osnap's R package: A touge machine in the making

[osnap]

Hey fellas, some of you may have seen my Welcome section thread. If not, the cliffnotes are as follows: I'm coming from the Evo/STi world. My last car was a 400awhp Evo IX MR, but I decided that I'd rather have something cheap, reliable, and still fun to drive in the twisties... and so here I am. I decided that for cost purposes (and to allow more fiscal wiggle-room for mods), I wanted to pick up an NA. I ended up with a 94 R Package (Yep, Lea Anne's old car).

A lot of mods I had planned were already taken care of with this car. It already has a roll bar (boss frog clearview), brand new brakes (DBA rotors + hawk pads), a hardtop, MS swaybars, Exedy clutch etc. It needs to be repainted, but choosing an exotic new color is going to be half the fun for me!

It also comes with a '97 1.8, decent suspension (bilsteins + eibach springs), and wheels/tires (15x7 konig rewinds with 205/50/15 neogens), but I'll be removing all of that soon in favor of a 99 engine (already purchased), coilovers, and a set of lightweight 15x8s with 195s. Most of the parts I remove will be transplanted to my girlfriend's bone-stock classic red '90.

As for the 99 motor, I plan on swapping '01 10:1 pistons, doing the exhintake mod, and adding basic bolt-ons on the cheap (DIY coldside intake, ditching the terrible 99 exhaust manifold, perhaps a catback). I'm also going to throw in a lightweight flywheel to replace the stock 1.8 unit. I'll probably eventually replace my ECU with an MS setup, as well. I'm not looking for huge power, just a fun little motor without sacrificing reliability - I think I'm on the right track to achieve that.

Some poorly-shot pictures of my starting point!

In the PO's driveway as I picked it up:
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/9588/dsc0009hb.jpg

Cleaned up just a bit and de-stickered (except the GRM stickers, which are coming off today)
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297699_2020610991231_1122600091_31955156_6893699_n .jpg

Much, much more to come... I'm just doing a lot of research before I start ordering parts. Can't wait, there's no feeling like signing for half a dozen boxes from UPS :D

[Stealth97]

Don't bother increasing compression until you get the megasquirt first. I Personally say exhaust, header, ECU then intake. Other than that you are on a great path :) you are going to love it

[friday]

Looks like a good car to start with. A 205 or 225 tire would fit a lot better on a 15x8 wheel.

[Echonova]

w00t!!! osnap is in teh hizzy!!!

[metalman]

As yes, LeeAnne's old ride. :)

[osnap]

Don't bother increasing compression until you get the megasquirt first. I Personally say exhaust, header, ECU then intake. Other than that you are on a great path :) you are going to love itEh, I just figured I'd kill several birds with one stone during the swap. Maybe I'll just do MS too and do it all at once. In the meantime the 97 motor is running fine, so I have time to build this 99. Admittedly I know NOTHING about properly tuning a car, so I'll definitely need some community assistance in that regard.Looks like a good car to start with. A 205 or 225 tire would fit a lot better on a 15x8 wheel.
you know, I thought so too, but tougemiata on here is a good friend of mine, and he swears by the slight stretch of a 195 on an 8" wheel. He ran 205s before, but felt like the car was much more nimble with the 195s. I need to do some more research on that particular topic to be quite honest, but he can be quite convincing, and I definitely respect his opinion when it comes to handling theory... the man can drive. w00t!!! osnap is in teh hizzy!!!:wave: :oAs yes, LeeAnne's old ride. :)It'll definitely have it's own new identity soon :D

[theothersawyer]

I run a 205 on a 15x7, so I say the wider the better. Then again I hate the stretched tire look.

[osnap]

I run a 205 on a 15x7, so I say the wider the better. Then again I hate the stretched tire look. I'm not particularly fond of the look either, but this consideration comes from a function over form perspective. I'm currently running 205s on my 15x7 as well

[JEMERY]

225/45 15 Hankook RS-3's, Grassroots time trial rates them fastest in the dry around the track. I LOVE them. Tread wear is terrible but they are only 103$ each.

I Love the R's, nice car.

