My Miata...

[simontibbett]

Ok, lets start. I will try and update it quite a bit as I get more in depth with my build now.

I bought my car (90 1.6) in Jan. of 2007. I got it for $1700 with most of the mods today, just some things needed some playing around with. It came with spares, stock parts, extra set of brand new Toyo tires (had brand new Azenis on it), etc. Good deal!

Things added since I got it:

-Corbeau Forza seat
-5 point harness
-Megasquirt PNP ECU
-Roll bar finished and painted.
-Full alignment
-Home Depot lip ;)
-Gutted interior and painted
-Flyin Miata sway bar
-Exterior buffing...needs paint no matter what.
-New engine items from waterpump, gaskets, etc.
-...and some other things.

When I bought the car I wanted to have a car ready to go autocross wise. It was pretty close, so I was happy. Plans changed and I wanted to turbo it, well I changed my mind, then I wanted to do ITB's, I got VERY close to finishing that, had all the parts, but went a different route. By the way for those interested, for my ITB setup I was going to use GSXR600 tb's attached to a stock 1.6 IM cut off at the runners for a manifold, it would have worked perfectly.

Anyway so now the car is destined to be a race car.

I have decided on ITA. The class offers different cars at different speeds. Spec Miata SOUNDS like the bargain class, but to be fast in SM you need to have a pro built car most of the time. Those are not cheap...

So for ITA I plan on getting another 1.6 and doing a small overhaul, boring it out, doing as much as the legal things in the rulebook I can afford. Suspension wise I am upgrading to Konis and Ground Controls.

Lots of other things have to be done, but the car will be set to go to the double school in Feb. at Roebling Road.

I will put some pics on here as soon as I can.

Things to do:

-Finish roll cage.
-Add fire system and cutoff switch.
-Remove steering wheel lock
-Alignment
-Exhaust
-Paint body
-...and more.

Like I said more real updates to come :)

Mods List AS IS:

-Tein springs
-KYB AGX shocks
-Flyin Miata sway bar
-OPM strut bar
-RB header
-Intake, AFM delete, intake relocated.
-A/C, PWS, everything entirely removed.
-Gutted cat.
-Roll bar welded in
-All metal bushings
-Steel braided brake lines.
...and other things I am forgetting.

-------------------

Update: 10/22/2008

So today I have started my last attempt at a cost alternative form of body work. I could spend $300 to get a Maaco paint job, but why if I could do it for a little less and do it myself (I have a VERY bad case of DIY disease).

So I am attempting the $50 roller paint job.

Supplies I bought:

-Red Rustoleum paint.
-Foam roller
-Mineral spirits
-Sand paper

Bout it...lol.

I am doing the trunk first, so I sanded it down. By the way, if you spray paint your car, at least whatever paint I used, it's HARD to get off with just sand paper lol. Luckily only my trunk/hood is spray painted the bumpers are too but easy to sand down.

Anyway, trunk was sanded down very smooth, and I just applied the first coat. I am following many websites on this. At first I had a bad problem with bubbles, so I thinned the paint down quite a bit more and it went away. Next is orange peel type finish. I am waiting until it's dry and will wet sand it, and attempt to get that out, I read it's normal and there are ways to get it out. Waiting for it to dry it looks good, of course it looks good when wet but there are no lines from the roller, no issues. It's really easy SO FAR haha.

Plan:

-Wet sand when dry.
-If orange peel is better, leave it, if it's the same, add coat, sand again until smooth. Maybe play with paint/thinner mixture.
-When fully dry, wax/buff trunk to shine (I hope it does)
-Wash car like regular, see if it fades, chips, reacts to anything.

If it holds up, I will do the whole car lol.

It can easily be done in a weekend.

I have pics and am taking them all the time to make it a DIY thread if it works, or to show how NOT to do this, either way lol. By the way the color is BRIGHT red, lol, luckily with stickers on the car it will look more of a race car/bright attn ***** take my pic on the track car.

--------------

Exhaust update: I am running now a straight pipe, no muffler, no cat (gutted Jackson cat). Luckily a Supertrapp will get here today and serve as my muffling device. If you all have never used one, they are really nice to have. Especially for track days or events with a sound limit, you can change your tone, backpressure, and sound in a matter of seconds. Just add or take away discs!

