Ramble about anything in here...

[Doppelgänger]

I hate rebates cause I always forget to send it in, which is what cell phone companies want you do to.


Or the least rebate I sent in and didn't ever get the $$$ they promised.

[MeFryRice]

That too. :(

[JennB]

Your phone rebate is already in the mail.


Oh, thanks for putting my wheels back on. I am soooo much happier looking out at them instead of the others. Time to sell some more wheels! banana

[Doppelgänger]

Does it look any better now that your calipers are painted black?

[JennB]

Yes. She looks nice today. :)

[Doppelgänger]

Now I jsut need to finish the paint project I started yesterday and get pics....

[MeFryRice]

Yes you do....

[RotorNutFD3S]

You will take pictures and post them...

The force is strong with this one.

[Doppelgänger]

...so is the odor of the paint im using.

[MeFryRice]

I am so sick of finding NA's in ****ing automatic. :(

[RotorNutFD3S]

I'm tired of finding 90-93s in the $5k price range. (I'm trying to find a daily beater now.)

[Doppelgänger]

Yeah, some of the prices that people are asking are INSANE.

[metalman]

Face it people...the decline of new car sales often means an increase in interest (and prices) in dependable used cars. IMHO we are seeing that right now in Miatas...primarily in NAs.
Anything clean and decently priced will sell quick.
NBs are still falling however.

[RotorNutFD3S]

True. I could get a nice NB for the same price as someone is selling a 91 right now. lol

[metalman]

I'll sell you one too if you want. :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

:lol: I bet you would. However, I am looking for something around $1000-1500. Or less. I almost had a 1994 for $500 that was on CL today for all of 10 minutes, the guy told me I called literally 5 seconds after he hung up with the guy who said he was on the way with the money. http://www.miataturbo.net/forum/images/smilies/vash.gif
Told him that if it fell through, to call me. lol Needed a headgasket and he didn't want to mess with it.

[Doppelgänger]

the kiwer mile 01+ NB's are still holding a decent bit of money. :)

[RotorNutFD3S]

the kiwer mile 01+ NB's are still holding a decent bit of money. :)


Kiwer? :lol:
Proof that Mike does not proofread. :)

[metalman]

the kiwer mile 01+ NB's are still holding a decent bit of money. :)


Kiwer? :lol:


Australian edition. :lol:

[MeFryRice]

Woohoo! The stock market jumped 900+ points today. banana

[Sawyer]

Yeah! I just read that!

[MeFryRice]

Lets just hope the worst of it is over.

[RotorNutFD3S]

While I'm glad to see that, I believe the worst of it was never to be had.
I'm still on the side that the media needed something "big" to report, and put us all in panic mode about it. Yes there was a big problem, there's no doubt about that, but was it really as big as the media made it out to be? No, definitely not.

[MeFryRice]

It's all propaganda but I do believe we were hurting slightly...

[RotorNutFD3S]

And we still are. And will be until someone holds those CEOs and corporations responsible for their own ****-ups, instead of making us pay to bail them out. But because that ties directly into holding people in government power responsible too, it'll never happen.

[MeFryRice]

Sad but very true. :violin:

[metalman]

I wouldnt get too excited about what the market does in any given day (+ or - 900 etc)
The media does add to 'panic' and fear...however, any notion that our economy is strong
would be false in my opinion. Others outside of our country have been predicting a major
melt down or fall in our economy for some time now...and adding a 700 billion 'payment'
to fat cats isnt going to make that better....on the contrary. I personally think some
very dark times may be ahead...I am just not sure how far in the future.
I'd be happy to be wrong but I fear I wont be. There is no hope in either political
candidate/party for any real decrease in spending...and that will eventually push us over the
edge...if it hasnt already. People still seem to crave governmental involvement in all aspects of life
and the price will always be great for such...not only in $ but in the cost to freedom. My .02

[Doppelgänger]

Our economy can't recover in a day... or two....or three. This is going to take a long time to fix.

[Doppelgänger]

the kiwer mile 01+ NB's are still holding a decent bit of money. :)


Kiwer? :lol:
Proof that Mike does not proofread. :)

I seriously think the keyboard on my desk is retarded. I wouldn't be surprised considering my best friend works 3 cubes down and is always playing jokes....... hmmmm. It's not the first "WTF" word that my keyboard has produced.

[RotorNutFD3S]

lol Cube Wars!
I'm trying to convince Yamaha that I need the Optimus Maximus keyboard. :lol: I'd have fun just setting it up so only I could figure it out.

[RotorNutFD3S]

So I wasn't able to sleep cause I'm coughing every 2 damn seconds and everything is sore, so I took some NyQuil in the gel caps. If you know me, I don't like to take medicine. My body does pretty well like that, it fights things off better which is why I think I rarely get sick.

But this **** is messed up, I feel like I've been out all night drinking my *** off. (You don't want to know how many times I've had to retype something, glad for FireFox spell check.) I can't believe they sell this stuff OTC. Or maybe i have no tolerance to it. lol I'm going to bed. If I don't post in the morning like I normally do, nice knowing you all, cause I didn't wake up.

[Doppelgänger]

So are we making arrangements today or what? :lol:

[MeFryRice]

So did your *** wake up Eric?

[RotorNutFD3S]

ROFL! I vaugely remember typing that.
But I do feel like I got hit by a freight train this morning. Work sucks. Ugh...

[MeFryRice]

That does suck. You'll get better...

[Doppelgänger]

take another swig of nyquil.... everything will be just fine :lol:

[MeFryRice]

I had taking syrup form of medicine, just thinking about it makes me want to gag...