[osnap]

Pffffft, good luck finding them. RS3s would easily be my first pick, but they're sold out EVERYWHERE.

edit- wtf. right as I type that, I check tirerack, and it says "in stock". I'll be damned...

225 is pretty beefy, although I guess not too bad on an 8" wheel. Just worried about nimbleness.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Love the car - looks like it'll be a really fun machine when you're done!

[JEMERY]

I'd recommend a oem 04-05 mazdaspeed clutch kit, works great for my turbo 93.

[osnap]

I'd recommend a oem 04-05 mazdaspeed clutch kit, works great for my turbo 93.

:confused: erm... what? lol

[Mr Egg Rollllll]

you know, I thought so too, but tougemiata on here is a good friend of mine, and he swears by the slight stretch of a 195 on an 8" wheel. He ran 205s before, but felt like the car was much more nimble with the 195s. I need to do some more research on that particular topic to be quite honest, but he can be quite convincing, and I definitely respect his opinion when it comes to handling theory... the man can drive. :wave: :oIt'll definitely have it's own new identity soon :D

A 195 would fit with flexible sidewall tire, but with more flexibility comes less stickiness especially with that combination.

I would highly suggest a 225/45ish tire with stiff sidewalls...keep in mind that your selection of tires is slim due to such a wide tire on a 15x8 wheel.

Lmk when you want to get tires either way...I'll hook ya up as a previous sol owner!:clap:

[osnap]

Haha if I do 225s they will DEFINITELY be RS3s... Otherwise I'll probably do 205/50 star specs.

[friday]

The responsiveness of a 195 on an 8 inch wide wheel is an effect of stretching the side wall and making it stiffer. This can be helpful with normal summer tires since they tend to have soft sidewalls. Tires like the rs-3 and star spec have much stiffer sidewalls and dont need it.

During the spring and summer the rs-3 can be very hard to find, but once the racing season starts to calm down and end they are usually available. From what I have read Hankook's supply chain is quite bad.

If you want the best grip you can get, go with the rs-3 or star spec. Tires like the neogen cannot compete with the under 200 treadwear tires.

[Jecht]

Wtf? Last I remember you had an S2000.

[osnap]

Thanks for the info - wheels and tires have never been my strongest area of expertise, but that makes perfect sense. At the moment I'm torn between the Star Specs (which I ran on my Subaru and LOVED) in 205/50 and the Hankooks in 225/45. As much as everyone raves about the RS3s I really want to buy a set, but I'm worried that 225 is just going to be overkill for a daily driven street car that sees occasional mountain roads. Plus the treadwear sucks, and the Z1s actually aren't too bad. If only the Hankooks came in a 205/50R15...

Wtf? Last I remember you had an S2000.Sold the s2k more than a year ago. I've since had an STi and an Evo :p

[evilmiata]

ok ,Oh snap ... I think my hommie Derrick was telling me about you , I'm pretty sure...either way looks like you have a damn good start and direction, congrats!

[doombastic]

nice ride

I for one like the stretched tire look to an extent but would never do it to my car.

[LagunaRoadster]

I love my star specs! Lookin good osnap :)

[friday]

From what I hear the star specs will last longer too. I have a set of 205's on my 15x8's.

[iamdallas]

http://tapatalk.com/mu/82da0d30-5477-9cc3.jpg

I spy you. :ninja:

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[osnap]

Hahaha shame about the SUVs, you could've joined our little hardtop NA pow wow.

[iamdallas]

Hahaha shame about the SUVs, you could've joined our little hardtop NA pow wow.

Yeah. I was pretty upset. Haha

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[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Do you guys work at Techwood??

[kcbhiw]

I know that car well. Congrats on the purchase. Before you repaint it, replace that super heavy aftermarket steel hood with a factory hood. That thing weighs a ton!

[metalman]

Before you repaint it, replace that super heavy aftermarket steel hood with a factory hood. That thing weighs a ton!

Indeed.
I bet I know where you might be able to find one too! ;)

[osnap]

Do you guys work at Techwood??
Negative, this parking deck is OTP :p
I know that car well. Congrats on the purchase. Before you repaint it, replace that super heavy aftermarket steel hood with a factory hood. That thing weighs a ton!That explains a lot. I wondered why that damn thing was so heavy (and SO FREAKING HOT). Good call.
Indeed.
I bet I know where you might be able to find one too! ;)lol. I'll be in touch!

