Having More Fun!
 

Well, I only have about six months of school left and I have finally decided that it is time to finally start a build thread after almost six months of owner ship! (Though expect sweet-F-A until then haha). Why this title you ask? :retard: The previous owner began a build thread titled "Have More Fun!"; so that's exactly what I plan to do.

:D Here's what the car looked like when he purchased it

:squint:
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Here's what it looked like the day I got it home :)

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Then I began to work on it as there were a few things that needed fixing/adjusting/tampering with :P Here's me cleaning the engine of oil residue from the leaking CAS, so I could pass registration that afternoon.

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Then of course, as you do, I played with the coil overs a bit and got the front end down quite low.. Okay, stupidly low :ohnoes: But you'd be happy to know it sits at about 90mm off the ground now:cool:

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And then I got my driver's license! Hellz yea :D

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Got sick of the antenna...

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Got sick of the engine...

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Lol.. Jokes, I wish!

Soooo... What are my plans? I'm going to a track day after I complete my final exams to get to know the car a bit better. Once I'm done there, I plan to begin a really big build (Strip back, seam weld, turbo, etc) which is already written and planned out, just needs the money to back it up :sad2:

Plans include a NB longnose 1.6, (eventually) GT28/71r, re-spray and extensive body work. It'll be a street registered track car, something that I thought would be difficult to achieve (crap modifying laws in Australia) until I read about a certain mx5..

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Charlie Hadfield's Mx5 has inspired the course of my own quite a lot. This isn't going to be any old hair-dresser mobile... I'd like to hope anyway! Up dates soon on some recent mischief...

Great looking car, glad the PO got rid of that front bumper for you! I checked Google Maps, looks like you've got some fun roads just outside of Scone.

My car is a dual duty street/track car and it can be done here, but our enforcement is pretty slack on street cars.

Suspension upgrades and better brake pads are all you really need to get started on the track. Get some track experience naturally aspirated. The turbo and aftermarket ECU can always be added later, and you will be better prepared to handle the extra speed and power.

I'm looking forward to your updates. Good luck!

Yea but there are kangaroos EVERYWHERE!!! haha, spirited driving is limited around here :( The local highway patrols have to meet a quota, so they are always patrolling the "typical roads" for hoons; including the ones who drive their Mx5's around tight corners faster than most other vehicles can, within the speed limit *facepalm*

So Update: Admittedly, I never really liked the centre console (besides, who uses that locking compartment in the stupid thing anyway) and because race car, I went about removing it and the stereo. It'd be nice to have some carpet cut to fit the turret a bit better, but I like the look of it OVERALL. Surface rust, not so appealing but I'll save that for later.

https://www.miataforumz.com/attachme...ine=1399985539

Also trying a different means of uploading photos, so hopefully this isn't a huge failure, like the plank of wood that you see in the next picture. Been in this car for god knows how long, holding the stereo in place :thumbsup: I'm sure it has had many a interesting adventures and many stories to tell. Adios!

https://www.miataforumz.com/attachme...ine=1399985539

Out of interest I weighed the console (for all you hard core racers) to find it tips the scales at approx 1Kg... Dat weight save :eek: Everything there is a measly 6.5Kg.

https://www.miataforumz.com/attachme...ine=1399985539

And what did I do with the auto window switches? Made a fully sick custom bracket! ...Using some plumber's weld to jam it on the inside of the tombstone. Temporarily, I swear.

I may be also worth noting that I'm building a custom luggage rack as a school project, so in a few months that should be ready :p

Thanks for your words of wisdom. I figured it was a good idea to just get to the track first and actually drive the car in it's pretty much standard state. I'm concerned about the diff potentially kicking the bucket when I do go though

:eek:

I just realized you were on the stock 1.6 differential. You are correct to be worried. That should be changed before the first track day. They routinely fail at stock power levels with normal road driving.

Hmm, should I go for the NB8C unit or just swap in an LSD?

Many 1.8 cars from '94 to '05 had Torsen or other types of LSD from the factory. It shouldn't be difficult to find one. In the NA body style a car with tan interior, leather seats, and power mirrors is likely to have one. There are other packages to look for as well but that one is easy to spot. You can take the serial number of the car and call the Mazda dealer and ask them on any prospective donor. You will need the axles, too, because they are larger.

Ok, update time...

