What did you do to your NB today? [Archive]

MX-5 Miata Forum > NA/NB (1990-2005) Miata > NB (1999-2005) General discussion > What did you do to your NB today?

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chiefmg

6th August 2018, 19:25

Washed her dirty butt (was staying at a cabin at MATG with a gravel/dirt drive). Swapped the Recaros back to the stock NB2 seats.

pacomutt

6th August 2018, 19:59

Did a 240 mile round trip to visit my Dad's grave site. All back roads up and back with the a/c on the entire trip. 32.84 mpg. :)

Unusualdesigner

6th August 2018, 22:24

Sprayed PB Blaster on drain and fill plugs/bolts on diff on 1999 10AE. Purchased replacement bolts from Priority Mazda (Thanks @FlyLow7f39 for the hook up). Will wait to get new bolts before I perform diff fluid using Redline 75W-90.

PB won't do much for steel on aluminum hardware. Make sure to remove the fill plug (top) before attempting to remove the drain one. More than one person has drained fluid and had no way to fill when the fill plug was buggered so bad that it required professional removal -towing to a mechanic.

A good fitting set of 6 point sockets (24 & 23 mm) should take them out with no problem.

spike3297

7th August 2018, 11:37

I have had the car for around 2 weeks now. Removed the wheels to clean them from the inside. Looks much better now.

iambjx

7th August 2018, 11:39

What should I check or can I do to improve my MPG?

I am constant getting getting about 22mpg which seems low compared to others...

shoult

7th August 2018, 11:41

What should I check or can I do to improve my MPG?

I am constant getting getting about 22mpg which seems low compared to others...

Replace your front O2 sensor. It's what determines the fuel mixture. As it ages and nears death it will tend to richen the mixture.

josolanes

7th August 2018, 13:46

Sorry to hear that Mathias

I charged the NB's battery last night. I took it out a week or so ago and noticed it cranked a bit slow. My battery charger said it was ~40% when it began charging it, but it charged full without issue

I hope I can get back to driving it somewhat regularly again soon...

MarkEt

7th August 2018, 16:12

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180807/32f78804b520ecf2e86e9f4ad1dc7fd2.jpg

pacomutt

7th August 2018, 16:28

^:eek:
Quickly but carefully, drive another 44 miles!

cduplain

7th August 2018, 16:54

^:eek:
Quickly but carefully, drive another 44 miles!

166,710? :)

Orangello

7th August 2018, 17:01

Well, he's one and 2/3's there...…...or some metric equivalent thereof.

iambjx

7th August 2018, 17:02

Replace your front O2 sensor. It's what determines the fuel mixture. As it ages and nears death it will tend to richen the mixture.

Thanks ! Ill try that !

pacomutt

7th August 2018, 19:40

166,710? :)

LOL, yeah, a failure at math! How does 34 miles sound?

MX5forme

7th August 2018, 20:27

I joined the club today on the way home

firstshadow

7th August 2018, 21:40

Went for a little drive.

http://i.imgur.com/cdJkX4R.jpg

cw_01miata

7th August 2018, 22:31

What should I check or can I do to improve my MPG?

I am constant getting getting about 22mpg which seems low compared to others...

my 01 is 17 years old and 190K these sensors are starting get old. The nature of the failure is to become sluggish or slow to respond to changes. Add up several sluggish sensors and the system tweaks itself until finds the lowest common denominator, so to speak.

I suggest learning about STFT & LTFT (fuel trim) and how the O2 sensor is the ring leader in the daisy chain of sensors controlling the cars' function.

CTS coolant temp sensor is cheap.
IAT intake air sensor is cheap.
O2 not so cheap
EGR can also be a factor and is not cheap.

CAS & CKP fail and that's it you done until you replace em.

Cleaning the MAF is a good idea, also you can just start there and clean all the way up the intake to the head. Remove the entire thing, TB throttle body, plenum, lower intake and clean all the stuff out until you see metal all over.
Use proper cleaner for the TB and the MAF and the intake all three are different.

*** TIRE PRESSURE ***

a good alignment.

keep the oil in good condition.

also cleaning and flow testing the fuel injectors will help.

--- the goal is to get it all ... ALL of it, to be running like new, or as close as you can.

***** OR just use your right foot more and just fix it when it breaks :dunno:

:wave:

Today I drove to work with 190190 on the clock. I am planning to buy a used motor and swap it in then rebuild the current then get it back in. you know because of the VIN. Also I go through a quart of oil every 2500 miles with a new seals all around. Could be a misplaced rear seal? Or it just burns oil and needs new rings. (sigh)

:thumbs:

UTMorpheus

7th August 2018, 23:03

Changed the oil for the first time in 6 years. Could feel and hear an immediate difference in the engine. Time to rack up another 1000 miles this weekend.

iambjx

8th August 2018, 07:37

I suggest learning about STFT & LTFT (fuel trim) and how the O2 sensor is the ring leader in the daisy chain of sensors controlling the cars' function.

CTS coolant temp sensor is cheap.

IAT intake air sensor is cheap.

O2 not so cheap

EGR can also be a factor and is not cheap.

CAS & CKP fail and that's it you done until you replace em.

Use proper cleaner for the TB and the MAF and the intake all three are different.

*** TIRE PRESSURE ***

a good alignment.

keep the oil in good condition.

also cleaning and flow testing the fuel injectors will help.

--- the goal is to get it all ... ALL of it, to be running like new, or as close as you can.

***** OR just use your right foot more and just fix it when it breaks :dunno:

:wave:

:thumbs:

Thanks ! Thats a lot of info !

josolanes

8th August 2018, 09:51

At least sort of NB related :)

I think I've convinced my wife that we'll need to figure out plans to make MATG next year :cool:

Dates have already been announced - Aug 1st - 4th 2019

dweikum

8th August 2018, 19:53

Picked up a pressure washer unit for $20, no accessories (wand, hose, etc) but easy enough to source those. Got it all hooked up and tested it out today with a foam cannon...works pretty well overall.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Mazda-Miata-2003-SE/i-Pp6xSrj/0/aa341ecc/L/20180808_133129-01-L.jpg

Chris GTO TT

8th August 2018, 20:08

You wash your car with the top down?

chiefmg

8th August 2018, 20:47

At least sort of NB related :)

I think I've convinced my wife that we'll need to figure out plans to make MATG next year :cool:

Dates have already been announced - Aug 1st - 4th 2019

Do it, you'll have a blast.

A few of the 2000 SE gang at MATG. I used to think I was special until attending last year, there were quite a few of this trim.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/28998806897_5714683d19_b.jpg

Overlook on Rt 28:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/936/43031393195_ea7d595d78_b.jpg

Just prior to washing her after getting home (for the record, she was way dirtier while at the Gap. Gravel/dirt-mud drive to the cabin I was in):

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/855/43031393885_a8178fd468_b.jpg

Today I got around to swapping over to the spare set of coils I had. Started her up and she was running on 3 cylinders. So, back to the other set. I had forgotten about one of them being bad, will probably look into getting a new set as both of the Toyota sets I have were used when I bought them.

MN MX-5

8th August 2018, 23:09

https://photos.smugmug.com/Mazda-Miata-2003-SE/i-Pp6xSrj/0/aa341ecc/L/20180808_133129-01-L.jpg

Must have been some very careful spraying happening washing the car without the top up.

dweikum

9th August 2018, 02:02

You wash your car with the top down?

Must have been some very careful spraying happening washing the car without the top up.

My hardtop hangs in the garage and I have no soft top...and I wash the car at least once a week, so yea, I've gotten pretty good at keeping the water on the outside. Just the same, considering how I found this car, a little clean water won't hurt anything.

cduplain

9th August 2018, 05:37

I have never done this, personally. But, I know a few people who do. Seems like, with a bit of skill, it isn't too hard.

Raszaron

9th August 2018, 09:07

I just got my 01 NB2LS a few weeks ago, completely stock 99,458 Miles. So, I tinted the windows with 3M FXP. Next up is change radiator, hoses, belts (timing/ancillary), spark plugs and wires, water pump and gaskets, and all fluids.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=4995&pictureid=23392

Trying to get the other photos to load without them being upside down....

Spanner

9th August 2018, 11:39

After driving a boring Ford Focus from Hertz for a week, I finally got my car back with a brand-new front bumper and fresh paint, which came out great! Then I took some video of it with my drone. Below is a lousy screen grab from my phone.

SquarePeg

9th August 2018, 13:19

"Fresh Paint".....just to blend in the bumper, or the whole car? If the whole car, how much, if I could be so bold?

cduplain

9th August 2018, 13:41

Took it on a nice, long drive today down Route 555 (The Triple Nickel). Enjoyed some great, twisty roads through rural Ohio.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=4967&pictureid=23394

Spanner

9th August 2018, 17:23

"Fresh Paint".....just to blend in the bumper, or the whole car? If the whole car, how much, if I could be so bold?