[jester911]

Do you guys work at Techwood??

I work at Techwood and this does resemble our decks but then almost all the prefab concrete decks look like this. There are a few Miatae around here though.

[osnap]

http://cadillacdealerdallas.com/db_uploads/2011_MINI_Cooper_S_Hardtop_Y14437_Brown_1.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d191/slammeddc2teg/DSCN0465.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/2531345362_c05cf5678e.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg200/sargoramere/139571474_8525358321_o.jpg

Hmmmmm. Paint the rollbar cream... stir... root beer float.

Also, these are in the mail.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/miata/images/items/Konig_WideOpen_15x8_Miata_Wheel.jpg

and these.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/dunhz5.ang.jpg

and this.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/sum-830449-1_w.jpg

Let the madness begin.

[friday]

nice. Whats that last part?

[osnap]

Its an RPM activated switch. need it for VICS to function properly on my upcoming BP4W swap.

[osnap]

UPS came today.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305378_2039748629660_1122600091_31976806_8069319_n .jpg

Also picking up a set of FM VMaxx to try out tomorrow, we'll see how much I like them. Flywheel, TB/WP kit, RPM switch, and star specs are all en route.

[osnap]

Tight fit!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300408_2049419071415_1122600091_31988066_3704928_n .jpg

Getting antsy about installing everything soon! I also made the mistake of starting a spreadsheet of my spending on this proect thus far... Yikes. lol. My modification expenses will eclipse the initial cost of the car in a disturbingly short amount of time lol.

[iamdallas]

Tight fit!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300408_2049419071415_1122600091_31988066_3704928_n .jpg

Getting antsy about installing everything soon! I also made the mistake of starting a spreadsheet of my spending on this proect thus far... Yikes. lol. My modification expenses will eclipse the initial cost of the car in a disturbingly short amount of time lol.

I have that spreadsheet tucked away on my hard drive as well... Try not to think of that. :/

I am extremely jealous.


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[theothersawyer]

Dude, don't quote pictures. It really annoying and it didn't even have anything to do with what you were saying. So you can quote what he said but just delete the picture.

[Beastinthebushes]

http://cadillacdealerdallas.com/db_uploads/2011_MINI_Cooper_S_Hardtop_Y14437_Brown_1.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d191/slammeddc2teg/DSCN0465.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/2531345362_c05cf5678e.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg200/sargoramere/139571474_8525358321_o.jpg

Hmmmmm. Paint the rollbar cream... stir... root beer float.

Also, these are in the mail.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/miata/images/items/Konig_WideOpen_15x8_Miata_Wheel.jpg

and these.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/dunhz5.ang.jpg

and this.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/sum-830449-1_w.jpg

Let the madness begin.

I looooove all of this, and can't explain why.

[theothersawyer]

I looooove all of this, and can't explain why.
Really Daniel, let's quote every picture. By the way, you missed one!

[iamdallas]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305378_2039748629660_1122600091_31976806_8069319_n .jpg


:P

Eesscrew you!


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[Echonova]

Screw you 6-speed boy.

:P

[theothersawyer]

Screw you 6-speed boy.

:P
THIS!!!:clap::clap:

[iamdallas]

Screw you 6-speed boy.

:P

I love you, BROTHER!!!!

http://tapatalk.com/mu/cf0b0410-7292-9eca.jpg

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[osnap]

holy threadjack!

progress began this week :)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303779_2061445172060_1122600091_32001295_6294853_n .jpg

[iamdallas]

It's looking great. Maybe I'll get to take a closer look in kennesaw sometime.

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[osnap]

^ For sure!

Went by RSpeed today... that was a mistake. Originally went in to get my girlfriend an R-package lip, walked out with a GV lip, KG Works cluster, and AWD needle caps. Whoops. Thanks Joe!

01 exhaust manifold is also in the mail ($65 shipped! The guy on CR had NO clue what he had - I almost felt bad).

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5030/photouxa.jpg

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

:lol: I went by Top Speed today with the WRX and the same kinda thing very nearly happened!

[friday]

KG works aint cheap.

