What did you do to your NB today? [Archive] - Page 88 (2024)

rgrega

3rd August 2015, 16:43

PioneerMX5

3rd August 2015, 18:15

Installed a set of the GarageStar door bushings. Couldn't have been easier. ;)

The cheapest improvement you can make to your car is setting your tire pressures correctly. These things are the next cheapest, and might just be a bigger improvement. :D

:cool:

Motocrossx23

3rd August 2015, 18:26

A little photoshoot:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/Motocrossx23/4AA77D4D-97D9-4074-BA7E-DC8E95C7535A.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/Motocrossx23/media/4AA77D4D-97D9-4074-BA7E-DC8E95C7535A.jpg.html)

shoult

3rd August 2015, 19:19

Changed the oil yesterday. I really hate the orientation of the oil filter. Usually wind up with oil everywhere.
Took a tip from Miata World. Took my longest screw driver. Place the head on the upward facing part of the oil filter. One easy strike with a hammer and a hole appeared. Took a small butter container and placed it under the filter. Rotated the filter and caught 90% of the oil.
Not perfect but much better than last time.

Remove tray (store safely), remove manifold brace (store). Now the oil filter is easy to get a hold of. Give a twist to loosen the filter and then shove this hi-tech, made of unobtanium material device underneath the filter. Not a drop anywhere.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2000%20Mazda%20Miata/Miscellaneous/OilFilterdrain1_zps0cd84efd.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/shoult/media/Vehicles/2000%20Mazda%20Miata/Miscellaneous/OilFilterdrain1_zps0cd84efd.jpg.html)

Unusualdesigner

3rd August 2015, 19:24

Remove tray (store safely), remove manifold brace (store). Now the oil filter is easy to get a hold of. Give a twist to loosen the filter and then shove this hi-tech, made of unobtanium material device underneath the filter. Not a drop anywhere.

Do we REALLY need to handle it with care? :dunno:

That's a pretty good idea, although a lot of work.

I just wad an old T-shirt under the filter, reach in with left hand and spin it off, pass it to right hand behind alternator and lift up. Remove T-shirt, place in plastic bag and bring to oil disposal site.

Kylini

3rd August 2015, 20:40

Do we REALLY need to handle it with care? :dunno:

That's a pretty good idea, although a lot of work.

I just wad an old T-shirt under the filter, reach in with left hand and spin it off, pass it to right hand behind alternator and lift up. Remove T-shirt, place in plastic bag and bring to oil disposal site.

I just get oil friggin' everywhere. I make sure to always do it in a friend's driveway. :wave:

All stickered up for RallyCross Nationals. I think it's hilarious that Mazda's vinyl is ridiculously thin, too easy to stretch, and hates wet application while the "cheaper" numbers applied perfectly. Oh well!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-decals.jpg

Go Blues

3rd August 2015, 20:48

How long did it take them to get to you after ordering?

Ordered on July 23rd, received on August 1st.

J3cubrc

3rd August 2015, 20:49

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-decals.jpg

looking at the pic: 1) car looks great 2) I see the wire antennae, and I want to ask, was the car originally equipped with an LSD?

manny3

3rd August 2015, 21:02

Do you remember seeing me? You looked right at us just before taking the exit. Midnight Blue '03 LS and the top was down.

BTW, if you have to get a Mazda dealer involved, do you prefer Hyman Bros. or Hampton Mazda?

Yea I remember seeing the car briefly, I was playing with the speed3 going onto the Magruder on-ramp haha. I usually don't have dealerships do any work on my car, but when I bought my mz3 like 7 years ago I took it to Hampton Chevy Mazda, Hyman doesn't really have a good reputation imo. I work at Hall Ford and I just had one of the technicians do the clutch on my car on the side recently, might have him do my mazdaspeed competition diff bushings here soon as well since I don't feel like fighting the bushings. Anything not major I do myself, just put in a new CSF radiator on Sunday, car runs soo much cooler.

Kylini

3rd August 2015, 21:20

looking at the pic: 1) car looks great 2) I see the wire antennae, and I want to ask, was the car originally equipped with an LSD?

Yup. It's a 1999 Sports Pkg. I'm not sure how well the Torsen actually is RallyCrossing but it makes a difference on pavement!

doane2u

3rd August 2015, 21:22

A little photoshoot:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/Motocrossx23/4AA77D4D-97D9-4074-BA7E-DC8E95C7535A.jpg (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/Motocrossx23/media/4AA77D4D-97D9-4074-BA7E-DC8E95C7535A.jpg.html)

Nice, what are those wheels... weight?

Motocrossx23

3rd August 2015, 21:50

They're XXR 535s in 16x8+20.

I'm not sure the weight, but my guess is around 16-17lbs.

Warhammer

3rd August 2015, 22:22

A few things done over the last few days:
Painted the mirrors red:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/rlkeely/20150721_170055_zpsdl3unqku.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rlkeely/media/20150721_170055_zpsdl3unqku.jpg.html)

Finished my Bose-ectomy, installed Sony stereo, painted radio surround red:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/rlkeely/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_205344_zpsnamofejp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rlkeely/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_205344_zpsnamofejp.jpg.html)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/rlkeely/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_205453_zpsjjywa7wq.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rlkeely/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_205453_zpsjjywa7wq.jpg.html)

Cover King spacer mesh red/black seat covers, new shifter boot and e-brake covers in black with red stiching to match the Nardi wheel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/rlkeely/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_205332_zpsecinbylm.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/rlkeely/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_205320_zpsbtyyn35j.jpg[/URL]

agp1956

3rd August 2015, 22:46

doane2u

4th August 2015, 09:27

Took a few pictures when out cruising around earlier.....

Nice hat! :)

Mark Booth

4th August 2015, 12:28

This morning I did the last oil change I'll ever do on our 2001! I wanted to start its new owner out with a fresh pan of motor juice so he doesn't have to worry about any maintenance for 3,000 miles.

Plus, fresh oil is a good idea before you take a car in for a smog check. Her smog check is tomorrow morning!

Mark

Group

4th August 2015, 12:53

This past weekend actually I got around to repainting my burnt up mirrors on my car.
As with everything else on this car, it was my first time

First time painting

FIRST TIME DEALING WITH A STUCK SCREW
FIRST TIME SWEARING AT STUCK SCREW
FIRST TIME HAVING TO BUY DRILL TO REMOVE STUCK SCREW I STRIPPED THE HEAD OFF OF

Took me like a day and a half to take them off, and like maybe an hour and a half to put everything back on, haha.

I still have some of that sweet door goo on my arm, it's cool.

Skip Cannon

4th August 2015, 13:55

I still have some of that sweet door goo on my arm, it's cool.

WD-40 will take that goo right off your skin.

Group

4th August 2015, 14:03

Mcjnic

4th August 2015, 15:11

boomercarguy

4th August 2015, 15:55

Dude WD40 takes everything off
I'd bathe in it if it wasn't for the fact that I'd die

Yeah, people mistakenly think it is a lubricant. It is actually a solvent. If you want to remove the lube from your bicycle chain and leave it dry, spray it with WD-40. The WD stands for Water Displacement. The 40 stands for Formula No. 40. It's great stuff for removing road tar, grease or any other petroleum product, as well as glue on decals, labels or anything else. For my cars without remote locks, I spray the inside of the door locks in the winter after washing the car so that the water gets removed ("displaced") then I respray with silicone spray. The locks never freeze up if I remember to do.

agp1956

4th August 2015, 19:04

Nice hat! :)

Wifey often wears a hat - or at least has one along when she accompanies me....

jimbop99

4th August 2015, 20:37

doane2u

4th August 2015, 21:57

Wifey often wears a hat - or at least has one along when she accompanies me....

Well, it goes with the great background in your photo, complement her... I can just see it blowing in the wind as you drive. Maybe a pix of you two driving (with her hat on)?

Unusualdesigner

5th August 2015, 00:27

FIRST TIME DEALING WITH A STUCK SCREW

That's because Miata screws [as just about any other Asian car] are NOT Phillips but JIS [Japanese Industrial Standard].

Standard Phillips screwdrivers are almost guaranteed to strip off a JIS headed screw.

With the correct tool those mirror screws come off very easily. BT, DT
You can buy JIS screwdrivers through Revlimiter. (http://revlimiter.net/store/jis-screwdrivers.php)

Reddyk

5th August 2015, 02:08

After two days struggle, got fresh oil in the beast. The fancy K&N filter the previous owner put on had a crappy 1" bolt that defeated my favorite filter wrench and forced me to buy a socket that I had to press and turn because it would slip off that pseudobolt.

But I got it. Then watched a Youtube video of how to remove the door panels and grease the window tracks with Shin Etsu. That worked perfectly and my windows are speedy happy now! I didn't even have to remove the plastic covering!

Kylini

6th August 2015, 21:35

Last minute decal additions. Had to pimp GRM prominently on the hood!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-grm-hood.jpg

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-magpul.jpg
(Bonus points if you get this one, especially since the site bans guns. xD)

Firefly1_0

6th August 2015, 22:39

chiefmg

6th August 2015, 23:43

Got home last night, the wife and I went to a B&B for a little alone time. ;)

When I got to the house this morning I said hello to the grandkids and animals, then went on my treasure hunt. Found everything I had bought without too much searching. After some relaxing I dove into things. First I installed the Garage Star door blocks, there's already been enough pictures of those. Mine went on without any trouble, although the passenger door doesn't want to close without a big heave (driver's door is fine). I will see how it is after some use and then adjust if necessary.

I opened the CAN bus wideband interface and did some research on installing it. I removed the wiring harness between the MS and the factory harness where I'm going to install it but the wine kicked in and I decided to wait on that bit until tomorrow.

Finally, I removed these:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/311/19738946763_9b8837016b_z.jpg

And installed these:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/474/20359873895_75cfac072f_z.jpg

These were what I got from revlimiter. Adam does great work. And now she officially has her name.

5Miata10

7th August 2015, 00:51

I installed GarageStar door bushings last night. I may have to sand or otherwise adjust slightly because I really have to slam the door to get it to latch completely. That said, the car is much quieter with no door rattle at all. The car feels more solid with less cowl shake. I have no roll bar or other bracing besides the stock strut tower brace and factory underbracing. In my mind, these are well worth the investment.

Oh, and the new Westco battery made me realize how marginal my old Westco battery was. It cranks much faster and is much happier.

Spacecat

7th August 2015, 02:02

I installed GarageStar door bushings last night. I may have to sand or otherwise adjust slightly because I really have to slam the door to get it to latch completely. That said, the car is much quieter with no door rattle at all. The car feels more solid with less cowl shake. I have no roll bar or other bracing besides the stock strut tower brace and factory underbracing. In my mind, these are well worth the investment.