I actually haven't been driving this for probably a month or two, which has pained me quite a bit. I haven't driven it since I started having issues with the battery randomly running flat, followed by the belt giving up the ghost and finding the oil leak... and crack in the manifold (which would explain the fully sick flamez) at a REALLY inconvenient time :bang: That said though, while being frustrated with having to drive my Astra, I began truly appreciate the qualities of the Mx5. That was enough for me to get my a*** back into gear; as a result, new alternator belt and CAS O-ring are on their way.

...and I may have ordered hood spacers (yeah I know, *rolls eyes*) :p they're part of the big scheme of things for me; and what I say goes! ;)

Something of interest too. I'm sorry that the car's filthy!

https://www.miataforumz.com/attachme...ine=1400590768

I'v only tacked it together and will have a boiler maker do a professional job on it for that awesome, beaded weld look. I'll be putting up a rough write up on producing a similar rack to this, once it's fitted with custom mounts and my exams are out of the way :cool: So far this thing has cost me <$70 (that's AUD).

The CAS o-ring is common and easy. Remember to set timing with a light when replacing the CAS.

My battery used to die occasionally as well. It was the gravity switch in the trunk lid light. I removed the bulb and solved the problem.

Hood risers will make the radiator not cool as well and your car may overheat when driving at speed. The area at the base of the windshield is at higher pressure than the engine compartment when moving and some of the air will rush in from there instead of through the radiator. It will also raise the underhood pressure generating lift under the front of the car and reducing any downforce created by the factory design.

If you wish to improve the looks and the cooling, add a GV spoiler lip to the bottom of the front bumper, like my friend Eric did with his NA:

https://www.miataforumz.com/attachme...ine=1400673057

(It helps more if you connect or close the duct holes)

They are available on ebay pretty cheap and are functional.

Updates: Big school assessment out of the way. Got the parts I ordered from Miata Roadster and went to install the alternator belt when I found that the alternator's lower pivot bolt was loose! :ohnoes: Tightened it and re-adjusted the belt, so that solved that problem :D Guess I have a spare belt now and a battery that won't run flat!

CAS O-ring and rocker cover gasket install this weekend, followed by some driving the back roads to begin setting the coil-overs up a bit better. Currently the ride height is 300mm (11.8") on the front (which is as low as I can legally go while retaining the GV lip) and 315mm (12.4") rear.

https://www.miataforumz.com/attachme...ine=1401277434

I never checked, but when I did... Wow, of the 434,000 NA's out there, mine's the 221st :eek: I found that quite astonishing!

That's an early one.

What coilovers do you have? What are your driving impressions of them?

Yellow Speed Racing

Spring rates are 8kg front and 6kg rear. I haven't got anything to compare them too, never driven another mx5 or my own with the stock suspension. I have the dampners set pretty high when I am by myself, about 22 clicks (f) and 17 (r) and it glues to the road around most corners while remaining quite nuetral. I soften them to about 13 (f) and 8 (r) with passengers and that seems to keeps them happy ;)

All I can say is, that when they're wound up, I get a bunch of feed back and the car feels planted and under powered (but that's okay for now).

Updates! :rofl:

CAS O-ring and rocker cover seal are in and there are no more oil leaks which is a major relief!

In other news, ALMOST bought a 3.9 torsen 2 with driveshaft and axles for $1000, but my step dad talked me out of it; "It ain't broken, don't need to fix it". I tried to justify myself by saying that I will need it later on anyway when I go turbo... but you know; you can only do so much when you're not eighteen and still considered a kid *shakes fist*

Let him know that the diff fails commonly from normal commuting and is likely to leave you stranded with no warning through no fault of yours. It is a known failure point.

What you say!? Update?
 

Long time and no freakin' updates :sad2: I haven’t forgotten about this thread just had the hassles of completing final exams, moving out of home and getting enrolled into uni to start a Bachelor’s in Mechanical engineering :D So pumped!!!

So I have had little time to enjoy this beast for the past several months, which has really pained me. I had to remove my front lip as I was uncertain about the roads down here in Wollongong

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#Byebyelowlife #Practicallifelooks*cough*. Seriously though, our apartment block's driveway is just bullshit, the neighbour's Xtrail scrapes on it; so the Mx5 has to sit out on the street

Now this wouldn't normally be an issue except for that after a decent bout of rain, I found my soft top works about as well as a fly-screen door on a f**kn' submarine. My passenger footwell became the new Wollongong aquarium and my ECU took a dip; but still works.