[JennB]

You're going to hate me when I tell you I'm sitting on the couch with Piper, watching the Price is Right... just had some laughing cow cheese and crackers and about to have a chicken salad sandwich. I'm going to the office in a little while to check the mail since I'm the only one with a key but I'll probably be there for an hour at most. :P

Oh, and I'll drop off car payments on the way to work.

Should be home by 4 of so and then I'll work on the yard.

[MeFryRice]

So how many days of the week are you actually in the office?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah. I'd love to be passed out at my desk! :)

[RotorNutFD3S]

You're going to hate me when I tell you I'm sitting on the couch with Piper, watching the Price is Right... just had some laughing cow cheese and crackers and about to have a chicken salad sandwich. I'm going to the office in a little while to check the mail since I'm the only one with a key but I'll probably be there for an hour at most. :P

Oh, and I'll drop off car payments on the way to work.

Should be home by 4 of so and then I'll work on the yard.


I hate you.

[JennB]

I love my job



and the diabeetus guy was just on tv :lol:

[Doppelgänger]

meh, im just sitting here waiting for a box to take a download....and listening to sirius

[RotorNutFD3S]

I'm watching a supercharged WaveRunner being completed.

[Sawyer]

I'm still in class... And will be for the next 5 1/2 hours :cry:

[MeFryRice]

I just got back from taking my wheels to Allspeed to have the tires removed.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I'm sitting here waiting on another midterm project in an hour or so. I miss the summer holidays of doing nothing but car stuff and heathenism :lol:

[Doppelgänger]

I drove on my slicks to work today... you know, just so I can see how fast I can take the onramps :lol:

[MeFryRice]

And how are the slicks treating you??

[Doppelgänger]

bumpy.... my God they are bumpy..... but they like the corners on my 3.5 mile commute.... 2 of which are on the interstate.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

anyone like the neat little favicon I just made banana banana banana banana banana banana banana

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

btw clear your cache/cookies to see it :D

[RotorNutFD3S]

AllSpeed. Yuck...

[MeFryRice]

I'm good friends with Thomas which does all my alignments and I trust him...

[nderwater]

sweet, there's always a time for the dancing banana

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

yikes i feel weird without quick reply

[RotorNutFD3S]

Oh no! Bring it back!!!

[Doppelgänger]

yeah.... i vote for quick reply too....

[MeFryRice]

x3, I hate having to press "reply".

[RotorNutFD3S]

All of the sudden laziness ensued on MX5Atlanta.com... :P

[thx712517]

Oh lord, not having to hit another button and wait a few seconds.... bunch of post whores, the lot of you. Techs are out in the service drive playing with a beach ball. We're uh, we're kinda slow.

[MeFryRice]

That's terrible.

[RotorNutFD3S]

When it snowed last year at Honda, we had a storewide snowball fight. The customers got in on it too. :lol:

Oh, and were Posting Freaks, get it right. :P

[MeFryRice]

I am freaking starving.

[RotorNutFD3S]

I'm freaking glad to be home!!!

[Doppelgänger]

Well, I had fun putting the Enkeis back on my car and painting a spare valve cover.

[Roadster]

Wow, I've totally neglected the post-count-booster thread. Wtf.

So, to ramble:

I finally got a supercharger but I can't put it on yet and it's driving me cuhrayzee.

[Doppelgänger]

Why not? I can help ya!

[Roadster]

Lol, just learning at the moment, trying to figure out how everything works together, what I need to get to make it work as far as fuel management goes. It doesn't have the Powercard or the old MSD ignition or anything. It came off of a car with PS and AC so I need to find the appropriate belt for one with no accessories, and I need to get a decent tensioner to replace the stock ****bird piece. I'm scouring Track Dog's site right now, just trying to learn blower lore, lol.

[Doppelgänger]

Well, I don't know any easy to solve your fuel management issues, but the mechanical side of them, i know quite well after having 2 Miatas with JRSC's

[metalman]

Lol, just learning at the moment, trying to figure out how everything works together, what I need to get to make it work as far as fuel management goes. It doesn't have the Powercard or the old MSD ignition or anything. It came off of a car with PS and AC so I need to find the appropriate belt for one with no accessories, and I need to get a decent tensioner to replace the stock ****bird piece. I'm scouring Track Dog's site right now, just trying to learn blower lore, lol.


Here ya go...

http://www.supercharger.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=57658


Alot of people use a Bipes ACU & an AFPR, you can find used stuff.
BEGI makes the best FPR out there.

The JR timing controller works very well but isnt cheap. Sometimes you can score a used one.

[Roadster]

Thanks Kurt! It actually did come with the vacuum variable FPR that I think came with the kit originally but it might be worth getting something else.

Now I just wonder why the hell they say the upgraded tensioner can't be installed on a car without power steering...

[metalman]

Thanks Kurt! It actually did come with the vacuum variable FPR that I think came with the kit originally but it might be worth getting something else.

Now I just wonder why the hell they say the upgraded tensioner can't be installed on a car without power steering...


The FPR that came with the kit will work fine.

Hmmm....you know, I didnt notice that about the upgrade tensioner.
I wonder if it would work if you added a tensioner pulley that goes on a non PS car that has AC???

[RotorNutFD3S]

That should work. The pulley just simulates the p/s pump being there...

[Roadster]

That's what I was thinking, I noticed that Ben's car had one of those. Looking at pictures of the blower belt routing it kind of looks like one of the bolt holes on the tensioner has to mount to the PS bracket. At any rate, I need to find one of those blank pulleys; they don't sell a belt that would fit properly without it.

[RotorNutFD3S]

There was one on m.net classifieds for $25, but it's gone now. I have one, but I need it for my car. Otherwise, Finishline has them for $100 new. I see them pop up used for around $40-50. $25 was the cheapest I've seen on them ever. Maybe Kurt will have one or get one soon.

[Roadster]

Thanks Eric, I'll be keeping an eye out for one.