Same experience here with both the pros and cons. I've had mine installed for just over a week now. I initially spent maybe 30 minutes adjusting my bushings, trying to get the doors to close easier. I found that if I pull slightly upwards as I'm closing the door, it will latch. I'm hoping to get some time this weekend to mess with adjusting them again.

Overall, the car has a much more solid feel.

eyeballs

7th August 2015, 09:17

Mark Booth

7th August 2015, 10:16

I wrote up the sales contract for our 2001 NB this morning. The buyer takes delivery today!

I have very mixed emotions about letting my gorgeous NB beauty go. On the one hand, she's been a real joy for the last 14 years and 130,000 miles. We've traveled the country together, including visiting numerous National Parks and two full trips on Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles.

On the other hand, a sparkling 2016 ND Launch Edition has taken her space in the garage. So, amble opportunity for lots of new memories in a beautiful top-down Roadster! And, yes, we'll be doing Route 66 again! ;)

Mark

cdub17

7th August 2015, 12:15

agreed, these things are super awesome as soon as you get them to fit right. with doors closed, the ride is much more solid, and cabin is definitely quieter. i got my driver side to fit well, but still working on the passenger side. for now i have to slam the door pretty hard before it closes, and when i open it, it feels like the door would've popped open on its own if the latch wasn't there. any tips?

Same experience here with both the pros and cons. I've had mine installed for just over a week now. I initially spent maybe 30 minutes adjusting my bushings, trying to get the doors to close easier. I found that if I pull slightly upwards as I'm closing the door, it will latch. I'm hoping to get some time this weekend to mess with adjusting them again.

Overall, the car has a much more solid feel.

Fighting Sailor

7th August 2015, 12:52

Spanner

7th August 2015, 15:52

I rebuilt the shifter mechanism and replaced both rubber boots using all OEM parts from Rosenthal. In the process, I cleaned 12 years of fast food crumbs and drops of co*ke from the center console, electric window switches and the stereo/hvac bezel. I also permanently fixed the lazy cupholder covers by drilling a tiny hole in a nearby plastic rib and used small-gauge wire to make retainers for the springs. Finally, I patched the old vinyl shifter boot. It will get replaced with a leather one when I do the seats (probably next year).

I'm amazed at how much heat came up through the shifter into the whole console when the larger rubber boot was broken. On a hot day, it would make the console so hot that it was uncomfortable to rest your arm on. It stays at ambient temperature now. It's also really nice to have a very clean center console with properly functioning cupholder covers. :jump:

boomercarguy

7th August 2015, 16:30

Same experience here with both the pros and cons. I've had mine installed for just over a week now. I initially spent maybe 30 minutes adjusting my bushings, trying to get the doors to close easier. I found that if I pull slightly upwards as I'm closing the door, it will latch. I'm hoping to get some time this weekend to mess with adjusting them again.

Overall, the car has a much more solid feel.

Did you try the method I used which was previously posted by someone else? Just finger tighten the bushing at first. Slam the door to adjust the bushing. Tighten the bushing with a wrench. Slam the door again to see if it is better. If it is, then ONE AT A TIME, put Blue Loctite on the first few threads of the bolt and retighten (leave the other bolt tight so that the bushing stays in place). I did this method and I was able to do both bushings in about 10 minutes. That was two weeks ago and they are still in place. I have to slam the door a little harder now but that is the only change. The results in the body frame (no chassis, it's a unibody/monocoque) and door speaker sound is amazing.

boomercarguy

7th August 2015, 16:34

tbm275

7th August 2015, 19:23

bigwidegrin

7th August 2015, 19:31

CharlestonMX5

7th August 2015, 19:51

Got the Hard Dog Trailer Hitch (R2H) installed to tow the new (motorcycle) trailer I picked up on Craigs List. Haven't decided on painting, or wrapping the trailer. Also have to do the wiring, looking at several options.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=880&pictureid=17266

Seashed

7th August 2015, 20:10

CharlestonMX5

7th August 2015, 20:16

kallsop

7th August 2015, 20:19

^^OK hero! Who lifted that up onto your deck? Don't be brave, watch yourself!
Looks great though, congratulations! Missing the greenery over there, not so "leafy" here in AZ right now.

Yes, but wait till fall and take the highway from Fountain Hills to Payson and then take 260 to Heber and Overgaard, or go north to Pine and Strawberry then head to Camp Verde and to Jerome and find Lance Schall and have lunch at the Haunted Hamburger.

boomercarguy

7th August 2015, 20:31

Spacecat

7th August 2015, 21:18

After a year and a half I painted those plastic caps that are in the interior at near the seat belt supports. I do not know the correct name. There is one on each side of the interior and they fade a lot more than the rest of the plastic for some reason.

I believe they're called beltline caps. I need to paint mine too, as they've turned into an unappealing green. What did you do for prep and paint?

CharlestonMX5

7th August 2015, 21:33

CharlestonMX5

7th August 2015, 21:36

I didn't have time to take a picture but I saw a big motorcycle pulling a trailer made of the back half of an NB. It was painted to match the motorcycle.

This one only weighs something like 273 lbs, it's on the vin plate, I will have to look. It almost looks waterproof so you could fill it with beer and ice, and has air ride suspension. I will see what it tows like tomorrow.

Spanner

7th August 2015, 22:28

bigwidegrin

7th August 2015, 22:42

I believe they're called beltline caps. I need to paint mine too, as they've turned into an unappealing green. What did you do for prep and paint?

I used grease remover and then a scotchbrite pad for the prep. I used flat black paint. I had semi gloss but would have had to much shine.

CharlestonMX5

7th August 2015, 22:47

I'm going to dye mine with Forever Black (http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Black-Bumper-Trim-Dye/dp/B000FOIJXQ/) at some point before the summer is over.

I take back what I said, I did use Forever Black on those, I forgot. The BBQ paint was on the hard top latches.

Spanner

7th August 2015, 23:06

Loudcrowd

7th August 2015, 23:13

CharlestonMX5

8th August 2015, 00:08

With good results, I'm assuming.

Yes, it worked good, but I do need to put on a second coat

Mark Booth

8th August 2015, 01:25

Sold her today! Our 2001 NB now belongs to a guy named Joe! The transfer happened at a AAA office and the clerk was kind enough to take a photo of me handing the key to Joe!

http://www.thephotobooth.net/photos/i-8HBKms5/0/XL/i-8HBKms5-XL.jpg

And thus begins a new chapter in our Miata lives with Miata #3, a 2016 ND Launch Edition!

Mark

huskydog

8th August 2015, 11:48

qoheleth

8th August 2015, 19:43

Mark Booth

9th August 2015, 01:10

We went for a drive today with Joe & his girlfriend, them in their "new" NB and us in our new ND. We stopped at a favorite spot for a photo op!

http://www.thephotobooth.net/photos/i-P372FTK/0/O/i-P372FTK.jpg

Mark

Arrow2486

9th August 2015, 09:41

We went for a drive today with Joe & his girlfriend, them in their "new" NB and us in our new ND. We stopped at a favorite spot for a photo op!

http://www.thephotobooth.net/photos/i-P372FTK/0/O/i-P372FTK.jpg

Mark

Seeing the NB & ND side by side like that (& in the same color (or really close)) makes me feel like the design & styling is much more of an evolution from the NB than the NC. I feel like the design of the NC just doesn't fit between those two.

doane2u

9th August 2015, 11:14

We went for a drive today with Joe & his girlfriend, them in their "new" NB and us in our new ND. We stopped at a favorite spot for a photo op!

http://www.thephotobooth.net/photos/i-P372FTK/0/O/i-P372FTK.jpg

Mark

Hay, Mark, are you going to put your rooster on the side of your ND.. will it fit?

Mark Booth

9th August 2015, 12:16

Seeing the NB & ND side by side like that (& in the same color (or really close)) makes me feel like the design & styling is much more of an evolution from the NB than the NC. I feel like the design of the NC just doesn't fit between those two.

Speaking strictly from a body styling point of view, I think the NC was an evolution from the NA. Likewise, to my eyes too, the ND is an evolution from the NB. I've felt that way from the moment I first gazed at an ND. I see little hints (tributes) to the NB styling here and there within the ND.

Some people think I'm crazy, but clearly you don't! :)

Mark

Mark Booth

9th August 2015, 12:18

Hay, Mark, are you going to put your rooster on the side of your ND.. will it fit?

Those longer Voodoo Decals (Pollo Rampante) won't work on the ND. But Thompson Automotive offers a smaller size and I think I'll give those a try. In fact, Tom has already put a set of the smaller ones on his Launch Edition ND. I'll get to see how it looks before I put them on my LE.

Mark

Mark Booth

9th August 2015, 12:19

This morning, we bid a final farewell to our beloved NB and its new owners!

http://www.thephotobooth.net/photos/i-S5ZgnWN/0/X2/i-S5ZgnWN-X2.jpg

Mark

chiefmg

9th August 2015, 16:50

Met up with a small group of people to drive to Columbus for a swap meet. The guy in front of me told me the front end of mine looks intimidating in the rear view mirror. Maybe that's why people seem to drive like idiots when I'm passing them. Or maybe they are just idiots.

Sold some things at the swap meet, and bought this:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/536/19814178444_60f255d91b_c.jpg

Going to try to get them installed tomorrow. That's if I don't have any aftereffects from the wicked sunburn I have.

Sanchinguy

9th August 2015, 17:19

Kylini

9th August 2015, 19:54

Went to my third, fourth, and fifth RallyCross events all in one weekend!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-rxnats1.jpg

Had a good mix of wet, dry, and in between for all three courses.

http://kylini.com/grm/rxnats-miata.jpg

For good measure, my dad had a good time too!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-dad.jpg

I only got 9th (my co-driver beat me day 3 and got 7th) but who cares! For an underprepared car in a very competitive class, I'm thrilled!

Chris GTO TT

9th August 2015, 21:40

Went to my third, fourth, and fifth RallyCross events all in one weekend!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-rxnats1.jpg

Had a good mix of wet, dry, and in between for all three courses.

http://kylini.com/grm/rxnats-miata.jpg

For good measure, my dad had a good time too!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-dad.jpg

I only got 9th (my co-driver beat me day 3 and got 7th) but who cares! For an underprepared car in a very competitive class, I'm thrilled!

What do you run for suspension?

doane2u

9th August 2015, 21:44

This morning, we bid a final farewell to our beloved NB and its new owners!

http://www.thephotobooth.net/photos/i-S5ZgnWN/0/X2/i-S5ZgnWN-X2.jpg

Mark

Mark, please tell me those aren't those fake Brimbo red plastic covers?

jscarrozzo

9th August 2015, 22:00

doane2u

9th August 2015, 22:04

Kylini

9th August 2015, 23:01

What do you run for suspension?