In other bad news...

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I guess sometimes you have to learn things by the hard way; don't decide to drive when you've had three hours sleep after thirteen hours of continuous travelling and then roll your car out the garage "so to be quiet and not wake sleeping family members" when the car and garage wall don't agree with what you're doing.

Here in Wollongong, the car (:confused: needs a name :confused:) lives with a tarp when parked and to make matters worse, I can't get onto a hardtop anywhere. So that's s***. But, it doesn't leak oil at the moment, fuel costs about 99 cents per litre (instead of $1.4) and there is a racetrack two hours from here :D

So plans? Track day is in the line of fire soon, hopefully if I can figure something out for my camera I can get footage of losing my race-track virginity. I'll probably take it easy until I have the funds to really cover my ass in the case of a breakage etc.

Happy photo on my last day of school; Who hasn't surfed their Mx5??

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Ooohhh, that door!

Leakage - If you have ever had the top changed and they didn't install a new "rain rail" then you will never be relieved of leaks. The factory rain rail is brittle plastic and isn't nearly as good as the soft rubber aftermarket ones. The good news is I replaced mine with the top on the car, so it can be done. Also check the drain tubes in the corners behind the seatbelt towers to ensure they aren't plugged. The rain rails empty into them.

The hood risers reduce the efficiency of the cooling system and will likely promote overheating if you track the car.

I know several Aussie Miata track guys on our sister forum.

Hey what about me!!!!!& I'm here!!!!!;)

Raising your bonnet like that is dumb in 2 ways
a/ its illegal, bonnet must seal to prevent any material escaping onto the screen,re oil or coolant.
b/ if you have a gander under the bonnet, half way down you will see creases in the main supports, guess what??? thats suppose to fold as part of the crumple zone in an accident. The way it is now that bonnet will come straight back through the screen and "YUCK"

I have a little red beasty that held the track record for Wakefield for many a year, so you don't need big power or fancy s^&t , or spend money like its going out of fashion, see Guran's story(mx5cartalk) on how a stock na6 will do in track duties. Charlies car was quick but unreliable, not how you want a car. If you must go turbo expect issues at the track unless you can afford to do the homework before you go and play, re: CTs car @ bathurst. have a look @ aussies @ play in videos etc

Lastly, don't stick out like dogs b^&ls to the local boys in blue, run it stock looking and sorta quite exhaust wise until your off your P's.

Hope to see ya @ the MX5 Nationals @ Wakefield Raceway

CYA
Terry

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm fitting the original bonnet bolts this week and it shall no longer be raised.

I have a date with eastern creek (Brabham circuit, in case you wanted to investigate Sixshooter) on the 24th; I am sooooo pumped!! :D Oil change and lip fitment sometime this week and I'll be ready to go! Hopefully have footage to show for it too.

Need to get the door repaired at some point I guess :sad2: What can you do eh?

Thanks for the advice Terry

Held the record, damn! That's awesome!

I intended to do my track days at wakefield because they are so cheap but I realised that I needed someone to sign off the club license application who held a club license. Therefore I couldn't go through with it (as I obviously don't know anyone) and I wanted to attend a track day before uni started, so I'm heading to eastern creek on the 24th. I understand it's a fast circuit but I'm hoping to enjoy it nonetheless. Mx5 nationals is at wakefield as well, so looks as though I’ll need a license before I can attend that.

Never had problems with the popo. Been pulled over a few times; but just give 'em a smile, ask 'em how their days been and your off without any hassles (family member's a cop, so learnt from the best).
Regards, Ty

DM,
Not a fan of EC after coming off at turn 1 in the wet @ 160+kph,
somehow missed everything spinning in the grass and finally stopped on the off shoot road next to the concrete wall. Didn't qualify for that meet and TBH didn't care.

To get your AASA license fill out the paperwork, medical and off to Wakefield with John Boston for the day, pay ya money, have fun and then pay for your license, thats if you want to start sprints and eventually racing. OR. Join the MX5 club and go out on the track days and ask for a buddy to come with you, Phil, Bryan or Peter will all volunteer to help you. Great days and you'll have lots of fun and learn plenty.

Terry

FIRST TRACK DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

23rd February;
Took Madaz down to where I work to change its oil in the car park; perfectly flat and with an air-conditioned restaurant to retreat in, while the car drained. I used Penrite 10w-50 for this change as this is what my car seems to run best on in the heat of summer. Went home and tried to sleep filled excitement for the next day.