Now does anybody know what the best piggyback fuel management for this would be? Or should I go ahead and get a MS PNP so I can have more fun with it later on?

[RotorNutFD3S]

MSPNP FTW. Best thing without blowing the bank wide open. And you'll be able to enjoy it if you install it while you're still n/a. :)
Then you can start posting on MiataTurbo.net in the S/C section. The MS support there is great too!

[metalman]

Thanks Eric, I'll be keeping an eye out for one.

Now does anybody know what the best piggyback fuel management for this would be? Or should I go ahead and get a MS PNP so I can have more fun with it later on?


The MS PNP would be the best option...BUT, the cheapest option right now would be a Bipes...for timing, you have the AFPR for fuel. That combo works fine at normal 'low' boost on a JRSC

[Roadster]

I guess that's the plan then. Hopefully I'll have it on and running by next spring, lol. It's going to take a bit of saving to get the rest of this.

[metalman]

I guess that's the plan then. Hopefully I'll have it on and running by next spring, lol. It's going to take a bit of saving to get the rest of this.


keep your eyes open for a cheap used JR timing controller too. The last one I had I sold for $150...well worth the $. A used Bipes can be had for $80-120.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Definitely watch mt.net FS section then. People upgrade all the time and sell their old stuff.

[MeFryRice]

Would buying a new car be a bad decision with the economy the way it is today??

[RotorNutFD3S]

I think that's one of those things that can work for you and against you. Now is the time to get awesome deals, but at the same time, banks are extremely hesitant to lend money (since I know you don't want to finance through a dealer). Not only that, resale value on an SUV sucks, much less paying for the gas to keep it on the road.
I know you're looking for a Miata, I'd just make that a priority, and leave the tow vehicle until later. You could also get some decent money in a private party sale for your S2K since it's an in-demand vehicle.

[metalman]

Would buying a new car be a bad decision with the economy the way it is today??


I think most folks think so. Thats why sales have plummeted.
I wouldnt sign up for any payments right now.
I presume you mean brand new car from dealer, and not just a
'new to you' car.

[Doppelgänger]

If you can work it into your budget and not have a problem with the payments. I wouldn't buy a brand new car though.

[Doppelgänger]

i'm rambling that none of you other ****ers are rambling and allowing me to boost my post count. Asshats...... i'm bored at work and need stimulation.... and no, I can't turn on the porn channels.

[MeFryRice]

I think most folks think so. Thats why sales have plummeted.
I wouldnt sign up for any payments right now.
I presume you mean brand new car from dealer, and not just a
'new to you' car.

Yes, it's a 2008 Trails Team edition FJ Cruiser. :D The only thing holding me back is the economy, I wanna see how it plays out. I'm not in a rush to do anything at the moment.

[MeFryRice]

If you can work it into your budget and not have a problem with the payments. I wouldn't buy a brand new car though.


The payments would be slightly higher but nothing I can't manage. I'm not going to put myself in a such a high car payment that I'm struggling monthly. Thats just retarded.

[Doppelgänger]

The problem with SUVs, is that their value is dropping like a rock and I doubt these low gas prices are here to stay. Get a cheaper car and stash the difference away in a ING account :)

[MeFryRice]

And that's what I'm taking into consideration. Just buying a miata and saving my money as I'll have ZERO debt which will be super nice.

[Doppelgänger]

zero debt > new suv

need to haul something? rent a truck!

[RotorNutFD3S]

Or borrow one as I do when I need a truck/trailer for hauling the car around. Which is rare.

Zero debt is awesome, I can't wait until I'm at that point, of course, the car isn't helping the situation. :lol:

[JennB]

Yep, zero debt is awesome.

Honestly, I can afford way more car than I drive but I value things that are more long term investments and thinking about my future. I'm looking for a house, I have savings, I have 401K and I think I'm in a decent financial position. When I bought my MSM, I could have easily gone to a dealer and bought a new car that was exactly what I wanted but I saw my MSM as a nice, smart thing to do. I can always pay the payment even if something happens one month, I can have extra money for mods and other things in my life and someone else already took most of the hit on depreciation.

Personally, I would never buy a brand new SUV. Their resale value is terrible right now and with the shift in consumer habits, I seriously doubt it will ever swing back the other way . I don't know if some models are fairing better than others but would do the research on those statistics before buying one. Go to KBB or Edmunds and see what last years model just like the one you are looking at is now worth. If the depreciation is more than you will pay off in a year (not just straight up payments, but payments minus interest) then you are going to be upside down in a vehicle immediately.

[metalman]

Yes, it's a 2008 Trails Team edition FJ Cruiser.


Yeah...I definitely wouldnt be making payments on that type of new vehicle.
At your age I would be much more interested in investing in a home, and even some property way away from the city. Buying new vehicles is mostly a waste of money better spent elsewhere. I have never bought a new car, and likely never will. IMHO, people place too much value on what they drive and what others think of what they drive. I have made my vehicles pay for themselves for the most part...even made profits from them. Thats not possible with a new car. Its just another expense.

Even when I bought Hectors car which some said was too much $, and they wouldnt pay that. I knew it was worth it the minute I looked at it. I drove it 4 yrs and 75-80k. Returned it to stock, sold parts from it, (and kept some) and sold the car. Didnt cost me a dime...other then gas etc.
In truth I came out ahead.

I have lost $ on a few cars of course. But overall most of the time I break even or come out ahead.

[Doppelgänger]

aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hh!!!!!!!

[JennB]

What?

[Doppelgänger]

I dunno.... it seemed like a good idea at the time.