I had some FCM coilovers with 10 in springs (about 1-2 inches higher than stock) and no sway bars. It handled fine but we weren't the best drivers nor were we competitive.

The prepared and stock Miata guys won with KYB non-adjustable shocks and OEM springs, a Racing Beat front bar, and an OEM rear bar. Even if you ignore the drying course (modified class had two wet mornings), they were pretty drastically faster. A lot of that is the driver and not the car.

If your sites are reasonably smooth, you don't need a lift and anything good for autocross will probably be good for rallycross. You don't even need a skid plate!

Spacecat

10th August 2015, 00:39

Mark, please tell me those aren't those fake Brimbo red plastic covers?

http://www.thompson-automotive.com/calipercovers.html

doane2u

10th August 2015, 00:50

http://www.thompson-automotive.com/calipercovers.html

Well.. at least they aren't plastic, right? :D

Krack

10th August 2015, 01:10

Installed my Tokico Illuminas on my NB,
With stock springs and all new oem everythign else + FCM bumpstops.

Rides a bit high... ? er than i thought it would.

setting 1/1 was ****.
setting 2/1 was awesome.
might try 3/2 or variations thereof after.

Seashed

10th August 2015, 08:48

^^With the OEM springs back in on the Illumina shocks, I'm thinking that they suspension was tightened up in a "droop" state. It should come back down to factory
ride height in a day or two, or get it back to where you can loosen and retighten the bits and pieces with the suspension jacked into ride position.

FWIW, after experimenting with all the possible combinations of dialed in numbers on those shocks, I went back to the FM recommended setting (albiet with the full FM Stage 2 kit) of 3F/2R. It has been that way for years now.

Firefly1_0

10th August 2015, 09:34

ChopstickHero

10th August 2015, 10:15

Long Saturday wrenching. Got my XIDA coilovers installed, RB front sway with RB endlinks, FM frame rails and butterfly. Handles amazing right now. Need to tweak alignment still.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8918023/nb1-miata_2.jpg

doane2u

10th August 2015, 10:15

This morning, we bid a final farewell to our beloved NB and its new owners!

http://www.thephotobooth.net/photos/i-S5ZgnWN/0/X2/i-S5ZgnWN-X2.jpg

Mark

Mark: I hope you still have those interior shots of your NB still posted someplace? Can you supply a link, would love to look at them again.
Thanks,

Krack

10th August 2015, 10:59

^^With the OEM springs back in on the Illumina shocks, I'm thinking that they suspension was tightened up in a "droop" state. It should come back down to factory
ride height in a day or two, or get it back to where you can loosen and retighten the bits and pieces with the suspension jacked into ride position.

FWIW, after experimenting with all the possible combinations of dialed in numbers on those shocks, I went back to the FM recommended setting (albiet with the full FM Stage 2 kit) of 3F/2R. It has been that way for years now.

I see, thats what I'm hoping for haha. Thanks.
Is 3/2 not over damped for stock springs?

jimbop99

10th August 2015, 15:29

Unusualdesigner

10th August 2015, 15:39

I see, thats what I'm hoping for haha. Thanks.
Is 3/2 not over damped for stock springs?

HE has the FM springs. Those DO need the extra damping.

Seashed

11th August 2015, 00:01

^^Yes, hence the disclosure of "albiet with the full FM Stage 2 kit".
I did not have those shocks with OEM springs on my NB1. So I can't
tell you that the 3F/2R setting would be best for you there.

On to the "What did you do..." part, I installed my Blue Ox base plate unit,
plus Blue Ox Adventurer tow bar, and Roadmaster taillight wiring kit,
all in preparation to buying my RV this week. Can't wait, and now all
ready to find and buy, hook up and roll away on my next adventure.

Unusualdesigner

11th August 2015, 00:54

Seashed

11th August 2015, 06:16

ArtinNC

11th August 2015, 09:05

http://www.thompson-automotive.com/calipercovers.html

"WOW" those fake covers a kinda pricy.

Unusualdesigner

11th August 2015, 10:13

^^Yes, both commercially available base plates, this Blue Ox, and the Roadmaster, use the "baby teeth" tie down bolt locations. The 6 bolts, with thread locker, make it pretty darn sturdy. I was careful with the installation, and have no worries about the security of the setup.

Looks good. They are really "fangs" not baby teeth... btw :wave:

Kylini

11th August 2015, 15:03

Had a horrific screeching noise when turning left from my front right. Turns out mud is bad to have packed in your brake calipers! A quick disassemble reassemble fixed it.

By the way, how much caked grease on the back side of a newer wheel bearing is too much? I have a rebuilt racing unit.

Spanner

12th August 2015, 12:03

I really want to add some delrin door blocks to my car at some point, but I'm not ready to shell out $65 for two pieces of plastic. Also, I think delrin is the best material for the application, but probably over-engineered for most of us. So I decided to do something temporary until next summer, hoping that a less expensive solution will come around. I filled the gap between my old, worn rubber door blocks and the receiver with double-sided foam tape and the fuzzy side of some heavy duty velcro. The foam tape fills the gap, and the velcro acts as a dry lubricant so the doors close smoothly. Both were laying the house around after a previous project, so this cost me nothing.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=224111&stc=1&d=1439394743
http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=224112&stc=1&d=1439394743

I'm pretty happy with the results. I drove around on a bad road near my house and neither door moved around much. The car feels more solid and is quieter.

Xifirus

12th August 2015, 15:00

grbentley

12th August 2015, 15:35

224120

224121

224122

Unusualdesigner

12th August 2015, 16:54

Today I picked up my OEM flywheel after it had been resurfaced and the inertia ring ground down. Now, I'm struggling to find somewhere in the Des Moines area that can rebalance it :sad:

The machine shop that resurfaced it should have been able to re-balance it. They should have the right machinery.

shoult

12th August 2015, 20:06

The machine shop that resurfaced it should have been able to re-balance it. They should have the right machinery.

And it should have been part of the quote for the service. At the very least they should have suggested that you need to do that after the other work they did.

ArtinNC

12th August 2015, 23:31

5Miata10

12th August 2015, 23:54

I finally had it aligned. I had it done by Perry at Town North Mazda in Richardson on a recommendation by Track Dog Racing here in Dallas. It was done proper with me in the driver seat and participating. He got all he could out of it: A little over 6.5 Caster each side, a little over 1.3 negative camber each side in front., slight toe out. Out back he got 2.0 negative and set slight toe in. I thought I would get more with the Racing beat springs and a ride height 1.6 lower in front and 1.1 inch lower in the rear.

More disappointing was the fact that they had no NDs to look at. All they have got in so far were claimed. It looks like the only ones available in DFW at the 6 or 8 Mazda dealers are automatics in red, black or blue. I'll wait for Mazda to spice up the color palette and consider adding the LS to the GT.

manny3

13th August 2015, 00:25

em1zack

13th August 2015, 00:57

J3cubrc

13th August 2015, 04:11

...Black windshild frame , New tires , New paint .

The black window frame really sets the car apart nicely.

Motocrossx23

13th August 2015, 09:04

Decided to keep it.

The money I'd have from selling it doesn't justify losing such a fun car.

I think I just need to find it a garage and lower it this winter so it's done.

Xifirus

13th August 2015, 10:12

The machine shop that resurfaced it should have been able to re-balance it. They should have the right machinery.

And it should have been part of the quote for the service. At the very least they should have suggested that you need to do that after the other work they did.

In all that machine shop charged $120 for resurfacing and grinding off the ring. That shop and most of the ones I called said they couldn't balance unless I brought in the drive shaft or couldn't do it at all.

I just found a place this morning that will balance it nearby but they want $80/hour plus shop supplies to do it.

It seems kind of ridiculous to me.

Anyone got a good place for me to send it to have it done quickly and under $80 or should I just bite the bullet and buy another one/lightweight? I want to get it back in and running before fall so I can; first of all drive with the top down, and second stop burning through the extended warranty on my Mazda 3 which I was planning on using just for Winter driving.

drtwofish

13th August 2015, 10:18

chiefmg

13th August 2015, 10:19

The guy I bought the brakes from found the spacers, he's sending them to me.

Wife and I went out last night, while waiting on her outside a store I decided to take a picture:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5795/20352356460_7611b46cc5_c.jpg

JonK67

13th August 2015, 10:29

Removed & cleaned the HVAC blower motor. Easy but kind of gross! I removed a small handful of leaves and cleaned all the blades with simple green & a big stack of q-tips. Seems like this ought to be yearly maintenance since we don't have a cabin air filter.

Did you reach into the box with the coil or peak in with a mirror? I think you'll find and equally gross amount of stuff sucked against the coils. See my post on that:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=580374

Kylini

13th August 2015, 14:28

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14138687/miata-prelim-intake.jpg

This is preliminary fitment! I went over to CXRacing.com and snagged myself a 2.5 in J-pipe (PIP250-U-J), a 2.5 in straight adapter (SH250-76), a 2.75 to 2.5 in reducer (SH275R250-76), and some T-bolt clamps for around 50 shipped. Another 50 got me an AEM 21-202BF-OS DryFlow (the dirt-capable high-flow dry filter). The hood closes (with massaging) and the intake is a great improvement flow-wise and acceleration-wise from my old setup.

I need to make a 0.5-to-1 in diagonal cut on the short side of the J-tube for additional room up front (avoid radiator hose) and to further point the filter past the washer fluid bottle. This will also improve the hood clearance situation.

I also need to either 1) block the PCV, or 2) re-add vacuum hose to the intake and replace the breather. I might also drill a hole in the filter for the temp sensor (currently placed next to the intake).

madc1

13th August 2015, 16:53

The guy I bought the brakes from found the spacers, he's sending them to me.

Wife and I went out last night, while waiting on her outside a store I decided to take a picture:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5795/20352356460_7611b46cc5_c.jpg

What seats do you have in there?

jimbop99

13th August 2015, 17:07

zimmerframe

13th August 2015, 17:16

Renewed the O2 sensor. It was struggling a bit with emissions. Could have been the cat fortunately this was a cheaper fix☺.

The engine feels smoother and more free revving though it could just be my imagination.

chiefmg

13th August 2015, 20:39

What seats do you have in there?

Old Recaro LX-Cs. They just barely fit (there is contact with the seat belt tower trim). I have them mounted on Corbeau double slider brackets, had to use some flat bar to mate the seat base to the slider.