They only painted the bumper, which came from Mazda without paint. I considered painting the fenders and hood to get rid of the stone chips and got two quotes for ~$1K.

SquarePeg

9th August 2018, 18:57

They only painted the bumper, which came from Mazda without paint. I considered painting the fenders and hood to get rid of the stone chips and got two quotes for ~$1K.

Thanks.
The hood on mine is suffering the typical age clearcoat delamination syndrome. I cant make up my mind about just the hood, the whole car or just what.

JTL

9th August 2018, 19:32

Thanks.
The hood on mine is suffering the typical age clearcoat delamination syndrome. I cant make up my mind about just the hood, the whole car or just what.

I would do it all, but I like perfect.

SquarePeg

9th August 2018, 19:37

I would do it all, but I like perfect.

Id like to, but even though I use the little Roadster for a DD, my wife still sees toy car.
Maybe if I sell one of my bikes.:ohno:

GsxrZo6

9th August 2018, 22:31

Well as for me my inside driver door handle broke. Gotta love rolling down the window to get out 😊

JTL

10th August 2018, 09:40

Well as for me my inside driver door handle broke. Gotta love rolling down the window to get out 😊

It's a convertible, no need for doors.

cphilippou

10th August 2018, 09:57

It's a convertible, no need for doors.

is it legal to have a doorless miata like a wrangler? :confused::dunno:

spartantrap

10th August 2018, 12:21

I think he's saying that you hop out over the door....

JTL

10th August 2018, 12:59

I think he's saying that you hop out over the door....

When I was in high school my buddy had an MG, we never used the doors:cool:

spartantrap

10th August 2018, 13:02

When I was in high school my buddy had an MG, we never used the doors:cool:

:rofl: I very rarely do that, mainly because I put my top up so people will think the car is locked

cphilippou

10th August 2018, 14:09

I think he's saying that you hop out over the door....

lolol I was just kidding... kinda...

JonK67

10th August 2018, 14:13

Thanks.
The hood on mine is suffering the typical age clearcoat delamination syndrome. I can’t make up my mind about just the hood, the whole car or just what.

I had the local Maaco repaint the hood and trunk on my '01 BRG due to the peeling clearcoat, I paid an extra $100? for them to blend in the fender tops so the new hood & trunk paint wouldn't be so obvious. They also replaced the deteriorating pin stripe at no extra charge and I think that also helped mask the possible shade difference between top of fender and side of fender.

It was probably 20% cheaper overall than another paint shop and I got what I paid for (they didn't fill nicks, etc.) but it also wasn't covered with fisheyes. It looks good and waxes well for a 155K mi. 17 yo car worth ~$4-$5k.
I don't remember the exact cost to do hood/trunk ($500?) because I had been rearended and they were replacing the rear bumper so the insurance money paid for most of the hood/trunk repaint.

spartantrap

10th August 2018, 14:16

lolol I was just kidding... kinda...

:rofl:

Orangello

10th August 2018, 14:45

lolol I was just kidding... kinda...

Would make it easier to spit without getting any on the top.

Chris GTO TT

10th August 2018, 15:02

Got its bi-annual smog check and then took it TV shopping

SquarePeg

10th August 2018, 15:09

Thanks.

Woodstudio

10th August 2018, 15:10

[QUOTE=neanicu;9044108]New wheels and tires : Enkei Classic Enkei92 SML 15X7X38 mm with BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp-2 SL 195/50R-15 tires. What you guys think? :)

I really like the wheels. Kind of a Jaguar look.

Spanner

10th August 2018, 17:07

So this happened today... 😥

https://s33.postimg.cc/y7ra5fbvz/Screenshot_20180810-170422_01.jpg

GsxrZo6

10th August 2018, 17:39

Do you guys know of a good sunshade that’ll actually fit and block out the sun for the nb

Ted Crilly

10th August 2018, 17:46

So this happened today... 😥

https://s33.postimg.cc/y7ra5fbvz/Screenshot_20180810-170422_01.jpg

What happend?
The attached pic is so small that its impossible (at least for me) to see any detail.

miataman3

10th August 2018, 17:52

Looks like rolled up on 150,000 miles...

MDL

10th August 2018, 18:12

Well, We brought home a 2003 yesterday evening. This morning my grandson & I removed the fake roll bar. Now the seat belts actually work like they are supposed to. Also the seat are far more adjustable.
Next, it was time to teach him how to drive a stick. He did pretty good. It will take a few more outings to get him a bit more confidence but he's well on his way, which is the whole point of buying this car.
Then the fun started. We discovered that while the carpet was dry on the top it was soaked underneath. Kind of took my breath away because I didn't see any rust on the floor pans under the car. We lucked out because after removing the seats and the carpet there was no rust so this must have just happened. Now the trick is to find out why it was so wet. Oh well, we'll figure it out...no damage done. Put the seats back in and took it for another short ride before it starts to rain. Tomorrow we're going to pressure clean the carpet and let it sit outside till it dries real good before it goes back in the car.
I must say that just spending a few days on this site helped us tremendously with the purchase and the few projects we have begun.

shoult

10th August 2018, 18:19

Do you guys know of a good sunshade thatll actually fit and block out the sun for the nb

It's called a baseball cap.

SquarePeg

10th August 2018, 18:27

Do you guys know of a good sunshade thatll actually fit and block out the sun for the nb

I use one of the covers that just covers the rag top. Basically anything above the paint is covered. It only takes a couple minutes to throw it over the top, and fasten it around the wiper arms, and trap the tails in the trunk lid.

13brv3

10th August 2018, 19:45

Then the fun started. We discovered that while the carpet was dry on the top it was soaked underneath. Kind of took my breath away because I didn't see any rust on the floor pans under the car. We lucked out because after removing the seats and the carpet there was no rust so this must have just happened. Now the trick is to find out why it was so wet.

Sounds like a pretty lucky kid :cool:

Hope the leak is water (AC condensation or external leak) and not coolant (heater core). Sounds like more good experience for the grandson either way.

Congrats,
Rusty

13brv3

10th August 2018, 19:52

I finished (I hope) the mechanical portion of my first step in my turbo upgrade. I swapped the VTCS intake for a VICS intake, installed the DW 550 injectors that came with the turbo kit, and also installed the turbo oil line while I had a clear shot at it.

Tomorrow I find out how many leaks I created, and if I can get the MS3 reprogrammed for the larger injectors. Next I have to run a couple wires and connect the VIC solenoid and program that in the MS3 as well. I won't move on to the actual turbo installation until I get this all sorted out.

Cheers,
Rusty

MDL

10th August 2018, 19:55

Sounds like a pretty lucky kid :cool:

Hope the leak is water (AC condensation or external leak) and not coolant (heater core). Sounds like more good experience for the grandson either way.

Congrats,
Rusty

The water didn't have antifreeze smell and the a/c doesn't work. The passenger side was wetter than the driver side. I didn't see anyplace obvious on the passenger side where the water could get in. On the driver side there is a rubber plug with wires coming through it on the bottom/rear of the tunnel. I'm wondering if it happened when the previous owner washed the car. I know it's recent because it didn't stink at all.

Spanner

10th August 2018, 20:02

Looks like rolled up on 150,000 miles...

Yes, on the way to do this on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

https://s33.postimg.cc/44ly4r5bz/Screenshot_20180810-194052_01.jpg

https://s33.postimg.cc/6lxpc1cdr/Screenshot_20180810-194806_01.jpg

Then we ran into this...

https://s33.postimg.cc/obzdx5ajz/Screenshot_20180810-194118_01.jpg

kallsop

10th August 2018, 23:24

Not so much today, but over the last few weeks since moving back to the Phoenix area, I have been getting a lot of questions and comments about my NB. The most recent was a young guy that was driving an NA when I stopped for gas. Wound up talking modifications, driving Laguna Seca (he hasn't) but he was asking advice and admiring the changes I have made to mine and asking where I got things. He liked the fact that it was so clean looking, and that the things I had done while being quite a few, are rather subtle and just looked right.

Similar thing happened when I had the car smog checked, had three or four people asking the same questions and making similar comments. It was all just how clean it looked. Same with a young kid who is a lot porter , a salesman and a couple of customers at a Mazda dealership when I went to get a radiator cap.

Got a thumbs up and a smile from a Fiat 124 driver today while running errands.

Not sure why it is, I owned it for four years from '07 to '11 here and never really got much notice, lived in rural SW Oregon for seven years and very few people noticed or said anything. Been back for six weeks and I'm asked about it a couple of times a week, and it's always positive. Just seems strange.

dweikum

11th August 2018, 02:14

After adding a pressure washer to the carwash gear, I figured I should put together a carwash cart, so I bought a medium sized 4 wheel cart that would hold wash and rinse buckets up top, soap, towels and tools below, strapped the pressure washer on and I'm good to go!
My garage is in the backyard on the other side of a gate from the driveway where I park...I generally have to schlep everything out front past the gate to do the job. So today it's on wheels. I needed to test it out so washed the wife's car. :)

https://photos.smugmug.com/Miata-Projects/i-LnbJ2NC/0/49b1ff8b/M/20180810_185816-01-M.jpg

jmaye2

11th August 2018, 13:03

A good fitting set of 6 point sockets (24 & 23 mm) should take them out with no problem.Unusualdesigner- Thanks for the suggestions and advice.