[MeFryRice]

Personally, I would never buy a brand new SUV. Their resale value is terrible right now and with the shift in consumer habits, I seriously doubt it will ever swing back the other way . I don't know if some models are fairing better than others but would do the research on those statistics before buying one. Go to KBB or Edmunds and see what last years model just like the one you are looking at is now worth. If the depreciation is more than you will pay off in a year (not just straight up payments, but payments minus interest) then you are going to be upside down in a vehicle immediately.

The MSRP on the vehicle is $33,3xx. The invoice is $30,1xx but due to the economy of today, they are basically giving it away for $27,5xx. I have been looking at used ones and the all seem to be in the lower $20k range for an '07 model (first year they were produced).

I've decided, as much as I'd like to have it, I'm going to just buy the Miata, sell my current POS and just live debt free for a while (I'm assuming this will be my last chance for a while due to having a mortgage, marriage, etc). This will allow me to save 95% of each paycheck which will be nice.

[MeFryRice]

IMHO, people place too much value on what they drive and what others think of what they drive.

For those that don't know me, I don't buy a car to "showoff" to other people. I buy them for personal enjoyment.

[Doppelgänger]

he has seen the light!!!! :lol:

It's like pay $30k for the pile now, or wait 3-4 years and pay $10k or less for a like-new but used one.

[MeFryRice]

They are already like that. The only reason why I even considered a new one is because I like the color/package combination on the '08 model.

I need to stop looking at them otherwise I'll try and talk myself into why I need it when in reality, I don't need to spend that much money. Sure, it'd be nice and whatnot but is it a smart financial decision at my age and point in life? Probably not.

[Doppelgänger]

I don't care what color those things are, they're ****ing UGLY lol Might be worse than the Aztec!!

[MeFryRice]

what an exciting post there Mike. :wtf:

[Doppelgänger]

You want exciting?? I got it for ya...... somewhere.....ok.... so i might have to go find the excitement... but I swear it's here.......maybe over there....... or there. My God, this is what happens when I have 4 CRT TV screens pointed at me... I think it's frying my brain. Funny thing is, I swear as i'm typing this, I can hear someone olver my shoulder reading it. Strange. Echo echo echo echo... hahaha.

[MeFryRice]

Freakin-A!

[Doppelgänger]

I know... it's crazy... right?

[MeFryRice]

hahah that's some freaky **** man!

[RotorNutFD3S]

You have issues that need to be resolved by a professional...

[MeFryRice]

nah, I like psycho Mike. haha

[RotorNutFD3S]

We'll call him... Mad Mike.

[Doppelgänger]

I'm on a rollll roll roll roll ... wait... roll roll roll yer boat.....down the road? The hell if I know. SPEED channel can suck my balls though... this channel completely sucks... and I did send them a email about how I think that NASCRAP needs to go.

oH LOOKS.........over there.....

WTF.. now my SIRIUS channel cut out and I has no music. Maybe that's it, i need my music to work.

Oh wait.. false alarm... now i'm jamming to More Human Than Human.
All is good in the Kingdom os Something Or Another.

[metalman]

IMHO, people place too much value on what they drive and what others think of what they drive.

For those that don't know me, I don't buy a car to "showoff" to other people. I buy them for personal enjoyment.


And....My statement was a general one...not intended to be directed specifically at you or about you. And its one that I generally believe to
be true in society.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Mike, you're acting like I do when I haven't had enough sleep. :lol:

(Although I really think that what he's typing is what is normally going on in his brain.)

[Doppelgänger]

It could be... hell, I dunno. If I had to do a self diagnostic, i'd say it's because my blood sugar is low. I'll probably crash in about an hour.

**** yeah.. blow up the outside world...

[Doppelgänger]

Steve, did you seeeeeeeeeee the laguna blue i posted that's up on CL???

[RotorNutFD3S]

It's uber-RARE!

[Doppelgänger]

Not many Lagunas out there... i'd still love to have one.

[MeFryRice]

I did see Mikey!!

[Doppelgänger]

eeeeets so puuurdy.

[MeFryRice]

Think it's worth the $4k? what should I offer him?

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

link?

[MeFryRice]

link?


http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/881193092.html

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I'ld go for it. I don't even think $4k for that is too much for it either. But I would really try and tear apart the car for it's few flaws and count in the price of soft top+ labour, dent problems and take that off his price.

If you whip out $3500 in cash it'll be hard for him to say no. You could try and fight further but I probably would be quite accepting if you're gonna drive all the way there.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

It's even got an R lip, it's a looker for certain.

[MeFryRice]

Well i have another Miata lined up now that's a better deal and will know something tomorrow.

[Doppelgänger]

it better not be a 1.6 :rolleyes:

[JennB]

I fixeded my other computer.

[MeFryRice]

it better not be a 1.6 :rolleyes:


Nope, it's a '95 and even the color I want, white! :D

[Doppelgänger]

It's going to look like a cult of white Miatas at any MX5 meets.. :lol:




How'd you fix it? What was wrong with it?

[MeFryRice]

I ran across this and thought to myself, the Peachtree club would really like what they sell.

http://www.mmmiata.com/catalogsite/sale01.php

[RotorNutFD3S]

Oh wow, that's atrocious!!!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Jesus christ I hate bad quality websites....

I want some red sultan carpet!

And I love this line

These are 1992 Miata SE wheels, they will fit 1992 - 1998 MX-5. They come with new General High performance tires that have only been on the ground for ten days.
They listed for $850.00 new but i will sell them for

$2500.00 with the tires, or make an offer!
Buyer pays shipping

[RotorNutFD3S]

A nice used Miata better come with them at that price. Insane. BBS rims are not that hard to come by...

[thx712517]

Wait wait wait, Two Thousand Five Hundred dollars for a set of WHEELS?! I could buy a set of SSR Comp C wheels for $1200 or so, and Enkei RPF1s for under a grand. Why so expensive?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Because he thinks they are uber rare BBS Miata rims that originally sold for $850.

