Round 2: GRM $2006 Challenge Turbo Miater

[kcbhiw]

Well, folks, the time has come to get started, or restarted if you will, on the turbo Miata challenge car. Now that I am settled in the new house and have only 5 months to get things ready to go, I have started the refit of the turbo Miater. It took me only five months to get the car ready for the $2005 challenge and it seems that history will be repeating itself.

For those that aren't familiar with the car, the initial build, trials, follies, downfalls, and successes can be found HERE (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84468) . This is a car that, all said and done, cost a total of about $1970 (including the car) to build into a 200+ RWHP racer that placed 18/63 overall and 9/63 in the auto-x portions of the $2005 challenge.

For information on the challange itself, please visit: http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/category/2006-challenge/. In short, the goal is to build a racer that can compete in an autocross and drag race while having the best appearance possible for less than $2006. It's not as easy as it sounds :D.

The first incarnation of the car was bred from this:
http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/GRM2/miata_SM.jpg

and this:
http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/GRM2/xr2_SM.jpg

into this (and the gray/black car in my sig):
http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/GRM2/turbo_miata_SM.jpg


Version 2.0 of the Turbo Miater will include a SS tubular turbo manifold, Volvo intercooler, FG/CF piping arrangment, custom limited slip differential, and different wheels, in addtion to weight reduction, wet sanding, exterior detailing, and many other points that require focus. All in all, the final result will be a car that is faster, handles better, looks sharper, and has increased reliability.

Tonight, the teardown commenced. In tradition of the original build, I will be updating this thread with build photos and details of the progression. That said, here are a few from this evening's work:

[Prodigy]

niceness!

I'm jealous of your garage lighting...
(and it doesn't look like you have your street lamps set up yet from the reflection on the car)

[MiaTurbo]

I was thinking about the GRM challenge the other day... I was thinking about how cool it would be to take a Jeep Wrangler and make it RWD, and lowering it. heh... I think I n eed sleep.

Good luck Kevin :)

[pluto316]

I think I found a 1990 Miata around town for $1500, I'll start copying you now.

: D

[kcbhiw]

niceness!

I'm jealous of your garage lighting...
(and it doesn't look like you have your street lamps set up yet from the reflection on the car)

Gotta have good lighting in the garage....a definate necessity. The streetlamps will probably be hung in the basement, hehe.

I was thinking about the GRM challenge the other day... I was thinking about how cool it would be to take a Jeep Wrangler and make it RWD, and lowering it. heh... I think I n eed sleep.

Good luck Kevin :)

Stranger things have been done.
I think I found a 1990 Miata around town for $1500, I'll start copying you now.

:D
Heck yeah! Go for it!

[kcbhiw]

More "destruction". I'm currently in the process of removing everything in the engine bay so that it can properly be painted this time. I was never very happy with the gray under the hood, so I'll be repainting it black. Just a couple of pics for the time being. The first pic details what a leaky clutch master can do to your paint. Doh.

While I was under the dash unbolting the brake booster, I decided to remove the remainder of the airbag system as well as the sound deadening material along the firewall. I hope to hold onto everything that is removed from the process so that it can be weighed. When the project is complete, I hope to have the curb weight somewhere below 2000 lbs.

[SilverBulletES]

Awesome Kevin. Keep the dream alive!

[lasermp5]

I'm working on a 2006 GRM project with my friends right now. They're the Bucklands, and the car is a 240sx couple ;)

[kcbhiw]

I'm working on a 2006 GRM project with my friends right now. They're the Bucklands, and the car is a 240sx couple ;)

Uh oh! Divulge your secrets. (glare)

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

subbin!

[vindication]

cool. cant wait to see it.
So wait. You were only allowed $2005 total for car and mods last year right? So this year you can spend $2006 on it? If so what about those that have been in this for a while and can have mad money total so far invested? Or I am guessing I am totaly wrong :D?

[kcbhiw]

cool. cant wait to see it.
So wait. You were only allowed $2005 total for car and mods last year right? So this year you can spend $2006 on it? If so what about those that have been in this for a while and can have mad money total so far invested? Or I am guessing I am totaly wrong :D?

Nope. I am only allowed $1 more from last year. The total cost that was spent last year has to be carried over to this year.

However, I still have money that I haven't recouped from parts car, and am directly swapping bits that I have already paid for. (I.E. $100 Manifold for the $2005 challenge gets replaced by a $120 manifold for the $2006 challenge. All in all, I'll fork over an extra $20).

[vindication]

ohh, cool.

[MiaTurbo]

What manifold are you taking off? you might recoup some more cost if it's something i could use...

[pluto316]

Ok, am I missing something about the rules or what? What happens if you need new tires mid-season? Can you spend money on that?

[Rogue]

subbing just because you're a tool

[MiaTurbo]

Ok, am I missing something about the rules or what? What happens if you need new tires mid-season? Can you spend money on that?there is no mid season. It's a 1 weekend event.

[pluto316]

there is no mid season. It's a 1 weekend event.


(rtfm) Ok then.

[StuttersC]

Glad to see you are returning. I'm going to be able to go out and volunterr this year. so, I'll keep an eye out for you.

[kcbhiw]

What manifold are you taking off? you might recoup some more cost if it's something i could use...

I'm replacing the cast exhaust mannifold (basically the same design as that of gReddy). I think I'll hold on to it for the time being since I'm not laying a lot of trust in this cheap tubular manifold.

Glad to see you are returning. I'm going to be able to go out and volunterr this year. so, I'll keep an eye out for you.

I wouldn't miss it. You should build a car and play as well. What services will you be volunteering?

[kcbhiw]

Well things are progressing ever so slowly. With having been sick and travelling for business (again and again and again), I'm still in the process of prepping the engine bay for a re-spray. I did this once already (a year ago) and had forgotten how badly this process sucked. That said, a word to the wise....don't EVER use spray paint to paint your engine bay. This was obviously inexperience -slash- brain fart on my part, but spray paint will not stand up to the harsh [chemical/dirty/hot] environment of an engine bay. This time around, I'll be painting it properly using the same paint that was applied to the exterior of the car, an actual automotive finish.

Once the under hood paint is complete, fabrication of the radiator and intercooler mounts will commence.

Here's a pic just to illustrate the progress (or lack there of). Unfortunately, the prep work (sanding, grinding, etc) isn't at all obvious.

[kcbhiw]

I guess it's better late than never for an update. I haven't had much time to work on the car considering I spent last week in NC on business and was tied up with another project this week. Alas, some progress has been made. The engine bay got painted with an actual automotive finish and is ready to go back together. Unfortnuately, it's not as smooth as I'd like it. I'm assuming that a bit of airborn overspray landed on the painted bits as I progressed. It's a bit rough in some places, but it'll have to do.

As soon as I get my hands on a welder, I'll be building the bracketry for the radiator and intercooler. Tomorrow, I'll be powdercoating all of the stock brackets that are used to hold various devices within the bay. I spray painted them for the first rendition, but as previously mentioned, spray paint just doesn't hold up that well in such an extreme environment.

Pics....

[kcbhiw]

Here are a couple of pics from the tear down. It's definately not as shiny as it was when I installed it. Also, she's obviosly been running a bit rich. It's definately not the best AFR, but it certainly beats grenading an engine.