ArtinNC

13th August 2015, 22:14

Today I picked up my OEM flywheel after it had been resurfaced and the inertia ring ground down. Now, I'm struggling to find somewhere in the Des Moines area that can rebalance it :sad:

Balancing should only cost you about $70 , that is what it costs in the Charlotte NC area. Just had my FM flywheel rebalanced .

944play

13th August 2015, 22:25

Used some nail polish to address some gouges in the new paint. :ohno:

Sally Beauty Supply had this on sale for $0.89. Color "Fire! Fire!" is really darn close to Classic Red.

Not perfect but better. I'll flatten it out with some #2000 when I feel up to it.

em1zack

13th August 2015, 23:02

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14138687/miata-prelim-intake.jpg

I also need to either 1) block the PCV, or 2) re-add vacuum hose to the intake and replace the breather. I might also drill a hole in the filter for the temp sensor (currently placed next to the intake).

Blocking the PCV will cause and oil leak from either the Valve cover, crank or cam seals or worse. Use option 2.

jynclr

14th August 2015, 01:51

Bombers1970

14th August 2015, 05:58

Seashed

14th August 2015, 09:36

doane2u

14th August 2015, 09:48

Used some nail polish to address some gouges in the new paint. :ohno:

Sally Beauty Supply had this on sale for $0.89. Color "Fire! Fire!" is really darn close to Classic Red.

Not perfect but better. I'll flatten it out with some #2000 when I feel up to it.

Just to let you know. Nail polish is not designed for direct sun or outdoor exposure and may fade or flake off over time. Also, it's a liquor base or acetone base which can cause havoc with your existing car finish. You would be better off to bite the bullet and spend the money on a Mazda or other companies car touch up paint.

Automotivetouchup paint (http://www.automotivetouchup.com/) is one I like with more reasonable prices.

doane2u

14th August 2015, 09:52

Not exactly "to my Miata" rather "for my Miata",
I bought this RV to tow my Miata, since I installed
that baseplate, got the towbar, wired up the lighting,
and now am ready to tow and travel!

Chris: So, You're going to do it! And you got a really big one, how big is it? I'm curious how you are going to maneuver that with the car behind it as well, but I suppose if it's only between trailer parks you will have a home base each time and then can have fun with the car exploring. How long do you plan to be gone and are you going to do a test run first?
All the best of luck and stay in touch with all of us. :thumbs:

Seashed

14th August 2015, 11:17

Doane,

It looks rather large in that photo, but actually only a 30ft. unit.
It drives like a std. van, pulls great, and is so smooth. Never even
know that the Miata is behind it. I haven't measured how long the
full setup is with car attached, but I've driven 18 wheelers so not
worried in the least about the size. Slow and careful is my motto
with these sort of things. I'm in no hurry!
Not as new as I'd have liked, or as few miles, but so wonderfully kept, inside and out, as well as a scrupulous maintenance schedule for Ford V-10,
brakes and chassis, as well as the generator. I got all the features that I wanted
in this one, and did not find another after months of looking that had "it all" and
was within my price range. So I don't mind the year/mileage due to the fantastic
shape this one is in.

I'm just getting it all set up, need to drag my stuff down from PHX first. Then who knows?
I may head up to the mountains, but I'll be going "somewhere". It
doesn't matter, as I have nobody to answer to but myself. It will be great!

drtwofish

14th August 2015, 11:22

Dang, no, I didn't think to do that! I'll do it this weekend - not exactly a labor-intensive process to get it back out :-D

Thanks for the tip and the link.

Did you reach into the box with the coil or peak in with a mirror? I think you'll find and equally gross amount of stuff sucked against the coils. See my post on that:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=580374

JonK67

14th August 2015, 13:05

Dang, no, I didn't think to do that! I'll do it this weekend - not exactly a labor-intensive process to get it back out :-D

Thanks for the tip and the link.

Good to know the blower box is easy to get out with the dash in, people were asking me that. You won't have much room to get your head in there to look so a small mirror or cell phone camera seems to be best bet.

Kylini

14th August 2015, 20:15

Finished up the intake! Turns out the vacuum canister is *not* bolted into place and simply slides into its bracket. I was able to lower it about half an inch without any modifications or damage so it's STR legal.

Cutting about an inch off the J-turn gave me enough room to solve both my hood and radiator hose clearance issues. The intake isn't supported but rests snugly atop the vacuum canister and washer reservoir. I might create a bracket for the MAF just to be sure!

The hood breather is routed after the MAF where it belongs.

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-intake1.jpg

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-intake2.jpg

944play

14th August 2015, 20:35

Just to let you know. Nail polish is not designed for direct sun or outdoor exposure and may fade or flake off over time.

If so, oh well, I'm only out a buck. In my experience, consumer grade auto paint doesn't last very well either. I repainted my mirrors with Duplicolor rattle cans; they came out great, but by the second year they were as checked on top as the 15 year old factory paint had been.

shoult

14th August 2015, 22:34

doane2u

14th August 2015, 22:38

If so, oh well, I'm only out a buck. In my experience, consumer grade auto paint doesn't last very well either. I repainted my mirrors with Duplicolor rattle cans; they came out great, but by the second year they were as checked on top as the 15 year old factory paint had been.

Could be faulty prep work? Did you contact them?

5Miata10

14th August 2015, 23:27

Got it out to try the fresh alignment. Much improved.

I've decided the idiot water temp gauge is a blessing. Knowing actual engine water temp is nerve racking. Granted, today it stayed at or below 212 and I could manipulate the water temp with the AC (activating both fans). Once home, I brought the temp to 194 with the AC on and max fan and heat. It is interesting that that second radiator (the heater core) can make a 10 degree difference just at idle in my garage.

I ordered a coolant reroute kit. If nothing else, peace of mind, maybe, knowing that it will be back to what the original engineers designed.

d2003t

14th August 2015, 23:28

Doane,

It looks rather large in that photo, but actually only a 30ft. unit.

It drives like a std. van, pulls great, and is so smooth. Never even

know that the Miata is behind it. I haven't measured how long the

full setup is with car attached, but I've driven 18 wheelers so not

worried in the least about the size. Slow and careful is my motto

with these sort of things. I'm in no hurry!

Not as new as I'd have liked, or as few miles, but so wonderfully kept, inside and out, as well as a scrupulous maintenance schedule for Ford V-10,

brakes and chassis, as well as the generator. I got all the features that I wanted

in this one, and did not find another after months of looking that had "it all" and

was within my price range. So I don't mind the year/mileage due to the fantastic

shape this one is in.

I'm just getting it all set up, need to drag my stuff down from PHX first. Then who knows?

I may head up to the mountains, but I'll be going "somewhere". It

doesn't matter, as I have nobody to answer to but myself. It will be great!

Looks great. Envy your travels.
Dan

Seashed

15th August 2015, 06:21

john blutarski

15th August 2015, 07:01

J3cubrc

15th August 2015, 08:15

Could be faulty prep work?

That is my suspician. I've used nail polish to touch up stone chips and it doesn't last very long at all. I did use Duplicolor rattle cans to refinish my badly faded red mirrors, almost two years ago, and they still look new. I did use clear, that maybe the difference also.

On a side note, I may have converted a German car guy/nut. My brother was texting me at work all day with questions, trying to spec out a new ND. This is a guy that ordered his E46 M3 without power seats and without a sunroof because he couldn't sacrifice the rigidity. Now he's ordering a new convertible? It's so out of character for him but he can't stand reading all the Jalopnick reviews any longer. I'm quitting my job to answer my new calling.

watchdoc

15th August 2015, 09:40

I decided to replace the broken lid on my NB1 rather than spend the extra money on the NB2 console. Even though it had never been used, just looking at the ashtray kinda disgusts me so I decided to cut the metal tab and repurpose it as a cell phone and change holder. I'm sure this has been done 1000 times but I was happy. I left enough of the metal tab so the lid still hinges and stays closed when not in use.

http://i59.tinypic.com/r29t05.jpg

cmsmith76

15th August 2015, 11:13

...Even though it had never been used, just looking at the ashtray kinda disgusts me so I decided to cut the metal tab and repurpose it as a cell phone and change holder...

http://i59.tinypic.com/r29t05.jpg

I'm not a smoker either and have no need for my lighter or ashtray. But I like them because they feel "vintage." It was kind of cool when my 8 year old asked me about the "funny looking plug for the phone/computer charger" and "what kind of drinks do you put in that really little cup holder." He was mesmerized when I explained that cars used to be made for smokers convenience, etc. He thought it was the coolest thing that there was something built into the car to essentially create a fire.

I like the added nostalgia. It provides a "I remember when..." moment. :)

MatcheezlesNB

15th August 2015, 16:12

I really want to add some delrin door blocks to my car at some point, but I'm not ready to shell out $65 for two pieces of plastic. Also, I think delrin is the best material for the application, but probably over-engineered for most of us. So I decided to do something temporary until next summer, hoping that a less expensive solution will come around. I filled the gap between my old, worn rubber door blocks and the receiver with double-sided foam tape and the fuzzy side of some heavy duty velcro. The foam tape fills the gap, and the velcro acts as a dry lubricant so the doors close smoothly. Both were laying the house around after a previous project, so this cost me nothing.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=224111&stc=1&d=1439394743
http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=224112&stc=1&d=1439394743

I'm pretty happy with the results. I drove around on a bad road near my house and neither door moved around much. The car feels more solid and is quieter.

I love you! I was wanting to think of something to "make at home" to suffice until i got the delrins.... another user forwarded your post to me.

I will do this and let you know how it works for me!

Thanks for posting!!! :jump::thumbs::thumbs:

jprocknow

15th August 2015, 18:55

de_sjiem

15th August 2015, 19:13

themadgamer

15th August 2015, 19:48

Ahhh, the Silver Bullet got the intake manifold cleaned today and CEL cleared.

Test drive was awesome, up Woodward Ave during the Dream Cruise and then a quick trip back on the freeway (even though I only live a mile away) ;-)

Spanner

15th August 2015, 19:48

I love you! I was wanting to think of something to "make at home" to suffice until i got the delrins.... another user forwarded your post to me.

I will do this and let you know how it works for me!

Thanks for posting!!! :jump::thumbs::thumbs:
Glad you found it useful! :)

rkjjeep

15th August 2015, 21:49

jynclr

16th August 2015, 09:57

Taztrophe

16th August 2015, 11:24

Yesterday drove 130 miles round trip to deliver a computer just because one-third of the trip is curvy, woodsy road. Got back and removed both seats to properly install my new cheap-but-beautiful seatcovers. Then today removed the B-pillar caps and painted them flat black which is much sexier than faded greenish-grey.

