Centripetal

I needed a cheap track car, and this one was affordable. I have always been intrigued by light and fast, versus heavy + major hp to get it to go. The Miata seems to be a good place to explore such things.

I have a number of years of autocross and track day experience, and I look forward to experimenting with my driving skills in something different.

The car I got has some suspension stuff done (eibach sways, AGX shocks, some sort of springs, etc.) in addition to the Greddy kit. I already picked up a BIPES to go along with the kit so I can get back the mid torque.

I don't know how far I really need to go to keep a reliable track car that is entertaining. I don't want to spend $$$$ to get a million hp, just want to have fun and improve my driving skills.

JayL

iTrader: (12)

Welcome to the forum.

Centripetal

Where to get used parts? The car needs a few things replaced, and I am not checked out on PNW sources...

Cspence

iTrader: (11)

Congrats and welcome to the forum.....I just picked up my miata a few weeks ago and have'nt looked back!

JayL

iTrader: (12)

Used parts are everywhere, really depends on what you need. I've had the best luck just searching around the forums and Craigslist. Really depends on what you're looking for.

Post a few pictures up of the car and share your plan to fix it up. Don't forget to read all the stickies in the forum, they have tons of good information.

Centripetal

I only have one picture at the moment, but I am not really familiar with the picture posting requirements of this software. I will try to attach it.

Plans: Fix the exhaust leak caused by a bad gasket at the downpipe flange, find out what is wrong with the wiper motor (doesn't go!), get the BIPES installed and running correctly so I have more flexible power, and then try the thing out at the track. I will likely need seats and belts to conform with the rules of some of the clubs, so I will be looking for sources for those things and maybe some tips on installation.

Centripetal

Spent a few minutes, and managed to fix the exhaust leak and the wiper issue. So now I can take it do dinner tonight (or drive it to dinner so my wife and I can eat...or something like that).

Feeling better all the time!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

welcome. looks great!

clay

iTrader: (6)

Nice looking car. I guess it's fitting that the pic of it includes a cone huh?

Centripetal

This car has had the engine replaced. I noticed in one of the posts about oil connections that the 1.6 is uspposed to have a port near the dipstick tube. This engine does not have one there, the boss is not drilled just cast closed. I wonder now if this is a 1.8 or maybe a JDM takeoff. Is there any way to tell which engine this car has in it?

TIA!

viperormiata

iTrader: (24)

Intake manifold and coil pack will be different. 2 easiest ways of telling.

Google Images = Lots of help

EDIT: Nice KZM's! Glad to see some one else running those beauties!

Centripetal

The 1.6 was removed (I got that in the purchase) and the "new" engine was installed in its place, using all of the accessories, ie 1.6l stuff. I looked over the 1.6, and it has the oil connection near the dipstick, but the engine in the car does not. How does the 1.6 long block visually differ from the 1.8?

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

some crate motors and later JDM motors did not have oil port drilled.


the easiest/quickest way to tell a 1.8L motor is the orientation of the water neck.

Quality Control Bot

iTrader: (3)

Welcome to the forum

Centripetal

I took apart the oil pressure sender t-fitting to try to get it to quit leaking. I put it back together with some sealant, that has done it so far.

Just got the armrests that I picked up from another guy, they are worlds better than the duct-taped ones that came with the car.

I mentioned above that I got a BIPES, but I don't see anywhere (I don't get along well with the search function here for some reason) that discusses a good place to put the control unit. I was thinking about putting it on the passenger side of the console, next to the radio, but if there is a more common place to put it, I would appreciate it.

Been reading about the full-boat vs. the band-aid approach as well. FInances don't really allow for the outlay for what I would need to go full boat at this time, but I am considering the conversion. What a slippery slope, efi->intercooler->clutch->limited slip->better downpipe->??? My how the dollars can flow. Right now I just want to get the car ready enough to take to the track next month. I needs my fix!

On another note, took the wife out on a sunny afternoon. She had *never* ridden in a convertable of any sort. She likes the idea. Man, I hope this doesn't turn into *two* Miatas, I could easily see that happening.

Centripetal

Any ideas where I can get a diagram of the stock intake plumbing? I bought the car with the greddy kit on it, but it seems to have a weird mix of aftermarket and stock stuff on it. If I could check out a diagram of what is *supposed* to be on it, I might be able ot figure out what I want it to have...

Any help appreciated. Yes I R nub here, and have spent several hours searching the site. Learned many things, just not what I was looking for........ugg.

DXO

iTrader: (2)

The Greddy kit is somewhat hacked together as compared to others. It uses the stock OEM crossover pipe from the turbo to the TB. If you are looking for any sort of power or increasing boost it is best to at an intercooler. There are many different setups on the forums and doesn't take to much work. to make brackets for the intercooler and to run the pipes for one.

Basic Greddy setup is like this. Just without the chrome and BOV.

Dscf3228 - my motor, base greddy kit etd cross over kit Miata Turbo Picture Gallery

And welcome to MT.net

IcantDo55

iTrader: (11)

Welcome. I too have a Greddy kit. Well whats left of it. I seem to have upgraded every part except the turbine housing so far. I have a friend with the stock greddy kit and he daily drives it, still very reliable.

Centripetal

IcantDo55, wha thave you done for heat management of your turbo? My downpipe is wrapped, but the great "all answers" thread says that will cause the pipe to fail. Have you upgraded your downpipe? I looked at my down pipe, it sure looks spindly, is there an affordable upgrade available or do most folks DIY?

Thanx!

IcantDo55

iTrader: (11)

Heat mgt....not much. Down pipe is a "turbo tony" part, search it. (not wrapped) Have Larger aluminum rad and a cover over the turbo to keep the hood cool. I have also wrapped the heater core lines. But thats about it and its been that way over a year, very reliable.