View Poll Results: Which Miata setup should I take to MRLS?
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1st world Miata problems (a.k.a. help me pick what car to drive at M@MRLS)
08-12-2014, 02:16 AM
#1
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1st world Miata problems (a.k.a. help me pick what car to drive at M@MRLS)
These ask mt.net to help you answer your soul searching questions threads seem to be all the rage these days, so I'm joining the band wagon.
I'm signed up for group C(yes, I'm slow) on Saturday the 6th for M@MRLS. I currently have 3 choices on what "Miata" to drive that day.
A: Take my kinda ratty 95 daily driver.
Things it has:
- 175k mile engine that was run at 10+ psi for at least 15k miles before I took the turbo off to sell the car.
- Early style 6 speed of unknown mileage that seems mostly ok.
- MSM clutch that slipped at 12ish psi.
- Ancient KYB agx with FM lowering springs and FCM bumps.
Things I would need/want to do to it before hand:
- Remove rollbar from my nb and install it in the NA.
- Duct the radiator (I don't even have the undertray on it now, because don't care).
- Remove KYBs and install the xidas that I have that are intended for my nb.
- Install BBK that is intended for my nb.
- Install Begi turbo kit (2554) and ms1 (PNP) and 2.5" FM exhaust that used to be on the car.
- Buy and install ev14 injectors because the rx7 red tops I have are never going back on any of my cars.
- Install sprintV that is currently in my Exocet.
- Install the 5 point harness.
- Tune for new injectors.
- Replace cracked motor mounts.
- Purchase and install ARP wheel studs.
- Install NRG quick release and wheel.
- Coolant reroute?
B: Take my 3/4 finished Exocet lightweight.
Things it has:
- A built in rollbar, yay!
- 100k+ mile BP4W that doesn't belong to me (EO2k's spare motor).
- A decent 5 speed with a stock clutch.
- SprintV for the driver.
Things I would want/need to do to it:
- Finish the transmission tunnel cover.
- Finish the front and rear fire wall.
- Modify and mount the fenders.
- Clean up the wiring.
- Remove the nb bilstiens that are on the car and way too stiff and replace with the xidas (with much lower spring rates) that are intended for my nb.
- Install the bbk (probably doesn't need this?).
- Install 5 point harness.
- Find and install a passenger seat/harness.
- Mount the gauge cluster.
- Install and wire radiator fans.
- Make and install side panels.
- Shake down the car, seeing as I've only driven it around the block.
C: Take my 3/4 finished LS1 swapped nb.
Things it has:
- LS1 with really low miles (Less than 10k).
- T56 with same low mileage and a stock 2002 T/A clutch.
- 8.8 with 3.27 limited slip from a late 80s t-bird.
- HDHCHTDD
- Hardtop.
- Factory 2002 T/A 0411 ecu.
- Half done 2.5" to 3" exhaust.
- Seam welded.
- DW300 fuel pump.
Things I would need/want to do:
- Drive shaft.
- Remove engine and install clutch and wilwood clutch master.
- Build the rest of exhaust system (it's done up the y pipe).
- Patch the huge holes in the transmission tunnel (cut for exhaust).
- Clean up the wiring.
- Get the factory gauges to work.
- Reinstall the fenders/hood/front bumper.
- Figure out radiator/fans.
- Make/figure out some kind of intake.
- Install bbk.
- Make front sway bar mounts.
- Figure out alternator install.
- Install SprintV and 5 point harness.
- Reinstall dash or at least dash bar.
- Install NRG quick release and wheel.
- Find a place to mount the remote oil filter.
- Install the rx7 oil cooler I have.
- Rework the fuel hardlines.
- Install front ARP wheel studs.
- Shake down the car as I've never driven it with this motor.
Oh and I have to move before then too.
Suggestions?
I'm signed up for group C(yes, I'm slow) on Saturday the 6th for M@MRLS. I currently have 3 choices on what "Miata" to drive that day.
A: Take my kinda ratty 95 daily driver.
Things it has:
- 175k mile engine that was run at 10+ psi for at least 15k miles before I took the turbo off to sell the car.
- Early style 6 speed of unknown mileage that seems mostly ok.
- MSM clutch that slipped at 12ish psi.
- Ancient KYB agx with FM lowering springs and FCM bumps.
Things I would need/want to do to it before hand:
- Remove rollbar from my nb and install it in the NA.
- Duct the radiator (I don't even have the undertray on it now, because don't care).
- Remove KYBs and install the xidas that I have that are intended for my nb.
- Install BBK that is intended for my nb.