Also, new here, new to Miatas, new to roadsters. Life is AWESOME! Shoulda bought this car five years ago! (2000 Classic Red base with some tasteful upgrades I'm still learning about)

John in Brockville

16th August 2015, 16:57

^D2003t,
Thanks! First I have a list of stuff to do, outfit the kitchen, my BBQ kit, tools and supplies, and familiarize myself with this specific unit and drivetrain. No cleaning or fixing involved, but all the little things that I need to sort out and be ready for a new adventure, whenever and wherever that may be. As I often say, "If not now, when? And now is my when. I appreciate the good thoughts!

Hi Chris, we exchanged pleasantries a little while back when you were still in the process of selling the house. Hope the new motor home gets you safely to that place where you find the peace, comfort and happiness that we all seek.

Keep us posted on your journey.

Seashed

16th August 2015, 17:10

jh1129

16th August 2015, 21:05

01Emerald

16th August 2015, 22:35

My 2001 acted up for the first time since I have owned it, cutting out and misfiring in 103F temps running uphill with the AC on Saturday while driving to a club event.

I managed to get to the side of the road and I let it idle for a bit and took off up the shoulder. In a few hundred yards it started again, so I idled it longer and made it to the event.

No further episodes on the way home (much cooler and downhill), no CEL, no codes, so given that the car has 111,000 miles on the original CPS and the symptoms match what many have ascribed to a failing CPS when hot, I replaced it today.

It seems to run fine so far and actually is idling better, so maybe the CPS was already flaky and just got worse?

Easy part to swap, which is nice.

Time will tell.

alape8

16th August 2015, 22:55

PioneerMX5

16th August 2015, 23:29

^^Thanks John. House sale got done, then my "Old Guy Crosscountry Tour", now onto the RV. Not sure that I'll ever "get to the place" you describe, but I'm thinking that the journey is the goal, not just a destination, be it geographic or metaphysical/emotional/spiritual. I'm working on it, and plan to enjoy each new step and the places and people I meet along the way. Just like so many good members here who I feel have become friends, all part of my journey.

My wife and I have it 'on our list' to get an RV and (probably) an enclosed trailer, and either bring along the Miata or a one of our motorcycles, and spend a few months on the road. I've seen so much of the country, and she has not. I want to show America to her while we're still able to enjoy it. ;)

I hope you plan on posting a sort of 'trip log' here (or somewhere else that we know about).

:cool:

chiefmg

16th August 2015, 23:46

Had a guy get a rolling picture of me at the local cars & coffee yesterday (credit to the photographer as listed on the picture):

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/634/20601330342_d11560e4c9_c.jpg

Miataismymistress

17th August 2015, 01:11

Sanchinguy

17th August 2015, 06:58

boomercarguy

17th August 2015, 07:15

[QUOTE=jh1129;7629023]Did quite a few things to my NB2 recently.
Installed garage star door blocks. Still need to mod/finesse passenger side.

Try loosening the bolts and then retighten to finger-tight only. Close and open the door a couple times. Retighten both bolts with a wrench. Try again. If it is correct, loosen only one bolt at a time to put BLUE Loctite on the first few threads (leave the other bolt tight to keep the block in place). I did this about a month ago and I've had no problems at all since then.

doane2u

17th August 2015, 10:03

My clutch had been acting up so I replaced the slave cylinder and the looped hard-line with the units available at 949. Since I was in there, also decided to do the master since it wasn't much extra effort. Drives great again, very happy with the kit and definitely the price!

I'm curious, what problems were you having and what mileage? Thanks,

alape8

17th August 2015, 10:55

I'm curious, what problems were you having and what mileage? Thanks,

It's an 04 with 94k. The clutch would occasionally lose resistance and not engage until it was pretty much all the way to the floor, at which point it just acted as an on/off switch without progressive engagement. It was also very difficult to move the shifter into reverse, not sure if that's actually impacted by the cylinders but the few times I used it yesterday it seemed fine.

Waltzy23

17th August 2015, 12:24

Had a guy get a rolling picture of me at the local cars & coffee yesterday (credit to the photographer as listed on the picture):

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/634/20601330342_d11560e4c9_c.jpg

Any shots of the car not rolling? Wheel combo looks great!:jump:

CMMCK

17th August 2015, 13:17

This past weekend my wife and I drove the MX5 from Columbia, MD to Taylor Co. WV, something more than 500 miles round trip. I was born in Taylor County in 1951. Driving through the mountains on Rte 50 is what the Miata is all about and it was a great trip.

We're all familiar with the discussions about the Miata being a "girly" car. Twice in Taylor County when I stopped at a gas station and a convenience store, young men driving pickups came over and said, "Great day for a convertible," "Now that is a cool car," "Is that the turbo model?" And once as I pulled onto the shoulder to look at a house where my grandparents used to live, a caravan of 1950s cars drove by. It was headed by a Packard, then a 1950 Ford, then a string of early '50s Chevys and Pontiacs, all beautifully restored. And every one of them waved. Yeah, the Miata doesn't have a lot in common with '50s Detroit iron, but the drivers knew someone driving a Miata was a car guy.

I'll surely remember this weekend outing.

shoult

17th August 2015, 16:42

Picked up my new (to me) 2002 Ti SE (#2100) in Houston, TX and took it for a short drive to Nashville, TN. Nice to have a Miata again. Need to fix a few things and change a few other things, but it's mine.

A few notes.....

While I need to swap over the TRM wheels and Yoko S.drive tires from my 00 before I can really tell, the Torsen LSD seems WAY more susceptible to oversteer in slippery conditions than an open rear end.

On the freeway the 6 spd seems to need to be down shifted to 5th to get any real passing done compared to the 5 spd. And 1st really does seem to be superfluous. It does seem to shift as well as the 5 spd though. It just seems to need MORE shifting because of the ratios.

Also, my hybrid 03 bottom end/00 shaved head engine seemed to be much more potent than this stock 02 engine. That may be just because I've been without a Miata and have been driving only my 300 hp G35.

I'll post pictures (otherwise it didn't happen) when I take some of my own. It's raining right now.

em1zack

17th August 2015, 18:13

Picked up my new (to me) 2002 Ti SE (#2100) in Houston, TX and took it for a short drive to Nashville, TN. Nice to have a Miata again. Need to fix a few things and change a few other things, but it's mine.

A few notes.....

While I need to swap over the TRM wheels and Yoko S.drive tires from my 00 before I can really tell, the Torsen LSD seems WAY more susceptible to oversteer in slippery conditions than an open rear end.

On the freeway the 6 spd seems to need to be down shifted to 5th to get any real passing done compared to the 5 spd. And 1st really does seem to be superfluous. It does seem to shift as well as the 5 spd though. It just seems to need MORE shifting because of the ratios.

Also, my hybrid 03 bottom end/00 shaved head engine seemed to be much more potent than this stock 02 engine. That may be just because I've been without a Miata and have been driving only my 300 hp G35.

I'll post pictures (otherwise it didn't happen) when I take some of my own. It's raining right now.

Gongrats on your new to you Miata and welcome back to the great state of TN. Sure she will suit you more after you personalize. The six speed does require more shifting than a five but with the Ford synthetic I swear it's smoother.

Left mine in the basem*nt today due to the rain.

JonK67

17th August 2015, 18:34

Picked up my new (to me) 2002 Ti SE (#2100) in Houston, TX and took it for a short drive to Nashville, TN. Nice to have a Miata again. Need to fix a few things and change a few other things, but it's mine.

Congrats, you are 'complete' again... Look forward to seeing it.

shoult

17th August 2015, 18:59

Took the stock 16" wheels with Direzza P205/45R16s off and mounted my TRM C1 15x7 wheels with Yoko P205/50R15 tires on the car and it is transformed! It had stopped raining but still wet out and the car is MUCH more planted on wet pavement. Oh sure I can still spin up the Yoks on the wet pavement, but I'm not afraid they're just going to go at any moment any more.

Here's the kicker. The Direzzas had about 75% tread left except the LF which was brand new. The Yoks are near used up in the back and about 50% used in the front and still they stick better in the wet.

I'll be buying a full set of Yoks very soon.

Kermit

17th August 2015, 19:12

So...bought it & took a nice trip home, one. Switched out the wheels & tires and drove it some more, two. A photo-less hole you're digging, yes? [emoji12] Didn't happen. lol

Congrats Shoult, hope it brings you much joy!

chiefmg

17th August 2015, 19:33

Any shots of the car not rolling? Wheel combo looks great!:jump:

Posted previously somewhere around here:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/12994602703_f18853917a_c.jpg

And thanks.

Spanner

17th August 2015, 22:04

Picked up my new (to me) 2002 Ti SE (#2100) in Houston, TX and took it for a short drive to Nashville, TN. Nice to have a Miata again. Need to fix a few things and change a few other things, but it's mine.

...

I'll post pictures (otherwise it didn't happen) when I take some of my own. It's raining right now.So...bought it & took a nice trip home, one. Switched out the wheels & tires and drove it some more, two. A photo-less hole you're digging, yes? [emoji12] Didn't happen. lol Congrats! Looking forward to seeing the pics :thumbs:

shoult

17th August 2015, 22:49

Congrats! Looking forward to seeing the pics :thumbs:

Okay, Okay. I get it. Pictures or it didn't happen. :)

Here are some pictures from the previous owner.....

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/B2AD02AC-D8AC-4BDC-9F8E-78323E44024F_zps4ioj4g4c.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/shoult/media/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/B2AD02AC-D8AC-4BDC-9F8E-78323E44024F_zps4ioj4g4c.jpg.html)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/IMG_0638_zpscvqkgw8d.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/shoult/media/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/IMG_0638_zpscvqkgw8d.jpg.html)

Here is just a small portion of the receipts I received from the original owner...

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/IMG_0698_zpsw2qwrwos.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/shoult/media/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/IMG_0698_zpsw2qwrwos.jpg.html)

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/A5B68AFF-2CD0-4C43-A34A-03E6B073ADFD_zpscggvwqlp.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/shoult/media/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/A5B68AFF-2CD0-4C43-A34A-03E6B073ADFD_zpscggvwqlp.jpg.html)

Included lots of the original as shipped stuff too. I even got a copy of the original Mazda dealer loan documents. About the only thing I didn't get was the window sticker.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/IMG_0699_zps0z7cqyz6.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/shoult/media/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Original%20Pictures/IMG_0699_zps0z7cqyz6.jpg.html)

Krack

17th August 2015, 23:31

Tried to install a oil filter sandwich plate. As soon as I cranked the engine, oil was just flowing out of the bottom. lol. Got rid of that for now. CURSES intake manifold brace thing thats in the way! Ill cut you in half someday.

Oil changed to Rotella. Bad.
Oil changed back to Mobil 1, week after. Recovering....
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=564625&page=2
wtf

John in Brockville

18th August 2015, 12:10

Spanner

18th August 2015, 12:30

Shoult, it looks like a good find :thumbs: Thanks for the pics!

