pmartz16's new (to me) 1992 brilliant black miata

pmartz16

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08.5 BM MS3, 14 MG Mazda3
So my friend Will sent me a link for a miata that needed a new engine asking $900 obo. So being me,and loving to get over my head, I said "why not, lets go for it.". I had Will go look at it for me as it was 5 minutes from his house. He said it isn't the prettiest but solid. And that is perfect for me, I want a car that I can afford to race and afford to tinker with.
My other car is a 2008 mazdaspeed 3 and it is fast and fun but everything is so damn expensive. So the miata has been a refreshing thing to buy stuff for.
I went to go pick it up after I talked to the guy a few times and he said he would hold it for me. So I picked it up with my Buddy that has a truck and borrowed Will's trailer and brought her home.
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So after the ride home we unloaded her and put it in the garage and I jacked her up to look at the engine and why the guy thought it needed a new engine. Well it does, I pulled this out through the hole in the oil pan....
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After not caring about the engine anymore, as there is nothing I can do. I moved on to the paint. Its a little rough from being neglected for quiet some time. I started with the front end. Claybar and multiple polishing steps. Got it looking pretty good. still has a lot of rock chips but what paint is there looks much better. She will clean up pretty good I feel.
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Its weird working on a finish with no clear coat. First time I polished it black paint came off and I almost s*** till I read that is okay, thank God for the interwebz! I have ordered all new coolant hoses, clutch, timing components, water pump, competition mazda mounts, thermostat, and a bunch of little pieces. The motor will be ordered Monday of next week as thats when I will have all the cash for it. I am ordering a motor off eBay from Japan (JDM=fast) with under 50k miles. I am replacing all the timing components as I am not exactly sure how many miles it has and I just want it to be fresh and will most likely be easiest to do while the motor is out. The top, rear tail lights, and rear bumper and trim piece need replaced. Those will come with a paycheck haha. Gotta make sure I can eat too.

Pictures will come as I get stuff and as I do stuff. This is the plan:
Engine:
FM intake - $60 from a friend of a friend
Exhaust of some sort - I have not heard one I like yet
Comp Mounts - $70 from MSM
949 clutch line

Wheels/Tires:
Not sure yet, something lightweight. I have my heart set of bronze 15x7.5 6ul's but those are impossible to find so time will tell on what I get. It will be 15x7 or 15x7.5 and I will be running Hankook r-s3's in 195/50/15 when I do get them, the tires are 396.... yes thats right I said 396. For awesome tires, I am in awe.

Suspension:
Koni Race shocks
GC coilover kit 550/350
FSB
949 endlinks

Brakes:
SS lines
Wilwood brake fluid
Advanced Auto Parts Rotors
Not sure on the pads yet. Haven't gotten that far

Its so weird though, I was all gung hoe on getting the ms3 to be a Highway monster and to be more powerful and fun. But right now I have absolutely no desire to spend any money on the ms3. Its fun on the street and looks nice but it sucks at everything else. So the miata is a priority and should be up and running before too long.
 
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I have to stick with 15x7 or 15x7.5 I was just looking at those. They are nice but not when for 150 more I can have the ones I want. Just sucks because NOBODY has them available
 
NP and GL with the 6ULs. Are you a member over on m.net yet? Thread over there with a rendering of the gen4 design (flow formed) but release dates are expected later this summer. That said, I don't see them re-stocking any gen3 wheels this season.
 
hmm I like the flow formed for lighter wheels. I may have to grab something ugly and cheap to hold off till those come out. Love me some bronze 6ul's.

Sucks that the 7 and 7.5 won't be ready till even later
 
How much did you pay for your Miata, jive turkey? ;)

Congrats, looking forward to reading of the progress too.
 
Yea I've thought about it trust me. I'm going to keep looking. Dont have a lot to spend at the moment so I have a little time. Motor>wheels

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
 
This is awesome, congrats on the car. I'm thinking about going this same route as you after I get my MS3 running. Are you planning on keeping the Miata's engine relatively stock? Or are you planning on boosting it?
 
I have one turbo problem child. There is no way in hell I want another one. This will stay relatively stock. minor stuff
 
Yep, and I get to run in STS so I can really compare times with the Ohio Stig!

Just want it to handle nice, and be fun to throw around. I didn't feel I needed more power when Will let me Co-drive his miata so I will keep mine the same.
 
YAY! more Ohio Build Threads!

We might need our own section soon
 
More pictures!
She is cleaning up nicely
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Before
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After
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The two ladies getting some love yesterday
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Thanks! Blows my mind how many people just don't take care of their car. Even my first car that was an ugly ass $3000 impala that was this bloody s*** purple color I waxed regularly and cleaned all the time. People just don't have respect for anything anymore and get pissed when it doesn't perform day in and day out. The little miata is getting some much needed love
 
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