- Install Begi turbo kit (2554) and ms1 (PNP) and 2.5" FM exhaust that used to be on the car.
- Buy and install ev14 injectors because the rx7 red tops I have are never going back on any of my cars.
- Install sprintV that is currently in my Exocet.
- Install the 5 point harness.
- Tune for new injectors.
- Replace cracked motor mounts.
- Purchase and install ARP wheel studs.
- Install NRG quick release and wheel.
- Coolant reroute?
B: Take my 3/4 finished Exocet lightweight.
Things it has:
- A built in rollbar, yay!
- 100k+ mile BP4W that doesn't belong to me (EO2k's spare motor).
- A decent 5 speed with a stock clutch.
- SprintV for the driver.
Things I would want/need to do to it:
- Finish the transmission tunnel cover.
- Finish the front and rear fire wall.
- Modify and mount the fenders.
- Clean up the wiring.
- Remove the nb bilstiens that are on the car and way too stiff and replace with the xidas (with much lower spring rates) that are intended for my nb.
- Install the bbk (probably doesn't need this?).
- Install 5 point harness.
- Find and install a passenger seat/harness.
- Mount the gauge cluster.
- Install and wire radiator fans.
- Make and install side panels.
- Shake down the car, seeing as I've only driven it around the block.
C: Take my 3/4 finished LS1 swapped nb.
Things it has:
- LS1 with really low miles (Less than 10k).
- T56 with same low mileage and a stock 2002 T/A clutch.
- 8.8 with 3.27 limited slip from a late 80s t-bird.
- HDHCHTDD
- Hardtop.
- Factory 2002 T/A 0411 ecu.
- Half done 2.5" to 3" exhaust.
- Seam welded.
- DW300 fuel pump.
Things I would need/want to do:
- Drive shaft.
- Remove engine and install clutch and wilwood clutch master.
- Build the rest of exhaust system (it's done up the y pipe).
- Patch the huge holes in the transmission tunnel (cut for exhaust).
- Clean up the wiring.
- Get the factory gauges to work.
- Reinstall the fenders/hood/front bumper.
- Figure out radiator/fans.
- Make/figure out some kind of intake.
- Install bbk.
- Make front sway bar mounts.
- Figure out alternator install.
- Install SprintV and 5 point harness.
- Reinstall dash or at least dash bar.
- Install NRG quick release and wheel.
- Find a place to mount the remote oil filter.
- Install the rx7 oil cooler I have.
- Rework the fuel hardlines.
- Install front ARP wheel studs.
- Shake down the car as I've never driven it with this motor.
Oh and I have to move before then too.
Suggestions?
Last edited by gesso; 08-12-2014 at 11:57 AM. Reason: added more things that need doing.
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08-12-2014, 03:02 AM
#2
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The daily sounds to be requiring the smallest bulk of work to do to get it ready, and from my observations, bringing a 3/4 finished project to Miatas @ MRLS has shown through history to be just a recipe for wrenching all weekend with a car that has only done two laps and not getting to enjoy the actual event. I've seen this mistake made by more than one...
-Ryan
-Ryan
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08-12-2014, 09:08 AM
#3
All of those seem like a lot of work in less than a month. A deadline like that will sneak up on you a lot quicker than it seems. Personally I'd focus on the daily and forget about the turbo for now. Suspension, brakes, rollbar, injectors, ducting, tuning, and harness, plus making sure everything is ready to go for a trackday is pretty substantial work for 3 weeks assuming you have a life outside of putting the car together.
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08-12-2014, 12:03 PM
#5
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Sage advise from mt.net ? Well that was unexpected.
My only misgivings about doing the work to the NA is that I intend on selling it soon. Where as any work I do to the other two is work that I plan on doing anyways.
My only misgivings about doing the work to the NA is that I intend on selling it soon. Where as any work I do to the other two is work that I plan on doing anyways.
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08-12-2014, 12:18 PM
#7
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Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 638
Total Cats: 76
miata's @ MRLS is a very relaxed fun type of track day. It would suck missing out on the lapping sessions and the fun because you're buried in your car trying not to waste the money you spent on entry fees. Bring a known commodity to the event that requires very little effort.
I realize the temptation to bring something bitchin out to play with the audience in attendance that will respect your creation. Just make sure you don't waste the weekend over trouble shooting a brand new build.
I realize the temptation to bring something bitchin out to play with the audience in attendance that will respect your creation. Just make sure you don't waste the weekend over trouble shooting a brand new build.
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08-12-2014, 01:47 PM
#10
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I've been helping intermittently with these projects so I have a little more insight here than most...