I pulled up to an intersection alongside a beautiful '00 SE this morning. We had a 90 second top-down conversion while waiting for the light to turn green. The owner was not a Miata.net member :/

shoult

18th August 2015, 15:32

And here is the first picture I've taken since picking it up and after my first mod. Off came the 16" OEM wheels and Direzza tires and on went the 15" TRM C1 wheels with S.drives.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/2015-08-18%20-%202002%20SE%20with%20TRM%20C1%20wheels_zpsv6yjl9p m.jpg (http://s155.photobucket.com/user/shoult/media/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/2015-08-18%20-%202002%20SE%20with%20TRM%20C1%20wheels_zpsv6yjl9p m.jpg.html)

I'll get more pictures once I get time to scrape off the 1/4" of squashed bugs on the front of my car that I picked up somewhere in north east TX. I may have single handedly wiped out a entire sub-genus of insects.

jh1129

18th August 2015, 16:36

[QUOTE=jh1129;7629023]Did quite a few things to my NB2 recently.

Installed garage star door blocks. Still need to mod/finesse passenger side.

Try loosening the bolts and then retighten to finger-tight only. Close and open the door a couple times. Retighten both bolts with a wrench. Try again. If it is correct, loosen only one bolt at a time to put BLUE Loctite on the first few threads (leave the other bolt tight to keep the block in place). I did this about a month ago and I've had no problems at all since then.

Boomer,

Tried the above procedure when I did my install, except for the loctite. Driver side is fine, passenger is just a tad "tight". Will try the loctite soon and keep on reading for possible solutions. As it is, I do like these door blocks. Thanks !!!

boomercarguy

18th August 2015, 19:32

[QUOTE=boomercarguy;7629384]

Boomer,

Tried the above procedure when I did my install, except for the loctite. Driver side is fine, passenger is just a tad "tight". Will try the loctite soon and keep on reading for possible solutions. As it is, I do like these door blocks. Thanks !!!

Be sure to use the BLUE Loctite (Permatex also makes a version with the same color code) because the BLUE can be broken loose. RED cannot. The only reason I used it is a previous poster said that his blocks came loose after a few weeks.

Kermit

18th August 2015, 19:40

I received a care package from my good friends at Project-G (great vendor & better people!)

Sparco custom order steering wheel, Works Bell short hub, NRG Gen 2 Quick-Release, a sweet lanyard and a delicious piece of grape Hi-Chew.

Also, I finished the logo and stitching transformation on my seats; logos from white to blue and stitching from white to silver. Just a little touch to make them my own.

224656
224657

Hopefully, if work schedule allows, I can get all this installed this weekend. Though I still have my Flyin' Miata Happy Meal, slave & master cylinders and a few other bits to install too. We shall see

John in Brockville

18th August 2015, 19:59

shoult

18th August 2015, 21:21

Congrats on the new ride Shout, looks like a fine machine and like many others here looking forward to following your progress with it. I've read many of your posts and you seemingly know pretty much about every nut and bolt on these cars and, while not from a critical point of view but more so from the perspective of a knowledgeable individual, was just wondering what made this particular car stand out above the other ones you had been looking at.

Just happened to be the options I wanted (NB2, cruise, LSD were the top of my list). It was a color I liked and the price was right.

The reason I seem to know every bolt in these cars is because I literally have a bucket with pretty much every nut and bolt you can take off these cars on my porch.

sirwheels76

18th August 2015, 22:34

sirwheels76

18th August 2015, 22:54

Got it out to try the fresh alignment. Much improved.

I've decided the idiot water temp gauge is a blessing. Knowing actual engine water temp is nerve racking. Granted, today it stayed at or below 212 and I could manipulate the water temp with the AC (activating both fans). Once home, I brought the temp to 194 with the AC on and max fan and heat. It is interesting that that second radiator (the heater core) can make a 10 degree difference just at idle in my garage.

I ordered a coolant reroute kit. If nothing else, peace of mind, maybe, knowing that it will be back to what the original engineers designed.

So I've been having overheating problems myself, on a hot day with A/C on running down the road, I can get up to low 220s, using a Dash Command to ck...excuse my ignorance, but what do you think of that? I'm fairly new to Miatas...this is an 02 SE...replaced rad, thermo, cap(all OEM), all fans working properly, my intake temps seem high...whereas I would expect a few degrees above ambient, they can be 30 or 40 degrees above...any of that sound like anything you have run across?

5Miata10

18th August 2015, 23:36

PioneerMX5

19th August 2015, 01:13

I use an Ultra Gauge and intake air temp is one of the parameters I watch on my main screen. It is not unusual for a stock box and air filter to record temps 40 and 50 degrees or more above ambient. Especially in stop and go traffic. I am much more concerned with water temps. Although I have not experienced "overheating," I am an old muscle car guy recalling when anything approaching 200 degrees was bad for the engine and risked disaster. We shot for 185. These new higher compression, highly monitored engines are obviously better built and able to handle heat. From what I remember, a very hot engine being fed a very cold air/fuel mixture produces the best power output, just below pre-detonation to get the most out of it.

After a late-June road trip in the Southwest I was concerned about the coolant temps in my 01 SE. The 'nonsense gauge' actually climbed to about the 3/4 mark - which I'm guessing was on the high side of 240. I installed an Ultra Gauge, along with a TDR aluminum radiator. I also monitor intake temp on my 'main' screen (and have a K&N Typhoon and a TDR heat 'blanket' installed). I took a more recent road trip in the other direction, and this is pretty representative of the temps with an ambient of 90-ish degrees:

:cool:

mx54us

19th August 2015, 07:45

moookie1051

19th August 2015, 13:31

E^2 2000SE

19th August 2015, 15:45

Well I am now completely done with the most ambitious project that I've ever undertaken. After the failure of my rear main seal between oil changes (and during A LOT of highway driving) I unfortunately lost nearly two quarts of oil, which was enough to cook at least one main bearing and result in some terrible rod knock(on an original engine with over 138K miles).:bang:
After this I made the decision to completely rebuild, I bought a build BP-Z3 short-block from Treasure Coast Miata, tore apart my head and gave it a mild port to get rid of the rough cast, replaced the clutch, slave cylinder, Mazda Comp. engine and diff mounts, every oil seal on the engine and transmission, and nearly every other piece of rubber under the hood. I took me nearly 5 weeks from start to finish but my new BP-Z3 with my original BP-4W head is running better than ever and I couldn't be happier! And all in time for me to start back to college on Monday :cool:

http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=3149&pictureid=17389
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=3149&pictureid=17380
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=3149&pictureid=17383
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=3149&pictureid=17385
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=3149&pictureid=17386
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=3149&pictureid=17387
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=3149&pictureid=17388

Spanner

19th August 2015, 16:45

MaxRPM1

19th August 2015, 18:44

Spanner

19th August 2015, 21:58

I coughed up the $57.50 required to have a local dealership program the key I bought from Rosenthal Mazda to work with my '03 LS, and the dealership (Hyman Bros.) gave me a complimentary car wash and Mazda "full circle" inspection. She got all greens in every category except tires, which were yellow. Those will get replaced next summer. It makes me feel good that the dealership couldn't think of anything to tell me needed fixing or maintaining :)

If any of you live in the Hampton Roads area, Pete at Hyman brothers is a great guy.

CharlestonMX5

19th August 2015, 22:29

Isabel

19th August 2015, 22:46

sirwheels76

19th August 2015, 22:49

After a late-June road trip in the Southwest I was concerned about the coolant temps in my 01 SE. The 'nonsense gauge' actually climbed to about the 3/4 mark - which I'm guessing was on the high side of 240. I installed an Ultra Gauge, along with a TDR aluminum radiator. I also monitor intake temp on my 'main' screen (and have a K&N Typhoon and a TDR heat 'blanket' installed). I took a more recent road trip in the other direction, and this is pretty representative of the temps with an ambient of 90-ish degrees:

:cool:
PioneerMX5,

Thanks for that info, did the aluminum Radiator make a big difference in those coolant temps? and what is the highest coolant temp you get now? also could you share a link or something about the intake products you used, and did that also make a difference in your intake temps? Thanks!

PioneerMX5

20th August 2015, 01:03

PioneerMX5,

Thanks for that info, did the aluminum Radiator make a big difference in those coolant temps? and what is the highest coolant temp you get now? also could you share a link or something about the intake products you used, and did that also make a difference in your intake temps? Thanks!

Yes, the radiator made a big difference in the peak coolant temps. Although I didn't have the UltraGauge installed when the 'nonsense gauge' went up to the 3/4 mark, I've been told that it was in the neighborhood of 240 degrees (with the original radiator). On my recent trip, I was flogging the old girl chasing motorcycles up a significant (and long) grade in 90-degree ambient temps, and the highest temp I saw on the UG was 217 - and it was only there very briefly.

The only measurements I have for intake temp are before and after installing the TDR heat shield (http://trackdogracing.com/heatshield.aspx). Under similar conditions, the drop in intake temperature is a little under 30 degrees. (I'm going to get crap for that claim; but there it is).

The intake I installed is this one:
http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=73403

The radiator I installed is: http://trackdogracing.com/rad_tdr.aspx (THIS ONE)
:cool:

sirwheels76

20th August 2015, 10:04

PioneerMX5

20th August 2015, 10:52

thank you so much, my biggest problem may be my factory radiator, and I like the intake idea as well...thanks for your time and help!

No problem, and ...

Your 'header' says 'Shenandoah Valley' - is this near River Pines?

:cool:

sirwheels76

20th August 2015, 10:57

chiefmg

20th August 2015, 19:07

Today was a good day. I received the spacers for the big brake kit, along with the Frank B coolant reservoir I sent off for powdercoating. That is installed, here is what it looks like:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5725/20555756518_112bdb4a3a_c.jpg

This is bigger than the one I had previously, as well as having a sight glass so I can see the level in the tank.

I have my new laptop set up finally, will be trying to connect it to the MS tomorrow once I get some work done on one of my son's cars.

1AB JAG

20th August 2015, 19:38

John in Brockville

20th August 2015, 20:55

sixspeed

20th August 2015, 21:01

Dealership is almost done taking the Jackson Racing SC off our '99, we'll pick it up tomorrow. Had the coolant flushed and a recall item taken care of (fuel filler tube relief valve).

Ordered a new rubber hose for the fuel filler tank on my '99 base to the tune of $49. Been trying to get that gas smell out of my trunk and to date have replaced the two smaller vent hoses and even changed all the clamps to no avail. Now time to replace that main hose and keep my fingers crossed.