You were correct, the PB blaster did NOT help at all. After I broke free the fill plug, I then turned my attention to the drain plug. After summoning Superman's strength along with a breaker bar, I managed to break free the drain plug. Drained all fluid, put new drain plug in,(thanks priority mazda), and commenced filing with Redline 75w-90 until full, dribbling out of fill hole. Inserted new fill plug, priority mazda, and all is well.

Alignment performed, fluids changed, ready for scca event on 18th Aug, at brooksville, fl[emoji6]

firstshadow

11th August 2018, 13:22

Might want to check the drainage holes behind the doors where the top goes down - pretty common for those to get blocked up and it floods the rear shelf with nowhere to drain.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=502141

MarkEt

11th August 2018, 13:30

Hand washed then waxed it. First. Time. Ever.

Now it does shine as hell, and smells like a hooker (I think).

Unusualdesigner

11th August 2018, 13:31

Unusualdesigner- Thanks for the suggestions and advice.

You're welcome! Done quite a few diff fluid changes over the years. For some reason the original factory torque on those plugs is pretty high.

When I changed the fluid on the '04, at ~40K miles I had to resort to an impact wrench. Using 6 point sockets prevents the plugs from being damaged.

Spanner

11th August 2018, 15:18

Between the raindrops on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

https://s8.postimg.cc/5a3wl4m3p/Screenshot_20180811-150408_01.jpg

Jitsuka

11th August 2018, 15:18

It's called a baseball cap.Exactly this. I've actually removed the driver's side sun visor, so I can see traffic lights etc. more clearly!
Cap ftw.

chiefmg

11th August 2018, 16:30

After washing her the other day I noticed the front of the diffuser and my PPF brace were dirty. You may recall I spoke about how dirty she got at MATG, this underneath shot is an indication of that (this was after two times rinsing off the underneath):

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1778/43983704341_8131883443_h.jpg

This morning before C&C I jacked her in the air to take care of that. I knew there was probably still some gravel trapped in the butterfly brace so decided to dig out whatever was there. To paraphrase Colin Chapman, I added lightness:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1776/29045798697_ed9d1d4b30_h.jpg

I don't know where in the hell that piece of wood came from. PPF brace has some scratches now too, but it's otherwise all good.

spartantrap

11th August 2018, 17:53

Exactly this. I've actually removed the driver's side sun visor, so I can see traffic lights etc. more clearly!
Cap ftw.

I still have my visors, I just tend to sit farther back at lights than most people so I can see them, people behind get a little irritated because I'm not trying to rush the light; which baffles me because they never accelerate with haste off the line... I still leave them in the dust though just by wringing the car out and getting to the speed limit.... :dunno: an idea though, maybe you should drive with the top down and look over the windshield frame to see the lights! :rofl:

After washing her the other day I noticed the front of the diffuser and my PPF brace were dirty

I don't know where in the hell that piece of wood came from. PPF brace has some scratches now too, but it's otherwise all good.

Where did you get that PPF brace? That looks amazing; and with how much I've already stiffened up the drivetrain with poly mounts, I'm curious if that'd help even more?

Jitsuka

11th August 2018, 18:02

I still have my visors, I just tend to sit farther back at lights than most people so I can see them.
This is an idea I like; will keep it in mind!

...maybe you should drive with the top down and look over the windshield frame to see the lights! :rofl:
I love to do this but, as a UK driver, it's not as often a choice available to me!

slimyray

11th August 2018, 18:38

Installed eurosport seat covers and wheelskin wrap from Moss. Really helped my tired interior.[emoji8]

Brad5161

11th August 2018, 21:29

I had mine painted at the MAACO on Gude Dr. in Rockville MD three years ago. Still holding up well. Fairly dirty in this pic.

MDL

12th August 2018, 07:35

Might want to check the drainage holes behind the doors where the top goes down - pretty common for those to get blocked up and it floods the rear shelf with nowhere to drain.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=502141

Thanks for the link. Looks like a possible cause. The rest of the car looks nice and tight and no hint of being wet before. Yet another project to tackle! :)

pacomutt

12th August 2018, 12:04

Exactly this. I've actually removed the driver's side sun visor, so I can see traffic lights etc. more clearly!
Cap ftw.

I still have my visors, I just tend to sit farther back at lights than most people so I can see them,

That's what Fresnel lenses are for.

spartantrap

12th August 2018, 12:25

That's what Fresnel lenses are for.

Wasn't familiar with the word/phrase/term of "Fresnel Lens" so I went and looked it up....:

*rephrasing; so I don't have a solid object blocking my line of sight to view the light

pacomutt

12th August 2018, 13:54

Wasn't familiar with the word/phrase/term of "Fresnel Lens" so I went and looked it up....:

*rephrasing; so I don't have a solid object blocking my line of sight to view the light

There have been a couple of threads about them. I had one in an NA and loved it.
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=540352&highlight=Fresnel+Lens

spartantrap

12th August 2018, 15:57

There have been a couple of threads about them. I had one in an NA and loved it.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=540352&highlight=Fresnel+Lens

I wasn't aware that that was how the lens was used :O that's stupidly cool :) I don't know if I'd use it (I tend to slouch and have my hips pretty far forward in the seat to get as low as possible. I should really get lower seats, foamectomy didn't get me low enough...), but I absolutely see how that is beneficial :thumbs:

chiefmg

12th August 2018, 18:09

Where did you get that PPF brace? That looks amazing; and with how much I've already stiffened up the drivetrain with poly mounts, I'm curious if that'd help even more?

It's a Beatrush PPF brace. I picked it up used from one of the forums. You have to lurk a lot to catch one for sale, or you can go here to buy a new one: https://rev9autosport.com/beatrush-rear-p-p-f-bar.html The improvement in handling will depend upon whom you talk to on the site you are on. I have done a lot of upgrades in chassis stiffening to my car so can't say that this one specific part did a lot, but overall my car handles very well with all the upgrades.

pacomutt

12th August 2018, 20:34

If all the slouching and foamectomy is only to get a better look at stoplights, then you definitely want to get something like this. Hell, I could stop half-way into an intersection almost directly under a traffic light and still see it just fine.
In some of my posts, I did mention where the more vertical you can position one of these, the better they work. I had mine affixed to a piece of Lexan, attached to the inside windshield header trim.

spartantrap

12th August 2018, 20:46

In some of my posts, I did mention where the more vertical you can position one of these, the better they work. I had mine affixed to a piece of Lexan, attached to the inside windshield header trim.

Thanks for the link to the brace :) not much to stiffen up, from my standpoint, besides drivetrain components; and that gives a third point of chassis contact for the drivetrain. Now, if I had a hardtop I'm sure that'd help stiffen up the chassis significantly

The slouching is from habitual poor posture management. The foamectomy was to get a more comfortable seat. I know the Miata seat isn't a "chair" by any means when compared to commuter cars, but it's about 2" further from the floorboard to the seat than my Fiero seats... My legs are pretty much straight out in that car. If you've ever sat in a C5 - C7 corvette you'll know what I mean. Sitting high in vehicles is unnatural for me, so I've done what I can without spending loads of money to get 2 inches lower and still maintain seat rails...

daender

12th August 2018, 21:55

Got back from a car group meet at Deals Gap! I got to run the Dragon for the first time in 4 years along with finally experiencing the Cherohala Skyway! Goodness gracious I forgot how fun and intense it is to drive through the mountains at a brisk pace! It was fun keeping up with my friend's Fiesta ST and some current-generation GTIs.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39050562_1790056347757198_418457276374843392_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=ede2f9e9cb459a8f36a55a8e354394fd&oe=5BFF5822

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38985158_1790056644423835_15578769800560640_n.jpg? _nc_cat=0&oh=2ca546cc7bfb00a373a00cd2b7a38127&oe=5BC60E65

Things needing addressing after the upcoming autocross:

Radiator - the original one is turning olive enough to warrant a replacement. Especially if I want to head back to the mountains in the fall.
Clutch throwout bearing - it's starting to make a whirling noise when I let the clutch out in neutral so it's time to replace it.
Clutch - it's been about 60k miles of autocross, mountain runs, college, daily-driving, and, of course...learning how to drive manual. Might as well get it done with the throwout bearing!
Rear main seal(?) - there's a slow weep of oil coming from the back of the engine so I'm assuming it's the rear main seal as it's dry behind the cylinder head. With the clutch coming out, the rear main seal is right there!
Headlight alignment - ...I over-compensated for the too-low adjustment by making them too high.