[MeFryRice]

Wait wait wait, Two Thousand Five Hundred dollars for a set of WHEELS?! I could buy a set of SSR Comp C wheels for $1200 or so, and Enkei RPF1s for under a grand. Why so expensive?


Um, well someone paid me $1800 w/o tires for my Advans last week. It's not all that rare. A set of wheels I was look at for the S2K were close to ~$3k w/o tires.

[thx712517]

I understand paying high prices for tires. I've drooled over TE37s and CE28Ns enough to know they can go for ridiculous prices. But considering that they were factory issue wheels back in the day, and their effects can easily be replicated for less money.... That's where I don't understand.

[Doppelgänger]

I saw that ad... $2500 for USED wheels that the dealer chaged $850 each for...stupid stupid people.


Hell, I found a set of OEM 14" BBS wheels with center caps and the tool in excellent condition for $400....

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

It's a tad unreal to say the least.

[MeFryRice]

Someone needs to e-mail him a reality check. Tell him you'll give him $500 at the most.

[Doppelgänger]

Nah, email him and say "Just wanted to thank you for the laugh we got out of your rediculous ad over on our forum" :lol:

[MeFryRice]

I'd probably get a " :wtf: " response...

[Doppelgänger]

that would be the point.

[RotorNutFD3S]

No, you'd probably get a response justifying his ridiculous price.

[MeFryRice]

And then I'd send him a link of other BBS wheels selling for a lot lower cost.

[Doppelgänger]

I reply with an ad selling a big pile of **** that's gold plated....

[MeFryRice]

Out of the blue yesterday, I received this text message. Everyday, he writes a sticky note that saids "you suck" and puts it on his desk, Tylor still has no clue who it is.

Man...Tylor hogs the shiiter for like 30 minutes every day and u can smell the stench in the hall!

[ben91]

Think it's worth the $4k? what should I offer him?


Dent in front drivers side corner (bumper and front left fender will need to be replaced and painted)
Two tears in convertible top
Seats showing their age (tears in both, along side bolster)
Hell NO!! It needs a couple grand worth of work to get up to snuff. You can get a much nicer car (even an NB) in the $6K range.

[MeFryRice]

Don't worry, I'm not going to get it. I've already found me one and going to give payment tonight. :)

[RotorNutFD3S]

Oh ****! Steve might actually justify his presence on the board! :P

[ben91]

Don't worry, I'm not going to get it. I've already found me one and going to give payment tonight. :)
So I've heard :whistle:
That's a much better decision.

[MeFryRice]

Yes, I'm excited! :D

[RotorNutFD3S]

I'll only offer congratulations after you have the car in your driveway. :lol:

In other news, this day cannot go by fast enough... Work is actually calm on a Friday, which is insanely odd. I'm sure **** will hit the fan about 4:30, if not earlier, and continue on throughout the rest of the day. lol

[Doppelgänger]

What the hell happened outside?

[MeFryRice]

I was asking the secretary the same thing....I didn't know it was suppose to rain today. :(

[Doppelgänger]

Dammit, I got my new SCC mag lastnight and was reading the USCC. I can't express how badly I would like to wok with a shop to enter my car next year :( Hell, my car is already VERY well sorted but needs a little power upgrade and a few other parts... i'd feel confident if I had like $5000 to put into the car.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Holy ****, if Steve posts this much without a miata... well ****, I'm gonna have to upgrade the servers in the morning :lol:

[MeFryRice]

:butt:

.....I know all the editors for SCC.....:whistle:

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Well that's cool, they could do a feature on www.mxsteveatlanta.com :lol:

[Doppelgänger]

:butt:

.....I know all the editors for SCC.....:whistle:

Oh, there is no doubt that connections are a great thing to have and i'm sure that you can help (which I still need to forward you some pics/specs per SCC), but I would need a serious power upgrade (rods/pistons2871 turbo), some new slicks, a little aero work and someone to help me get the car out to Ca.
I figure about $3k for the block to get built, $1k for the turbo, $500 for a 3" exhaust, $800 for new slicks (dot approved), $80 for new front brake pads, $200 for tuning the new build... OK, so maybe more like $7k in extras for a good reliable 400whp car.


Dammit... one day.....

[metalman]

Reliable, 400whp, & Miata are not words that generally go together in the same sentence. :lol:

[ben91]

mine's been pretty good (knock on wood) at 300. it's all in how you treat it.

I will not be happy with my new motor if it's not comfortably over 400whp, so I guess we'll see.

[MeFryRice]

Mike - just let me know when your ready! :D

[Doppelgänger]

Well, I think if the work is good quality and with a good tune there shouldn't be any reliability issues. I don't know who I would have assemble the motor for me though. Figure I can pick up a 01+ block for ~$600, rods and pistons for ~$800.. then there are all the seals/gaskets/rings and bearings along with whatever machine work that I have no idea how much it would cost...then comes assembly and swapping the block and my head. Is it possable to build a short block and install it for $3k?

[ben91]

probably not, your parts costs are on the low side, but you're not too far off... you can talk to me about it some time if you want

<edit> of course there are "levels" of "engine build" and it would be possible to skimp to hit your $3k figure.

[MeFryRice]

If you want to build a "reliable" motor, it's going to be hard to stay under the $3k budget w/o taking a short cut somewhere.

[metalman]

I have not seen anything in a Miata motor making 400 whp that I would call 'reliable'.
Of course if its just started up and/or driven to the supermarket gently it might be. But, if you
really use that 400 whp **** is gonna break. And lets face it...what fun is it to have 400 hp and not use it.