The NB:
As much as it pains me to say it, leave it at home. It's a metric **** tonne more work to get that running than either of the other cars. There are still a lot of things that need to be "solved" and fabricated at this point. You will have zero time for shakedown before the event. I honestly think its just too big a bite at this time.
The NA (assuming na):
The car runs and drives as stock, but I know you don't want to drive it as stock. The suspension and brakes stuff is relatively easy, but its going to take time to install. The good news is that the car has had the roll bar, seat, etc in it before so its not that much insanity trying to make things fit. There is no real troubleshooting, its all kinda "bolt on and go" type stuff. This is probably the easiest to complete. If you make it this far, you can just add the turbo...
The NA (assuming turbo):
Assuming all of the above, the turbo has been on this car before so you know all the dance moves. Once everything else is done, the turbo can probably be installed in one long (long!) weekend, but that does not leave you a lot of time to get it tuned or do any troubleshooting. You know I'm happy to help, but its going to be A LOT of additional work. I'm already planning on hitting up TSE for some dyno tune win, maybe we can throw in together?
NA in generalities:
Are you still planning on selling the NA? If so, any work you do on the NA will need to be undone to sell it. Also, most of your parts are installed on other cars. Its not like we would be pulling one suspension off and installing another from the box, we would be ripping the suspension out of the NB and installing it in the NA... and then reversing the process after Miatas@MRLS, or even installing the NA suspension in the NB because I know you need to keep it as a roller to be able to move. That's gonna add up.
The Exocet:
Any time you invest in the Exo is going to stay with the Exo. Unlike the NA, its not going to need to be redone later (assuming you/we don't slap it together and **** it up.) The wiring needs to be secured and the instrumentation needs to be mounted, plus sheetmetal, but that stuff all needs to get done anyway. It drives now its just not done. Suspension install in the Exo is friggin' cake. You could get the Xidas into the Exo one night after work, probably before dinner. The real challenge with the Exo is getting to TO and FROM the track, but that's not completely insurmountable.
I'm free every weekend from now until M@MRLS and you know I'm down to help with whatever project you decide to pursue. I need to hit you up for a little tig work anyway so you might as well put me to work for the weekend.
This too. When I had the Rotrex on my NB @ MRLS 2 years ago, Group C was somewhat frustrating in this regard. I'm also signed up for Sunday Group C again this year 
The NB:
As much as it pains me to say it, leave it at home. It's a metric **** tonne more work to get that running than either of the other cars. There are still a lot of things that need to be "solved" and fabricated at this point. You will have zero time for shakedown before the event. I honestly think its just too big a bite at this time.
The NA (assuming na):
The car runs and drives as stock, but I know you don't want to drive it as stock. The suspension and brakes stuff is relatively easy, but its going to take time to install. The good news is that the car has had the roll bar, seat, etc in it before so its not that much insanity trying to make things fit. There is no real troubleshooting, its all kinda "bolt on and go" type stuff. This is probably the easiest to complete. If you make it this far, you can just add the turbo...
The NA (assuming turbo):
Assuming all of the above, the turbo has been on this car before so you know all the dance moves. Once everything else is done, the turbo can probably be installed in one long (long!) weekend, but that does not leave you a lot of time to get it tuned or do any troubleshooting. You know I'm happy to help, but its going to be A LOT of additional work. I'm already planning on hitting up TSE for some dyno tune win, maybe we can throw in together?
NA in generalities:
Are you still planning on selling the NA? If so, any work you do on the NA will need to be undone to sell it. Also, most of your parts are installed on other cars. Its not like we would be pulling one suspension off and installing another from the box, we would be ripping the suspension out of the NB and installing it in the NA... and then reversing the process after Miatas@MRLS, or even installing the NA suspension in the NB because I know you need to keep it as a roller to be able to move. That's gonna add up.
The Exocet:
Any time you invest in the Exo is going to stay with the Exo. Unlike the NA, its not going to need to be redone later (assuming you/we don't slap it together and **** it up.) The wiring needs to be secured and the instrumentation needs to be mounted, plus sheetmetal, but that stuff all needs to get done anyway. It drives now its just not done. Suspension install in the Exo is friggin' cake. You could get the Xidas into the Exo one night after work, probably before dinner. The real challenge with the Exo is getting to TO and FROM the track, but that's not completely insurmountable.
I'm free every weekend from now until M@MRLS and you know I'm down to help with whatever project you decide to pursue. I need to hit you up for a little tig work anyway so you might as well put me to work for the weekend.
