Finally some progress. Got the intercooler mounted up. Charge piping up next. Managed to fit it completely in the factory plastic ductwork, which will obviously need to be cut to fit the tubing, but I'm pretty happy with how we managed to get it mounted.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b491c3748e.jpg

Water lines on. Mocked up the charge piping with PVC to get an idea of what I need to buy..
Question for the crowd: SS versus aluminum for the charge piping? I've got a friend who does really good work but prefers SS for the charge piping. Welds better, more durable, etc - does anyone have a good feel for what the weight penalty would be?

Another idea - does anyone know if the FM silicone tubing will fit?
https://www.flyinmiata.com/na8-new-s...r-upgrade.html

Charge piping should shed heat. SS keeps it in.

Not sure how ss charge piping will be more durable? I mean....it's just charge piping. It's not gonna be banging around hitting stuff.

Welds cracking from fatigue I think is the primary concern, though I suppose proper welds wouldn't have that issue.
Going with aluminum to save the weight and shed the heat.

ya, good welds wouldn't have an issue with cracking. shitty welds on SS would crack too.

You're probably looking at nearly triple the cost for stainless over aluminum.....I honestly can't think of one benefit to stainless on the charge piping other than I enjoy welding it better than aluminum.

Aluminum is on the way. For anyone else who is following along, Flyin Miata will also send you their silicone tubing for around $300 and it looks like it should fit the TSE manifold/6258/precision 350 IC combo.

Any recommendations for inexpensive/decent quality cat backs apart from Enthuza? I've emailed and called Jason a few times over the last two weeks and have yet to get a response.

Abe at Artech is decently priced and can give you a custom touch you won't get anywhere else.

I had reached out to both of them a while ago and I think Abe's pricing was better too.

Just make sure you use protection when you ask for the custom touch that curly's talking about.

Abe got back to me pretty quickly. Seems like a good deal for an SS kit.
Sav - I recall when I first ordered you mentioned sending me the NB downpipe because it was available first. The DP didn't end up going out quickly - can you tell me which one this is? Need to know so I can either order the test pipe or have one made. Thanks!https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...eaa8bf7d5e.jpg

The top half is the same NA and NB, it is just the bottom half that is different. I can check my NA downpipe when I get home today and take a look and compare it to yours.

One thing I might recommend is that you have Abe put a 3" v-band flange on the end of your exhaust that goes to the down pipe. Then have a local exhaust weld on a v-band flange at the end of the down pipe and mate up to the rest of the exhaust. This way it won't matter which DP you have, and makes installing and removing simple.

That is an NA downpipe

Okay thanks for the confirmation.

Unrelated, but I found a busted 1.6 differential...
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2a1defa1ef.jpg

(Actually, that's the meter for the water that goes to my house... neighbor called and told me my house was flooding the street, and I came home to this)

Probably the scariest thing I've ever done to a car.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f68344533e.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...caf517ca43.jpg

Lol, I read that funny.

"House is flooding, better tap my pan for the turbo drain."

Priorities!

Charge piping is in and fits. I'm a little worried about the hot side piping, I'll post up a pic when I get back from this work trip to see what you guys think. It's not lower than the rack or control arms, but still looks low to me... I suppose if I go over something low enough to hit the piping, it'll hit the rack and/or control arm too and then I'm really in big trouble. All that's left now is to extend the IAT sensor wiring, hook up my knock sensor, and do some heat management. Is there any reason it's a bad idea to tee vacuum for the boost control off the line that runs cruise control?

Savington - for the EBC, was there a pigtail or something that I missed in a box somewhere? Or do I have to order that connector from someone?

Also, not yet convinced V-bands are the awesomesauce everyone says they are. I'm on my third attempt getting this one not to leak...

Finally, if anyone's at the brickyard invitational this weekend swing by and say hi.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...8eb3b0268c.jpg

you have to order the EBC plug. Universal USCAR/EV6/EV14 Pigtail Connector ? Flow Force Injectors

EDIT: NOT THE RIGHT ONE!
USE THIS INSTEAD: https://www.full-race.com/store/borg...oid-pigtail-1/

Seems like something that little should be included in the kit.. C'est la vie. It's ordered - thanks.
Any issues with hooking the EBC and bypass line up to the cruise control line? Do you plumb the EBC "vent" port to anything?

Finally, 5x8x18 muffler vs 5x11x22 for $160 more? It's not a DD, but does need to be legal at strict sound tracks like Atlanta Motorsports Park (think Laguna Seca for you west coasters). It also takes about an hour to get to the mountains from where I live so I'd like not to hate myself for those trips. What would you guys recommend, who have heard them in person?