[SilverBulletES]

Jeeeeeeeez..... this thread is so gay. I think it should be closed or pooped on. In that order. Or in reverse.

http://www.entertainment-news.org/images/thumbnails/triumph-the-dog-to-perform-on-tbs-special.jpg

I keed! I keed!

[StuttersC]

I wouldn't miss it. You should build a car and play as well. What services will you be volunteering?

Helping GRM with what ever needs to get done so the event goes down smooth.

[Antoine]

(cool) I'm looking forward to more updates and this year's GRM Challenge! She's definitely a beaut :D

Do you still have our site decal on the miater?

[Prodigy]

Do you still have our site decal on the miater?

yep, you can see it in the pics...

[aMaff]

damn dude, that looks hot! Good job man :)

And it looks like you could use some megasquirt action ;)

EDIT LOL I just noticed the HIW AutoSports that was under the right fender hahaha

[Gaboost]

The engine bay looks pretty good to me. Black is always a nice color, well when it's clean that is.

[Antoine]

yep, you can see it in the pics...

Thanks...Didn't have time to check all the pics...There it is :D

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=82990

* Stickied for your viewing pleasure ;)

[kcbhiw]

Thanks...Didn't have time to check all the pics...There it is :D

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=82990



Once I'm finished, the graphic will be a lot more prominent. I was in a time crunch last year and had to suffice with this.


* Stickied for your viewing pleasure ;)
Mucho gracias, Senior!



BTW, yay for powder coating. Sand blasting sucks. Even after a shower, I'm still pulling sand out of my hair (even though I was in full "dress"). I still have a few parts to do, but this will tide me over so that I can reassemble the engine bay.

[MiaTurbo]

damn. I sure do hope you get rewarded for your efforts in the concourse portion (thumb) I'd love to take Kluge apart and rebuild from the ground up like that. Condo living FTL...

[kcbhiw]

There hasn't been much progress in the past couple of weeks. Between work, the construction of the "Christmas Tree" for the recent DoubleX Challenge, and the holiday weekend, I haven't had much time to work on the car. However, I finally bought a welder Monday, but I'm having trouble locating the stupid Cutler Hammer circuit breaker for the branch circuit that I've run to feed the thing (how hard can it be to find a circuit breaker?).

I began installing a few odds and ends under the hood tonight, nothing noteworthy however. I also removed all of the sound deadening matting from the interior firewall as well.

Stay tuned for once the welder is up and running, notable progress will once again ensue.

[kcbhiw]

In tradition of the original build, things have been progressing quite slowly. I've about had it with cleaning, scrubbing, and polishing things for the benefit of the concourse portion of the judging (and it doen'st really look all that great in person). I just want to make this thing go -- I'm ready to move on to the engineering portion of things. I don't know how the owners of show-cars do what they do. The amount of work required to make something shiney is rediculous.

But anyway, I've been reassembling odds and ends under the hood, scrubbing/brushing brackets, wiping seals, etc. It's time consuming stuff. I finally got around to playing with the intercoolers last night. I have two from mid-80's Volvos and I'll be using both -- in a way. I pressure tested both to about 15 PSI last night. The first wouldn't hold anything more than about 3 PSI while the other took almost a day to drop below 10 PSI. I will be using parts from both to assemble a modified intercooler that will suit my needs and fit will in the car. Additionally, I've decided to de-power the power steering rack. I've removed the rack from the car and dissasembled it following the "suggestions" from Flyin' Miata (Reference (http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/depower.php?x=1)). Unfortunately, I neglected to snap pics of the process due to the distraut state I was in at the time (let's not go into that). I have yet to re-install the rack in that I still need to clean the bellows, ugh.

Furthermore, I finally got the welder situation worked out, so I can begin constructing the bracketry for the radiator and intercooler. However, progress will be about two weeks from now as I am heading to the Carribean Sunday for a much needed vacation and will be out of town on business the following week (at a beach :D).

Pictorz....

[kcbhiw]

And one more pic for the hell of it. :D

[SilverBulletES]

Awesome Kevin. This thread is the stank!1 Good luck homo. :D

[pluto316]

Is your engine bay dented up? The reflections in the glossy paint make it look that way.

[Rogue]

when he bought the car it had been wrecked. the previous owners banged out and welded stuff on the front right corner.

[pluto316]

Ah, so it's like my car then.

HOORAY FOR REBUILD TITLE.

[kcbhiw]

Ah, so it's like my car then.

HOORAY FOR REBUILD TITLE.

Strangely, the title is currently clean as of 1/96. Even stranger is that Carfax shows there was a salvage title was issued on 10/93. My guess is that at some point, the title was lost or the car was auctioned and a new court-ordered title was issued (guessing) at some time.

[Shadow102]

Although you are outa town and wont see this you need to un knot you panties and get moving on this thing all you have been doing is whineing about what you havent done and how you sit around doin nothing like installing suspension until one in the morning....Newho hurry back dude so i can learn you some welding and get some work done on the car....top ten finish this year

[kcbhiw]

Although you are outa town and wont see this you need to un knot you panties and get moving on this thing all you have been doing is whineing about what you havent done and how you sit around doin nothing like installing suspension until one in the morning....Newho hurry back dude so i can learn you some welding and get some work done on the car....top ten finish this year

lol, I've got you're whining. Work will resume this coming weekend.

[SilverBulletES]

Depowering the steering rack seems like a fun project. I need to take my A/C out first. It was 108 degrees today and I was driving around with the top down. Why would I need A/C?

[kcbhiw]

I've had it with cleaning stuff. Total PITA.

That said, I put a little work into the intercooler today. I took parts from two Volvo I/C's to make one that would work with my application. After cleaning all of the oil and crust from the tanks and core, I pieced it together. Once assembled, I applied a static 15PSI to the unit and let it sit. It held pressure for about 2 hours while I grabbed lunch and made a trip to the store.

Usable interercooler: Check

Later I began work on a mounting solution and started with the lower bracket. The stock rubber mounts that came with the I/C were reused to support and cushion the unit (no jokes about the shoddy quality of my metal mount brackets ;) ). The bracket is attached to the car using two existing [threaded] holes in the unibody rails. It seems sturdy enough, but I'll probably add additional rigidity once all of the I/C and radiator bracketry is completed.

The bottom of the I/C sits at about the same level as the very bottom of the bumper while the top sits about 2.5" above the radiator support. But there are no worries as adequate ground clearance is maintained all the while clearing the hood. Granted, the intercooler is a bit large for the Miata, but I think it'll work fine for what I'm using it for. I hope to build a rudimentary "duct" to channel air more effectively from the opening in the bumper to the face of the I/C (and thusly the radiator).

I know it doesn't look like much, but this took me the better part of the day (though I didn't start til around 2, heh). All of the cutting, measuring, checking, aligning, etc. takes more time than I would like it to. After mowing the lawn tomorrow, I hope to get the top bracket fashioned as well as part, if not all, of the bracketry for the radiator. Looking a bit ahead, the radiator will be sitting further back than I would like and I foresee clearance issues with the cooling fans and sway bar, but we'll see.

[kcbhiw]

A few more....

