any update on testing or when the gears may ship out ???????????

 

I sincerely apologize for this process taking so much longer than I initially anticipated.

So far, I’ve received two prototype gears sets from the manufacturer.

Unfortunately, neither set passed bench tests performed by my diff guru, Ben Herne (DBA Puddy Mod Racing).

I'm still working with the manufacturer to refine their manufacturing process until they provide a prototype that meets my specs.

Once things get to that point, we’ll recruit a mule car local to Ben in Tampa, FL and install the gears and run them in a car.

Only after Ben gives the thumbs-up will I green-light beginning production to fulfill the group buy orders.

I’m going to these lengths because I want to be absolutely sure that I sell you something that will meet your expectations.

Thanks for your continued patience.

 

Bill,
Thanks for the update and your effort into getting it right.
This things always take longer than one expects.

 

What test were they failing?

 

I hope you can appreciate that the details of the development process are confidential. I'll let everyone know when I have a sample that we approve.

 

Well I guess I didn't think I was really asking for any proprietary info. Just wondering if it was a material strength issue, fitment issue, etc. Just thought that might give us an indication of how easy of an issue it is for them to correct. I'd rather know now if it's a major issue so I can mentally prepare to not have them before the solo nationals.

 

I can't speak for MiataRoadster, but I have watched the miata market for a good number of years now. I would mentally prepare to not have it before solo nationals, then be pleasantly surprised if they do get done before then. The specialty items that the miata market gets made tend to never arrive at the first time quoted. Look at the TSE turbo kits, 6UL rims, the new Rims that FM is bringing over, it is not the fault of the vendors, as I believe they give us the best estimates they have, development and production just always ends up taking longer then expected.

 

I am still willing to donate my car as a test mule. I can ship the diff or deliver the car to Tampa. ~280whp and a 6-speed, pretty much ideal for this testing.

 

Depending on when you get a solid setup from the supplier I would also be interested as a mule. I will be assembling my built motor here soon and putting and efr 7163 on it so it will be capable of 400rwhp though I would want to test it with that power and my six speed.

 

Thanks everyone for your understanding and patience with this tedious process!

When the time comes, I'll put out word when we need a mule.

The most likely scenario is that Ben will install a set of the new gears into a rear end that he has on hand with a good stock Torsen. He would swap that with one of the group buy participants in exchange for their stock rear end. That way, the labor for the mule is on me. But this is just a guess as to how it will go.

 

Bill, it's been close to 2 months, can you give us an update?

 

*ping*

 

Update should happen soonish, stuff happening. Hasn't been forgotten.

 

<sigh>

Two factories in Taiwan were unable to meet my specs, so I'm back to the drawing board with a respected US manufacturer. The current ETA is now 1/15.

I'm really sorry that this is taking so long, but I'm holding out for a product that you guys will be happy with and that I'll be as proud to have my brand name on as my shifter kits.

Thanks for your patience.

Feel free to contact me directly at Bill@MiataRoadster.com because I don't always receive PMs here or notification that there's a new post on a thread.

 

Thanks for the update , I appreciate being kept in to loop. Fred B.

 

You should try Taylor. Bet they could help.

 

Like TRE? I dont think anyone here wants these to be $900 R&P sets.

 

Thanks Bill.

 

Thanks for the update. No problems with waiting to have it done right.

 

Well, I got an email saying I can either drop from the group buy or stay with a US manufacturer for $200 more (making it $750 ring and pinion).