FatKao

I picked up a 1997 Miata earlier this year and have been slowly turning it into a dedicated AutoX/DE/TT car. NA for now, maybe turbo down the road.

Currently it's sitting in many pieces in my garage waiting for me to finish swapping in the used 2001 motor I picked up to be run by a MS3. First step is to get it running with batch injection and wasted spark then full sequential once I learn some more about the platform.

I have all the NA sensors bolted onto the NB motor with the exception of the VVT solenoid, I'm waiting for either MS3 1.1 or Kevin B's controller to run it. For now I'll leave it full retard. The motor otherwise looks like a NA 1.8L to the ECU.

Suspension is FCM coilovers 600#/375# springs, RB front sway. The soft top is removed.

I'm having some problems with MS3 and what appears to be it not reading the CMP signal correctly. I can get it to sync with the JimStim if I invert the 2nd trigger output and remove/reapply the 2nd trigger till it catches. Once it syncs everything seems fine until I turn it off. I only have one lead for my scope is only one channel though so I can't tell if I'm igniting at the proper time or not when it does sync. Interestingly if I set the MS3 processor up for 99-00 Miata and the JimStim up for 99-00 Miata signal it works fine every time.

webby459

iTrader: (8)

Cool. Where are you located? What tires are you/do you plan on running?

FatKao

Durham, NC (I mostly run with THSCC). I updated my profile. I'm just burned through a set of the old RT-615s, I have a new set of Dunlop star spec Z1s mounted waiting to be put on the car. I've used them for autocross on a not-a-miata and enjoyed them far more than the RT-615s.

For now street tires, next year I might switch over to V710s or A6s for autocross.

I have some assorted videos on Youtube of me (poorly) driving the car with the old motor. http://www.youtube.com/user/thefatkao

webby459

iTrader: (8)

Not a bad progression on the tire choices. When you move away from the Dunlops, they will make an excellent rain tire. If you don't mind the feedback, I'd suggest sticking with the cheaper and longer lasting r-comps, like the V710 until you get your setup closer to dialed in. Then upgrade to the A6. The leap from the Dunlop to the A6 is so huge, you'll waste a couple sets of A6s getting yourself and the car dialed in to the grip.

jasonb

that sounds fun. i'm planning to get a ms3 soonish and start playing with it, just need to sell a car to fund it.

the fcm setup you have, is it the revalved bilstein's with the threaded collars? i'm curious about what ride height you were able to get with that. i'm struggling with ride height on mine. i'm 12 3/4 on front. if i go any lower i'm on the bump stops.

FatKao

That's strange. Same one, Bilsteins with collars. I'm 12.25f 12.50r hub to fender. What rate springs are you on? Have you sent a note to Shaikh? He helped me out with some alignment specs when I first ordered.

webby459

iTrader: (8)

On the stops at static ride height, or when in compression? If at static, your stops are way too long. I'm at 12.25/12.5 like the OP, but I'm on 550/350s. They are too light for autocross, I was on the stops badly in back. I did different tophats, which has kept me off the stops and more stable.

jasonb

oh, hey thanks this is good info. i'll post in the suspension section so i don't jack yer thread.