I really wish my camera had a balance setting for fluorescent lighting. These pics look like crap with all of the yellow.

[kcbhiw]

The upper bracket for the intercooler is complete (aside from paint, anyway). On to the radiator.

[vindication]

looks like it's higher than the bumpstops for the hood? Is it gonna be able to close?

[kcbhiw]

looks like it's higher than the bumpstops for the hood? Is it gonna be able to close?

The hood clears it by 1/4" at the closest "rib". I didn't want to redo this thing, so I made sure it would clear.

[Prodigy]

Nice fab job, Kevin.

Nothing's stopping you now that you have a welder.

[vindication]

The hood clears it by 1/4" at the closest "rib". I didn't want to redo this thing, so I made sure it would clear.
cool. keep up the good work.

[pluto316]

Depowering the steering rack seems like a fun project. I need to take my A/C out first. It was 108 degrees today and I was driving around with the top down. Why would I need A/C?


The A/C stays in my Miata forever, it's one of the few things that work.

[JDM-P5]

Excellent job Kev!
Subbing to this because I want to pick up as much as possible so I know wtf your are talking about once I start deconstructing mine. (ughdance).

*Scratch my post in the GA thread about you not being on the list over @ GRM)*
But you SHOULD sign up...before you forget!

[kcbhiw]

Excellent job Kev!
Subbing to this because I want to pick up as much as possible so I know wtf your are talking about once I start deconstructing mine. (ughdance).

*Scratch my post in the GA thread about you not being on the list over @ GRM)*
But you SHOULD sign up...before you forget!

Stay tuned as I'm just now getting into the meat and potatos of things.

[JDM-P5]

Stay tuned as I'm just now getting into the meat and potatos of things.
I hear that!

[kcbhiw]

(bump)

Where to start. I'm willing to say that progress is steady...that is if steady = slow. A lot of things have been going on, though not too many are noteworty. I've spent quite a bit of time in the junkyards perusing parts to see what I like and if anything stands out at me. The most noteworthy score was a T3 turbo from a Thunder-chicken, but it won't work on the car. I'll probably be going back again tomorrow.

As my last updated noted, the intercooler was firmly attached to the car. Unfortunately, I'd mis-judged a measurement somewhere and thought the Isuzu Pup radiator that I had been using would fit between the ports of the Volvo I/C. Wrong! The damn thing was 1/4" too long. It fit OK until I put the couplings on the intercooler inlet and outlet ports. I attempted to shorten the radiator by replacing the original mounting brackets (each side) with a peice of bar stock, but to no avail. I've never been that good with a measuring tape anyway.

That said, I figured since I'm using a Volvo intercooler, a matching radiator would fit just fine....and indeed it did. I scavenged a full-brass radiator from the yard for $30 or so. However, unlike the Miata radiator, the Volvo unit uses a presurized reservoir, so I had to snag the Volvo's reservoir along with the radiator. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet of the Volvo radiator is reversed from that of the Miata's.

Unlike my brainfart during the original build, I installed the front sway bar before I attached the radiator and I/C....so that I can plan around it this time. Now that the car has a front bar, perhaps I can keep it's ass end behind me.

The existing I/C bracketry had to be modified to accomidate the new radiator. So now that everything is mounted, another problem surfaced. The water neck on the front of the engine is very close to the radiator. It'll work, but with some very tight angles in the hose. I think I may attempt to perform the coolant re-route that is (vaguely) depicted HERE (http://members.aol.com/solomiata/CoolantReroute.html) . The result will be a much more managable tubing system as well as a more efficient cooling system.

And lastly, it seems as though the Honda Accord fans that I've been using will work with this rig, but that'll require confirmation with a measuring tape.

Anyway, enough rambling. A few pics....

[kcbhiw]

...charge piping!

I only worked on the intake manifold to I/C piping for a little while, but I'm finally at the point where I can start connecting the independant systems. So to begin, I thought I'd get "high-tech" and sketch up the proposed routing.

I still have a TON to do, but it's a start.

[JDM-P5]

Hey, progress IS progress...this reminds me...you were supposed to see about a cheap i/c for me.
Since I definitely want to use the bigger turbo I have in storage...you KNOW I'm gonna wanna up the boost just a tad. So, let me know what you find since you are going back tomorrow. I can paypal you some funds if you find something.

[kcbhiw]

Details on the turbo "upgrade" and status coming shortly. She might even be running/drivable this weekend.

Stay tuned!

[aMaff]

If it is, will you run it? If not this weekend, in one of the upcoming ones?

[kcbhiw]

If it is, will you run it? If not this weekend, in one of the upcoming ones?

That's a big negative. I'm going for points with the CSP car. Perhaps I will attend a test and tune if one is available down the road.

[kcbhiw]

...and I've been a real slack ass keeping this thread up to date. Between work and the necessities of life, I've actually accomplished quite a bit. Meh, so I thought I would have it running a few weeks ago. Hell, I thought I'd have her running this weekend. Well, I've come to the determination that I can't even come close to guessing the amount of time required to design/build/assemble one thing or the other. I really do suck at that.

But anyway, the bits and peices, odds and ends, and crap that I found in the isles of the junk yard some where are starting to come together. Since it's been so long since the last update, I'll just give a brief rundown of the major areas of completion. Remember, however, that a large amount of time is, unfortunately, required in cleaning, sanding, grinding, painting, and overall unseen cosmetic crap.

The ever so brief rundown:

-the intercooler and radiator are permanantly mounted
-the intake manifold is connected to the intercooler
-the new coolant overflow reservoir is installed
-the turbo is upgraded and installed (larger compressor wheel/housing)
-the pre-I/C charge pipe is mostly complete
-the turbo outlet flange is CAD'ed and off to the machine shop (a new downpipe will be constructed)
-the front suspension is reassembled (yay, i have a front sway bar again)
-reassembly of the forward body panels has begun

The next step is to complete the intake charge piping, install the radaitor fans and associated bracketry, and plumb the cooling system. I already have the majority of the materials required, so that shouldn't take too long. After that, it's just a matter of changing the oil, installing the plugs, and installing the down pipe.

I leave you with a few pictures....

[kcbhiw]

Various points in the turbocharger handling....

[kcbhiw]

And the last for now....

[SilverBulletES]

Killer work!

[JDM-P5]

Kev...just a few days now til I can pick mine up.

[Rogue]

you forgot to mention the fire

[kcbhiw]

you forgot to mention the fire

We won't mention that one.

[Rogue]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2675681&postcount=22030

[kcbhiw]

Today's mod: a busted thumb due to a wayward sway bar. My thumb has a very nice gash and a split nail....and it hurts like hell. I'm just a bit perturbed in that I was planning on finishing the down pipe as well as the rigged cooling fan tonight.

I'll be mowing the lawn tomorrow evening and traveling to Charleston for the weekend on Friday to assist a friend with his challenger, so no progress til next week(pissed) .

I'll withhold on the pics for this one.

[JDM-P5]

Karma on the thumb eh?
Tell Wil I said 'ello!

[kcbhiw]

SHE LIVES!!!

Details and pics this week (glare) .

(Sorry for the teaser)

[JDM-P5]

Mine lives too...sort of...lol.