Panic is going to take care of the first three, I'll do the headlights later this week.

AnonymousD

13th August 2018, 04:34

I didnt personally do this, but someone else did. They’re taking care of it and Im honestly not too mad because I needed fresh paint on the bumper anyway.
https://i.imgur.com/PVuBJkx.jpg

Probably going to pick up a lip and get it painted as well.

MarkEt

13th August 2018, 06:17

I need someone to rear-end mine and pay for the bumper respray ;-)

pfk1106

13th August 2018, 08:18

I need someone to rear-end mine and pay for the bumper respray ;-)

Be careful what you wish for....

mstockmaster

13th August 2018, 09:51

I've had my nb for about 3 weeks. First mod was bosectomy. I had an old jl 4 channel amp hanging around and decided to run a set of raw drivers active. I made some mounting plates for 6.5 inch goldwood poly cone woofers and mounted a set of vifa soft dome tweeters to the factory Bose tweeter mounts. I mounted the amp behind the passenger seat, and installed a Sony xav ax100 head unit to allow for easy Android auto integration. I used the built in crossovers in the amp and am crossing st approximately 3000 hz with a 12 db slope. It sounds amazing compared to the factory system and actually pretty good overall compared to other car audio systems.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180813/6a7288bd7c3c63183bda677d37924534.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180813/434bf1e53883ccc687bb7c27761f652a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180813/c49606e2c0b019504d6e5efc48b66b1c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180813/9d6f00ee246deeb8ae2ffac3c1e846cf.jpg

MarkEt

13th August 2018, 10:29

I replaced the old mp3 head unit in mine with a double din CarPlay from Alpine.

I dont plan to use an external amplifier but have been toying with the idea of replacing the four speakers with the matching Alpine drivers and their crossovers.

mstockmaster

13th August 2018, 12:47

Do it. No regrets here. If you have a Bose car with an aftermarket head unit already though it's likely the speakers have already been replaced. I don't know of an aftermarket head unit that will drive their stupid speakers. The biggest pain in what I did was running new speaker wire through the door electrical connectors. I replaced the old mp3 head unit in mine with a double din CarPlay from Alpine.

I dont plan to use an external amplifier but have been toying with the idea of replacing the four speakers with the matching Alpine drivers and their crossovers.

MarkEt

13th August 2018, 12:53

Nah it was never a Bose.

MarkEt

13th August 2018, 16:49

The biggest pain in what I did was running new speaker wire through the door electrical connectors.

Im interested in that part. How did you ?

cduplain

13th August 2018, 16:59

Looks good! Very clean.

mstockmaster

13th August 2018, 17:48

First step is to to pry the rubber boot off the connector ( on vehicle side) then there's a little green pin on the connector that functions as a clip to hold the connector in place. The pin needs to be pulled out then the connector can be popped out of the socket with a bit of careful persuasion. On the body side connector the bottom half of the connector is filled with wires, but the top side where the clip is there's some blank space. On the driver's side you can use a longish drill bit and carefully drill out this area of the connector. This can be accessed on the underside of the dash. If you remove the green retainer clip from the door side of the connector you can run wires through both sides of the connector and then through the rubber boot and into the door. If you don't have power windows, mirrors, locks etc. there may be more area that you can use and be able to retain the retainer clip. But I don't think there's too much risk of the connector popping back out once it's seated again. After that it's just a matter of working the rubber boot back over the connector on the body. Passenger side is a bit different, due to the location of the blower motor there's no access under the dash to get to the connector. The easiest way to reach it is by simply removing the door. Just make sure you have a willing friend to help. Your wife doesn't count, she'll curse your name for having to help, ask me how I know. Im interested in that part. How did you ?

mstockmaster

13th August 2018, 17:49

Looks good! Very clean.Thanks!

Spanner

13th August 2018, 20:51

Put Lamin-X film covers on my headlights, re-bled the rear brakes (got a couple small burps out) and gave it a good wash.

klavender

14th August 2018, 09:27

Finally drove it since it was slightly less humid this morning. We'll see what fresh hell awaits on the drive home from work. It's seriously a running joke that the only thing that separates Columbia, SC from Hell is a screen door.

Checked the coolant, had to add 1/2 gallon. Still have no idea where it's going. I've fixed leaking heater hoses. It's not in the oil luckily. Maybe it wasn't fully bled since I fixed the hoses and I haven't driven it much since then.

kallsop

14th August 2018, 14:08

Got my new wheels and track tires delivered today. Advanti Storms 15x8 +25 with BFG Rival S 225/45/15.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WDpM2vc/0/a0ab5c67/M/i-WDpM2vc-M.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Phone-pics/n-bhj3pK/i-WDpM2vc/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JQW6L4C/0/e4b6cae0/M/i-JQW6L4C-M.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Phone-pics/n-bhj3pK/i-JQW6L4C/A)

daender

14th August 2018, 18:19

Having drove back from Deals Gap last Sunday in that heat, you're darn right.

Also, you should totally comes to Cars and Coffee this Saturday, at the movie theater near the Army base on Forest Drive, and park next to all the others that show up including mine!

J3cubrc

14th August 2018, 18:31

Replaced the 80 amp main fuse (hint, it's bolted in) and the one-year old Marathon AGM battery. Back on the road! Happier than a pig in, well lets not go there. :D

Enthuz

14th August 2018, 18:50

Replaced crankshaft position sensor. Middle wire hold-down was impossible to unhook, so I had to cut the wires. Zip-tie holds down the new CPS.

Kylini

14th August 2018, 19:02

Sorry for not posting in a while! Unfortunately, I'm down to one Miata as I sold my 1999 to my codriver. On the plus side, we took first and second racing at the Watkins Glen SCCA RallyCross National Challenge!

All photos are by Jim Rowland, who also did a great job acting as the Event Steward: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158757576@N07/sets/72157696986188502/

Day one got a wee bit wet with a surprise downpour in the early hours of the morning and again during heat two. Because of this, the course had to be changed quite a bit before us prepared-class folk were allowed to run.

The surface was exceptionally loose with plenty of moisture hidden underneath. We put our IndySport BR tires to good use.

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-1p.jpg

I can never get over how happy these cars look, even when completely decked out for off-road racing! Yes, that's significant negative camber while lifted. Yes, the upper ball joints still exist!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-2p.jpg

The site had a chance to dry out by day two, which meant that the ground was very tacky with some portions becoming dusty-dry. The course was FAST FAST FAST!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-3p.jpg

This time, we ran IndySport SG tires, which loved the mostly-but-not-quite-dry conditions.

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-4p.jpg

Overall, I'm going to miss having this bonkers car around but I'll get to drive it at Indianola in October. This also means I'll have a chance to focus more on my 2003 and, perhaps, get it properly setup for ES autocross.

Doctor Miata

15th August 2018, 10:28

Sourced a lower mileage motor due to bad head gasket. Put in this past weekend. Went pretty smoothly. New clutch and all the front seals and timing belt. Car runs like a dream now.

nick1SAM

15th August 2018, 16:53

Finally got my first Miata recently. Its my first stick shift car so that poor clutch is being beat by this newbie but today Ive been showing it love. I finally downshifted properly today! Random but Im really happy with my progress. PS. this is my first post.

Orangello

15th August 2018, 17:06

It will get to be second nature in time. No burnouts.

spartantrap

15th August 2018, 17:16

:welcome:

foraminifera

15th August 2018, 19:31

All photos are by Jim Rowland, who also did a great job acting as the Event Steward: https://www.flickr.com/photos/158757576@N07/sets/72157696986188502/

The surface was exceptionally loose with plenty of moisture hidden underneath. We put our IndySport BR tires to good use.

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-1p.jpg

I can never get over how happy these cars look, even when completely decked out for off-road racing! Yes, that's significant negative camber while lifted. Yes, the upper ball joints still exist!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-2p.jpg

The site had a chance to dry out by day two, which meant that the ground was very tacky with some portions becoming dusty-dry. The course was FAST FAST FAST!

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-3p.jpg

This time, we ran IndySport SG tires, which loved the mostly-but-not-quite-dry conditions.

http://kylini.com/grm/miata-glen-4p.jpg

Kylini

15th August 2018, 19:45

Whaaaaat i didnt know the glen had rallycross! I would have come and watched

We were near Gate 6 in one of the old parking fields. Finger Lakes Region SCCA hosts events there apparently!

pfk1106

16th August 2018, 07:48

Be careful what you wish for....

