2.jpg

I wanted to do something special for the valve cover. I always appreciated artistic painted valve covers. The B6 and BP engines get a nice aluminum cover that refinishes well and looks awesome. The Duratec-based L5-VE gets an injection molded plastic cover with tons of crevices and facets. Probably better suited to painting, but I took the valve cover to a local high school auto shop and they hydro dipped it for me. Turned out great, actually better than expected.

I chose a aesthetically neutral digital camo from TWN Industries. The pattern is WTP-460 Tiger Stripe Digital Snow. I kinda wanted something hip like pineapples over solid teal, but I think this fits the style of the car pretty well.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...944a41ab8e.jpg



https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...21b02d0cfe.jpg



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...239f6a80e8.jpg

Updated fuel system.

Took the opportunity to upgrade my fuel system to a return loop style. Eventually this car will run on E85. I'm in Wisconsin and we produce it right in my hometown. I get the impression the the E85 around the nation isn't equal, and content ranges down to the 60s even though its label 85. The ethanol fuel in this area has been proven by many to be true E85.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...fc965bc15c.jpg



https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6aceb06185.jpg



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...792aa4ae59.jpg



https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...923ea65493.jpg



https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c7869ebf97.jpg

I did not get any pictures of dressing the new long block. That went as expected. New sensors all around and plenty of gasket maker sealed it back up.

Installing Dynotronics new thermostatic oil filter mount. A super slick oil filter block that has provisions for a turbo feed line, pressure sender and cooler circuit.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2c67f85cfa.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...46200f18bd.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...31993424df.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...96fa7378b0.jpg

Engine back in cradle, transmission attached to engine and wire harness plugged back up. Time to lift it back into the car. Easy process and since I removed it, I know what to look for. Make sure the steering shaft is guided properly back to its rack connection. Also mind the brake line connection and the coolant lines that have a rub potential on the frame horns.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b889c18f03.jpg



https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...dc5388a3e6.jpg



https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b895c708c8.jpg

Next steps, all fluid lines reattached. Charge tubes and intercooler mounted. This is where I spend a lot of time wrapping wires with TESA tape and sleeve. Adding edge guard to run spots and generally routing things with care. This is where you can make major improvements in the system that simply paying a shop to swap your engine will miss.
Added a gas strut to the hood so I could delete the prop stay that was rubbing on the intake tube. That sort of stuff. This install is much cleaner than the previous two attempts.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1661a51890.jpg

Just before the power plant frame and driveshaft get reinstalled, now is the time to put that tasty 3.63 Tomei unit in its place.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...91d5295e38.jpg

Now Im looking at the front end of the car and I'm finding out exactly how the three aftermarket kits I intend to install here all interfere with each other. I knew the LRB aluminum under tray needs trimming for the splitter mounts. And the oil cooler mount uses a common location with the splitter mounts too.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...81793faa12.jpg

Installing a loud ass horn. Something like this should be in every Miata build.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c73bfea9ee.jpg

Mounting the horn in the stock location is not possible due to everything else I added to that area. So I inverted it and secured it one of the intercooler mounting bolts. I hope I don't have a issue with water collecting in the horn. I forgot to drill a small drain hole in the 'top' of the now upside down horn. But its behind the bumper right next to the intake, so I think it will be fine.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a79b837b2e.jpg

This is my solution to the LRB / Racebred / 1Goal oil cooler. Shown in green marker is the minimum trimming to the side scoops you will need to remove to allow for the splitter mounts.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6d10889781.jpg



https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0000ce44d1.jpg

The instructions for the oil cooler install call for a full window cut-out here to feed the cooler fins from the high pressure zone behind the tray. Since I trimmed one of the mounting tabs off the tray to fit the splitter brackets, I chose to just drill a field of holes (not quite a pattern.. lol) instead. Hopefully this will be enough flow to be chill in my climate and street use. The cooler has a puller fan, so good chance I'll be okay.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...c47a417ef4.jpg

Oil cooler element mounted, spaced back to clear the splitter brackets and the remaining tray scoop. All wired in and ready for leak test.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...21f00eb780.jpg

That brings us up to current. next posts will be brake job, exhaust install and then fluid fill. Getting really close to first start and leak test. Soon this car will be back on the road with any luck!