----------------

Roll cage update: Some may have seen my roll bar for sale more then likely. I am planning on getting a FULL new cage at a crazy discounted price, as much as I could add to the front of mine for. So I figure why not do a whole new cage, that way I know I won't run into any issues with mounting a front half to a custom rear half.

----------------

More SOON!

(and pics of the trunk tonight!)

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

You got it for $1700??? That's an absolute steal mate. You forgot to mention the seam welded part too. I've always liked your car, it's a hardcore fighting Miata. What kind of scheme are you gonna go with for the ITA racing? Painters tape racing stripes??

[jesseealexander]

PAINT THAT DAMN CAR!!!!!!!!!

lol and shave your beard homo

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

And post some pictures

[RotorNutFD3S]

Pics or it's not real! lol

[MeFryRice]

I demand pics!!

[simontibbett]

Here is quick snap from the ARRC last year, will post new pics asap when I get it cleaned up.

I am painting it soon, hopefully before this years ARRC.

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v154/2/123/770645227/n770645227_1647007_7748.jpg

[metalman]

Pink headlight covers reduce wind resistance.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Naah it's just clear coat weight savings, like the Germans did with their silver race cars.

That's a cool picture Simon, must have been good fun showing up the pricier cars.

[simontibbett]

LOL it's more like non buffed and waxed headlight covers.

But I like the German idea!

[simontibbett]

Update:

So today I have started my last attempt at a cost alternative form of body work. I could spend $300 to get a Maaco paint job, but why if I could do it for a little less and do it myself (I have a VERY bad case of DIY disease).

So I am attempting the $50 roller paint job.

Supplies I bought:

-Red Rustoleum paint.
-Foam roller
-Mineral spirits
-Sand paper

Bout it...lol.

I am doing the trunk first, so I sanded it down. By the way, if you spray paint your car, at least whatever paint I used, it's HARD to get off with just sand paper lol. Luckily only my trunk/hood is spray painted the bumpers are too but easy to sand down.

Anyway, trunk was sanded down very smooth, and I just applied the first coat. I am following many websites on this. At first I had a bad problem with bubbles, so I thinned the paint down quite a bit more and it went away. Next is orange peel type finish. I am waiting until it's dry and will wet sand it, and attempt to get that out, I read it's normal and there are ways to get it out. Waiting for it to dry it looks good, of course it looks good when wet but there are no lines from the roller, no issues. It's really easy SO FAR haha.

Plan:

-Wet sand when dry.
-If orange peel is better, leave it, if it's the same, add coat, sand again until smooth. Maybe play with paint/thinner mixture.
-When fully dry, wax/buff trunk to shine (I hope it does)
-Wash car like regular, see if it fades, chips, reacts to anything.

If it holds up, I will do the whole car :jawdrop: lol.

It can easily be done in a weekend.

I have pics and am taking them all the time to make it a DIY thread if it works, or to show how NOT to do this, either way lol. By the way the color is BRIGHT red, lol, luckily with stickers on the car it will look more of a race car/bright attn ***** take my pic on the track car.

--------------

Exhaust update: I am running now a straight pipe, no muffler, no cat (gutted Jackson cat). Luckily a Supertrapp will get here today and serve as my muffling device. If you all have never used one, they are really nice to have. Especially for track days or events with a sound limit, you can change your tone, backpressure, and sound in a matter of seconds. Just add or take away discs! :D

----------------

Roll cage update: Some may have seen my roll bar for sale more then likely. I am planning on getting a FULL new cage at a crazy discounted price, as much as I could add to the front of mine for. So I figure why not do a whole new cage, that way I know I won't run into any issues with mounting a front half to a custom rear half.

----------------

More SOON!

(and pics of the trunk tonight!)

[metalman]

If anyone else feels like doing a roller paint job I have 6 quarts of Interlux Brightside paint in bright red. They call it Fire Red. It supposed to work better the Rustoleum. ;) It is a polyurethane paint with UV inhibitors etc made for ocean going boats. Can be rolled or sprayed.

Keep us posted on your roller job.