I came out of a store yesterday and someone had hit me in the rear. Bumper cover sliced vertical under license plate. No note, just hit and run :(

spartantrap

16th August 2018, 11:03

I came out of a store yesterday and someone had hit me in the rear. Bumper cover sliced vertical under license plate. No note, just hit and run :(

Man.... I get really irritated reading stories from people about parking lot hit and runs..... there's a special place in hell for people who do that...... :realmad:

JTL

16th August 2018, 15:05

Washed, clay barred and waxed my Miata and my CX-5.

cduplain

16th August 2018, 16:57

I came out of a store yesterday and someone had hit me in the rear. Bumper cover sliced vertical under license plate. No note, just hit and run :(

That sucks. :mad: Did you ask the store if they have video surveillance?

pfk1106

16th August 2018, 18:20

That sucks. :mad: Did you ask the store if they have video surveillance?
Yes, and no they dont

chiefmg

16th August 2018, 19:28

Since I am finally going to do an autocross I decided to put the driver's Recaro back in for that. Also figured I would install the larger JR front sway I have to see what that does for my handling. Went about putting them in today, in the process found the underneath of the car in front had a lot of mud spray from MATG (go figure). While I had the undertray off I washed it up.

Seat went in ok, I had an extra seat belt receiver lying around so I put that on the seat to keep me from having to swap it around. Got the sway bars swapped with just a few hiccups. Had some issues with the bushing brackets lining up so I pulled it back out and turned it 180 degrees. Finally got the bolts in along with the braces. Checked to make sure my end links were even and the bar was level, then put the undertray back on.

The mail lady brought my new COPs during this work. I thought I might as well suck it up and buy some brand new ones to see if that corrected some of the minor problems I have been seeing. Some research showed Denso coils available on both Rock Auto and Amazon. I ended up going with Amazon because they were a little cheaper overall with free Prime shipping. FYI, the new number for these is 673-1300. I put each one in place and marked the sides to clearance so they wouldn't contact the valve cover. Used a sanding drum on my Dremel to take care of that. The coils came with some rubber gaskets so I decided to give those a try and see if they keep the plug wells dry. Buttoned up everything and she fired right up. I also changed out the air filter for a slightly smaller one I had lying around, I was using it originally but changed it for the bigger one when I was trying to figure out what was causing my fuel dump under boost.

After all that I can't get out for a test drive today. We are having rain of biblical proportions so that will have to wait.

kallsop

17th August 2018, 17:28

Finally installed my new wheels today.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mmCCXFC/0/45927d29/L/i-mmCCXFC-L.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Phone-pics/n-bhj3pK/i-mmCCXFC/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fDHztpf/0/12921355/M/i-fDHztpf-M.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Phone-pics/n-bhj3pK/i-fDHztpf/A)

Jitsuka

17th August 2018, 17:30

Finally installed my new wheels today.

Looks friggen lush bud! Nice moves.

kallsop

17th August 2018, 17:55

Looks friggen lush bud! Nice moves.

Thanks. I for the last five years I've had matte black Konig Lightspeeds and decided it was time for a change.

These were the Konig's

https://photos.smugmug.com/MRLS-2016/i-ZLxvTLw/0/e590a28a/M/DSC_0003-M.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/MRLS-2016/i-ZLxvTLw/A)

cduplain

17th August 2018, 18:03

Finally installed my new wheels today.

Very nice!!

kallsop

17th August 2018, 18:27

The other things I've done in the last few days is replaced all the cooling hoses, new EBC pads, flushed both the brake and clutch hydraulics, changed the oil in the engine, trans, turrett and differential, installed longer wheel studs and 949 lug nuts. About the only thing left is an alignment and it will be ready for Laguna Seca.

amptramp

17th August 2018, 19:22

My wife and daughter pooled their resources for my birthday to get me a new top for the one that was consuming Gorilla tape at an alarming rate. So at almost 9:00 AM, I took the car and its old top to Dave's Garage in Oakville looking like this:

https://s22.postimg.cc/hfoakhegh/IMG_0594.jpg

slightly less godawful side:

https://s22.postimg.cc/3lzxvhr0x/IMG_0595.jpg

And by 11:49, the install job was done and paid for at a cost of $350 plus tax which totalled $395.50:

https://s22.postimg.cc/64lmvpf6p/IMG_0596.jpg

It got its first water integrity test this afternoon with sporadic heavy downpours and the interior was dry:

https://s22.postimg.cc/5ru8ppzjl/IMG_0597.jpg

The top is a Sierra 10-18-MX5-045. I was worried about getting to Dave's before he got started on another job that might have taken hours and he was preparing a new top to go on a 1990 but put it on a lift and started on mine immediately. The install guide recommends getting professional installation and I agree, after seeing what had to be done. Dave never stopped working on it for the entire time and knew exactly what to do at every step and remained cheerful even though I was looking over his shoulder all the time.

I wondered whether the glass window was going to be the same size as the original but it was fine - I could not see window edges in the rear view mirror and although it did not have the overlapping material beside the window, it looks like decent quality.

As for a recommendation for Dave, :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

john blutarski

17th August 2018, 19:29

Finally installed my new wheels today.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mmCCXFC/0/45927d29/L/i-mmCCXFC-L.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Phone-pics/n-bhj3pK/i-mmCCXFC/A)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fDHztpf/0/12921355/M/i-fDHztpf-M.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Phone-pics/n-bhj3pK/i-fDHztpf/A)

Beautiful! Storm S1 metallic bronze? Can you list the specs please including tire size?

kallsop

17th August 2018, 19:48

Beautiful! Storm S1 metallic bronze? Can you list the specs please including tire size?

Wheels are Advanti Storm S1 Metallic Bronze 15x8 +25 tires are BFG Rival S 225/45/15. It looks so much better than with the matte black wheels that were on it. It just looks sooo much better now.

Rodan

17th August 2018, 20:48

Nice! I really like the bronze on the S1. Some of the other popular wheels in 'bronze' are either way too gold or orange looking.

kallsop

17th August 2018, 21:19

Nice! I really like the bronze on the S1. Some of the other popular wheels in 'bronze' are either way too gold or orange looking.

When I was looking for wheels I found a place that had some new old stock of the Konig Lightspeed in matte bronze but I wanted something different. I like the 6UL wheels but there seems to be a lot of people that have them. The Storms are nice because they're light, the 8 inch width suits the 225 better than the 7.5 inch, the tire and wheels came in at ~37 lbs total. I was a little concerned about the metallic over the matte ones that Goodwin has, but once I put them on it just looked right.

2002tiitomx5

17th August 2018, 21:32

Yes, and no they dont

Time for: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/collections/the-best-dash-cams

OKflyboy

17th August 2018, 23:40

Finally installed my Aulley Park leather wrap for my steering wheel. I've been procrastinating for a couple of months.

I really wanted a new wheel, but didn't want to lose the airbag but also didn't want to pay the $300 for the Cipher wheel. The wrap was my compromise. I literally finished less than 10 minutes ago but my initial impression is good. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180818/f86b89a95ffc93731c97b1cd2241ab02.jpg

john blutarski

18th August 2018, 05:15

Wheels are Advanti Storm S1 Metallic Bronze 15x8 +25 tires are BFG Rival S 225/45/15. It looks so much better than with the matte black wheels that were on it. It just looks sooo much better now.

I've been looking at those same size and offset wheels and debating on 205s vs 225s.

JonK67

18th August 2018, 20:35

Changing out the rear bumper on the '01 BRG from the pregnant lady that skidded into me not paying attention. I've waited a few months to make sure it didn't happen again to a new bumper. The newly painted one has been sitting on the trunk of my '67 Mustang Coupe for 6 months and I'm trying to uncover it to get it running.
292028

If anyone needs close ups of anything with the bumper off let me know.
292029

If I ever get my hands on the guy at Mazda that chose plastic phillps head buttons I'll wring his neck. I've take half the car apart with this Lisle interior door clip tool.
292030

josolanes

18th August 2018, 20:46

Got 2 of this battery charger/maintainer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N4MKDSE
(No affiliation at all)

One for the Legacy and one for the NB. Super simple setup, and turns on and off to maintain charge. Has the ability to leave leads attached to the car battery and can unplug/plug in quickly to the wall charger. So far I'm happy with it. I have a quick car charger separately for a dead battery, this will just work for keeping them topped off in between uses

dweikum

18th August 2018, 21:37

[QUOTE=kallsop;9062237]Finally installed my new wheels today.

Looks great!

Photo

18th August 2018, 22:56

Stock radiator was slowly dying - micro cracks, all brown and green.

So did this. Some careful adjustments and extra time spent sealing everything to ensure as much air as possible moving through the rad. So far so good, need to take it out now for a test.

https://i.imgur.com/CeZ38pGh.jpg

OKflyboy

19th August 2018, 01:44

Convinced my photog wife to do a Miata shoot for me tonight at the Chiricahua National Monument, AZ.

Photo Credit: Anya Tucker https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180819/dfe7ab470b2b5144311a7874ed244782.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180819/ae9d0c3de0ae52b59bab2ea30b51cb8c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180819/1110c0c63fc9d0a24db3e23d2852fea4.jpg

Mk1Racer

19th August 2018, 09:00

Had this installed yesterday, I need to find a teenager to figure out how to use it292075

JonK67

19th August 2018, 10:44

So did this. Some careful adjustments and extra time spent sealing everything to ensure as much air as possible moving through the rad.