[MiaTurbo]

Cool.

man, I wish I was more motivated to work on my car.. Not having my own garage sux.

[JDM-P5]

It's OFFICIAL...she's running under boost VERY well...especially AFTER I redid ALL the vacuum lines & rubber hoses under the bonnet. Thanks for the HELP Kevin!!
Here are the pics YOU requested:
(lol)
The line that I'm holding...that's the one I was asking about. Plug it for sure?

[kcbhiw]

Argg. You have ABS. Oh well. :D Nonetheless, I'm very happy that you got her running well. Once you get an I/C on there, she'll be screaming.(headbang)

[MiaTurbo]

It's OFFICIAL...she's running under boost VERY well...especially AFTER I redid ALL the vacuum lines & rubber hoses under the bonnet. Thanks for the HELP Kevin!!
Here are the pics YOU requested:
(lol)
The line that I'm holding...that's the one I was asking about. Plug it for sure?questions/comments:
1: love your radiator overflow container :)
2: what radiator are you using?
3: I know you're just up and running, but I would add more heat sheilding between the turbo and other stuff. I've melted my speedo-cable, brake fluid resevoir, and a heater hose using just the blanket stuff. I made a shield out of metal, and never had another worry.

[JDM-P5]

questions/comments:
1: love your radiator overflow container :)
2: what radiator are you using?
3: I know you're just up and running, but I would add more heat sheilding between the turbo and other stuff. I've melted my speedo-cable, brake fluid resevoir, and a heater hose using just the blanket stuff. I made a shield out of metal, and never had another worry.
I see.
1 - Going to borrow Kev's stock one for the challenge (will get one after that)
2 - 1986 Fiero radiator
3 - I'll def have to do that then.

Here's the complete list (sorry for the thread jack Kev):
Greddy Turbo Kit
Greddy Fuel Pressure Regulator
Runs Excelent
0-Rust Anywere Car lived in California until about 8 months ago
1.8L brakes
Stainless Steel Brake lines
Viscous Limited Slip
ABS
Power Steering
Power Windows
All electronics function
Have all the A/C stuff, but is out of car
RX-7 Fuel Pump
2100lbs full of gas
Bignose Motor
86 Fiero Radiator/Flexlite fan
Blitz turbo timer
Clean title
05 mazdaspeed miata cloth top W/ no zipper glass rear window. Has small cut, and some "crushed" fabric. still looks great, very servicable. 0-leaks .
All was had for $1800. :)

[kcbhiw]

...it's time to post an update. So, yeah, it's been a while, but I've been in the garage almost every day since the last update screwing around with this and that, save for the occasional auto-x and Petite LeMans.

All in all, she is running, and running beautifully FWIW. There are a few things I need to work out like a supposed boost spike to 15PSI. I'm not actually sure that's how high it went as I caught only a glimpse of the gauge out of the corner of my eye. However, I didn't want to attempt to reproduce that and it's quite easy to get her to 12 PSI - way more than the car can currently handle. The waste gate isn't opening as much as it should, so I'll extend the actuator arm a bit to correct that. Only one coolant leak popped up, but that was just an insecure clamp. Other than that, the car is FAST, a lot faster than before.

The previous setup had quite a few detectable vac/boost leaks. They were small, but cumulatively they posed a problem. With the current installation, there are no detectable leaks. The idle is much improved, tip in is better, and acceleration is so much quicker. I hope to get the car on the dyno in the next couple of weeks to see what the stats are.

Three weeks are left until the challenge and I have lots to do, not to mention at least a week's worth of business travel ARGGG. I still have to install the LSD, race seat, harness, arm restraints, wet sand, clear coat, and a bunch of other things that skip my mind at the moment.

Anyway, on to the pics and a few highlights.....

The first set of pictures briefly depicts the homologation of the stock fan and one of the Honda fans that I previously used. Since the new I/C and radiator setup protruded so much further into the engine bay than the previous as well as stock setup, I needed a lower profile fan. Therefore, I combined the two and it made it fit.

[kcbhiw]

The first three pics in the second set briefly show the cheesy oil restrictor that I had to make. Since I am no longer using the original fitting with built in restrictor, I had to cobble one out of a piece of sheet aluminum. Basically, I drilled a hole of nearly the exact size and cut a disk out of the sheet. It was then crushed into AN flare fitting. I checked and rechecked and everything lines up and should work the way it is supposed to.


The last two pictures show the solidification of one of the OE engine mounts. I cut two pieces of 1/4” steel plate and welded them to the side of the stock mount. It's neither the prettiest nor best way to do this, but it is effective and this is Grassroots afterall :).

[kcbhiw]

The first of the last set shows the rough beginning of the TC to I/C charge pipe. It has since been painted and fitted onto the car. The last few are of how the car currently stands. A bit more refinement is still needed with the vacuum portion of the intake, but that'll take no time. Furthermore, I will be bending a heat sheild for the turbo tomorrow. Hopefully things in the area of the master cylinder area will stay a bit cooler.

Pay no attenion to the PVC elbow as it is only your imagination ;).

[aMaff]

Pay no attenion to the PVC elbow as it is only your imagination ;).
but it looks so real......



dude, the car looks great! At least, the engine bay. The rest of the pics are from a good ways off :p

Keep it up man, it seems like you're on the home stretch now. BTW am I gonna be invited to come check 'er out anytime soon? ;)

[kcbhiw]

but it looks so real......



dude, the car looks great! At least, the engine bay. The rest of the pics are from a good ways off :p

Keep it up man, it seems like you're on the home stretch now. BTW am I gonna be invited to come check 'er out anytime soon? ;)

You, and anyone else, are welcome to come by, just call before hand :).

[JDM-P5]

Fu66ing sweet!

[kcbhiw]

Nothing too complex but quite beneficial. The mock phantom grip limited slip diff is installed. This was custom fabricated/rigged. It's not the best option for a limited slip, but it'll certainly work, especially for the Grassroots challenge :) . I look forward to giving her a test run with this thing next week.

And of course, the obligatory pics (Details eliminated to keep this to one post).

[SilverBulletES]

Jolly good show Kevin! You are the pimp. I need to turbo mine. Although I'm obviously not as creative as you in that way. I am a month or two away from safely having the money.... damn you blood-sucking 401K.

[Prodigy]

Harbor Freight FTW! (pic #3)

[kcbhiw]

Harbor Freight FTW! (pic #3)

Funny you mention that. I realized, just tonight, how much 'stuff' I have from HF. The car might drive in a circle when trying to go straight, but hooray cheap Chinese tools! :)

[JDM-P5]

Kev...took the yata to the track last night. I ran a dismal 16.6 sec 1/4 w/a .176 RT. 60" was 2.384 and my trap speed was 75.49.
The guy I ran against was in a Kia Sephia w/a built motor...and he ran a 16.7.
So...yeah...lol. After that ONE run, I took the back roads home to cheer myself up :)

[kcbhiw]

Kev...took the yata to the track last night. I ran a dismal 16.6 sec 1/4 w/a .176 RT. 60" was 2.384 and my trap speed was 75.49.
The guy I ran against was in a Kia Sephia w/a built motor...and he ran a 16.7.
So...yeah...lol. After that ONE run, I took the back roads home to cheer myself up :)

Whoa...wth. How did the car act? Was it laggy, bogging, what? Was it even boosting? Any idea what the base timing is set to (buy/borrow a timing light and have a look)?