[simontibbett]

^Yes it is, but can't beat like $8/can lol

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Good luck Simon, can't wait to see pictures. We'll have to do the same to our Lemons car.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Cool. I was hoping to see someone locally do this. Keep us updated for sure!

[simontibbett]

Here are a few quick shots of the trunk, one coat, nothing else. The orange peel look went away when it started to dry

You can see a few small bubbles I will take care of with a little wet sanding and another coat, maybe thin the paint a TAD more. It actually looks better in person. I will post more pics tom.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

:clap: That's really not bad for a first couple coats, **** that wouldn't be bad as a final result.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Wow. For one coat that looks great! Get it coated some more and then cleared and it'd look really good!

[simontibbett]

Thanks!

[iJohnnyC.]

That looks great! You may live up to the "before ARRC" goal afterall.

[jesseealexander]

thats pretty nice. its gonna be bright as **** when its all done lol

[simontibbett]

truth! it's gonna be a little attn slut

[RotorNutFD3S]

Any paint updates?

[jesseealexander]

why not just use ketchup?

[simontibbett]

^It didn't last long last time I tried.

Will put up a update tom. evening. I have the back bumper and stuff off, getting all that done, and finished the trunk. I found for sure the easiest way is to take off every body panel you can, and take your time on each panel.

[BFH miata]

passed you sunday evening on 129 heading through arcade, the wife and I were in our accord. I thought the arcade coppers might take interest in your car when we went past them.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Given the fact that it sounds like a dying Terminator :lol:

[simontibbett]

passed you sunday evening on 129 heading through arcade, the wife and I were in our accord. I thought the arcade coppers might take interest in your car when we went past them.


Cool! On my way back from Road Atl. Yeah I have not been pulled over yet, I am testing my luck lol. I have even driven next to police cars before trying to be quiet they just look at me like I am an idiot and keep going lol.

[BFH miata]

Given the fact that it sounds like a dying Terminator :lol:



Good description, I wasn't quite sure how to explain it!

[simontibbett]

Looking for my camera cable to post up more pics, today I am working on putting the Supertrapp on (out the center probably) and more sanding/prep work. Due to the wind and bad paint weather recently, I might start taking body panels in my room LOL.

[simontibbett]

So, hood is done, and front bumper is done, whole car has been sanded. I found that foam BRUSHES vs foam ROLLERS work EXTREMELY well, what I did with the bumper (after bad experience trying to paint my rear bumper) was paint the whole bumper with a brush, then go back over it with a dry roller. It's sitting here in my room drying (new work shop) and it looks AMAZING.

[simontibbett]

Ok...UPDATE!

So the whole right side of the car is done! I am really pleased with it. It's just one coat but looks SOOOO much better then before. I will get started on the other side. The cold weather sucks, but it hasn't really effected the results, the wind is the enemy.

I also welded my new muffler on, a Supertrapp. Amazing how much of a difference in low end torque you can feel with messing with the discs. It's also nice to hear a little better.

Will be posting pics of everything this evening! I found my long lost camera cord.

[simontibbett]

Ok people, got the whole body done basically. Will do another coat sometime but right now i'm happy with it..some pics throughout the process:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture001.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture003.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture004.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture005.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture007.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture010-1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture018.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture019.jpg

[simontibbett]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture022.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture025.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture024.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture026.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture027.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/Picture028.jpg

[RotorNutFD3S]

Holy ****!!! That looks awesome!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

That's ****ing fantastic really. Perfect for any car that's gonna get driven hard like yours.

[jester911]

I was thinking about painting my car. I would really like to paint it black instead of the same old red. That turned out really well.
Are you going to clear coat it too?

[Sawyer]

That actually looks really good!

[Acro]

That looks fantastic O_O Nice job.

[simontibbett]

Thanks peoples.

[iJohnnyC.]

Looks awesome buddy!
How does Jay feel about the red paint on his driveway? lol

[jesseealexander]

its pretty cute... no homo.. lol

[simontibbett]

Forgot all about this, so UPDATE:

-Paint is still fine, no fading or chipping. I am taking it off the top of my windshield because I did it too quick and have lines in it from the brush...will do a second coat and wet sanding in the spring.