Have you checked to see if your '99 had the recall item taken care of? I haven't smelled gas in our trunk but then we've only had the car for a short time. Not sure if this would be a symptom or not. Might be worth checking your VIN with Mazda though.

CharlestonMX5

20th August 2015, 22:17

Ordered a new rubber hose for the fuel filler tank on my '99 base to the tune of $49. Been trying to get that gas smell out of my trunk and to date have replaced the two smaller vent hoses and even changed all the clamps to no avail. Now time to replace that main hose and keep my fingers crossed.

The only other thing that completely stopped mine was the gasket for the fuel pump assembly.

http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/GASKET-%28BP4W%252d60%252d962%29.html

John in Brockville

20th August 2015, 22:27

Have you checked to see if your '99 had the recall item taken care of? I haven't smelled gas in our trunk but then we've only had the car for a short time. Not sure if this would be a symptom or not. Might be worth checking your VIN with Mazda though.[/QUOTE]

I've had the '99 for about a year now but haven't looked into recalls but will certainly add that to my list. Apparently the trunk fuel smell is a common problem and has generally been linked to the four hoses that come off the fuel filler pipe. So I'm currently just going through the process of elimination which is still cheaper than paying the dealer a $100 per hour. Thanks for the response.

John in Brockville

20th August 2015, 22:31

[QUOTE=CharlestonMX5;7635856]The only other thing that completely stopped mine was the gasket for the fuel pump assembly.

Will add that gasket as my next try if the hose doesn't work. Thanks for the tip.

5Miata10

20th August 2015, 23:44

jb707

21st August 2015, 01:18

just made an induction to the stock intake from my broken foglight

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=587025

Spacecat

21st August 2015, 01:56

When I took a key I bought from Rosenthal to the dealer here, they gave me the 5th degree about where I bought it. When I asked if they had another in stock, so I could get 2 made they said no. I told them I knew that, so I ordered it from another dealer.

Funny, I got my key at Rosenthal, had it cut at Ace Hardware, and then encoded at Mazda. The guy at the dealership was more than happy to take my $30 for doing 2 minutes worth of effortless work.

J3cubrc

21st August 2015, 06:26

When was the recall issued and what did it cover? I have owned my 99 since new and Mazda knows where I am but I never received a recall notice.

Mine, and another member of the forum, both had the recall performed the same day at the port of entry. We each had a white and blue sticker attached to the door jamb indicating this.

sixspeed

21st August 2015, 09:07

When was the recall issued and what did it cover? I have owned my 99 since new and Mazda knows where I am but I never received a recall notice.

Don't know when it was issued but I verified with Mazda on the phone that our 99 was involved and it was for some sort of a pressure relief mechanism (valve?) in the filler tube. According to the recall, without the fix the car could be hard to put gas in and/or have the gas backup while attempting to fill it. We've only run a few tanks of gas through it since buying it and all we noticed was that it was hard to fill.
Not all recalls involve every vehicle in a production year. You should input your VIN on Mazda's site to check yours out.

This one item was the only recall they had listed for my car, though I can't be certain there weren't others that the previous owners may have had taken care of.

shoult

21st August 2015, 16:04

Kylini

21st August 2015, 16:45

Passed emissions, registered and plated it. It's completely mine and fully legal now.

Woo hoo! Put the top down and have a well-trained passenger light a fireworks show while you drive down your favorite curvy road!

shoult

21st August 2015, 18:17

When I took a key I bought from Rosenthal to the dealer here, they gave me the 5th degree about where I bought it. When I asked if they had another in stock, so I could get 2 made they said no. I told them I knew that, so I ordered it from another dealer.

[QUOTE=Spacecat;7636051]Funny, I got my key at Rosenthal, had it cut at Ace Hardware, and then encoded at Mazda. The guy at the dealership was more than happy to take my $30 for doing 2 minutes worth of effortless work.

Link to said key please?

CharlestonMX5

21st August 2015, 18:31

...........have a well-trained passenger light a fireworks show while you drive down your favorite curvy road.................!

I arrested someone for that once, especially when their fireworks hit my car (I was driving my Vett) and caused another driver to swerve off the road. Unsafe operation of a Motor Vehicle

KONIG

21st August 2015, 19:13

installed the new wheels, coilovers, and side diffusers. i went a bit overboard with the drop, so I will be raising it up a but soon. got a bit too excited with the adjustability on the coilovers haha.

http://i.imgur.com/jrEUVjHl.jpg

JonK67

21st August 2015, 19:29

shoult

21st August 2015, 21:40

Pulled off the crappy rubber antenna the PO had installed and installed the OEM antenna from my old 00. I didn't get the power hooked up yet but it already gets more stations and has stronger reception than that POS black plastic thing.

Also replaced the spark plugs with what kind.........

That's right, cheap as chips NGK V-Power coppers. There goes $10 of repair/maintenance money from that $1000 I suggested as backup money when buying a used car.

I'm really happy now that I didn't sell off all the parts from my 00. I feel nice and secure sitting on a store that includes a VVT engine, a BP4W engine, some alternators, FM V-Maxx coil overs, calipers, a fairly fresh clutch kit, a fuel pump with about 2K miles on it and a BUNCH of other stuff I can't remember off hand.

Oh yeah, gauge pods with working lights since there's three or four dash lights out in this car.

Kylini

21st August 2015, 23:50

I arrested someone for that once, especially when their fireworks hit my car (I was driving my Vett) and caused another driver to swerve off the road. Unsafe operation of a Motor Vehicle

I'm slightly terrified that someone 1) did that for real, and 2) was (presumably) sober while doing it. If it makes you feel better, my real-life shenanigans are limited to bicycle flags on my antenna.

Spanner

22nd August 2015, 00:07

tbm275

22nd August 2015, 08:40

Dealership is almost done taking the Jackson Racing SC off our '99.

Taking it off??? Why would you do that silly thing? What will happen to it?

And the past three days I drove the miata to work to give it love ending with a wet drift out the parking lot Wednesday and a celebratory drift onto the exit ramp leaving Friday, and last night I ordered the garagestar door blocks in the hope they help batten it down... Not too worried about the doors being harder to shut, anyone who rides with me never remembers how light they are and slams them anyways.

sixspeed

22nd August 2015, 11:22

Taking it off??? Why would you do that silly thing? What will happen to it?

And the past three days I drove the miata to work to give it love ending with a wet drift out the parking lot Wednesday and a celebratory drift onto the exit ramp leaving Friday, and last night I ordered the garagestar door blocks in the hope they help batten it down... Not too worried about the doors being harder to shut, anyone who rides with me never remembers how light they are and slams them anyways.

We wanted the car back to stock. My wife didn't want to have the temptation to use it, and end up being ticketed. We're going to sell it on the board here. I've got PMs from a couple of people who are interested and will be offering it to them in the order in which the PMs came in.

huskydog

22nd August 2015, 13:20

shoult

22nd August 2015, 18:59

Went out with the intent to replace the horn with a much louder horn and change at least the drivers side motor mount. I also thought that if it looked like time allowed I'd install the front FM V-Maxx coilovers.

Was I absolutely wrong! Started off with the horn because that should be easy, right? WRONG! Physically it was easy, but electrically the 12v wire was to short to be able to see it well enough to plug it in. First thought was to see if I could wiggle the passenger headlight out which would give me room. Removing the two bolts from the headlight wouldn't let me get it out so I started loosening the pass side of the bumper cover. Still no joy in getting the headlight out. So I thought I'd pull the whole cover. While I'm lying under the car looking at what I had to remove to pull the bumper off I see that behind the mouth there is a space large enough for me to get my meat hooks up in there while I can see what I'm doing. Fifteen seconds later the new horn is hooked up and working.

Of course while I was investigating removing the cover I got distracted by access to the pass fog light which was burned out. So 20 minutes later that was fixed.

Finally on to the main event. I get all my extensions out and a 6 point 14mm socket and go at the first bolt. NO way. First of all there was too much flex in the 3/8 setup. Looked through all my tool boxes for enough 1/2 extensions but no. Not even close.

Since I live in an apt complex I didn't feel like putting the wheels and tires back on, putting it back on the ground, driving to local HF, buying some 1/2 extensions, returning home, and starting all over putting it up in the air, etc.

The real problem was that while it wasn't real hot today, I didn't bring any water down with me and hadn't had anything other than coffee to eat or drink all day. Note to self for the rest of the season, bring a jug of water down. Second note, charge all the batteries before you go out.

You forget stuff after 6 months of not having a Miata.

ArtinNC

22nd August 2015, 19:01

Taking it off??? Why would you do that silly thing? What will happen to it?

And the past three days I drove the miata to work to give it love ending with a wet drift out the parking lot Wednesday and a celebratory drift onto the exit ramp leaving Friday, and last night I ordered the garagestar door blocks in the hope they help batten it down... Not too worried about the doors being harder to shut, anyone who rides with me never remembers how light they are and slams them anyways.

Yep I yell at everyone "Don't slam my Door "

Todd GT5

22nd August 2015, 19:14

After having a "transmission/AC shop" quote me $1700 for fixing my AC that just stopped blowing cold last week a little state inspection shop fixed it by replacing the compressor clutch relay. They charged $59 for diagnosis, parts and labor--Yeah.

The first shop told me that the compressor had a blockage and they would need to replace the compressor and most all of the other parts.

Wow, I'm so grateful to find a good honest mechanic.:)

Todd

qoheleth

22nd August 2015, 21:40

Drove it to Shelby to our annual meeting with my sister, my cousin, and our spouses. Loved driving over the mountain to get there.

Only problem was, the clouds were too threatening for me to put the top down. And still, it didn't rain.

Chris GTO TT

23rd August 2015, 01:40

Installed the roll hoop today!

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag459/christobal65/Miata%20Stuff/IMG_20150822_190648_zpsam75bicb.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/christobal65/media/Miata%20Stuff/IMG_20150822_190648_zpsam75bicb.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag459/christobal65/Miata%20Stuff/IMG_20150822_190658_zpsvelduuik.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/christobal65/media/Miata%20Stuff/IMG_20150822_190658_zpsvelduuik.jpg.html)

sixspeed

23rd August 2015, 09:20

Hey Chris that looks great! :thumbs:

I"ve been contemplating one of the ones off eBay for my wife's '99. Did you have to fabricate mount points for the bottom of yours? And did you have to remove the stock structure that holds the windscreen to get your bar to fit?

CMMCK

23rd August 2015, 10:28

I drove from Columbia, MD to Dover, DE to visit my mother. It's a 90 mile drive and I've made the trip probably hundreds of times, so it's excruciatingly boring. But this was the first time in the Miata and I really enjoyed the drive - cruising along with the top down on a nice summer day was like going someplace for the first time.