[osnap]

KG works aint cheap.

Yeah, thanks for the reminder! :p

Jack, I know exactly what you mean - I went pretty nuts with my STi when I first got it. Easy to do with those cars!

[enby]

lol! I'm almost scared to go up there myself.

Especially since I'm a girl that doesn't know a whole lot. I bet they'll take every last cent from my bank account hahaha

Looks good though, Chris :)

[osnap]

Quick cell phone pic from last night. Still in the process of searching for and collecting parts, and preparing for my BP4W swap. It's hard being patient!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/301653_2109310808671_1122600091_32038106_105313698 7_n.jpg

[osnap]

something's missing...

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/315750_2130318493850_1122600091_32052679_127523107 3_n.jpg

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

The cruise control?!!

[osnap]

The cruise control?!!

Either that or the power steering! Silly R package! :p

[portabull]

I don't see the flux capacitor....

[theothersawyer]

So why did you pull the engine??

[Mazdababy]

I think he dropped a socket in the subframe he couldn't reach.

[friday]

hate it when that happens.

[Jecht]

I think he dropped a socket in the subframe he couldn't reach.

You know, I lost one like that several months before I had to replace my clutch. The second I get the transmission pulled, guess what comes clinking down!

I am curious as to why you pulled the engine though Chris. BP4W swap?

[iamdallas]

You know, I lost one like that several months before I had to replace my clutch. The second I get the transmission pulled, guess what comes clinking down!

I am curious as to why you pulled the engine though Chris. BP4W swap?

Bingo!

I hope everything is going well for you with the swap.


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[osnap]

Yes indeedy! BP4W, 1.6 clutch and lightweight flywheel, new trans with no grinds, new speedo cable, new shifter bushings, etc all going in. Lots of goodies.

iamdallas, it's going fine - the only reason I didn't finish it days ago is because I decided to go ahead and paint the car while the bay is unoccupied.

[ConstantProject]

...the only reason I didn't finish it days ago is because I decided to go ahead and paint the car while the bay is unoccupied.

Orly...what color did you end up going with? Pics when it's done :)

[iamdallas]

Yes indeedy! BP4W, 1.6 clutch and lightweight flywheel, new trans with no grinds, new speedo cable, new shifter bushings, etc all going in. Lots of goodies.

iamdallas, it's going fine - the only reason I didn't finish it days ago is because I decided to go ahead and paint the car while the bay is unoccupied.

I wish I could have painted mine when the motor was absent.

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[osnap]

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/7522/photo2ia.jpg

:whistle:

[miata5620]

Are you just respraying it or doing a color change?

[osnap]

doing something pretty different.

[miata5620]

Well make sure you get some pictures posted as soon as its got fresh paint on it, now you have me curious.

[theothersawyer]

I'm curious as well. In for the finished pics!!!

[ConstantProject]

If it is the color you mentioned when I was there I am very interested to see how it looks :ninja:

[iamdallas]

I be hopin' you take off that spoiler, those emblems, and that trim before paint. :)

My pal bought and owned an M Edition for a few weeks... it was resprayed a different shade and they didn't even take off the mudflaps. :jawdrop:

[Jecht]

I be hopin' you take off that spoiler, those emblems, and that trim before paint. :)

My pal bought and owned an M Edition for a few weeks... it was resprayed a different shade and they didn't even take off the mudflaps. :jawdrop:

I agree. Do it properly or you'll regret it when you want a different wing down the line.

[osnap]

Give me some credit here fellas.... lol

[Osaka Express]

minor credit given :P
waiting for her to be out and about again by the time i get to atl.

[osnap]

minor credit given :P
waiting for her to be out and about again by the time i get to atl.I need to just roll down to HHI one of these days. Island roadster crusin ftw! :banana:

[91LudeSiT]

Are those the +20 or +25 wide opens? I want a set for my car...

[osnap]

+20. but they are... Uh... Really horrible looking in person. Yeah, that's it. I wouldn't get them if I were you. :P

[91LudeSiT]

+20. but they are... Uh... Really horrible looking in person. Yeah, that's it. I wouldn't get them if I were you. :P

LOL, I want a set in bronze but they don't offer those in +20, guess I could always have them repainted.

