Do you mean just above the fan on temp?

Anyway, my car is the worst case scenario. Big intercooler, and AC. Not to mention supercharged which puts out a lot more heat than a turbo at cruise.
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Finally got new tires.

Car isn't overheating anymore. At 70, it will hover between 88c-92c (fan kick on temp). It was 69F today, and it won't be getting to 80f+ anytime soon, so yea. Guess I can drive it until it starts to get hot outside again. At least now I can install my MS3X finally.

 

I think you fixed your problem when you added the top baffle that came with the kit. Your post above indicates most cooling tests with the IC installed - but without the top baffle/panel that TDR provides. So all of the air that was supposed to go through the rad was probably escaping over it. It would seem obvious from this post, but hopefully you also properly installed the panelling in the kit.

 

Yes sir I did, that was the last piece I hadn't had installed because it wasn't fitting properly. Only time will tell though, but I'll get about 3 months before temps go back up above 80. So that's plenty of time to get the ms3 installed, get new exhaust and get the intercooler chopped in half anyway. Another side benefit of chopping it in half is less throttled volume, so better throttle response.

 

Welp time for another update! I got new tires, and exhaust put on. FINALLY. Now that it's high of 60F outside, and lows into the high 20's, its not overheating anymore. Actually it's having a hard time getting up to temp now with the aluminum radiator+ 80c thermo. Sustained 70+mph driving produces 84-88C temps, while around town it hovers between 78 and 82.

This damn 6 speed is another matter though. Are they just naturally a bitch to shift? It doesn't grind, or make any other funny noises when shifting, but by god if I don't have to put a significant effort to get it to downshift (upshifting is fine) unless I rev match. It does get a little better when it warms up, but meh. Also, I'm running the Motorcraft stuff.

 

What shape are your motor mounts in? I never had an issue with my 6 speed transmission on either up shifts or down shifts but I use the amsoil secret sauce fluid. Then I upgraded to the miata roadster shifter and it felt even better.

 

Switch to a different fluid and see how it is.

I used Redline shockproof lightweight, but I think I'm the only one on the Forum.

 

Two other things to check before you change your fluid. Make sure the four bolts holding the shifter on the turret are tight (pull the center console and you will see what I am talking about). I would also suggest considering a shifter rebuild. Chances are your lower bushing is shot. People have also found that upper washers are missing which allows more slop making it hard to shift.

 

Trash afaik. I have Mazdaspeed mounts laying around somewhere, haven't gotten around to getting them installed.


I was thinking about trying Redline MTL.

3 bolts*. I have some wacky setup where I'm running a 5 speed shifter in it instead of the 6sp shifter... I also have no idea what year the transmission is, it came from overseas.
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You are talking about the three bolts holding the lower shift boot on. Look beyond that, there is a rectangular piece that is held on with four bolts. If you are using a 5 speed shifter then that might be your problem.

 

If you are using a 5 speed shifter then I would suggest you crawl under your car and look at the vin on the transmission, the contact miataroadster and get the tall angled 6 speed shifter for that vin.

 

I have the 6sp shifter, it just doesn't have a bushing. Next time I'm up at the shop I'll take a look at what the vin says.

[Edit]: I just looked at a couple videos and no way I'm putting that tall shifter on my car. I'm a short dude (5'6.5) and I don't wsnt to be having to reach up to grab the shifter, lol. I think I'll rebuild the stock shifter and run a weighted **** to help with throw. I still appreciate the suggestions as always!

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Yea definitely no. Spending the extra few bucks for the peace of mind is definitely worth it. I did some research and figured out which numbers mean what, so I should be good to go whenever it is I'm up there again.

 

I'd caution against going through all that work cutting up an intercooler unless you're very certain about the efficiency impacts.

It'd be better if you could find other ways to improve airflow, like hood vents, more ducting, or perhaps some additional, discreet air inlets somewhere.

It'd be a shame to cut up that TDR kit, but before you do, also do some google image searches for "Miata V-Mount Intercooler". That could free up the triple stacked flow restriction. There are some threads about these setups on this forum. Apparently they work, though I have no experience with these setups on NAs. At least something to consider.

 

Yea I have no interest on buying more parts in regards to the intercooler system. I'm already pissed off enough that I'm even having this issue, when it doesn't seem like anyone else is. Not to mention how janky an intercooler kit that cost me so much is. I have a buddy that will chop it and reweld it for 50 bucks, and that's good enough for me. If it doesn't work, I'll tear the entire supercharger system off and do what I should have done in the first place, and go turbo.

 

Um, you'd still need a functioning intercooler with a turbo.

 

Yes, however there are smaller intercooler sizes available for turbo cars. Not so much for my setup. Why TDR in their infinite wisdom thought that this massive thing was necessary is beyond me.

 

That "massive thing" is generally accepted to be undersized for anything over a 2560 in most cases.

 

Well. Oversized or not, I was overheating. I say was, because I have put about 50-60mi on the car now and haven't seen the engine over 92c. However it's been 55F max out (more around high 40's) when I have been driving it, so I'm not gonna hold my breath that it's fixed. Knowing SoCal it will be back in the 80's again sooner rather than later, so I will see then. IF it does. I'll burn that bridge when I come to it.