Did you put foam between the radiator and radiator frame support too & bottom? There's none at the top in your pic.

Photo

19th August 2018, 11:16

Did you put foam between the radiator and radiator frame support too & bottom? There's none at the top in your pic.

Yes, i did. There is a lot missing in that picture that i did after test-fitting the rad.

I've sealed rad fans to radiator, sealed gap between front top brace and rad,
sealed sides and bottom of rad with a pool noddle type insulation wrapped in adhesive alum foil.

spartantrap

19th August 2018, 12:01

According to members here, my Miata is barely broken in after 100k miles :dunno: but I hit this just now :D

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180819/fd7de9510ee6fd7f5912b00a16d8fabe.jpg

foraminifera

19th August 2018, 14:23

Pulled all the brake pads to listen for a (suspected) bearing noise. Fronts bearings were fine, and I think the rears were fine but its tough to get them spinning fast enough with the drag from the diff. Could be a warped rotor? Maybe the tire plug from a flat a few weeks ago making noise?

kiznarsh

19th August 2018, 14:34

According to members here, my Miata is barely broken in after 100k miles :dunno: but I hit this just now :D

What does that make mine then, since I still haven't passed 40k miles? Do I need to keep revs below 4k for another 60k miles?! :D

spartantrap

19th August 2018, 16:17

What does that make mine then, since I still haven't passed 40k miles? Do I need to keep revs below 4k for another 60k miles?! :D

What it reveals is that you need to drive your car more! :rofl: but seriously... I don't know how people can drive cars that are boring... I've been so spoiled with the Miata that I can't stand to drive anything that is not engaging to drive. I hate being disconnected from the road, it actually makes my body ache after any substantial amount of time; and I'm only 22 years old :eek:

Warhammer

19th August 2018, 19:05

This is exactly how motorcyclists feel about cagers. My Miata is the most fun I've had on the road with more than two wheels!

MDL

19th August 2018, 19:29

I'm only 22 years old :eek:

I used to feel that way too when i was 22. :D Now, I enjoy the Miata but I like the smooth, high, a/c, quiet ride of my truck better nowadays.
I say enjoy it while you can young man. :thumbs:

Growe58

19th August 2018, 20:14

I used to feel that way too when i was 22. :D Now, I enjoy the Miata but I like the smooth, high, a/c, quiet ride of my truck better nowadays.
I say enjoy it while you can young man. :thumbs:

Maybe. But I'm 59 and I bought the Miata so I would have something engaging to drive when the conditions (weather, highway etc) were not good for my Triumph Spitfire.

What I did today to my Miata
- changed the oil for the first time since I got it. I was a little worried about the oil filter but it was easy (almost too easy) to get started by hand. Win!
- my car came with a security system which I disconnected because I didn't trust it, but decided that I should use the siren to augment the anemic horn. Mixed results as the WOO-woo-WOO-woo doesn't really sound right
- for the fourth or fifth time, I tucked in the second layer on the inside roof of the convertible top and crimped it into the bar. I don't know why it keeps working loose.

daender

19th August 2018, 21:14

Replaced my radiator Saturday after attending Cars and Coffee. I drove it top-down to Myrtle Beach for autocross, got 2nd in class (out of 3 cars :P), and drove it comfortably back with the top up and the AC on. We need more Miata owners in the Florence-MB region to join in. I KNOW there's a manual Vivid Yellow LS running around Florence!

chiefmg

19th August 2018, 21:16

Autocrossed her today.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/44143186011_dd406be9e9_b.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1857/42334551060_b360d3d135_b.jpg

josolanes

19th August 2018, 21:37

^ very clean! Is that a raised OE spoiler? Looks good! I also like the rear diffuser, and...well pretty much everything!

Today, loosely NB related, I reorganized the garage to make space for a new work bench :). NB related as I had to shuffle the Miata and Legacy around to make better use of the space :D

chiefmg

19th August 2018, 21:52

^ very clean! Is that a raised OE spoiler? Looks good! I also like the rear diffuser, and...well pretty much everything!

It's a JDM Mazdaspeed adjustable spoiler. And thanks.

jasmiata

20th August 2018, 11:09

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180819/dfe7ab470b2b5144311a7874ed244782.jpg
That is awesome

bvsbutthd101

20th August 2018, 18:41

Installed my FM Vmaxx track pack coilovers yesterday along with the V8roasters big brake kit. Also put my new Konig Dial-in wheels wrapped in RS4's. Still messing around with the height.
Car is a little dirty :eek:

https://i.imgur.com/NQ3mGO2.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/03wLzxa.jpg

OKflyboy

20th August 2018, 19:02

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180819/dfe7ab470b2b5144311a7874ed244782.jpg
That is awesomeThanks!

Credit goes to my wife. She has a real eye for pictures.

spartantrap

20th August 2018, 19:04

This is exactly how motorcyclists feel about cagers. My Miata is the most fun I've had on the road with more than two wheels!

Due to my age, my dad is VERY reluctant to let me even think about purchasing a bike... cause he knows how I'd ride it if I did get one... (same way I drive my Miata, just way better power to weight) so I'm just gonna be happy I've got the most engaging car ever! :D

Do you go to the car meet at Cabela's? I've thought about going, just never really had a reason to...

I used to feel that way too when i was 22. :D Now, I enjoy the Miata but I like the smooth, high, a/c, quiet ride of my truck better nowadays.

I say enjoy it while you can young man. :thumbs:

You reminded me that I really need to order the 04-05 compressor bracket for my car, so I can have working ac again...... *sigh*

I'm doing what I can, there are some great twisty roads around here; it's a great way to push away worries for a while :)

Maybe. But I'm 59 and I bought the Miata so I would have something engaging to drive when the conditions (weather, highway etc) were not good for my Triumph Spitfire.

:thumbs:

Warhammer

20th August 2018, 23:07

Do you go to the car meet at Cabela's? I've thought about going, just never really had a reason to...

I've been out to the Gearheads meet at Cabela's in Buda a couple of times. Nice people and some really cool cars. They meet every Saturday evening, and the size of the group varies from 20ish cars to about 100. Let me know if you decide to go and I'll make a point of heading out there. (It's only about 10 mins from my house.)

Bokobob

21st August 2018, 06:43

I used to feel that way too when i was 22. :D Now, I enjoy the Miata but I like the smooth, high, a/c, quiet ride of my truck better nowadays.
I say enjoy it while you can young man. :thumbs:

I hear ya' on comfort and smoothness of your truck, and don't dispute you; however, I am 82 and absolutely am delirious when I take one of my Miatas on a top-down ride through the twisties on our North Carolina back roads. I also drive it around town whenever I can...

As for today: My son, a good mechanic is visiting from Ohio and we are gonna install an OEM fuel pump with 47,000 miles on it into the 2nd Miata, 2001 NB LS, to see if that will solve the problem of it starting and immediately stalling out. (If that works, whee; if not, we will try to locate a set of the ECU, immobilizer, matching keys, ignition barrel, etc., and tackle that.

The working Miata is a 99. The other one, as said, is a 2001.

spartantrap

21st August 2018, 08:09

Cool, I'm pretty hesitant to go to car meets... (youtube videos of cars and coffee don't help much... :O ) I will let you know :) It'd be nice to meet someone from the forum in person

It's about an hour drive from where I live, so more than likely I'll need to schedule it out

Warhammer

21st August 2018, 08:28

Cool, I'm pretty hesitant to go to car meets... (youtube videos of cars and coffee don't help much... :O ) I will let you know :) It'd be nice to meet someone from the forum in person

It's about an hour drive from where I live, so more than likely I'll need to schedule it out

Nothing to be hesitant about. Most car meets, people are just glad you're there. They don't care what you drive or how customized it is. From total custom hot rods to bone stock cars and everything in between, you'll see everything. The first time I went to the Gearheads meet, I parked my little Miata between a hotrod Corvette and a '57 Bel Air, thinking it would get totally ignored. Nope! I had a lot of people talking to me about it and how they've always liked Miatas. It's just a bunch of car guys hanging out and looking at cars.

spartantrap

21st August 2018, 08:38

:thumbs: I'll make a point to go when my work schedule allows, no telling when that will be though...

josolanes

21st August 2018, 14:23

Since I had my daughter a couple weeks ago, I'm taking advantage of some Paid Parental Leave. Today I took the time to run some chores and took the Miata out for a couple hours of driving around. A bit over a year in and I still love this car. It's incredibly fun to drive either spiritedly or just cruising with the top down and it gets a lot of looks and smiles. I couldn't be happier with the decision to pick it up

bossrabbit

21st August 2018, 15:52

I followed this guide (http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/index.php/topic,29045.0.html) to fix my central locking. Worked like a charm but not sure if I needed the motors, the spring seemed to be at fault.

iambjx

21st August 2018, 16:49

So today my car would turn over but wont start...

