Da Groj

I keep telling myself this is not intended to be a project. Just a car that I can drive and enjoy for a while. (and autocross vigorously without concern for it ending up on its roof)

But, it's starting to feel like a project. (Edit 10/11/2019: It's a restoration!)

Regardless, I need to keep track of things, and this is as good a place as any. (more fun than keeping a spreadsheet)

So, I bought Ben's Miata. 1999 10th Anniversary Sapphire Blue, 158k miles, 6 speed, Torsen, aftermarket steering wheel, front bar, exhaust and intake. Otherwise stock.

Update: Now it's green. Specifically, 1999 BMW Z3 "Evergreen".

To-Do List Soon:

• Recheck alignment
• Install hard top with brackets (removing latches, making it a "Miata coupe")
• Install resistor mod to get airbag light to quit blinking. (no airbag in the aftermarket steering wheel)
• Intake Manifold - clean the EGR passage.
• Fabricate a spare tire hold-down bolt that doesn't require a wrench to remove.
• Fabricate fan shroud for replacement fan and get that installed. (currently running with only the AC fan)

To-Do List: (later)

• Detail inside of car
• Dye blue seat inserts black
• Design a trunk floor kit to secure stuff.
• Design a custom console/armrest that's comfortable and useful.
• Engine Mounts - Mazda Comp mounts, need to be replaced.

Maintenance Stuff:

• Timing Belt & Waterpump, Belts & Hoses - Done at 160k. 12/2019.
• Alternator - Replaced around 2016.
• Fuel Pump & Filter - Replaced around 2015.
• CAS & Coil Packs - Replaced around 2015
• Engine Oil - 10W30 Synth, Jan 2019
• Diff Oil - Mobil 1
• Trans Oil - Motorcraft $$$ (filtered and reused with 5-speed swap)

Performance Stuff:

• Raceland Header
• Stock Midpipe & Cat
• Monsterflow Intake
• FM Front Swaybar
• Koni Sport shocks, new at 158,000 miles, 8/2019
• Bump Stops (cheap VW units, URO Parts 1J0512131B) trimmed to 67mm
• Personal 320mm steering wheel
• SS Brake Lines
• 5-speed NB transmission, from a 99, about same mileage as car
• SuperMiata lightweight flywheel (8 pounds) and 1.6 clutch, 159,000 miles, 9/2019

I know springs moves you out of stock class, but throw on a set of FM springs and you basically have the same setup as me. Car is super comfy (I drive it everyday without complaints) and handles great.

Also I think Les has a bunch of that Motorcraft Trans fluid laying around, might be worth it to check with him to see if it’s the right stuff. It’s expensive but man that stuff works great for Miata transmissions.

I still have a new in box radiator if you want it. Price is free!


When I had my 2000, I purchased the Raceland header and did not have problems with it but I understand the the quality can vary from one unit to the next. Don't know that I recall much in the way of power gains in the butt dyno but if I remember correctly the stock manifold is cast iron so there was a nice weight saving.

Kshader wrote:I know springs moves you out of stock class, but throw on a set of FM springs and you basically have the same setup as me. Car is super comfy (I drive it everyday without complaints) and handles great.

I was on FM springs before FM springs were cool. Also back when they lowered the car an inch lower than they do now. We're talkin'... 2002 or so!

I'm gonna try really hard to stay stock for a while, though. I've been down this road before.

Glen wrote:I still have a new in box radiator if you want it. Price is free!

Sold! Unless you want to bring it to an event, PM me and let me know how to get with you to grab it.

Loren wrote:I was on FM springs before FM springs were cool. Also back when they lowered the car an inch lower than they do now. We're talkin'... 2002 or so!

I'm gonna try really hard to stay stock for a while, though. I've been down this road before.

I figured if anyone tried a thing or two with Miatae it’d be you. Jeez I didn’t even know FM has been around that long... I wouldn’t even be able to reach the pedals in a Miata back in ‘02

Y'all gotta stop making me feel old!

Yeah, FM has been around pretty much since the beginning of Miatas. They started out as a shop called "Dealer Alternative". https://www.flyinmiata.com/us/history.php

Loren wrote:I keep telling myself this is not intended to be a project.

Well, crap. Now my not-a-project needs to be competitive. I have a co-driver.

Ruh roh, now we're gonna have Loren in the S4 mix. Lol Congrats on the new project/not project.

I guess if I'm staying stock I should seriously consider some better shocks than these worn out stockers.

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Evil MS3 wrote: Tue Apr 02, 2019 2:01 pm Ruh roh, now we're gonna have Loren in the S4 mix. Lol

I guess if I'm staying stock I should seriously consider some better shocks than these worn out stockers.

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Philip would be so disappointed in you right now .

CaptainSquirts wrote:

Evil MS3 wrote: Tue Apr 02, 2019 2:01 pm Ruh roh, now we're gonna have Loren in the S4 mix. Lol

I guess if I'm staying stock I should seriously consider some better shocks than these worn out stockers.

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Philip would be so disappointed in you right now .

That is a good point [emoji38] I probably wouldn't waste the money anyways since stock isn't my end game.

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CaptainSquirts wrote:

Evil MS3 wrote: Tue Apr 02, 2019 2:01 pm Ruh roh, now we're gonna have Loren in the S4 mix. Lol

I guess if I'm staying stock I should seriously consider some better shocks than these worn out stockers.

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Philip would be so disappointed in you right now .

All of us in M4 are sobbing [emoji24]

Well, the repainting process has begun. There's another thread going on about that.

Tonight was a good night to spend money, I guess...

Tires have been ordered. Two of them will get some use on the front of the Mirage to get through July. But, there's a rebate going on a set of 4... so, I ordered 4. Same 205/50-15 Direzza ZIII's that I've been using. I know they fit the Mirage without rubbing... so, that's the hot ticket for now.

And Konis are on sale with free shipping for $575/set. Went ahead and ordered those.

Loren wrote:And Konis are on sale with free shipping for $575/set. Went ahead and ordered those.

Where did you find that?

Carracer wrote:

Loren wrote:And Konis are on sale with free shipping for $575/set. Went ahead and ordered those.

Where did you find that?

https://www.tunersports.com

Interesting

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I ordered my shocks from TireRack so that I could apply a gift card that I forgot I had. They're here already. A set of 4 205/50-15 Direzza ZIII's is also here. 2 of them will get a little use on the front of the Mirage.

Paint Project is still under way. Making good, somewhat slow progress there.

Tires, shocks and bump stops are all in.

Bought a good stock muffler, and sold the Borla. Exhaust gasket and new rubber hangers are on the way.