Decisions, Decisions...
 

So although I finally made it back from Afghanistan, it now means I get to finish boosting the Miata. Everything was going fine (manifold, MSPNP, downpipe, etc) until I decided to see about getting the Intercooler installed. Fail ensued as I decided that the PS cooling lines and the A/C components got in my way. I cracked open a bottle of Jim Beam Black and a can of Coke, and pondered.

Do I really need it as a daily right now? Nope, I have my Suburban. Sadly enough it's faster than the Miata NA anyways. Less rattles and a most bitchin heater for Georgia winter (thats up for argument, being born in Ohio) I have the money to finish it easily, seeing how I already have about everything except for a possible 6 speed swap just to say it has one. Building another motor is a cakewalk. Hmmm...

I guess it was about that time it went from a lowly commuter car like it always was, and converted into some strange incarnation that only a select few could find amusement with. Yes I realize the above territorial dispute could easily be resolved, but unfortunately that doesn't make much of a case anymore. Besides, living next door to Roebling Road should keep things entertaining.

More to follow...

And yes, the other half is :crx:

She doesnt get any say since I bought her coilovers, wheels and tires for her car :fawk:

Finish something first. I dont understand the purpose of going all out the first time around, especially if the first time around you dont know what you are doing and blow up all the hard work.

Welcome home.

PS... not needed.

AC... I would really consider that a bit longer. That is one regret I have is that my car does not have AC. It makes it one long uncomfortable ride home if I daily the miata in the summer.

Jack and Coke may or may not be conducive to the thought process on that topic ;)

I have several other cars to drive. I personally don't see the point of doing things one thing at a time over a lengthy span just from a "need it now" mentality. I don't need the car right away. I would rather take my time with it and do it completely right.

If in excess, I agree. I don't drink to get wasted anymore and leave that to kids.

The new garage isn't completed for another week or so, just getting some of the fitment issues resolved (like the super awesome Turbo Tony downpipe :jerkit: ) Probably make a jig from that one and weld up something better that won't beat against the subframe.

No harm in doing it all at once, provided you do your homework. I went from a totally stock engine bay to my current setup in about three and a half weeks. 4 months of research assembling the parts list, and then assembled it all and fired it up on the first keyturn.

If you absolutely must keep the PS/AC, one option would be to call FM and buy their hotside silicone pipe. It will fit with everything, and then you'll just have to make sure your setup places the turbo correctly so the compressor outlet lines up with the pipe.

On the other hand, decide whether you really need PS and AC. I don't think any Miata should have power steering; I drove a car last week that had it after driving my depowered rack for nearly 2 years, and I hated it. It felt totally numb and disconnected and just shitty. Throw your location up so we know where you live, and try to get a local member to let you try a depowered rack. You'll never go back to power.

With A/C, decide if you're going to track the car or not. If you are, get rid of it just for the sake of getting the condensor out of the way of the radiator. If you aren't, then it's up to you. My A/C has been gone as long as my power steering has, and I've missed it mabye 2 or 3 days out of the 800+ it's been out of the car. It's nothing a cold bottle of water and open windows can't solve.

To me AC and PS are pointless in a miata.



My opinion might be different if I had to wear a shirt and tie to work.

I don't think the "young professional" crew would be seen in a miata. They prefer the base-model 3-series lease shitbox...one day the middle management dream will come true and he can lease a 335. I love when those guys show up at the track. I had a guy point and laugh at me once on the grid, call me a ------, and block my pass in an HPDE in an e46 m3. I should also note that I ran him down like a bitch...at 94whp.

Ok maybe the thread title could have been more appropriately stated...I am in fact removing both of them by my own personal preference.

Savington, I do agree with your views on a depowered rack. I've performed this on a couple of past cars, and the low speed parking lot issues never bothered me. The AC is going because as stated above, it is no longer going to be considered a daily driver and creature comforts aren't part of this project anymore. Both systems will be fully removed for the sake of a slightly cleaner engine bay, and to give me more room for things that need done.

- Removal of a little parasitic loss won't hurt either.


Braineack, thanks for a pic reference but currently I am using an ETD manifold that is a topside mount.

Serious? I've gotten nothing but respect at the track for driving a miata, everyone knows that even though its slightly underpowered, its an awesome track car.

maby it's time to stop wearing the uni-tard at the track?

Those guys get angry when you hound them in the corners.


Then they get REALLY angry when you power by them on straightaways. :D