Going turbo with basically stock brakes doesn't sound like the best idea to me. Everything else seems solid. Great build!

I do actually agree with you. This car had the factory brakes on it - down to the fluid prior to this rebuild. It was pretty inexpensive to refresh them back to OEM+ spec. I do anticipate figuring out a balanced BBK in the future when I turn the wick up and start going fast for real. I just haven't done my reading on that topic too much yet.

Nice update. Sad to see the old motor go in such a disappointing/unlucky fashion, but the new setup looks slicker than ever!

The car started, idled and warmed up to temp just fine without any leaks. Sounds sweet! But my tuning laptop has a junk battery after two years of no use and it wont take a charge. So now I am upgrading to the iFlash suite with EcuTek. No more laptop and cables, just android apps and Bluetooth.

Waiting for the Bluetooth dongle to arrive from Texas and I'll get the data logs. More coming soon, with videos hopefully.

So I made a very annoying mistake.

After having an otherwise very successful test run, I determined that I installed the incorrect coolant temperature sensor. The car starts and idles great with no leaks, exhaust or fluids! So thats good. But the temperature readout is over 200 degrees on cold start - as if its already at operating temperature - without a high idle and it stumbles with any throttle. After scratching my head for a bit, I discovered the part difference.

This is what I installed:

https://i.postimg.cc/PxDD0BCD/Screenshot-43.png

And this is what I should have installed:

https://i.postimg.cc/7hyz4mzW/Screenshot-42.png

Unfortunately, that means transmission must come out to access that sensor and replace it. Not exactly what I hoped for this late in the build.

Today is my birthday and a huge goal of mine was to be driving today. Oh well, I don't have the time to do the change right now so perhaps this weekend I can be driving.

Don't be like me and double check your part numbers for those inaccessible items.

You don't need to drop the trans for that. Just remove the middle bolt-in section of the wiper cowl. Getting all of the plastic loose is tedious but it's easy after that.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can see it removed in most of these pictures:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/fo.../149432/page2/

Interesting, thanks for the information. I hadn't thought of removing the cowl. Looks like I need to open the coolant circuit to do this because of how the crossover tube is bolted to the cowl?

I think with my underbrace kit removed like I have it currently, transmission out might actually be quicker and easier.
I'm looking at 4 bolt for the driveshaft, eight for the PPF and then just the bell housing bolts. I have a transmission jack, so that will make it easier to get it out and moved.
I think my original plan is the way forward, since I've already done that and know exactly what I'm looking at.

Thanks again.

Nope, no need to remove the crossover tube or drain the coolant.

I just noticed the sensor is visible in this picture so you can see how easy it is to access:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...026a3795d2.png

I will take a serious look at this method this afternoon. Would be nice not to have to do any heavy lifting, just heaving leaning over the fender. I'm little wary as the image you posted is not technically and engine-in job and there is significantly less room to work with the engine fully installed against the firewall.

the fact you are considering transmission removal for a temp sensor replacement already shows you are far more ambitious of a person than I am. I'd be figuring out some awful backyard mechanic method of hacking it with 12 different wrenches fueled by hopes, dreams, and bloody knuckles :rofl:

My buddy and I were just talking about how we need to stop trying stuff like that because of how frustrating it can be. haha.

Good news finally! I didn't need to remove the transmission. Turns out I have those small hands you need to get up in there with everything but the midpipe in place. Sensor fixed, double checks, tires on and we're rolling!

Feels great to move it under its own power again. Its half full of shitty two year-old gas so I need to run that through and start tuning. Brakes also need re-bleeding. First hit on the pedal goes soft to the floor but it pumps up by three tries. Every other system is working good.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6b1a5de0a5.jpg