BEGi S4 on '99
#1
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BEGi S4 on '99
I went over to the storage unit today and drove the '99 around for the first time in almost two years. I installed a BEGi S4 kit (GT2560, 38mm Tial EWG), Enthuza 3" exhaust, and a Greddy Profec B Spec II EBC in January 2008, and work schedule/deployments kept me from spending time breaking it in.
I installed a Deka ETX9 today, and it fired right up. There is a minor vibration underhood at idle, but it goes away with any RPM. With some fresh 93 octane, it ran well and pulled clean throughout the revband. I'll be changing all the fluids, as well as the plugs. Additionally, the EBC is untouched, so I'll play with that.
The immediate issue is getting the car registered again, so I'll be making the short trip down to SC to get a plate, given that it won't pass emissions here in NC. Pics and videos will follow, as this project is finally getting back off the ground.
I installed a Deka ETX9 today, and it fired right up. There is a minor vibration underhood at idle, but it goes away with any RPM. With some fresh 93 octane, it ran well and pulled clean throughout the revband. I'll be changing all the fluids, as well as the plugs. Additionally, the EBC is untouched, so I'll play with that.
The immediate issue is getting the car registered again, so I'll be making the short trip down to SC to get a plate, given that it won't pass emissions here in NC. Pics and videos will follow, as this project is finally getting back off the ground.
#3
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Thanks, it's been eating at me to have the car in a storage unit for so long. I've been driving my WRX wagon as a daily, and every day I'm away from the Miata, I become more of a Subaru guy. So, needless to say, I'm happy to get it back in running shape after such a long time.
The question right now is, what would one do first-- OS Giken, or the Goodwin BBK? The car has been built primarily for local autocross domination, with occasional track days/HPDEs/driving schools in mind. My next purchase will be 15x9 6ULs and 225 NT-01s, so I'm already planning on the next step. What ye say?
The question right now is, what would one do first-- OS Giken, or the Goodwin BBK? The car has been built primarily for local autocross domination, with occasional track days/HPDEs/driving schools in mind. My next purchase will be 15x9 6ULs and 225 NT-01s, so I'm already planning on the next step. What ye say?
Last edited by em99sport; 09-08-2010 at 11:37 PM.
#5
I don't think you listed ECU here. That's a nice setup, have fun with it. Depending on boost levels, 260 whp is extremely easy to attain on this setup (I made that at 10-11psi), 290 whp or more is about maxed out. You didn't mention what diff you have now, if you're on a factory torsen that's probably enough for now. Also, what suspension parts do you have? Money is better spent on a nice suspension setup than on an expensive diff or brake upgrade. And of course the tire/wheel package is going to be huge. Those Nittos won't hold your car as well as you'll want in autocross, I know this first-hand. You'll have to be nice and soft in your rear suspension setup to get it to hook with any authority.
Have fun with that, I know first hand exactly how this exact setup feels. It's fun and a bit challenging to be fast in.
Have fun with that, I know first hand exactly how this exact setup feels. It's fun and a bit challenging to be fast in.
#6
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The car has been in storage because I'm in the army, and have been deployed and in schools for much of the past couple years. I have no idea what kind of power it's making right now.
It is a sport package, so it does have a Torsen, and it already has some Flex with 9/6 rates and a RB front bar. Engine management is an Xede for now, but I'm not as pleased with it as I would like. The entire reason for going with the piggy-back was to maintain emissions-compliance in NC, but with the Xede, that's a bit tricky. I might as well have just gone MS with it.
As far as the NT-01s, I know that they're far from ideal, but I have never autocrossed on R-comps. I'm planning on using the Nittos as a transition from Azenis/Star Specs to A6s, with the utility to run a couple track days/driving schools.
It is a sport package, so it does have a Torsen, and it already has some Flex with 9/6 rates and a RB front bar. Engine management is an Xede for now, but I'm not as pleased with it as I would like. The entire reason for going with the piggy-back was to maintain emissions-compliance in NC, but with the Xede, that's a bit tricky. I might as well have just gone MS with it.
As far as the NT-01s, I know that they're far from ideal, but I have never autocrossed on R-comps. I'm planning on using the Nittos as a transition from Azenis/Star Specs to A6s, with the utility to run a couple track days/driving schools.
#7
em99
Good to see you dragged the car out. Do you really need a BBK for autoX? I'd think pads with very aggressive cold bite would take care of it. You don't build up that much heat in autoX do you?
Won't pass emmissions? No cat? Big injectors? Is it throwing codes they don't like? Seems like a 99 w/ a piggy should be able to pass.