[JDM-P5]

Whoa...wth. How did the car act? Was it laggy, bogging, what? Was it even boosting? Any idea what the base timing is set to (buy/borrow a timing light and have a look)?
The car acted fine...felt a bit laggy though. I even put the right HL up for air. ;)
I forgot I have a friend here in town w/a boosted yata also (greddy kit too) and he has a timing gun...I may have him look at it for me. I figured a 16.6 was slow...jeez.(omg)

[kcbhiw]

The car acted fine...felt a bit laggy though. I even put the right HL up for air. ;)
I forgot I have a friend here in town w/a boosted yata also (greddy kit too) and he has a timing gun...I may have him look at it for me. I figured a 16.6 was slow...jeez.(omg)
I think a stock, base model '90 normally runs a mid to high 16.

Run with your headlights up next time. It'll help evacuate a bit of heat under the hood.

[JDM-P5]

Ok...I'll try that...but I don't plan on running the qtr til the challenge.
It's a long enough drive up from my house to your place.
lol

[JDM-P5]

Hey Kev..are we allowed to pull out the passenger seat?
Not only for the space I need for the 4 stockers wrapped Kumho Victoracers, but for the weight that seat will save me!! No trailer = no space...lol.
And I need to get my safety crap...fire extinguisher from the base exchange.
Ummm....all my stuff in storage gets delivered tomorrow to th house....so I'm gonna get that bigger turbo and the rest of that flyin' Miata stuff that Troy hooked me up with. Hopefully, I can make the intercooler work.

[kcbhiw]

Hey Kev..are we allowed to pull out the passenger seat?
Not only for the space I need for the 4 stockers wrapped Kumho Victoracers, but for the weight that seat will save me!! No trailer = no space...lol.
And I need to get my safety crap...fire extinguisher from the base exchange.
Ummm....all my stuff in storage gets delivered tomorrow to th house....so I'm gonna get that bigger turbo and the rest of that flyin' Miata stuff that Troy hooked me up with. Hopefully, I can make the intercooler work.

Seat is not necessary. I won't have mine installed.

[JDM-P5]

Seat is not necessary. I won't have mine installed.
Cool beans.

[kcbhiw]

I'm at the point where the drivetrain is complete aside from a few odds and ends. Now the time has come to improve the appearance a bit. That means sanding, sanding, and more sanding - only to be followed up by another jack leg spray booth and finally a clear coat. Those that have seen the car in person can attest to the hideous orange peel in the paint. I've spent the past two nights wet sanding the car and have only completed about 1/5th of the overall surface area.

BTW, the PVC pipe issue was resolved with a piece of 3" hose from a junkyard E150. It looks and works perfectly now. :)

Do or die, the car will have a fresh layer of clear coat applied. I will be out of town all of next week on business (life's a bitch, eh?) and that is followed up by only a few days before I leave for the challenge. I depart for the event in nearly 2 weeks and 10 hours. Generally speaking, I have the following to complete:

-wet sand the remainder of the car
-construct spray booth inside the garage
-apply clear coat
-remove remaining existing vinyl (ugh)
-apply all necessary sponsor and cosmetic vinyl
-clean up rear brakes and wheel wheels
-coat the wheels white
-perform alignment on all four corners
-modify the wastegate actuator to open the wastegate further (currently overboosting due to limited WG travel)
-install turbo heat shield
-install race bucket and associated bracketry
-install 4-pt harness and arm restraints
-test and tweak the car in all aspects of performance
-paint the headlight brackets and reassemble/install
-anything else that needs completion as it appears

All in all, I have 9 usable days before the challenge. Only three of those are FULL days. They don't call it a challenge for nothing :D.

And so sets the sun, I'll post a few pics. Pay no attention to the irony of the cones ;) .

[MiaTurbo]

so why are you wasting time online? get to it! :p

[kcbhiw]

so why are you wasting time online? get to it! :p

I'm exhausted. This paint is so hard, it takes several hours per panel. I needed a bit of relaxation time, heh (wake up - work - miata - sleep -- repeat).

Three weeks from now, I'll be FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

[lasermp5]

We're getting down to the wire eh? I have to go out of town this weekend for a wedding, so that shoots three days... next week is going to be very interesting lol. #59 240sx will live though!

[kcbhiw]

We're getting down to the wire eh? I have to go out of town this weekend for a wedding, so that shoots three days... next week is going to be very interesting lol. #59 240sx will live though!

Awsome! I look forward to seeing it. Any teasers?

[lasermp5]

teaser : vroooooom whhooooosh vroooooooom ;)

[aMaff]

OMG the miata sounds JUST like that!!! (ugh)

[JDM-P5]

Driving on the highway is GOING TO SUCK w/the Yata. The RPM is right around 3700 and i'm doing 70-75ish....I gotta remember to wear earplugs on my trip...lol.

[aMaff]

Holy crap, that's worse than the P5. Is it supposed to be that high??

[MiaTurbo]

Holy crap, that's worse than the P5. Is it supposed to be that high??yep. because of the low stock HP, they are geared pretty low to help with acceleration. The 1.6l cars have a 4.3:1 rear, and the 1.8l cars have a 4.1:1 rear. With the 6-speed cars starting in '99 they got 3.9:1

[kcbhiw]

Holy crap, that's worse than the P5. Is it supposed to be that high??

yup. and it's actually about the same as the P5.

[JDM-P5]

Troy is def coming down w/me. I think he's driving the 06 LE down, since I'll have my car full of spares etc...and no pass seat...heh heh.



And ummm....for giggles:
http://www.pxracing.com/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=thumbnails&album=140

[kcbhiw]

Troy is def coming down w/me. I think he's driving the 06 LE down, since I'll have my car full of spares etc...and no pass seat...heh heh.



And ummm....for giggles:
http://www.pxracing.com/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=thumbnails&album=140

Snapzors!


When are we gonna see more pics of yours? ;) Progress pics, mofo!

[kcbhiw]

Just to tide the masses over until the clearcoat is applied Sunday, here are a few pics.

[Rogue]

your engine bay looks soo sweet, Kevin. It's really come a long way!

[MiaTurbo]

Slightly OT: Kevin, have you considered getting rid of the MAF sensor either through a MAP sensor (would need a voltage inverter), or a potentiometer linked to the throttle? Considering your background in electronics, i would think you could whip up something rather easily..

[aMaff]

Hurray vynil-less :p

[kcbhiw]

Slightly OT: Kevin, have you considered getting rid of the MAF sensor either through a MAP sensor (would need a voltage inverter), or a potentiometer linked to the throttle? Considering your background in electronics, i would think you could whip up something rather easily..

I've thought about it and building such a rig wouldn't be too much of a problem. However, time is one constraint, the other is the purpose. It might work well for the [next] Challenge, but I don't think it would notably increase performance. I could relatively achieve the same "unrestricted" airflow of a MAP setup as I could from installing the RX7 MAF.

If I get some free time, I really would like to prototype one...just for grins.

