Hi, I'm Ben. I just picked up a 2005 Mazdaspeed miata from a friend. 123K on the clock, black leather, and somewhat carbon fiber trim. Being 6' I thought it was a little tight and didn't plan on keeping the car long. However, the more I drive it and the more I learn about its potential, the more I love it.

History: I'm 26 and I've been in Nashville most of my life. Been wrenching on stuff since I was a little tike.

Past Cars/Trucks: '76 Honda Accord, '80 Jeep CJ5, '73 Porsche 914, '75 Porsche 914, '87 BMW 635csi, '89 BMW L6, '89 Jeep Cherokee, '98 Jeep Cherokee.

Current Cars/Trucks: '93 Toyota Tercel, '98 Ford Escort ZX2, '89 F-250 Diesel NA, and the '05 Mazdaspeed Miata.

I know the previous owner of the Mazdaspeed fairly well, and I helped him install half the mods over the last couple of years (mods listed in sig).

My planned mod/fixes follows:
- Tein Flex Coilovers
- FM exhaust
- Shifter boots (leaking fluid) (maybe a short shifter)
- New rubbers (205-50/R15) not sure what flavor yet
- Stereo (Alpine 9885, 6.5" Type-R Components, JLaudio XD700/5)
- Seat surgery to gain some head room
- Remove sun visors
- Evap/charcol canister flow valve (check engine light is on) I'm forgetting the code at the moment.

Flame ON!

 

Welcome to the site Bunookana

 

Welcome man - I'm a Nashville native too, but I've been in Atlanta for the past 8 years. I still come back to town for 4 track days every year at Nashville Super Speedway, but it looks like those days are coming to an end as they announced last week that the track is closing (hopefully someone buys it and continues to operate it).

If you are looking for a little more power, you'll find that the Mazdaspeed has a few "opportunities" from the factory that the aftermarket has addressed. This kit from FM addresses a few of those and would be money well spent (or just piece together something similar on your own): http://flyinmiata.com/index.php?dept...%20W%2FO%20MAF

Also, I'd recommend wider rubber than 205s for a boosted car. I'd recommend Hankook RS3s in 225/45/15.

 

Thanks Nick. I already have the FM intake kit and it did make a good improvement. Good call on the tires. I wasn't sure if I could fit them with the current ride height (VERY low), but I am going to raise it to more of a track stance when I get the Teins in.

I'm pretty new to "tuning", especially with a turbo. It currently has FM intake, ebay catless downpipe, 305cc injectors, and some resistor mod. I have a feeling the car is running rich because I can smell it and there is a bunch of black soot around the exhaust. No wide band O2 yet because I am willing to do piggy-back or full stand alone ECU if I can find some help getting it all setup. Can you recommend somebody local that I could talk to about tuning? I also have some friends in Atlanta, so I would be willing to bring it down there for the weekend or two if there are better opportunities.

 

In Nashville, try Carma performance. They build and tune a lot of Supras, but should have no problem with a Miata. You'll need something to tune though - how are you controlling fuel and ignition currently?

If you have an engine management system in mind (Hydra, etc), I'd recommend getting that before you tune. Also, you might just find that you are happy with a street tune using a WB02 and autotuning.

 

All stock managing fuel and spark. It does have bigger(305cc) injectors though. I have been looking at the Hydra but it seems a little expensive and I would like to be able to pass emissions. I'm mainly looking for an aggressive street car. I guess I have alot more reading ahead of me.....

 

Welcome.

Good engine management is never to be dismissed. Well worth the expense and other minor issues once you start turning up the power.

Check out levnubhin's recent thread.

 

I completely agree. It's the only way to get the most bang for your buck with all the different parts we throw at these cars. I have no problem dropping the dime for an ECU, I just need to know what I'm doing with it and how am I still gonna get through emissions.

Which of levnubhin's threads are you talking about? I just read through several and none seem to apply.

 

Welcome. I'm down in Columbia at the moment and moving to east Lebanon next week. At the moment just starting out with the hydra setup. First stand alone for me and learning one day at a time. Hit me up if you want to stare at a laptop and see what does where one day. Not an expert at all but wish I had a look before just diving in sometimes. And what is this about closing Nashville speedway? I just moved to TN they can't close the track now. I need a government stimulus to buy it. More cars on track means someones making money.

 

Welcome. I love Nashville but its sad to hear that Nashville speedway is closing i've always wanted to run there.

 

Welcome to miataturbo.net!!!

 

Thanks, for a second there I got this warm tingly feeling..... Then I farted and almost shat myself. LOL

Anyway, so now that the speedway is closed, I guess we will have to start planning some weekend trips to Atlanta for a little track time?

 

There are a few Nashvillian's who lurk here who actually intelligent moders and racers. Welcome.

 

Now I'm irritated. Just moved to TN and now they're closing the raceway. ******** should have called me. I was exited I was moving closer to the raceway next weekend too, **** that. I've been out of the loop to long. Always the last to know.

Bunookana - hit me up if ya get the urge to play with Hydra software. Maybe a second sec of eyes would help me to.

 

The track isn't closed yet - there should still be several opportunities to get out there! You guys should come out for this event:

http://musiccitymustangclub.org/acti.../HSFXI2011.pdf

$135 per day - that's hard to beat considering we typically get 7 20 minute sessions per day. I'll be there.

 

Maybe I'm silly but is there a way to stop the closing? Like rich guys, sponsors, or pants off dance offs?

EDIT- I will try to make this one. I'll be the noob wondering aimlessly. Need to get my base tune in the hydra set and stop taking it apart to tweak things. Also moving to Lebanon next weekend if anyone wants a place to crash. My girl is an amazing cook and a really good shot if ya try anything funny.