Good to see you dragged the car out. Do you really need a BBK for autoX? I'd think pads with very aggressive cold bite would take care of it. You don't build up that much heat in autoX do you?
Won't pass emmissions? No cat? Big injectors? Is it throwing codes they don't like? Seems like a 99 w/ a piggy should be able to pass.
#8
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One would think, but Stephanie told me to expect issues with it. The exhaust does have a high-flow cat, but if I would have known then about the current emissions concerns, I would have simply done the catless exhaust and the MS.
#9
If you are still running stock injectors, disconnect the wastegate and turn off the piggy. I pass the sniffer test here in OR just fine with a high flow cat and 550's with my s4 system. Of course that's full ecu since I'm obd1. The high flowing cat should still be doing the job of cleaning up emissions. Grassroots did a test a year or two ago and most of the cats did just fine on keeping it legal.
#10
Give me a buzz if you need some help tuning.
Stephanie
#11
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NC uses an OBD-II scan, so only a CEL would gig me here. If it were just a sniffer test, I'm sure it would be good as is, given the HFC.
I will let you know if I have any issues/questions concerning tuning.
I will let you know if I have any issues/questions concerning tuning.
#12
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I've found a place to have the car tuned, so I hope to have the time within a few weeks. In the mean time, I'll be ordering a set of 15x9 6ULs and some 225s. I'm sort of wavering right now on the NT-01s or just going all-out and getting A6s. Regardless, I need to get the car aligned and corner-balanced as well.
Being that the car's brakes were already a weak spot, and it just sat unused for so long, I'm looking hard at the GW BBK. I can't justify getting new rotors and pads now, just to upgrade a ways down the road. As mentioned previously, the car will find its way on track in the somewhat near future, work schedule permitting.
If anyone has any related suggestions, I'm all ears. It's been long enough since I've really been enveloped in the Miata scene that I'm a bit behind the times now. Additionally, I appreciate hearing from Webby and anyone else with S4 kit experience. It really seems to be a different beast altogether.
Being that the car's brakes were already a weak spot, and it just sat unused for so long, I'm looking hard at the GW BBK. I can't justify getting new rotors and pads now, just to upgrade a ways down the road. As mentioned previously, the car will find its way on track in the somewhat near future, work schedule permitting.
If anyone has any related suggestions, I'm all ears. It's been long enough since I've really been enveloped in the Miata scene that I'm a bit behind the times now. Additionally, I appreciate hearing from Webby and anyone else with S4 kit experience. It really seems to be a different beast altogether.
#13
Being that the car's brakes were already a weak spot, and it just sat unused for so long, I'm looking hard at the GW BBK. I can't justify getting new rotors and pads now, just to upgrade a ways down the road. As mentioned previously, the car will find its way on track in the somewhat near future, work schedule permitting.
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#14
You can't run A6s on the street, at all, nor run them on the track and expect to get any life out of them. The NT01s are on a different plane entirely, both in terms of tread life and in terms of grip. I've driven a bunch on both. NT01 is pretty close to a UHP street tire. I corded a front A6 in 66 runs. Probably a combo of a setup problem and some brake lockup, but you'd never be that far in treadwear that quickly in the NT01.
The S4 is a really nice mani. Not sure what you really need to know about it since it's already installed. You may want to think about getting one of their dp support struts to try to eliminate the mani cracking that could happen. Tune it and have fun.
I wouldn't see doing a pad/rotor refresh as a waste before doing a bbk. In a season or less you'll wear them anyway, and need another refresh regardless.
I've learned this year that I'd rather spend the money getting to more events than doing car upgrades. Just do what it takes to be reliable and get out there!
The S4 is a really nice mani. Not sure what you really need to know about it since it's already installed. You may want to think about getting one of their dp support struts to try to eliminate the mani cracking that could happen. Tune it and have fun.
I wouldn't see doing a pad/rotor refresh as a waste before doing a bbk. In a season or less you'll wear them anyway, and need another refresh regardless.
I've learned this year that I'd rather spend the money getting to more events than doing car upgrades. Just do what it takes to be reliable and get out there!
#16
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Again, I know I have been vague to this point, but I am not the clueless guy out tossing dollars around. I have performed all the work on the car, and despite my recent involuntary hiatus from motorsports, I do have a little bit of autocross experience.
Btw: The 6ULs were ordered. Tires are next, once I finally decide on the NT01s. I do still want to get a little track time in, so it appears that I'll have to compromise some autocross grip.
#18
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Looks like I'll be picking up the cheap Centric front/rear rotors from 949, along with some Carbotech AX9s. I'm thinking about waiting on the lines, given that I'll be getting the BBK eventually, and the GW one comes with them. Anyone find issue with that logic?
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