After 5 minutes of trying to start it, it finally started... but I got a check engine light...

I had it scanned at autozone and it says P1345 which google tells me its camshaft speed sensor?

Anyone had any idea what is going on here?

Orangello

21st August 2018, 16:59

Cam sensors go out; they aren't that expensive, so just change it out. IIRC, it can be a sporadically-occurring problem at first.
Edit* What year miata?

iambjx

21st August 2018, 17:01

Cam sensors go out; they aren't that expensive, so just change it out. IIRC, it can be a sporadically-occurring problem at first.
Edit* What year miata?

Its 2000 NB1, the code came up only after like 5 minutes of cranking it... thats why I am not sure and ask here...

I think its like 30 bucks on amazon

Orangello

21st August 2018, 17:22

jambjx, I would search that code in the NB forum or the Garage section and see what pops up. IIRC, there is a trouble shooting guide out there that will help you decide if it is the sensor.

iambjx

21st August 2018, 17:43

jambjx, I would search that code in the NB forum or the Garage section and see what pops up. IIRC, there is a trouble shooting guide out there that will help you decide if it is the sensor.

Yessir ! Will do as soon as I get off work !!

Spanner

21st August 2018, 22:18

Changed the oil, washed and waxed it, treated the canvas top with Raggtop, drove it with the top down, and parked it for the next 9 months. 😥

But it has been an awesome summer in the Midnight Blue Miata, starting with the track day at AMP in late May! 😁

Kmier

22nd August 2018, 21:06

^^^^But wait! - youre in SC and its only the third week of August.

I see only cooler (less muggy) top-down days ahead for you? [emoji848]

Spanner

23rd August 2018, 04:31

Don't remind me... I live overseas the other 9 months out of the year. I've never driven my Miata in the Fall. 😥

Twalk

23rd August 2018, 06:43

I'll be cutting off the old exhaust and putting in a Cobalt windpipe as well as there's dual tip muffler, in a few weeks before I put the car up for the winter, I install a Racing Beat header to finish it off.

Twalk

23rd August 2018, 06:45

That's midpipe, not midpipe, lol!

JTL

23rd August 2018, 08:40

Not something I did but it is pretty creative.

Mk1Racer

23rd August 2018, 09:10

Not something I did but it is pretty creative.Also not an NB. :-)

96Formula6spd

23rd August 2018, 10:16

Played at CMP at track night on Tuesday. Compared lap times from TT event on these old tires I dropped 3 seconds. Found that a seat is so much better. At the TT new tires allowed me to be sub 2 mins. I could not get there on old tires. Same old tires and sub 2 mins. Hrm wonder what it would do on fresh tires. Also got the car to skip in a few of the corners. Was able to find 4 mph in turn 8. But laps are consistent as always.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJAAAYHfA6Q/W37Bj1FjTfI/AAAAAAAABak/E4_MxKHM-gQm5ar2nbIip8PXxkRkD5H0QCLcBGAs/s1600/CMP%2BTrack%2BNight%2BLaps.jpg

Orangello

23rd August 2018, 14:27

That's midpipe, not midpipe, lol!

:confused: Say whaaaaaaaaat?

Not something I did but it is pretty creative.

All those switches and gauges and it has no manual clutch? Lame.

chiefmg

23rd August 2018, 18:35

Brown Santa made me a happy man today. Managed to score a rare part, purely by chance when I was doing a search and came across someone on another forum who had spoken about having one and wanting to sell it. I got in touch, he still had it and the deal was done. Now I just have to get the screws needed to install it and then test it out.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1833/30356666718_a7841d46b7_h.jpg

cduplain

23rd August 2018, 19:05

What is it?

chiefmg

23rd August 2018, 20:05

What is it?

Mazdaspeed trap timer, or time trap depending upon who you ask. You need to have an aftermarket steering wheel to mount it (Momo or the like). It's basically a lap timer that is readily at hand while you are driving.

daender

23rd August 2018, 20:32

Oh man, nice score! Will you be putting it to good use on track? I bought the all-carbon knob from that seller and I would've bought one of the other knobs but I didn't feel the need to have two more super-mint knobs that I'd be afraid to scuff up!

classic287

23rd August 2018, 21:13

Hello everyone,
Changed fuel filter on my 99. Now it leaks.
I probably broke the quick connect. I cant see.
Im going to change fuel line from pump to
to filter. But which one goes to filter in this
pic?
Hmm 🤔 How to put a pic on here...

chiefmg

23rd August 2018, 21:13

I got mine from someone else, that one was a bit too rich for my blood. I will be using it during autocross if I can figure out how to start/stop it at the appropriate time.

Ted Crilly

23rd August 2018, 23:24

Hmm How to put a pic on here...

I think most people use an external image hosting site like Flickr or imgur, and include a link to the image on their post.

spartantrap

24th August 2018, 07:46

I think most people use an external image hosting site like Flickr or imgur, and include a link to the image on their post.

Or just get the Mnet app and use it as a host for photos :dunno: I'm on my phone too much.....

Took it for an early morning drive; it's like night, but with the expectation of sunlight in a few hours :rofl:

Lee66cj5

24th August 2018, 08:34

My wife got me new seat covers installed for father's day/ birthday and I just had them installed. They are tan with black perforated inserts and seat heaters for my 2000 and look great! It also made me realize how dirty the rest of my interior is......

chiefmg

24th August 2018, 19:07

Had some free time to myself this afternoon so jumped into things. I opened the sealed bag my trap timer was in and found that someone had it out in the open previously. This was a good thing though as the mounting bracket had been modified so it would fit a Momo wheel:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/43528600664_a5609f2442_b.jpg

I ran to Ace to get some appropriate fasteners then proceeded to get it installed. First, the mount:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1850/42438462030_336db74d17_b.jpg

You put four screws in to hold the wheel first, then the last two (seen) are what hold the mount in place. After that the trap timer goes on bottom first on that lip you can see sticking out. There is a small Allen screw that goes into the hole at the top, and that is all there is to it.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1855/42438460940_40bfe217db_b.jpg

I need to break out my teeny-tiny jeweler's screwdrivers in order to install the battery, and then I can try to figure out how to operate it. One thing to note, with the timer in place the horn button is very recessed so it can't be operated as you normally would.

Once that was done I pulled the front undertray and swapped back to my MSM front sway. The big JR sway I used for autocross showed signs of side-to-side movement with one of the bushings getting split. I won't be putting that back in. I took measurements of both front shocks, both the overall length and the preload on the springs. Both measurements were the same, so something else is going on there. I will get some good measurements with her on the ground and then adjust the length of the driver's side to match the passenger side.

josolanes

24th August 2018, 21:10

^ very nice!!

Today I did the littlest of mods to the NB - added a washer to the rear bolt for the emergency brake, to help angle it in a bit more and out of the way. I haven't driven it yet, but like the little affect it's had so far

orange260z

24th August 2018, 21:22

I had a 1992 Miata from 1995-1999, and enjoyed it immensely. I used it as a summer DD, and extensively for autocross and lapping days.

Since then, I've owned another ~30 cars but the Miata is the only one I've regretted selling. Although my cars have gotten much faster and more capable, I've realized that I can use a smaller and smaller fraction of that capability on the street - it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

Last weekend, after almost 18 months of searching, I purchased a 1999 Miata, black with tan leather package and ABS.

This car is no garage queen - it has 207K documented highway kilometres with maintenance records beginning in 2002/28K kms. The body, particularly the front end, shows the experience of this mileage and use, but most importantly was rust-free. I'm good with this, as this way I won't fuss about the car too much.

Today was the first upgrade - I replaced the Chinese "iMOve" tires with 205/50R15 Dunlop Direzza DZ102 tires on the stock 15" wheels. The car drives great with these, and the suspension is surprisingly tight.

I don't expect to change/upgrade much else this year, other than changing out all of the fluids. I'll have to do some searches to see what the recommendations are from the forum on trans oil, diff oil, engine oil, and coolant antifreeze.

I don't intend to track the Miata, nor will it be a daily driver (bad knees). For commuting I prefer to have creature comforts like a transmission that shifts itself and AIR CONDITIONING. It will really be there for a blast in the country on a Sunday AM or cool weekday evening before turning in for the night. It's not really depreciating any more, so I'm not worried about not getting "full use" out of it.

I look forward to becoming a contributing member of this forum! :toast:

J3cubrc

25th August 2018, 07:50

Today was the first upgrade - I replaced the Chinese "iMOve" tires with 205/50R15 Dunlop Direzza DZ102 tires on the stock 15" wheels.

I must be confused, as I have 2 99 models, one base and one silver with PEP. Both came with 14 phone dials. I thought the only car that model year with stock 15s was the 10 AE special Edition. But my memory has been real crap since my stroke last year.