[Doppelgänger]

Well, I keep seeing this "kit" pop up for $830 and it comes with rings..from a US retailer. I don't think that's a bad deal.

http://six.ebid.net/upload_big/1/0/8/1220906810-9032-0.jpg

I'd imagine a new set of main bearings is about $75 or so and about that for new ARP bearing bolts..and a $100 set of ARP head studs. Dammit, running through this i'm remembering all the detail parts.

Which brings me to the fuel system. Can my 550's support 400 hp? Would I *need* the dual-feed rail?

OK, so like $10k for a well sorted motor when all is said and done. So there goes that idea....

[MeFryRice]

It doesn't take much and before you know it, you have more money into the motor then the whole car cost...

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, let me tell you about that. I've got a notebook with a running budget of everything I've bought, sold, and had something done to (like the coatings and cryo treatments). It's not pretty. :lol: However, because I sold parts to get parts, I haven't put a huge dent in the pocket. At the same time, I should be able to put some impressive numbers down.
However, I'm in the home stretch now. I just have to get the block to the machine shop. My dreams of putting a '99 head on the block were rapidly shattered yesterday when the guy selling me his for $150 backed out on the deal at the last second. Kinda pissed, but oh well.
By the way, not a bad deal at all on that piston/rod kit. Although Wisecos have a reputation of having more piston slap than others.
Anyway, Mike, why (other than enjoying more power) do you want to rebuild your car? It's running well and pretty damn fast as it is...

[metalman]

YMy dreams of putting a '99 head on the block were rapidly shattered yesterday when the guy selling me his for $150 backed out on the deal at the last second.


Don't blame him too harshly...they sell easily at $500 ;)

[GraffitiPanda]

nothings good enough for mike... unless its got after burners LOL... oh wait doesn't a B.O.V. do similar? :lol:

ideah.. hood proped bov + gas spray with an igniter... routed to the rear end.....

JET PACKED MIATA!

add a honda wing and it can fly!

yeah yeah i know im not supposed to drink the bong water :LOL:!

[GraffitiPanda]

Well, I think if the work is good quality and with a good tune there shouldn't be any reliability issues. I don't know who I would have assemble the motor for me though. Figure I can pick up a 01+ block for ~$600, rods and pistons for ~$800.. then there are all the seals/gaskets/rings and bearings along with whatever machine work that I have no idea how much it would cost...then comes assembly and swapping the block and my head. Is it possable to build a short block and install it for $3k?


Toda racing make really good stuff for the miata... not sure if they have it for your engine but the prices are REALLY fair!

[Roadster]

I have not seen anything in a Miata motor making 400 whp that I would call 'reliable'.
Of course if its just started up and/or driven to the supermarket gently it might be. But, if you
really use that 400 whp **** is gonna break. And lets face it...what fun is it to have 400 hp and not use it.


Add another 4 cylinders to the engine bay and you can have 200hp more than that...reliably, all motor. We could get a 550hp streetable smallblock Ford out the door for around $7 grand if the parts are bought carefully.

An entire stroker rotating assembly from Eagle or Scat is around $900, including crank.

But then it would probably twist the whole car in half, so there'd be other areas needing attention. ;)

Looking at that kit that you posted, Mike. I didn't even know Eagle made rods for the Miata. I looked everywhere for some a month ago when I was planning the all motor route. I scoured our Eagle catalogs at the shop and they didn't sell anything for the Miata. Time for me to go look again...anything's better than dropping $900 on Carillos...

[Doppelgänger]

Everyone who is into power mods eventually gets jaded. In all reality, I think ~320-350rwhp should be perfect for the car. But can that power level be achieved fairly easily with just "throwing in" something like the rod/piston kit above and not doing much else but raising the boost and tuning the car? I mean literally pulling the oil pan off, hone the cylinders and toss some new bearings in and put it back together without pulling the head off..

[Roadster]

Well yeah you should be able to get a reliable 320 out of it. Are those pistons oversize? Fitting the rings and such pretty much involves tearing the whole engine down, or at least getting it out of the car and pulling the head. I mean if you're intending to hone it it'll have to come out.

I haven't really dealt with small bore stuff on my own a whole lot and I'm not sure what the machining necessities of OHC engines as opposed to pushrod are, but I'm assuming you'll be needing to check your piston/valve clearance and whatnot. I dunno how close they come from the factory. Are these the Wiseco boost compression pistons that Flyin' Miata sells?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Kurt, IDK if he was going for resale or actually was going to use it as he claimed. Just kinda sucks as I was excited to find such a deal, and he said he knew what he could sell it for, just wanted to help someone else out since it had been sitting for a while. Oh well. I'll have my current head worked over.

The Eagle rods are new for the Miata. There is a guy on miataturbo.net that is apparently in with the distribution company that is handling them or something along those lines. Something very recent evidentally.

Mike, from the hours I've spent reading posts, especially on mt.net, power goals like that are available on a stock engine. It's all in the tune. Eventually you'll break something and it'll need replacing, but it can be done. I'm interested to see patmx5's build when it's done. He's shooting for much higher numbers than that on a stock bottom end and a ton of DIY headwork. We'll see. :) But yeah, if you yank the engine to put pistons and rods in, you'll have to split it apart. Can't hone or overbore with the head on it.

[Doppelgänger]

Can you even put new pistons in without any machine work to the block and get away with it? The first thing I really do want to do lately is dump the 2560 for a 2871 + 3" exhaust and retune the car and go for 300rwhp. Is 300rwhp with a good tune something that will be reliable for 50K miles?

[Roadster]

Hell yes on the longevity. But I've never heard of anybody norton-rigging brand new Wisecos in just pulling the pan off. I mean it might be doable, just haven't heard of it. I'll ask some of the guys tomorrow.