[osnap]

Mine might be repainted at some point soon. If you go with the +20 and want to save a couple of bucks, I'd sell you ONE of mine + a brand new, never been mounted Nitto Neo Gen 205/50/15 for $80. Catch is the wheel has some curbage. Really not bad at all, can't notice it from 5 feet out, but I'm anal like that - if you're not, you're welcome to it.

[91LudeSiT]

Mine might be repainted at some point soon. If you go with the +20 and want to save a couple of bucks, I'd sell you ONE of mine + a brand new, never been mounted Nitto Neo Gen 205/50/15 for $80. Catch is the wheel has some curbage. Really not bad at all, can't notice it from 5 feet out, but I'm anal like that - if you're not, you're welcome to it.

Yea I'm the same way, even if it was on the back side I'd have to get it fixed or get a new one lol!

I'm holding out for the bronze ones to come out in +20, do you think the 225/45/15 Hankook RS-3 would fit on those and under the fender? With a roll of course.

[osnap]

Probably. My Star Specs are pretty wide for 205s and they fit pretty comfortably with a mild roll. Really don't even need to run much camber if any.

[osnap]

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5260/dsc0112xv.jpg

Hmmmm.

[DecoyOctopus]

kewl color. looks like your motor fell out :P

pics of whole car?

[iamdallas]

Sweet!

I second that ^ request.

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[theothersawyer]

OO brown!?! I'm excited to see the whole car back together!

[atl20ae]

osnap!

[ConstantProject]

OO brown!?! I'm excited to see the whole car back together!

*cough* root beer ;)

[osnap]

pics of whole car?What fun would that be? :p

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313864_2166204910988_1122600091_32078723_169515000 3_n.jpg

[theothersawyer]

:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:

[iamdallas]

So, are we getting anymore pics?

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[osnap]

Of course! I'm going to do an entire shoot, just waiting to iron out some of the hiccups and delays I've been running into.

[atlnb]

You fix the hiccups yet?! Lol

[osnap]

You fix the hiccups yet?! Lol

Nope, had to drive out to Lawrenceville tonight to pick up a coilpack. Hopefully it'll do the trick.

[osnap]

Enough teasing I guess. Hiccups 99% fixed :)

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7494/photobxe.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4691/photo1kw.jpg
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8877/photo2ut.jpg

These are cell phone shots... proper shoot once I finish soon (plenty of changes still to come)

:D

[iamdallas]

Nice. :-)

I'm severely jealous right now.

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[Adrian]

Damn, that looks friggin' awesome.

Where'd you get the center caps for the wheels? if you don't mind me asking

[osnap]

I certainly don't mind you asking but sadly my answer won't be much help. I bought the wheels used from a guy out in New Orleans... The caps came with the wheels.

[fastnfurious7]

Hell yeah! That looks very nice, sir. Tell me that's also your fairingless FZ1 in the background! (I have my 2002 here with me @ work...only motor vehicle in the stable that is actually working :( ) I love my YAMAHA!

[theothersawyer]

That is clean as hell!! I absolutely love it!!!

[doombastic]

as i said in the recent pic thread... i'm diggin the color

[nickt93]

That color rules. Nice job doing something original. What color is that? Looks like Scion's "Torched Penny". Props!

[osnap]

Thanks fellas! :wave:Hell yeah! That looks very nice, sir. Tell me that's also your fairingless FZ1 in the background! (I have my 2002 here with me @ work...only motor vehicle in the stable that is actually working :( ) I love my YAMAHA!I'd love to say that bike is mine, but alas... 'tis not. Thought about picking up a CBR600 this summer, but decided to throw some money at the Miata instead first.That color rules. Nice job doing something original. What color is that? Looks like Scion's "Torched Penny". Props!You're not the first person to guess that, actually... but no. It's BMW Marrakeshbraun Metallic. It's a relatively rare color, predominately found on the X1.

I'm toying with a few ideas at the moment. Wheels and rollbar need paint.

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4092/wheelcolor.jpg

[fastnfurious7]

My vote is for the Matte Black...looks awesome!

[iamdallas]

My vote is for as is.

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[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Your car is the nuts. The bronze is my vote.