-I have decided NOT to run ITA next season. For quite a few reasons. First to win it will cost quite a bit of money, which could be spent elsewhere. The point of my racing is in search of a pro drive moving up the racing ladder. I finally have enough small support to run with Skip Barber, and they have a true ladder system and offer great things. Plus, you don't usually get much success running in IT, there isn't that much exposure, it is fun, but I also have to think of what I am doing and what has a better shot of going somewhere.

-My Miata will now be used for time trials and track days, so I don't have to follow much of a rulebook anymore. I am making a rear diffuser using some metal and a Ferrari F430 diffuser. I will also be experimenting with other weird aero things and seeing what will happen, such as splitters, dive planes, side skirts, fenders, etc.

-Nothing else new with the car really.

[simontibbett]

UPDATE:

-As everyone knows my motor took a crap...or did it? Def. blew the headgasket, but everything else looks good. So I am going to get the head checked and maybe throw a HG on and see what happens...lol.

-I put new Azenis on the car, TOTALLY different feeling car, I forgot what a proper handeling Miata felt like, I even fixed my sway bar, so I have a functioning front sway bar again.

-I am more then likely going to boost it for fun, low boost. For a couple hundred $ see how that goes.

-OR I am thinking carbs or ITB's again. Maybe making a plenum for ITB's. I like projects.

-Car is for rent at NASA events and events I won't be running, $400 for the WEEKEND, includes support, any driver training needed, brakes, tires, etc. Show up with your helmet and drive. Sign a waiver and make an insurance deposit which will be refunded at the end of the event if no damage is done and have a ball. Bring your own wheels and tires if you like.

-When the rain stops I am welding some new bars in to make it a cage...lol.

-AND last but not least will post some pics of it's engine issues and just updated pics soon. For those interested in the paint, exact same as the day it dried. No issues, I wash it, even pressure washed it, doesn't come off, VERY strong.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Cool. Hope you get it fixed up and running soon. Hows the Skip Barber thing work? I thought it was just a driver education program.

I'ld go for budget turbo kit for a bit more track power.

[simontibbett]

Cool. Hope you get it fixed up and running soon. Hows the Skip Barber thing work? I thought it was just a driver education program.

I'ld go for budget turbo kit for a bit more track power.

They have racing schools, graduate from the 3 day school and you get your SCCA license. Then they have formula and MX5 series, with a ladder program, allowing drivers with talent to earn funded rides and move up. People like Marco Andretti ran in this program some.

[simontibbett]

Ok well update.

I decided to take a chance and take the head off a used motor I bought, put it on my bottom end. I cleaned it very well, all new gaskets, blah blah, well finally got it all back together, and it was knocking (bottom end) so now have to pull my bottom end out and put the head on the used engine I bought. Plus swap over all the other stuff and put it back in. Hopefully it will be done Thursday, this weather has dampened my progress, I bought new headgasket (again), rear main seal, crank seal, tstat gasket, water pump, blahhhh you name it. Anything outside of the motor is new lol.

So I will start putting it all together and drop the new engine in. Maybe take it to the mountains this weekend and beat its ***. Doing something extreme with it, it's my birthday weekend.

[redrumracer]

well hopefully youll get it done, maybe you should take it to the dyno day.

[simontibbett]

Oh yeah I forgot about that, I may show up.

[simontibbett]

Oh and I have some extremely weird goodies coming for it lol.

[simontibbett]

March 4, 2009:

Got the old engine out with tranny and everything, cleaned engine bay real well, and will begin swapping parts over to the new motor. Should all be done today (5th) and back on the road.

[Pitt]

Oh and I have some extremely weird goodies coming for it lol.

Glowing sniper hood scoops?

Metal Diamond plated floor mats???:biggrin:

[simontibbett]

Better.

[Pitt]

Your getting it wrapped and advertising for soulja boy?

[simontibbett]

Update on the stupid piece of ****:

-Found a broken destroyed pilot bearing, put new one in. Had to run around for an hour to find a stupid little bearing. I call AutoZone:

"Yeah I am seeing if you all have a pilot bearing for a 1990 Mazda Miata?"
"Ok one moment..." (Guy on phone)..."it's a rotary right?"
"Ummm no M-I-A-T-A it has a 1.6 I-4..."
"Oh ok, well some came with rotaries...but yeah I have two in stock."

