Secrets of the Mirage

[Loren]

My suspension has made it from China to Boston. Hope it was well-packed!

Remember the old days where if you ordered something from China (or anywhere else), it took 6 weeks or more, and you had no idea where it was or when it would arrive... or IF it would arrive? Now, FedEx tells me exactly where it is, and I get it in 7 days!

[Solar]

I don't see it.

I see what you did there.

Nice catch !

[dbeng]

It took me a while

[Rpwolf]

What are your expectations of the coilovers? I always read that getting anything under a grand for coilovers(even up to under 2k) are usually crap. Now I'm pretty damn sure the struts that come on that Mirage are going to be pretty weak as well, but think those coilovers will be that big of an upgrade of the stock?

it depends on the car. for example: s2000 shocks vs older civic shocks. the s2000 only really benefits front good shock rebound tuning as opposed to the civic where anything is going to be an improvement. usually the more expensive shocks are engineer with specific damping, better materials and construction, and are FULLY adjustable. but this is a mirage lol.

I'd like to drive it trade for a couple of runs?

[Loren]

I'd like to drive it trade for a couple of runs?

I believe you're the first to ask that question. Sure, once I get it worthy, you can take a couple runs in it.

[twistedwankel]

It took me a while

It took me a lot longer than you:( Almost had to ask for instructions

[AScoda]

It took me a while

It took me a lot longer than you:( Almost had to ask for instructions

Your slow comprehension is understandable, as Brian's joke is slightly flawed. A Mirage isn't something that you don't see, it is something that you DO see that doesn't really exist. It still works under the context that everyone else sees the Mirage except Brian. If it is indeed real, it should be called the Oasis, and Brian needs to get his eyes checked.
#grammando

[Loren]

Just threw on another simple mod. $17 from Amazon. 450g stainless steel shift knob. Round and polished. Feels really nice!

I just weighed the stock knob, it was 120g.

So, I've added 3/4 of a pound to the car. In this case, totally worth it.

[Native]

It took me a while

It took me a lot longer than you:( Almost had to ask for instructions

Your slow comprehension is understandable, as Brian's joke is slightly flawed. A Mirage isn't something that you don't see, it is something that you DO see that doesn't really exist. It still works under the context that everyone else sees the Mirage except Brian. If it is indeed real, it should be called the Oasis, and Brian needs to get his eyes checked.
#grammando

Brian's double-entrendre, besides not seeing a mirage, is that he "doesn't see" the Mirage being a competitive autocross car, mods or not.
C'mon people...

edit: perhaps "irony" as opposed to "double entendre." I dunno...

[Jamie]

Just threw on another simple mod. $17 from Amazon. 450g stainless steel shift knob. Round and polished. Feels really nice!

...guaranteed to keep you in first gear on a sunny Florida summer day....

[Loren]

I can't overstate what a profound difference this stupid shift knob made in the way this car shifts. I'm not kidding! I thought that it was just a matter of me needing to learn how the car wanted to be driven. Shifts didn't feel right. Just a little clunky. I was thinking about changing to some better transmission fluid. Timing always seemed a little off unless you revved it way past 5k.

Now, the extra weight of the knob give the shift some momentum. Quicker shifts are effortless and don't feel like you're "forcing it" at all. As a result, even casual shifts feel GREAT! Revs don't drop too far between shifts, and the whole driving experience smooths out.

Yeah, my wife doesn't get it, either.

[AScoda]

I get it. It's weird, but true.
437 gram knob here. Mine is made of far superior titanium. Racy red and textured for enhanced grip.

Anyone else want to compare knobs? Of course, you would be wasting your time. Loren and I clearly have the best knobs in the bay area.

[twistedwankel]

Anyone else want to compare knobs? Of course, you would be wasting your time. Loren and I clearly have the best knobs in the bay area.

Certainly the heaviest. Must be hard to push into 3rd and 5th without breaking the radio bezel + knuckles.

You made me weigh the stock 6 speed "weighted knob" sitting on my desk - leather and all for RX8 (and some Miatae) 11.3oz = 320.35g. I think it is made of spent uranium from Hiroshima where they built it + the shifter stalk is weighted too. They want over $200 for a new one...yikes. I'll go Loren's $17 route anytime for an almost full pound.

[Native]

I, also, enjoy a heavy knob.
I have a hand-turned knob a friend made for me in the late 80s. Never weighed it, but it's hefty. I've fit it to every car I've owned. Always an improvement from stock.

[twistedwankel]

Imagine if we still had a 3 on the tree with a big knob. You'd have to hold it up into 2nd or it would fall out

[Loren]

From Shanghai, China to my door in 6 days.



Really tempted to just install the whole kit and run M4. But, this car really needs to be in the slowest possible class!

[Solar]

What ever you decide, Godspeed to you. Its pretty crazy how quickly things are delivered now, I ordered a couple cases of ice tea from Amazon, put the order in at 8am, and was sitting on my front porch by noon.

Very interested to see how well they work/hold up, they have the same set for my Nissan for the same price, just added it to my wish list.

[mymomswagon]

From Shanghai, China to my door in 6 days.



Really tempted to just install the whole kit and run M4. But, this car really needs to be in the slowest possible class!

Nah! You will rock M4 [emoji41]

[twistedwankel]

Anything is possible isn't it.

[Loren]

The steel for the swaybar arrived today, too.