Like I mentioned before though, the necessity of machine work in this case depends completely on what size the new pistons are; whether they're stock size or oversized. On an aftermarket performance piston like that, under the assumption that they'll normally be going into a used block which will require honing just to be able to clean up the walls properly, I'd think they'd usually be one size up. On big bore engines that's .030 over, I dunno what the increments are on small engines since they have to work with much thinner walls.

Gotta find out some piston specs. :P

[RotorNutFD3S]

When I asked the same question on mt.net, they said no. Actually, a lot of people said no to not doing anything to the block when installing forged pistons. Most forged pistons for our cars won't be found in a stoke bore size too. However, I'm avoiding the forged to avoid the wear that piston slap causes, that and huge numbers are not my goal. That's the reason I had the OEMs tri-coated, to control heat first and foremost. Rods and ringlands are our weakspots. Good tune, avoid detonation, and you're usually good to go.

I'd go with the turbo and exhaust upgrade dude. Wait until something drastic happens with the engine, or build another in the meantime. At least a short block anyway.

[RotorNutFD3S]

That's what I was thinking, I noticed that Ben's car had one of those. Looking at pictures of the blower belt routing it kind of looks like one of the bolt holes on the tensioner has to mount to the PS bracket. At any rate, I need to find one of those blank pulleys; they don't sell a belt that would fit properly without it.


There is someone selling one on MiataTurbo.net right now for $35/shipped. I PM'd him saying I was interested and he PM'd me the price. I told him I'd check with the end user. You want it?

[Sawyer]

I'm bored out of my mind because everyone is at the Air Show and I have nothing to do...
:cry::cry::cry:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Awww... You missed alot of fun! Stupid work.

[deerock]

i feel like this thread went emo.

cause i read it all and its like **** the world and everyone in it lol

emo. :violin:

not hatin. much love. :D

:violin: :violin:

[Doppelgänger]

Someone didn't get their coil-overs in the mail today :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Seriously. :LOL:

[deerock]

Someone didn't get their coil-overs in the mail today :lol:


hahahahahahahaha nicee one.

and i sure didnt. :mumbles: stupid ****in ups always taking for damn evar with stuff they know comes to me. those bastards. :lol: :whistle: what?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Well, that and they don't deliver on Sundays...

[deerock]

i know they dont deliver on sundays, but im just sayin the stuff's coming from Illinois, it shoulda been here friday, if not earlier. ohh and they didnt give me a tracking numbah. i was pretty disappointed about that too. but its whatever. atleast i got the suspension ordered.

[RotorNutFD3S]

lol I was just giving ya a hard time... :)

[Doppelgänger]

no tracking number? FRAUD!!!!

[deerock]

i know right! i smell a lawsuit coming if i dont get them soon.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

hope it works out

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

otherwise there'll be hell raised

[RotorNutFD3S]

otherwise there'll be hell raised


And no car lowered.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Oh yeah thanks for cards mate! I brought them back with me. They look fantastic, seems a shame to give them away!!



wonders when the post *****'s notice the change banana

[RotorNutFD3S]

You're welcome! Glad you like them! I have about 500 more at my house in case we run low (which I doubt will be a problem for a very long time, lol). And the design is also saved in the event we need to print more.

And what change? :)

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

:whistle: people will probably notice when they get to work and decide it's time to browse and post rather than work :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

This could either be a good thing or bad thing... I'm looking, but I can't find anything yet. I need to go to bed, but now I'm curious.

[Doppelgänger]

I see that the quick reply is more like a full reply now.... nice:cool:

[MeFryRice]

I like it though. :)

I get an email from my boss this morning (he's on vacation in Denmark this week) and apparently Pilot (the company I work for) is wanting to give me the responsibilities of our 12V accessories line on top of my current OEM projects. I'll be swamped at work now. :/

[Doppelgänger]

mmmm12v accessories.....

[RotorNutFD3S]

Ooooo... Ahhhh... 12V....

Damn dude, tell them you want more money with more responsibilities.

[MeFryRice]

Yeah, no ****. My boss is suppose to give me a call sometime today to discuss this but hopefully I can get out of it.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I see that the quick reply is more like a full reply now.... nice:cool:


It's been like that since the upgrade!!

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, I didn't think the QR box had changed...
I've been looking since you hinted at something last night, but can't find it. What did you do?! :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, no ****. My boss is suppose to give me a call sometime today to discuss this but hopefully I can get out of it.


Well, if you can't, try to get more money. I'll take on whatever I can at work as long as there is something in return for me too. Doesn't always happen, but it's nice when it does.

[JennB]

I so got to pull up next to a DeLorean on my way to work today. Sweet.

[metalman]

In this economy, if youre sitting around playing on the internet alot while at work, I'd be worried. :lol:
As a former manager, I'd see that as an opportunity to cut back on help and save $$ ;)
You might be better off to take on more work and become more valuable to your boss.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Kurt makes a good point too...

[Doppelgänger]

I think I saw that DeLorean the other day too....

[MeFryRice]

Well I just got off the phone with him, he's not going to make me do it. He understands that I already have a lot on my table....

[Sawyer]

Well that's good then! You don't want to take on too much and end up getting overwhelmed.

[MeFryRice]

Well I'd be going to California too, I kinda left out that part. :whistle:

[Sawyer]

Ohhhh.... Haha yeah good job on leaving out that important little detail!

[MeFryRice]

oh and I'd be out there next week......

[RotorNutFD3S]

Speaking of new projects, I was assigned by my department manager to head up a project to track a bunch of issues on the assembly lines so that we can fix the problems that my department is responsible for.
While it's extra work, it's also getting my name and face in front of the executive branch of the company. And for the 2 weeks I've been working on it, we've already had a 40% reduction in certain issues. My manager (who is my g/f's dad's friend) and my department manager are both really good friends, and they both have said they'd like to see me do really well here, and that this project is a good foot in someone's door, so it's really nice to have that support.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Wow. How long would they have sent you there for? That like a permanent assignment?