LMFAO um NO YOU DUMB ****.

Anyway this is the AutoZone across town so I drive all the way over there, downtown is a MAD HOUSE for some reason, get there, nope we don't have any in stock I will order you one. NO THANKS!

Advance had 12 (it's a generic bearing anyway) for $5.00 so got one.

-THEN I am getting ready to put the crank pulley on and it doesn't work, because mine is short nose this is long. ******* roadblock again.

-PLUS the front crank seal I bought doesn't fit, so I have to order a new one.

SO, I got the head on, waterpump, starter, alt, etc etc. I still have a Miata on jack stands with a tranny laying there, a bottom end, now a motor, etc.

So much trouble for so little fun.

[simontibbett]

Ok. UPDATE.

Got the parts I needed thanks for a member on here in a very quick fashion and it was all I needed.

Engine is now in the car as of Saturday morning, was my birthday and girlfriend stayed here all weekend so car goes last, took a break from it, will continue finishing it up tomorrow I hope.

[simontibbett]

UPDATE:

Got the car started Monday night, it was running rough and on jack stands so I couldn't drive it but it started, no knocks, no weird noises or smoke.

Drove the car yesterday, ran great, very nice power, feels quicker then previous engine. Somehow my front seal is leaking like a ***** and it's brand new, I guess I will put another in and see what happens.

[amaff]

you sure you have the right front main for the crank you have? did it fit snug or was there a gap? I ask because when I ordered my oil pump from mazdaspeed here's what I had on a long nose crank (it was a big nose oil pump):
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/amaff/Miata_Engine/IMG_1502.jpg

It should be a pretty snug fit. In fact, I broke my first, correct main seal sliding it on the crank b/c I didn't lurb everything up and it got caught on the lip of the crank. fail.

[simontibbett]

Yeah I had the right one, fit real snug, but who knows I could have put it in a tad bit crooked and it tore or bound up. I will have to check. It's not POURING out oil but a nice drip when running. Shouldn't be too bad to swap them back out.

[simontibbett]

Update:

Nothing much to update lol, waiting for a fix on the coolant leak, put in a gauge pod under the radio, and it should be running safely in a few days. It runs GREAT though, idles smooth, runs smooth, has really nice power for a NA 1.6, feels a lot stronger then my old motor.

[simontibbett]

Update:

Got my coolant issues resolved. Runs strong, no coolant leaks, temp is perfect, stays around 190 or so at 60mph sustained speed. Drove it hard and it doesn't really get much hotter. Put over 100miles on it yesterday and didn't have a single hiccup.

I do have some sort of fume issue, it's been like this even with my previous motor, not sure if my exhaust is leaking into the cabin, or something is burning off the header or just blowing oil, I am working on sealing anything I can and making a catch can versus the "filter" on the vc.

But it's running very strong, a lot more peppy and get up then my previous motor, everything is new and fresh so I guess that's why. A pic from the day I finished getting the motor in below.

[simontibbett]

I didn't really park it like that for the picture I just pulled in and didn't bother straightening it up.

[jesseealexander]

thoooo cuteeethhhhh

[Jecht]

Looks good Simon!

[simontibbett]

^Thank ya sir.

No real updates, took the car to the mountains, ran flawlessly with no issues at all, real strong. The exhaust came lose under the car though and has been leaking for some time making it a pain to drive with the noise, vibration, and fumes. I tightened it all up, finding a bolt missing which I still need to replace, sounds so much better especially with the Supertrapp, I love the sound, and no more annoying racket.

[simontibbett]

SOLD.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

SOLD.

:lol: yeah... the new guy posts on here.

[mustangtomiata]

he also tried to sell it for 5k :lmao:

[simontibbett]

LMFAO I know, cars worth less then 1500, it's COMPLETELY worn out.

[simontibbett]

:lol: yeah... the new guy posts on here.

Yeah I know, he's on IA too.

[MeFryRice]

I saw this car at Petite.

[simontibbett]

PETIT.

I actually saw it the other day at Oktoberfest.