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08-12-2014, 04:21 PM
#11
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Ok, you all have convinced me. The no boost, 4 cylinder, full body option is in fact the most likely to happen in time and thus be the most enjoyable.
I'm going to use this thread as a place to keep track of things that need doing.
Plan of attack:
T - 4 weeks (Aug. 10-17)
Weekday plans:
- Remove rear Xida's from NB and replace with koni's (need it to stay a roller)
- Remove rollbar from NB
- Remove Sparco from Exocet
Weekend plans:
- Move from Santa Cruz to Redwood City (going from 2 car garage to 4 car garage!)
T - 3 weeks (Aug. 18-24)
Weekday plans:
- Install Rollbar in NA
- Install Xidas in NA
- Install Sparco/5point in NA
Weekend plans:
- Install whatever didn't make it on the weekdays (hopefully not all of it)
- Install M-tuned Corrado front kit and sport rear brakes (forgot those are sitting on the shelf and much easier to install than the 11.75" BBK that's also sitting on the shelf)
- Honey do's to keep myself out of the dog house
T - 2 weeks (Aug. 25-31)
Weekday plans:
- Install arp wheel studs
- Install factory radiator ducting/undertray
Weekend plans:
- Make sure Santa Cruz house is clean
- Replace cracked motor mounts
- Install NRG quick release and wheel
- Install hardtop with SM mounts
- Weld intake tube and mount brackets for EO2k (maybe one for myself too?)
T - 1 week (Sept. 1 - GO)
- bonus: I took Thursday and Friday off!
- Anything I didn't get to or EO2k needs help with and if that's all sorted...
- Trubo?
I'm going to use this thread as a place to keep track of things that need doing.
Plan of attack:
T - 4 weeks (Aug. 10-17)
Weekday plans:
- Remove rear Xida's from NB and replace with koni's (need it to stay a roller)
- Remove rollbar from NB
- Remove Sparco from Exocet
Weekend plans:
- Move from Santa Cruz to Redwood City (going from 2 car garage to 4 car garage!)
T - 3 weeks (Aug. 18-24)
Weekday plans:
- Install Rollbar in NA
- Install Xidas in NA
- Install Sparco/5point in NA
Weekend plans:
- Install whatever didn't make it on the weekdays (hopefully not all of it)
- Install M-tuned Corrado front kit and sport rear brakes (forgot those are sitting on the shelf and much easier to install than the 11.75" BBK that's also sitting on the shelf)
- Honey do's to keep myself out of the dog house
T - 2 weeks (Aug. 25-31)
Weekday plans:
- Install arp wheel studs
- Install factory radiator ducting/undertray
Weekend plans:
- Make sure Santa Cruz house is clean
- Replace cracked motor mounts
- Install NRG quick release and wheel
- Install hardtop with SM mounts
- Weld intake tube and mount brackets for EO2k (maybe one for myself too?)
T - 1 week (Sept. 1 - GO)
- bonus: I took Thursday and Friday off!
- Anything I didn't get to or EO2k needs help with and if that's all sorted...
- Trubo?
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08-12-2014, 04:35 PM
#13
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He's a terrible influence on me, so in return I can't help but support his shenanigans. 
Let me know offline if you take another day off and I can do the same and lend a hand. I'm sitting on a bunch of vacation right now that needs to get used, I just need to know far enough ahead of time to put it on the schedule. It'll be fun to wrench on the NA again
My NB is going to be easier to sort out than what you've got your plate at the moment, so it should go pretty quick between the two of us.
BTW, when are you packing/moving the tig?
Let me know offline if you take another day off and I can do the same and lend a hand. I'm sitting on a bunch of vacation right now that needs to get used, I just need to know far enough ahead of time to put it on the schedule. It'll be fun to wrench on the NA again
My NB is going to be easier to sort out than what you've got your plate at the moment, so it should go pretty quick between the two of us.BTW, when are you packing/moving the tig?
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08-12-2014, 08:17 PM
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Done.
I've reserved a 17ft u-haul and trailer for this weekend. My current plan is to move as much as possible, first focusing on the large things that will be hard to move later, and then everything in the garage.
Protip: If you don't want to help me move furniture, show up later.
I've reserved a 17ft u-haul and trailer for this weekend. My current plan is to move as much as possible, first focusing on the large things that will be hard to move later, and then everything in the garage.
Protip: If you don't want to help me move furniture, show up later.
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08-12-2014, 08:31 PM
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So what you are saying is, I need to have the aluminum stuff ready to go before you pack up this weekend?
I think my sawzall is still somewhere in your garage, and we know have a welder...
Also:
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