24th February;
Girlfriend and I packed all the stuff I needed and I we headed up North towards Sydney; I tried to baby the Madaz as much as possible to save a bit of fuel and reduce potential oil consumption at higher revs.
Arriving at the circuit I went over to the registration building and returned to meet a friendly man by the name of Warren; a very lucky owner of an 08’ R32 Golf. He invited me to share a garage and soon I was parked at the front, facing pit lane; it was an amazing feeling being in the position where only a year ago I was looking at eagerly from behind a wire fence.
I got into business and removed my number plate and bracket as I was not comfortable having it wobbling about out on the track (even though it’s relatively stable on the road).

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As you can see I was very excited this whole time, though I was slightly worried that my nerves may have gotten to me (thankfully they didn’t). I was in the beginner’s group along with a few exotica including a Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Lambo Gallardo Superleggara and 911’s. There was a lightening quick Sorroco type R as well (which should have been in the experienced group).

For my first session of six (20 minute), I opted to have an instructor in my car. This was a very good idea as he told me a lot about the racing line and where I should start in terms of gearing and braking zones. I only putted around the track for this first session and thankfully there weren’t too many cars near me who needed to pass me; I decided that next session I would test the limits.

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Second session and I entered the first corner with decent speed and found I wasn’t following the line properly so taking from this I pushed on with less speed on entry into the various corners. On the difficult down-hill sweeper-into hairpin section, I spun out; although I felt the car loosing it and the just waited for some cars to pass by and continued on my way un-phased (obviously) because I then proceeded to spin out another two times. After this session I went back in and thought about what I could improve in the sections in which I spun; after speaking to the instructor, I was ready for the next bout.

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Third session and a lot smoother; by staying in a higher gear than what I was using on some corners the car felt more “balanced”, predictable and much faster with minimal tyre squeal. I was now doing ~175km/h on the main straight and braking at the 100m mark down to ~140km/h for the first fast corner (although I’m sure a more experienced driver could go much quicker there). I was really starting to enjoy the fact that while exiting the corner and watching the Porsche (etc.) in front of me battling for traction from the apex onward, I had my foot to the floor the whole time and could stick to their tail before they disappeared into the distance. It was in this session that I overtook a HSV Clubsport R8, though like me the driver was obviously new, I still will take full bragging rights for that one!

Fourth session and I decided I would start practicing the dreaded hair-pin; finding the correct braking point was difficult and it took me a few attempts before I realised I had to hit the brakes very hard while taking the outside line and turning in slightly. This meant a few times I locked up the inside wheel here but a quick adjustment on the pedal seemed to fix that (good pads I guess the Bendix units) and I could then turn in harder to make the corner (I haven’t tried any other brakes pads as the Bendix’s came with the car).

Fifth session and this time round instructors jumped in and drove the aforementioned F430 and Gallardo. Holy ----; the pair of them screamed past me and I was blown away by how hard the Lambo could take the final turn onto the straight. I kept upping my rhythm and was becoming more consistent, by now I was bracing myself up against the door handle or foot-well and getting on the power a lot sooner than I thought was possible earlier on (this car with little power is pure magic!). Still it refused to power-slide with my coil-overs seeming to perform awesomely but I was beginning to notice that my cheapo brand tyres were holding me back from going any harder.

The sixth session was much the same and I was wishing that I had better tyres by this point (and a bucket seat and harness!). After finishing up, there were a few guys left without fuel while the whole time I managed to consume a measly half a tank of fuel and got home with the remaining bit. A fantastic day out where I got to meet heaps of nice blokes and learnt a LOT about my car; I can’t wait to go back again soon. Warren was also kind enough to shout us a lemonade each at the nearby pub, top bloke; seriously consider approaching this man at track days there if you ever see his car.

Now, sorry I'm going to leave it there. I have loads more photos and some videos I'd like to share but I'm actually at a local Macca's using their internets and the girlfriend can't bear to hang around any longer. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the videos and remaining photos up :p

Track days are so much fun. Thank you for sharing the experience and the pictures. What are your spring rates and what size (or brand) sway bars are you using?

Hey six, I'm currently running the yellow speeds I mentioned in my thread earlier. The rates are 8kg front and 6kg rear; the sways are stock :)

Btw, there's a delay on the videos as I need to transfer some from gf's phone. Bloody iphones.