[kcbhiw]

your engine bay looks soo sweet, Kevin. It's really come a long way!

Thanks, Luke. Wait till she's all shined up :).

Hurray vynil-less :p

Hell yes. Thanks so much, again, for your assistance with peeling and sanding and whatever else. You've saved me a TON of time. Muff for el Presedente!!

[aMaff]

Hell yes. Thanks so much, again, for your assistance with peeling and sanding and whatever else. You've saved me a TON of time. Muff for el Presedente!!
Don't forget the spray booth ;) (that thing is so jack legged, it's the perfect HIW spray booth)

No probalo. It was actually a lot of fun. What could be better than hangin around the race car all day? Maybe not sanding it, but that's neither here nor there ;). I'm excited to see all the work pay off tho, you def need to post some pics once you're done spraying the clear tomorrow.








And I'd make a lousy president...

[JDM-P5]

(ughdance)



And WHO says the Miata has no trunk space? Haha.


Thanks for the heads up on the suspension BTW Kev. (rtfm)

[kcbhiw]

haha...that's good stuff. Don't forget to align the car once you're done with the suspension. Those wheels look great!!!

[JDM-P5]

haha...that's good stuff. Don't forget to align the car once you're done with the suspension. Those wheels look great!!!
Hell yeah!! I try I try! ;)...I KNOW it's all jacked up dude....

[MiaTurbo]

I've thought about it and building such a rig wouldn't be too much of a problem. However, time is one constraint, the other is the purpose. It might work well for the [next] Challenge, but I don't think it would notably increase performance. I could relatively achieve the same "unrestricted" airflow of a MAP setup as I could from installing the RX7 MAF.

If I get some free time, I really would like to prototype one...just for grins.yeah, considering you're running the stock ECU, and stock cams, you probably wouldn't get more than 5hp on the top end. But would still be cool none the less ;)

[kcbhiw]

So here I am with less than a week to go and all is well. I just have a few odds and ends to complete (re-install the windsheild, mount tires to wheels, alignment, corner weight, install race bucket, etc etc etc). Final pics will come this week. I'm very excited about the party, err GRM Challenge, this coming week.

Here are the last few pics until I post the final product, then it's off to the races. The first two are the prep and powder coat of the wheels. The third is how the car now stands, and lastly, test fit of my nearly free race seat (quite old and ugly).

[MiaTurbo]

very nice. The paint looks a lot better :)

[JDM-P5]

Here's the engine shots America!!!

[aMaff]

very nice. The paint looks a lot better :)
No joke, and the wheels look awesome!

Does that seat at least have some uphostery to cover it?

Here's the engine shots America!!!
lookin good phil, now lets see the rest of the cer ;)

[JDM-P5]

No joke, and the wheels look awesome!

Does that seat at least have some uphostery to cover it?


lookin good phil, now lets see the rest of the car ;)
I have to finish the suspension for the car first.

[kcbhiw]

Here's the engine shots America!!!

Lookin' good, Phil!

No joke, and the wheels look awesome!

Does that seat at least have some uphostery to cover it?


nein.

[Prodigy]

Uphostery? That's just dead weight!

[kcbhiw]

I think so!

I found this in the challenge car tonight.
http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/omen.JPG

[ozmojo1]

haha woooowww. that is a great thing to find.

[aMaff]

Yep, so long as you get #27 ;)

[JDM-P5]

LOL...yah. Pics forthcoming for my entry...stay tuned.

[MiaTurbo]

when are you guys leaving?

[kcbhiw]

when are you guys leaving?

I'll head out some time Thursday morning.

[lasermp5]

It's almost time! #59 is painted, running, and ready! I'll be heading out Thurs. morn too. See ya there ;)

[JDM-P5]

I'll head out some time Thursday morning.
Yep...me too.

[kcbhiw]

It's almost time! #59 is painted, running, and ready! I'll be heading out Thurs. morn too. See ya there ;)

Sweet! See ya there! (first)

[JDM-P5]

Ok..you asked for 'em...here they are:

[kcbhiw]

Yaaay. you got your strut on. Might want to shorten the springs in the rear a bit.

[JDM-P5]

Yaaay. you got your strut on. Might want to shorten the springs in the rear a bit.
It was sitting up on the driveway...it's a bit lower than that. :)

[JDM-P5]

One cool ass dude!
And "Oh Noes!"

[kcbhiw]

....aaaand she's finished!!! Finally.

However, pics will be witheld until after the event :). All I can say is that she looks so much better than the last round. I hope she competes well. I'm so excited about this weekend. Though, I'm just as anxious to have it over with.

For the time being, I leave you with my budget spreadsheet, all of $1839.40 :D.

[MiaTurbo]

good luck guys!

[JDM-P5]

My Challenege is over before it even started.
I slung a rod on I-10 on the trip over here. I am @ the host hotel though....now I gotta find a way to get it to Kevin's house. Bad tuning > me.

[Prodigy]

Nice work Kevin!

________________

Yikes! Sorry to hear Phil.

Where exactly are you? GACC rescue anyone?
(I like the racing #'s on the house)

[MiaTurbo]

My Challenege is over before it even started.
I slung a rod on I-10 on the trip over here. I am @ the host hotel though....now I gotta find a way to get it to Kevin's house. Bad tuning > me.D'oh!

[JDM-P5]

Yah...there's a nice size hole around the 4th rod. Anyway...gotta...get the motivation to keep moving...more details & pics later.

[aMaff]

damn phil, that sucks :(

[JDM-P5]

Yes...it does. At least I'm alive to see another day...it could've been worse...I WAS on the highway in traffic after all.

[stdntDrvr]

congrats kevin!! and GL dr. phil!!

[JDM-P5]

congrats kevin!! and GL dr. phil!!
Thanks....
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/97dsmbishi/I102.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/97dsmbishi/I10.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/97dsmbishi/Blown1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/97dsmbishi/tow.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/97dsmbishi/teamHIW.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/97dsmbishi/teamHIW2.jpg

The thread:
http://www.grmotorsports.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=21087

[JDM-P5]

Kevin placed in the top 10 overall this year...I'm pretty certain.
I recieved an award tonight:
Most Spectacular Failure
It's a real award.

[MiaTurbo]

Kevin placed in the top 10 overall this year...I'm pretty certain.
I recieved an award tonight:
Most Spectacular Failure
It's a real award.awesome x2!

[JDM-P5]

Ha Ha...thanks I guess....lol.

[JDM-P5]

http://www.rotard.org/GRM.htm
Pics from Osterkraut on the GRM boards.

[lasermp5]

Guys, this thing was a ton of fun! Got home last night late. Our 240sx did pretty dam good for it's first year placing 7th best in the drag race, and I believe 9th best in the concourse... but second to last in the autox :( stock tires/suspension FTL!

I'll have pics and videos up of the miata soon.

[JDM-P5]

Guys, this thing was a ton of fun! Got home last night late. Our 240sx did pretty dam good for it's first year placing 7th best in the drag race, and I believe 9th best in the concourse... but second to last in the autox :( stock tires/suspension FTL!

I'll have pics and videos up of the miata soon.

It was nice to meet you btw!

