I promised myself I would never do another build thread after wrecking my last build multiple times over the course of 4 months. After much deliberation and thought -- I have decided to document why this is a stupid idea and I should have probably went V6.

My old car can be seen here -- 95 NA with some decent modifications.



After some searching around, I scored a $250 Miata from my best M8. Before my buddy bought it for a quick flip, this car was pretty notable around the area. It was owned by a local "rally guy", and he did not hesitate to beat the ever loving **** out of it. The local car club called the car "Fred- The Ugly Red." Needless to say, $250 is $250 -- my buddy was in for a loss, and I had a new project.



Has a hardtop here, but because it had no soft-top - my buddy lent me his until I was able to repair mine. Seats from my previous car as well.

Behold!



Previous owner (the rally dude) actually participated in economy mile events. He would get together with his friends and see who could get the best gas mileage from point to point -- amazing I know. Fun fact: he was able to average 45-50 mpg with this car. Using a kill switch that would kill ignition during driving. Sounds cool in theory - but a wiring disaster. Also, in order to get uber MPG the dude cut out any non structural part of the car out. This is why the trunk is black in this photo -- he literally cut out the bracing of the trunk hood to cut weight. I could not handle the floppy trunk , so replaced it from my wrecked car. He also cut out the ENTIRE front cross member of the car, which was hilarious.

 

Insert Nardi cat here -- we keep it classy.



Because I'm half the size doing twice the things --- my seat assembly is custom to hold all my awesomeness. Mainly from flying out the window at turn 7 and during autocross. Lucky for me -- Kirkey was able to hook it up.



Some sophisticated mocking up later. Note: wood was for mock up and measurements only.



Took this time to clear out the wiring mess from previous owner. Replaced Window guides, Shiftier rebuild. Center console delete.



Pedal control started to become an issue with my less than amazing extenders. Pro tip: if you put extenders on a pedal, it becomes a large pendulum. The pendulum becomes more exaggerated the longer the extension. I needed stright throw pedals in order to heal toe. Plus, a HEAVY clutch was on the way... bottom line is, I designed and built new pedals. In addition, removed the stereo unit for a amp set up. Threw in the normal sized passenger seat (I like them tall.) At this point I'm still fixing previous owner issues, replacing interior bits and fixing wiring.

 

I sent you a text about Road Atlanta a week ago. Do you still have the same number?

What track dates are you doing this winter?

 

Hey Six - No events this winter, all my rubles are gong to Trackspeed for their EFR kit next month. Tires are in the house and car is put away for the new turbo set-up until February.

 

Pulled the roll bar out of the wrecked car and painted it white.



Time for suspension -- unfortunately there was a defect with one of mine. Had to vist BC racing in Orlando, FL for a replacement.

 

Wavy front bumper and driver side fender replaced. scored some newer all seasons on some crap Enkies.







Sebring bound

 

Fixing rust issues in rockers.



Torsen

 

I drove this thing like this for a while. Don't worry - it gets worse.. way worse. Notice nothing behind the bumper FML.

 

So did I mention, my old hard top was almost ripped in half during my last accident? Well, my buddy was needing his top back, so i had no choice but to try to repair it. Never doing anything like this before -- I was not expecting success.



Does not look apparent in this photo because the corners are latched. However, this rip is through both sides and goes to about the middle of the top. when the top was not forced latched, I could pass wrenches through the rip, it was so big.



Here's a shot about half way through -- no idea what I'm doing, but its working. BTW: if anyone has hardtop troubles like this. Fuser T-21 is your answer.

 

MS3X

 

Paint marker mods and temporary wheels and tires.

 

Artech 3" Cat back.





Front and rear sway as well.

 

This Joyfast is only notable because it almost cost as much as the car when I bought it. Also weighs as much as I do.



Removing all heat and AC components.

 

New wheels and tires (again) and brakes. Went with Wilwoods in the front and sport brakes in the back. Threw in a proportioning valve as well.

 

Time to get rid of the 1.6. Like I said, previous owner chopped the front off. This is the best I could come up with to fix it.

 

Sourced a fresh 1.8ish engine.

• 95 block
• Stock 99 head, it was cleaned up and valves were lapped
• New oil pump with billet gear
• Coolant reroute
• Align bored block
• Polished/balanced crank
• ARP hardware
• Race bearings
• .040" Pistons
• Forged rods
• 550cc RX7 injectors (FML)
• Toyota COP
• ACT XT
• ACT flywheel

 

Converted the entire car to LED lights (other than headlights). Also upgraded the tach gauges, because my GF said "don't waste any more money on stupid ****."





Old ones make cool fridge magnets. Also serves as a constant reminder to my GF that I do what I want.

 

Cheap fans and knock off 2 core radiator.



Warning: CHINA CHARGER inbound. Had the FM manifold tapped to 10mm, threw some incolonel rx7 studs on there, and stage locking hardware.



Harbor Fight oil catch can and Intercooler are cool there too, but if you look closely, you can see a brand new oil dip stick overnight shipped from Mazda Development.



I ran this turbo at 15 psi with EBC... it was horrible and still is.

 

 

Decided to drop it off at the paint shop, before I got to comfortable rocking the primer. I did not trust myself to finish it. GF did not want yellow, my fridge magnets say otherwise.