My mother is 93 years old, lives alone, and still drives her Buick, a source of anxiety for me. She wanted to go out for lunch and she asked, "Should I take a jacket?" I said I didn't think so since it was about 80°. She asked, "Should I wear a scarf?" And then I realized my mother expected we'd go out in the Miata. I had to point out that I thought she might have a difficult time getting into and, especially, out of the Miata because it's a good bit lower than the Buick and that she might be more comfortable in her own car. But she walked around the Miata and checked it out from every angle before we got in the Buick. So now I'm wondering if I should have told her to get her scarf and done my best to help her in and out of the Miata. At 93, maybe that would have been a little adventure for her. I guess I need to drive the Miata to Dover again.

Warhammer

23rd August 2015, 10:33

I drove from Columbia, MD to Dover, DE to visit my mother. It's a 90 mile drive and I've made the trip probably hundreds of times, so it's excruciatingly boring. But this was the first time in the Miata and I really enjoyed the drive - cruising along with the top down on a nice summer day was like going someplace for the first time.

My mother is 93 years old, lives alone, and still drives her Buick, a source of anxiety for me. She wanted to go out for lunch and she asked, "Should I take a jacket?" I said I didn't think so since it was about 80°. She asked, "Should I wear a scarf?" And then I realized my mother expected we'd go out in the Miata. I had to point out that I thought she might have a difficult time getting into and, especially, out of the Miata because it's a good bit lower than the Buick and that she might be more comfortable in her own car. But she walked around the Miata and checked it out from every angle before we got in the Buick. So now I'm wondering if I should have told her to get her scarf and done my best to help her in and out of the Miata. At 93, maybe that would have been a little adventure for her. I guess I need to drive the Miata to Dover again.

Take her for a ride in the ragtop, man! You're there to help her in and out, and these are the kinds of moments with your mom that you'll cherish for the rest of your life.

Chris GTO TT

23rd August 2015, 10:56

Hey Chris that looks great! :thumbs:

I"ve been contemplating one of the ones off eBay for my wife's '99. Did you have to fabricate mount points for the bottom of yours? And did you have to remove the stock structure that holds the windscreen to get your bar to fit?

I'd really recommend a known good hoop built to the regs you need for whatever groups you might run track days with. Installation is a bit of trimming on the parcel shelf and drilling a few holes and mounting with backing plates. It sounds fairly simple but it's tight working quarters. I removed the windscreen but it may still fit, just won't be able to flip it up or down.

shoult

23rd August 2015, 13:07

Just a few light projects today. First was hard wiring my V1 in so I don't bang my fist into the cig lighter adapter when shifting into 5th.

2nd was drilling out the broken stud in the shock tower brace left over by Mundy Mazda when they did the last TB/WP job. They also stripped one of the other bolts on the other side so I'll have to chase those threads.

Here is an example of why I always say to use a left twist drill bit when removing studs. I mean you have to drill the stud out to use an easy out, so why not use a LTB? In most cases you never have to use the easy out. In this case it came out when I was drilling just the pilot hole.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Misc/IMG_1054_zps14ncvbnh.jpg

3rd was replacing the top radiator brace rubbers which looked pretty bad. One example of why you keep every little fastener and small peice you pull off any car you work on.

One the right the original. On the left a piece I pulled out of my stockpile.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s309/shoult/Vehicles/2002%20Mazda%20Miata%20SE/Misc/IMG_1053_zpslwe55kht.jpg

I have lots of other projects big and small to attend to, but for today I just want to drive it.

john blutarski

23rd August 2015, 13:36

sixspeed

23rd August 2015, 18:26

I'd really recommend a known good hoop built to the regs you need for whatever groups you might run track days with. Installation is a bit of trimming on the parcel shelf and drilling a few holes and mounting with backing plates. It sounds fairly simple but it's tight working quarters. I removed the windscreen but it may still fit, just won't be able to flip it up or down.

Thanks for the info!

cwosigns

23rd August 2015, 20:18

Warhammer

23rd August 2015, 20:47

I finally got around to removing the roll bar that the PO installed in my Miata. It wasn't too bad of a job once I got into it. Now I can actually adust the seats to a comfortable position! Not to mention MUCH better rearward visability. While I was at it, I installed a Raceland windblocker.

I was going to install my rear speakers on the rear deck, but it turns out that the 6.5" speakers were big enough that the rear window rested on top of them a little. So I ordered apair of 5.25" speakers and I'll install them later this week.

Now I just need to sell this roll bar and find some replacement plastics for the ones that were cut up for the roll bar installation.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/rlkeely/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_192946_zpszlxtsqne.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rlkeely/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_192946_zpszlxtsqne.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/rlkeely/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_192934_zps6tafvfdt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/rlkeely/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_192934_zps6tafvfdt.jpg.html)

Spacecat

23rd August 2015, 21:05

Link to said key please?

http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/KEY,BLANK%252dPRIMARY-(BJYV%252d76%252d2GX).html

chiefmg

23rd August 2015, 21:55

Not exactly what I did to the car, but my wife gave me a present:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5691/20820996102_584ca17f7c_c.jpg

J3cubrc

23rd August 2015, 22:12

225018

^^Yeah, wife gave me one for Father's Day. Gave the milkman one too...

mx54us

23rd August 2015, 23:05

Warhammer

23rd August 2015, 23:11

Warhammer, Thanks for sharing that. I have wanted one for my 2004 for two years, but I am too concerned about not liking it, and then not being able to remove it. Don't you now have some holes to fill too?

Yes, it left a total of 6 holes. I used JB Weld putty to fill the holes. I ust squished a ball of it through each hole and then mushroomed it on both sides of the hole. I should hole well, but I can remove if easily if I ever decide to install another roll bar.

5Miata10

23rd August 2015, 23:23

mokumiata

23rd August 2015, 23:41

got a hardtop today! :) no structural damage but paint chips everywhere.

hardtops are hard to come by around my neck of woods. i drove 3 hrs to jacksonville, fl to get this one. will be painting it.

still undecided what color to paint it though... i was thinking either the original crystal metallic blue 23c or just black. any suggestions?

without hardtop:
http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr109/mokushozen/miscellaneous/photo%201.jpg

with hardtop (horrible photo, i know. sorry):
http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr109/mokushozen/miscellaneous/hardtop%201.jpg

5Miata10

23rd August 2015, 23:47

Bajanpilot

24th August 2015, 07:23

patchelect

24th August 2015, 08:19

After owing my car for a whole three weeks, I can report that I had both bumpers repaired and painted. I also installed some new Hella horns in place of the meep meep original. And I fixed my broken cup holder spring with a design of my own. (Posted in that thread)

In the coming weeks I will install the Yellow Konis I bought as well as the Flyin' Miata sway bars and some end links that I found on GoMiata. I will also be installing the replacement drivers side seat cushion cover that was given to me by the PO but not installed, to repair a burn hole done by his sister from a roach, I assume.

After all the work is done my plan is to drive the car as often as possible. I must admit it's a more pleasant ride than the NA I owned for 8 years. Could be the fact that the NA had about 100K more miles on it when I got it or it could also be the subtle differences between the NA and the NB.

cw_01miata

24th August 2015, 15:38

225018

^^Yeah, wife gave me one for Father's Day. Gave the milkman one too...

was she covering her bases?

;)

Motocrossx23

24th August 2015, 20:13

Sold the Elise seats, stock seats are back in.

Miss sitting low, but welcome the comfy stock seats.

I might put the OEM steering wheel back in tomorrow, going back to stock...

J3cubrc

24th August 2015, 20:41

was she covering her bases?

;)

I think she didn't want to slight one of the boys. :)

jh1129

24th August 2015, 22:18

ChopstickHero

24th August 2015, 23:48

doane2u

25th August 2015, 09:52

[QUOTE=ChopstickHero;7642103]Latch repair since they weren't locking anymore.

What's that about?

Spanner

25th August 2015, 10:05

Latch repair since they weren't locking anymore.

What's that about?

http://www.miata.net/garage/softtop_latch/index.html

shoult

25th August 2015, 11:07

http://www.miata.net/garage/softtop_latch/index.html

That's the cheapest way to do it, but a better way is to just install latches off a 90-97 NA. They bolt right in (as a pair) and work perfectly. I did that to my 2000 just before I sold my 92 NA and never looked back.

doane2u

25th August 2015, 11:27

shoult

25th August 2015, 11:32

So, the adjustment nut won't fix a loose latch?

I didn't say that. I just said a better (to me) way of fixing the problem is by swapping in NA latches. I just don't like the look of the screws poking out of where they don't belong. I suppose it would look better if they were painted black to match the latches.

And I had an NA just sitting there with latches I knew would work and look better.

spaniarduk

25th August 2015, 14:40

Latch repair since they weren't locking anymore.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8918023/Photo%202015-08-22%2C%209%2047%2010%20PM.jpg

I like your working surface - a leather flip-flop 😁👍

ryanp07

25th August 2015, 23:03

I like your working surface - a leather flip-flop 😁👍

my wife was sitting next do me and said, "those look like yours!" I checked and have the same flip flops...

this just got weird.

Spanner

26th August 2015, 00:01

Unusualdesigner

26th August 2015, 00:04

That's the cheapest way to do it, but a better way is to just install latches off a 90-97 NA. They bolt right in (as a pair) and work perfectly. I did that to my 2000 just before I sold my 92 NA and never looked back.

Don't you also need to replace the receiver brackets on the header with the NA ones?
I believe that the NB ones have a wider slot instead of the pointy one in the NA's

-at least comparing my '04 and '92....

cw_01miata

26th August 2015, 02:52

I drove it up and down Paris Mountain in Greenville, SC on a cool, late-summer evening with my wife. We had so much fun that we did it again in reverse!

Didn't your neck get sore? Or are you just that good at using your mirrors?

Spanner

26th August 2015, 07:45

Didn't your neck get sore? Or are you just that good at using your mirrors?

Use my mirrors for what? Mine was the only car that could hold the speed limit :D

doane2u

26th August 2015, 09:58

I didn't say that. I just said a better (to me) way of fixing the problem is by swapping in NA latches. I just don't like the look of the screws poking out of where they don't belong. I suppose it would look better if they were painted black to match the latches.

And I had an NA just sitting there with latches I knew would work and look better.

You miss understood me. I was asking whether the adjustment nut inside the latch would have any affect on it completely locking. While we're on it though, are the NA latches designed differently, or were yours just not worn? Thanks,

After I read this yesterday I checked my latches and noticed my right one doesn't completely lock. Apparently the release button wears down where it engages the lever and can then no longer lock it into the closed position. I don't think it's dangerous though, as the catch is still holding the top closed.