[kcbhiw]

It's finally over. A very active and tiring weekend. Between being up early, going to bed late, running around like a crazy person, and drinking more than my fair share of adult beveradges, I'm whooped. But that doesn't detract from my placement of 6th overall!!! I'm very happy considering my rank of 18th last year. I'll be going for the beans next year.

The car survived the weekend with only a couple of scratches. I had one I/C pipe blow off during the auto-x, the clutch is shot (again), and 4th gear is difficult to enter. I did pretty badly in the drag as well due to the clutch/tranny issues as well has inexperience and lack of wheel grip. Oh well. I've already got a game plan for next year. Hello standalone engine management - MegaSquirt (glare) .

All in all, I'm very happy with the results. They can be found HERE (http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/102006/the-kumho-tires-grassroots-motorsports-2006-challenge-results-are-in.php) . Of 62 total entrants, my scores are as follows:

Auto-x: 8th (45.113s of 43.925)
Concourse: 7th
Drag: 29th (OUCH!)
Overall: 6/62!!

That's it for the $2006 Grassroots Motorsports Challenge! Here are a few pics, of course. The BMW belongs to a good friend. I installed the MegaSquirt only to get ownt in the drag by him, hehe.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/GRM2006/DSCN4486.JPG
http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/GRM2006/bay2.JPG
http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/GRM2006/DSCN4489.JPG
http://www.msprotege.com/members/kcbhiw/GRM2006/autox%20grid.jpg

[Prodigy]

Good job Kevin!

[SilverBulletES]

Awesome man! That's incredible.

[MiaTurbo]

well done :)

[kcbhiw]

Many thanks guys :).

[Pitlab77]

someone just bought my 92.

They want to enter it into the 2007 competition

Kevin i think you kown him. His name is greg

[MiaTurbo]

so, when are you gonna start working on GRM $2007? :)

[kcbhiw]

so, when are you gonna start working on GRM $2007? :)

Next week, actually :D

someone just bought my 92.

They want to enter it into the 2007 competition

Kevin i think you kown him. His name is greg

Indeed I do. He doesn't stand a chance (glare) .

I look forward to the competition. The more Miatas, the merrier. :)



As a side note, there were 4 people from this message board at the event this past weekend. Pretty cool stuff.

[vindication]

question: you said you were gonna buy the megasquirt but how you gonna make up the price difference from what you already spent and the money you have yet to spend(including the extra dollar for next year)? do you sell some parts off the car or something?

[kcbhiw]

question: you said you were gonna buy the megasquirt but how you gonna make up the price difference from what you already spent and the money you have yet to spend(including the extra dollar for next year)? do you sell some parts off the car or something?

I've got a bit in the budget that is "unspent" (after reclamation and all). Furthermore, it'll allow me to remove the RRFPR that is budgeted for $50. I can't reclaim/sell any further items as I am just about the limit.

Remaining Budget: $165.60
Minus RRFPR: $50.00
Funds Available for an Ebay Special MS: $215.60

[aMaff]

Sell the stock wheels?

[Prodigy]

Sell the stock wheels?
The thing is that he wouldn't find any cheap lightweight performing replacements.

The rest of the budget should be put towards a racing wing, stickers, and altezzaS!

[aMaff]

The rest of the budget should be put towards a racing wing, stickers, and altezzaS!

You need to (stfu) and (gtfo) lol






But then again, you forgot about NAWWZZZZZZZZZZ for t3h fa5tAr!!

[Prodigy]

he already has t3h fa5tAr... you know that GAY hair dryer thing he has under the hood.
....he needs the wing to put t3h fa5tAr to tha ground like m4d b4SS, yo!

[kcbhiw]

Wingzors for the winzors!

[JDM-P5]

LOL!
I called Mr. Grommol @ the hotel...he said NO PROBLEMO on leaving the car there. :)

[MiaTurbo]

I've got a bit in the budget that is "unspent" (after reclamation and all). Furthermore, it'll allow me to remove the RRFPR that is budgeted for $50. I can't reclaim/sell any further items as I am just about the limit.

Remaining Budget: $165.60
Minus RRFPR: $50.00
Funds Available for an Ebay Special MS: $215.60Megasquirt! w00t!

[kcbhiw]

LOL!
I called Mr. Grommol @ the hotel...he said NO PROBLEMO on leaving the car there. :)

Good good. Keep me advised on the ETA.

[Race]

I just want to say this thread is awesome. my friend linked me it. I am going to be trading my DSM up for a miata in the next week or so and so I've been reading things here and there on them to refresh my memory. your project is freakin sweet and I want to know how you kept it under 2006 dollars. I know u paid 100 for the car but how the hell does one find a miata for that cheap? what about the paint did u spray that? sorry if you already commented on this, i read a bunch of the thread late last night and the night before.

Zach

[kcbhiw]

I just want to say this thread is awesome. my friend linked me it. I am going to be trading my DSM up for a miata in the next week or so and so I've been reading things here and there on them to refresh my memory. your project is freakin sweet and I want to know how you kept it under 2006 dollars. I know u paid 100 for the car but how the hell does one find a miata for that cheap? what about the paint did u spray that? sorry if you already commented on this, i read a bunch of the thread late last night and the night before.

Zach

Thanks, Zach! :)

I actually paid $750 for the car. The overall budget is posted HERE (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2766895&postcount=140) . Miatas are getting cheaper and cheaper, especially this time of year. With the season turning toward winter, not many people will be buying convertibles, therefore they will be less expensive.

I painted the car myself. It's by no means perfect, but it gets the job done. It's a PITA process that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

[evilmonkeyMSP]

Nice stuff Kevin...I cant wait to see what happens for 07 :D

[Rogue]

he'll blow it up

[evilmonkeyMSP]

sweet!

[Race]

bah i dont have excell. I'll just have to look at it when im on another pc (i.e. school ahhaa). when are you going to dyno it?

[kcbhiw]

bah i dont have excell. I'll just have to look at it when im on another pc (i.e. school ahhaa). when are you going to dyno it?

I have an appointment on the 20th of this month at Subaru of Gwinnett. I'm excited to see what the power output is. I'll definately post the results.

[Race]

I think I'm more excited than you are hahaha. What I want to know is does the disco potato bolt up or not?

[kcbhiw]

I think I'm more excited than you are hahaha. What I want to know is does the disco potato bolt up or not?

If you have a proper manifold and DP, I don't see why it wouldn't.

[Race]

sweet. See, after i do the suspension on my soon to be new miata (new to me) i'm going to be wanting morepower. I will probably just swap the 1.8L and be good for awhile. BTW, when you run megasquirt tune it so you can get rid of that maf! Another question, how well are the AGX's and the coil over kit? since it's so uber cheap, I could do that short term while I save for JIC's.

this one here is just awesome:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/97dsmbishi/teamHIW2.jpg

You're right about the paint job. Up close it doesn't look as sweet as in the first pics on this thread but considering how much you paid and being able to say you did it all yourself is awesome. On the other hand, your engine bay F#$#$@G ROCKS!

[Race]

http://www.rotard.org/GRM2006/107CANON/IMG_0799.jpg

How the hell did that guy put that car together for under 2006 dollars? He must have got a mega sweet deal on the chassis because I was under the assumption that they cost about 6-7 grand for a rolling chassis. Now I'm intreged.

