mr_hyde

iTrader: (4)

Belts and hoses (including the heater hoses and as many of the little annoying ones you can reach without going crazy)...

z31maniac

Skipped some responses, so forgive if it's been said.

DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING TO THE TRACK YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO WRITE OFF. I can't imagine taking something to the track that I was making a payment on. It's why I refuse to take my '13 GT mustang out to the track.

There is track insurance available for HPDE from places like Lockton Affinity. But the deductible is $5k.

Fix the beat up Miata and track it.

gtred

If you're going to keep those rims, then Kumho makes a tire that'll fit: 215-40-17 escta v710. A little less than 9" of rubber. Kumho specs a 7" rim.

You'll need at least 400f/275r# springs + a coil over body on your OEM bilstiens. This would be streetable, it won't lay over too much and will be adequate for a track day, but it will not plant you firmly enough on the track to run close in wheel to wheel competition.

If track only, then up the rate and re-valve; or just buy a coilover shock kit.

The turbo in your car is sized very small. It is intended to spool up quickly with street driving. In a 30 min track session, it's going to build up a lot of heat. I've melted things, cracked my diffuser housing, ect. after a few seasons of tracking. Eventually ended up going to an aftermarket turbo.

You should at least use a racing brake pad and some new high boiling point brake fluid. PM me and I'll give you a set of Hawk Blues for the "sport brake" fronts that I've got laying around.

Don't gut your cat or it'll overboost and you'll get spark cut. An upgraded cat back exhaust is ok. Some have had trouble with overboost when using free flowing intakes + free flowing exhausts. Be sure to run it up thru the gears and check before you take it to the track.

You can defeat the overboost spark cut by using a resistor across the MAP sensor (search MAP clamp). I did this, but remember I also melted down my OEM turbo...

mr_hyde

iTrader: (4)

The boost cut mod is a very bad idea without proper fueling.

shuiend

iTrader: (24)

Also just so you know if you you buy a race seat and harness for the driver, most clubs require the same for the passenger seat if you are going out with an instructor.

Mobius

iTrader: (2)

Go for the '01. Sell the MSM. If the '01 has a 6 speed, it is an LS, and will have the Torsen with the more desirable 3.9, as well as the same brakes as the MSM.

You will start off with a less complicated platform to manage. If you keep tracking the MSM you will most likely end up replacing everything that makes it an MSM, anyway.

Keep the stock seats until you can replace both sides. Change the fluids and the hoses on the '01. Put new brake fluid and new pads on it. Order yourself a set of BFGoodrich Rivals if it has 15's, or Sport Comp 2's if it has the 5-spoke 16" rims.

If you are going to start lightening the car, even a non-boosted VVT car can become very quick.

Scrappy Jack

iTrader: (2)

1. Save the contents of this thread in a separate location, like a Word document.

2. Months later, when you have ignored the above advice and have de-Mazdaspeeded the Mazdaspeed, review the contents of this thread.

3. Realize that is the definition of hubris.

4. Accept that you may not have made the best decision, but it was a lot of fun!

gtred

Yep, the lower rear gear in the msm, combined with the 6200 rev limit cause a lot of inopportune shifting; this is a good reason to stick with the OEM 17's... they use a slightly taller tire... the gearing really gets low when you jump down to the 23" radius tires common to the 15" rim sizes.

Hey, I still have my mazdaspeed sillplates!

mr_hyde

iTrader: (4)

You are getting great advice here. The 949 cars that win national championships are naturally aspirated. We can't drive as well as them but it proves there is a lot of potential to be extracted from a VVT NB. do the turbo in a year or so.

shanem

iTrader: (1)

Get good brakes, and fluid. that didn't seem to be a priority in what i read so far, and it should be. nothing will ruin your day and confidence like brake fade. You need track pads, you don't have to be fast on a technical course to overheat HP+ pads or Bobcats at the track.

i liked the DTC-60 from hawk, also liked the hawk blues too. I've been there and done that compromise pad stuff, it sucks and having to nurse pads that fell apart due to overheating or meted the the back plates all the way home. live with the squealing on the ride to and from and change pads at home IMHO.

anyway, brakes first, you can track with stock power, stock seats, and nothing but a helmet, as long as you can stop. if you cant stop that is bad for you and the other people around you. also, get a second job, track driving is worse than crack and about as expensive.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

You are planning to take a car you are still making payments on to the track?

Spend the 2k on paying off the stupid car, numb nuts!

Take the beater to the track. That's what beaters are for...

hustler

iTrader: (6)

Obamabucks won't cover the track.

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

As long as the 01 is not sold by tomorrow (it is an LS), I am placing a deposit and going to go buy it this weekend. I am going to detail the MSM and put for sale ads for it up everywhere tomorrow. I ordered 15x8 Enkei PF01's with 205 Bridgestone RE11's. Tomorrow I will order a stage 1 brake kit from 949 and a lot of fluids and maintenance stuff from Trackspeed and FM.

z31maniac

Someone on the Internet listened to reason and experience.

This calls for a triple Vodka on the rocks.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

You're a smart man. If you look around, everyone is running VVT engines in their track cars and loving it.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

except hustler

EO2K

iTrader: (37)

That my car is not an 01-05 w/VVT & 6 speed is my only regret.

I'm at the point now where I've already done everything listed in this thread (and a bit beyond) and yet can still DD my car with no issues. You are getting good advice from smart people, and I'm glad you've taken it! Learn the basics and go from there. These cars are fun as hell on the track even before you fall victim to the boost bug.

There is a "motivated buyer" in the WTB section looking to buy a MSM, you guys should

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

Ok so now I need a harness. What are my options?

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I hope the car is worth a 600 mile drive. I have contacted the motivated buyer and hopefully it will go well.

Mobius

iTrader: (2)

Props for being wise ! I am having another beer to celebrate.

You know what looks good on an '01 LS?

A tire trailer!
Edit: FM's hidden hitch works good. 10lbs in the back to balance the future intercooler in the front!