[Sawyer]

:wtf: Geez babe! Way to keep me in the loop!

[Sawyer]

Wow. How long would they have sent you there for? That like a permanent assignment?


It better not be!

[JennB]

I think I saw that DeLorean the other day too....


Did it happen to have a really funny personalized plate? :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, that would suck pretty badly!

[MeFryRice]

Wow. How long would they have sent you there for? That like a permanent assignment?


I dunno, I didn't even bother asking. I honestly have no desire to move to Cali anyways (cost of living is too high).

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, but you could join the rest of your SoCal styled friends. :P

[Sawyer]

^^ Haha, oh geez! :lol:

[JennB]

oh how I hate SoCal. San Diego is beautiful but too expensive. LA is absolute crap though.

[RotorNutFD3S]

STEVE CALL ME NOW!!!

[Sawyer]

Ah! What's going on???

[metalman]

If cali fell off the US into the sea I wouldnt even miss it. :lol:

[JennB]

Save the Redwoods... let the rest of the state "learn to swim" (Mike will appreciate that one)

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I'ld love to go to Cali, seems like a cool laid back more liberal place.

[JennB]

The people are asshats and they think Cali is the center of the earth and that the biggest, best, most awesome of EVERYTHING is there. Plus, the people are amazingly superficial and it's too expensive to ever own anything of your own. The traffic is retarded, the pollutions is disgusting and oh yeah.. if you DO buy something of your own there.. a giant wildfire could take it any day.

Been there, done that, not in any hurry to go back.

[RotorNutFD3S]

I've always wanted to visit certain beaches and stay up in the mountains up north for a while.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

The people are asshats and they think Cali is the center of the earth and that the biggest, best, most awesome of EVERYTHING is there. Plus, the people are amazingly superficial and it's too expensive to ever own anything of your own. The traffic is retarded, the pollutions is disgusting and oh yeah.. if you DO buy something of your own there.. a giant wildfire could take it any day.

Been there, done that, not in any hurry to go back.


:lol: a fairly comprehensive review there!

Even online I've noticed Cali people thinking they have the best of everything. I'ld still like to give it a go, I lived in a **** hole part of London where everything was still expensive so I don't the prices part should put me off quite too much yet. I still view everything here as half price!

My current issue is getting my tired *** out of this chair to go to Kroger and buy me some food to live off this week. At the moment my diet is substantiated of a 230g bar of Cadbury's dairy milk my gran parents sent me banana

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I also need to mention that I would to be a Guido for a weekend, they fascinate me :lol:

[JennB]

You'll have to go to New Jersey for that. Have fun... Jersey is crap as well. :lol:


And I think the beaches at the southern tip of Florida are the best. Crystal clear, warm water. Of course I haven't been to Hawaii... yet. Cali beaches are okay but the water isn't that warm.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Jamaica is also very high on my list of places to go. I've never actually been to a warm watered beach.

[RotorNutFD3S]

I've been there. Also to St. Lucia, Trinidad, Tobago, Barbados, Martinique, Grenada, and St. Vincent. Did a Windjammer cruise down in the Caribbean and island hopped to all those islands off of a clipper ship, and then stayed on St. Lucia for an exta 5 days. It's gorgeous down there, although the poverty level is very high. They nearly freaked at one of the markets when I paid $1 USD for a coke and walked off. The price was roughly $0.06 for one bottle.

[metalman]

I'ld love to go to Cali, seems like a cool laid back more liberal place.


Uhh..I would characterize it as Superficial Peoples Republic. :lol:

Jenns description is spot on...just add earthquakes and mudslides. hehe...
The superficiality I find to be of the most repulsive nature.

[JennB]

Yeah... they are in no way as laid back as they try to make people think they are. They all on their cell phones, obsessed with their looks and who and where they are seen, stuck in traffic for 5 hours a day and just generally not concerned with anyone else. That's not laid back. It's not Baywatch out there.

I did enjoy San Diego a good bit. I stay in Solano Beach and just walked to the local pizza place to have a pizza and a beer and then wandered as I wanted. It was not bad at all. But.... I can say that there are spots on the coast of SC and NC that are easily as laid back and the people will be a million times nicer to you.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Isn't San Diego in Cali?

[JennB]

Yes... but it's the small exception to the ****tiness of the rest of the state. But still expensive and it still catches on fire... a lot.

[metalman]

Fire = Natures way of taking out the trash. :D

As for bright spots in Cali...I would consider Yosemite as one.

In terms of polite friendly people, and an extreme low crime rate, its hard to beat northern Maine.
The coast is beautiful too. Maine has more miles of coastline then any other state IIRC.
The winter on the other hand....ugghhh. :)

[MeFryRice]

The population of northern Maine is less then the Fulton County. My grandparents (dad's side) live there and there is NOTHING to do.

[Sawyer]

Maine would be waaaaaay too cold for me!
Even though I was was born and raised in Michigan for 15 years, my blood thinned out really quick once I moved here! I can't stand the cold!

[metalman]

The population of northern Maine is less then the Fulton County. My grandparents (dad's side) live there and there is NOTHING to do.


There are things to do...but you must be self motivated...and likely self employed. Also, alot of folks there have much different priorities, like being self sufficient etc. You will have to look hard for the typical job people rely on in the south. I have spent much time there and have friends that live there.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I remember Maine because I used to play co-op on Command and Conquerer Red Alert with someone from there :lol: It didn't seem particularly exciting at the time either.

Wasn't there a big anaconda there one time?

[Sawyer]

Really? I wouldn't think they would be able to survive there. If there was, I never heard about it!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

or it might have been a giant alligator, something in the lakes