[Rogue]

i think they had a special non-competing class for those kit cars

[Race]

well looking over the car, if megasquirted and tuned right so it was reliable i bet you could sell it for 4000 or more now just because it's turbo'd and you did so well with it AND that it's been totally gone through. 4000 bucks would alow you to build a project for 08 and 09 ;) more "new" projects = more experience and more experience = more wins!

[kcbhiw]

Another question, how well are the AGX's and the coil over kit? since it's so uber cheap, I could do that short term while I save for JIC's.

I like the AGX's. However, due to the design of the shock body, neither they nor the stock shocks work well with shorter/lower springs. Suspension travel is severely limited. The best solution would be to use a shorter strut and/or raised top hats.

You're right about the paint job. Up close it doesn't look as sweet as in the first pics on this thread but considering how much you paid and being able to say you did it all yourself is awesome. On the other hand, your engine bay F#$#$@G ROCKS!

Actually, the paint is A LOT smoother now than it was when I started the thread. I wet sanded and clear coated the entire car. I'll probably re-do the hood, trunk, and rear bumper for next year.

How the hell did that guy put that car together for under 2006 dollars? He must have got a mega sweet deal on the chassis because I was under the assumption that they cost about 6-7 grand for a rolling chassis. Now I'm intreged.

It as well as the other Locosts competed in an exhibition only class. It certainly cost over $2006.

well looking over the car, if megasquirted and tuned right so it was reliable i bet you could sell it for 4000 or more now just because it's turbo'd and you did so well with it AND that it's been totally gone through. 4000 bucks would alow you to build a project for 08 and 09 ;) more "new" projects = more experience and more experience = more wins!

I doubt I could get that much for it considering the market. It's more of a niche thing.

[Race]

on miata.net they usually go for alot there. you could market it saying "turbo, new paint, won auto cross events" now that i think about it you probably wouldnt want to say did well in grassroots motorsport challenge cause they'd know what you have into it, however they could see how much work was done to it and what it looks like in detail....

[kcbhiw]

on miata.net they usually go for alot there. you could market it saying "turbo, new paint, won auto cross events" now that i think about it you probably wouldnt want to say did well in grassroots motorsport challenge cause they'd know what you have into it, however they could see how much work was done to it and what it looks like in detail....

No worries - she won't be for sale anytime soon (unless some extravagant price comes along, ha) as it will soon become a test bed for many projects. The $2007 GRM challenge will be the last performance of this car on that particular stage as I hope to bring the car to new [performance] levels.

[kcbhiw]

Here's a link to a brief writeup of my friend's GRM E30 challenger. http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32996

Furthermore, there is a link to a vid of me being obliterated on the drag...I'll let you find that one though. Lack of clutch/tire grip can be embarrassing. At the least, I can say I constructed and installed the MegaSquirt ;) .

[Antoine]

Had to update myself with this thread again...I see the 2006 challenge is over...Well Done Kevin! (thumb)

Big Thanks again for representing Mazda Forums...Got room for another site decal now that we're known as Mazdas247.com..? :D

We'll be cheerin for ya in '07! (first)

[MiaTurbo]

Here's a link to a brief writeup of my friend's GRM E30 challenger. http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32996

Furthermore, there is a link to a vid of me being obliterated on the drag...I'll let you find that one though. Lack of clutch/tire grip can be embarrassing. At the least, I can say I constructed and installed the MegaSquirt ;) .I'd say something about the drag video, but I may still need you at some point with MS issues :p

[Race]

Don't be ashamed because you didn't do well in drag racing. Miatas are light true, but they lack in power and are RWD. On the stock rims they wouldn't get traction with more power than stock with a clutch drop, look how skinny they are. They're like spare donuts for sedans. I think you did a fantasic job in the competition and hopefully we'll see a podium finish for 07 ;). On another note, I think that you not selling the car is great! My point though was just to keep doing new projects so that you can learn more and have more experience taking a car from nothing to winning events. Obviously you're not knew to the scene and I think it's great that you've posted up writeups and pictures to help others along in their stages of work as well. You give me inspriation that you can take nothing and make due and in the end do very well in competition. Its the sum of the parts and I bet you didn't think you'd impact anyone did you? I have done a couple basket case car projects (working on one now) but hopefully once I get this miata I've been looking at I can concentrate on my driving skills rather than mechanical skills. I mean, eventually it's going to need upgrades in the suspension and then the power etc etc etc. I'm going to college for mechanics so it's not like I'm thowing out the idea of working on cars. I just want to become the best driver I can be. Thankyou once again for your pics and write ups, and sorry for the long post.

[kcbhiw]

Had to update myself with this thread again...I see the 2006 challenge is over...Well Done Kevin! (thumb)

Big Thanks again for representing Mazda Forums...Got room for another site decal now that we're known as Mazdas247.com..? :D

We'll be cheerin for ya in '07! (first)

Thanks, Antoine. A soon as I get one in my hands, I'll land it on the car.

I'd say something about the drag video, but I may still need you at some point with MS issues

You don't bother me ;).

Thankyou once again for your pics and write ups

You're quite welcome. There will be plenty more where that came from and a few HowTo's as well.

[kcbhiw]

So I had to call off the dyno session today :(. After yesterday's autocross, the clutch just can't take any more abuse. It was a pain having to modulate the thottle just to get any sort of clutch grip. Oh well. I'll install a new clutch this winter and promptly go for a few dyno pulls.

I've got some vids to post, unfortunately, they're ~20MB. I'll see if I can find some place to host them.

In the mean time, I've got Phil's Miata in the garage under the knife for a new engine. Details to come (in another thread).

[JDM-P5]

So I had to call off the dyno session today :(. After yesterday's autocross, the clutch just can't take any more abuse. It was a pain having to modulate the thottle just to get any sort of clutch grip. Oh well. I'll install a new clutch this winter and promptly go for a few dyno pulls.

I've got some vids to post, unfortunately, they're ~20MB. I'll see if I can find some place to host them.

In the mean time, I've got Phil's Miata in the garage under the knife for a new engine. Details to come (in another thread).
Hell yeah!

[StuttersC]

Nice...

[JDM-P5]

For your viewing pleasure...(ughdance)

[JDM-P5]

More...

[kcbhiw]

Wow, those came out pretty good! Coolness.

[aMaff]

Did taking the pictures a little crooked make the car any faster? I hear the add 10HP per picture taken :p


Jk, those are really good. I saw a camera mounted to the roll bar. Where's that video?

[kcbhiw]

I saw a camera mounted to the roll bar. Where's that video?

I need to get the DV to Scott so he can burn it to a DVD. The battery died and I, unfortunately, didn't get any footage of the lackluster drag runs.

[StuttersC]

Cool pics...

[k-lea]

Great pictures.

(that dude has a hole in his pants)

[aMaff]

Those are his race pants. He gets better cooling with them. You know those boosted Mazdas and their cooling problems (shady)

[evilmonkeyMSP]

(headshake

[kcbhiw]

It helps keep me cool. (Yes, I'm that hot.)

[aMaff]

lol nice


(for the record, that's 1)

[JDM-P5]

HAHA@You!