MarkEt

25th August 2018, 07:58

If anyone needs close ups of anything with the bumper off let me know.
292029

How do you get this bumper off the car anyway ?

Mine needs a paint job.

I bought Mazda rattle cans of paint and lacquer. I mean. Since it needs a paint job, I might as well give it a shot and ruin it. Its already ruined.

MarkEt

25th August 2018, 08:13

On Friday, sanded, degreased, «*painted*» and clear-coated my 10AE knob and wheel (again). These look fantastic.

Got a garage to replace the oil. 45 euros is way less than my time is worth ;-)

Then drove it to the alps with my wife. Kids are at their grandmas, perfect timing for a leek and away. The last 40 minutes were on roads clearly designed for that kind of car. Didnt let the tail go too wild so as to keep madam happy ;-)

Now I have a couple of problems to sort out.

First, the exhaust manifold the PO installed is nice and stainless. But it is just beneath the washer fluid tank. And its gonna burn through it eventually. Id like to relocate the tank. Ive seen on some NBs the tank is not there. Ill dig some pics out of google.

Second, if I ever put my foot all the way down in first or second gear, pretty often the car will go in a strange mode where the ÉCU is lost. It will not rev unless I put more throttle. Then if I lift my right foot a bit it will go to idle.
That makes the ride so rough its unbearable.

If I coast, let the car idle for 2-3 seconds when parked everything goes back to normal. But I cant get it to reset when its not stopped. Depressing the clutch and going idle does not do the trick. Turning the ignition off while freewheeling does not work either. And I tried playing with the throttle while the clutch is depressed, the motor will constantly go from 1200 to 2000 rpm and back.

I know I need to get an LED and see what the antique diagnosis connector is gonna throw. I suspect either a loose connection or a faulty probe.

orange260z

25th August 2018, 08:15

As far as I know, there are only two "models", base and 10AE. But there are "packages", and they can include the upgraded wheels. I believe it was the Leather Package that included the 15s. Note that these are not chromed (polished?) like the 10AE but rather painted.

jmaye2

25th August 2018, 08:36

I haven't done it yet, but I'm getting ready to do it- (I hope that counts) :)

To keep stock class in SCCA- I purchased 'Koni yellow shocks and struts for the NB', keeping the stock springs, purchased G LOC GS-1 brake pads, and waiting to receive bushing set. Looking at replacing Pioneer MixTrax Iphone with Pioneer Samsung, so I can use the Torque App on the 7" screen instead of my phone.:jump:

(Need to find this money tree):eek:

J3cubrc

25th August 2018, 08:46

I apologize; you are correct. Referring to the dealer's brochure for the 99 model year (which I was just too lazy to do before I questioned you), the Leather package contains the Popular Equipment Package (with an LSD, cruise, wind blocker, power door locks and door tweeters , an upgraded sound system), (which in my son's car is the Bose system with a power antennae). Leather Package includes the PEP "plus tan leather interior, tan convertible top, 15 inch alloy wheels w/P195/50R15 radials and Bose audio system. The car pictured is green. The car on the cover, and covering pages 2 and 3 is like mine, a red with the touring package and a pretty woman in the passenger seat (standard).

Warhammer

25th August 2018, 09:51

... The car pictured is green. The car on the cover, and covering pages 2 and 3 is like mine, a red with the touring package and a pretty woman in the passenger seat (standard).

If you still have the OEM pretty woman in the passenger seat, I doubt she looks the same as the brochure picture anymore. :D

J3cubrc

25th August 2018, 11:16

If you still have the OEM pretty woman in the passenger seat, I doubt she looks the same as the brochure picture anymore. :D

I feel like I upgraded. There's a great aftermarket for these.:)

Fahqu

25th August 2018, 12:07

Brought the bike to the trail and winded through some mountain roads leading up to Estes Park, Colorado.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/ki1ezA.jpg

chiefmg

25th August 2018, 12:18

On Friday, sanded, degreased, «*painted*» and clear-coated my 10AE knob and wheel (again). These look fantastic.

Got a garage to replace the oil. 45 euros is way less than my time is worth ;-)

Now I have a couple of problems to sort out.

I know I need to get an LED and see what the antique diagnosis connector is gonna throw. I suspect either a loose connection or a faulty probe.

Do a search for a Suzuki Cappuccino (aka NoPro) washer bottle. Fits just below the windshield, most people install them on the driver's side.

shoult

25th August 2018, 13:32

Pictures or it didn't happen.

JonK67

25th August 2018, 15:15

How do you get this bumper off the car anyway ?

Mine needs a paint job.

I bought Mazda rattle cans of paint and lacquer. I mean. Since it needs a paint job, I might as well give it a shot and ruin it. Its already ruined.

Ok, first get a forked tool as shown to remove the plastic pins, have replacement pins as you may destroy the old ones removing. I got a bag (24?) of push type off Amazon for $5? I've used half of them already, they have indentations so you can pop the center out with a flat blade screw driver and reuse. They are in the pic.
292547

Remove 3 pins on inner fender well and two at center of underneath of bumper going into aluminum bumper support.
292549

Remove screw at bottom front corner of fender and pull on fender well liner there is one hidden screw at the top corner. Once those are out you can pull the fender outward until the white plastic ball and socket at the top in snaps.

Now remove license plate and you'll find 2 T-30 screws at the center rear, remove.
292550

Now there are only 2 Phillips head screwdriver holding the center top that you see when the trunk is open, remove and flex bumper inward to lift them off a centering nub and from under the overlapping plastic.
292551

If the sides are pulled loose you need to push down to release the 1/2" that slips under the rear taillights. Install in reverse pushing them up under the lights, reinstall too Phillips screws to hold the center up, then those 2 hidden upper forward screws in fender well and push in on rear of fender to get ball and socket to snap back on.

JonK67

25th August 2018, 15:24

Sorry it wouldn't let me edit. These are the push pins I got.
292552

I've brought 2 bumpers off car to different shops to be painted and picked up, need to find a small family shop here to do this, none of the collision centers want to touch off car repaints. About $300 US with strip, repaint with flex stuff added to paint.

I'd never be satisfied with what my rattle can attempt would look like, maybe you're better with spray paint than I. This car is being sold so I want to look its best to sell fast at close to asking.

widnerkj

25th August 2018, 15:27

I posted on the thread I started about my car. But it belongs here too. Last weekend I replaced the destroyed top.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180825/158649dddcf8d018882fcffaf8fccafe.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180825/2938784a87f82f2a8fc3ae38ca507cd8.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180825/7735c7c6debdb1a74dd6cf0405d04647.jpg

chiefmg

25th August 2018, 16:58

This morning I installed the battery in the timer. Remember I said there were teeny-tiny screws? See at the right side of the rectangular cover for those.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1885/30397526388_39e4837025_h.jpg

Turns out it uses two LR44 batteries, the other one was already in place. Popped the second one in and she booted up to this screen:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1884/30397527698_1359339f2f_h.jpg

Those with keen eyesight will notice it is set for January 01, 1996. I left it like that while I ran some errands. This afternoon I sat down to see if I could figure out how to get it set. As it turned out, it wasn't that difficult. First of all, there are four modes: Stopwatch, Alarm, Time and Countdown. The "Mode" button scrolls between those screens. I put it in Time mode and then pushed buttons to see what happened. Once in the Mode desired, pushing the Recall button starts numbers flashing. In this case the seconds were flashing first. If you push Reset the seconds go to zero. Pushing Lap changes to the next value for setting, in this case minutes. Using Reset will change that number. Continuing in this manner for the hour, date, month, year and day everything was changed to reflect current time. Honestly the only thing that was different from what I expected was the reversing of the Reset and Lap buttons to make changes (from what I normally see with other electronics). Now I have the date and time right in front of me. The stopwatch and countdown timer works as you would expect them to. Start the counting by pushing Lap. Pushing Lap again will give you a stop reading while the main timer keeps counting. Pushing Reset once will stop the timer, pushing it again resets the numbers. Not too sure about the need for an alarm though as I am not planning on sleeping in her any time soon.

Mk1Racer

26th August 2018, 05:27

Since I got the new stereo installed, I figured it was about time to replace the broken power antenna with the good one that I got from another forum member about 9 months ago.

Jitsuka

26th August 2018, 05:56

Now I have a couple of problems to sort out.

Best option is to get them from the Far East, like this: https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/suzukimotors/item/jrxl381a-10/

The pump in your existing bottle will fit without modification as I understand it, but you'll obviously need to reroute the feed lines.

Jitsuka

26th August 2018, 09:09

Sorry, forgot to say that this replacement bottle tends to go behind the bulkhead next to the bonnet hinges.

Warhammer

26th August 2018, 10:32

Best option is to get them from the Far East, like this: https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/suzukimotors/item/jrxl381a-10/

The pump in your existing bottle will fit without modification as I understand it, but you'll obviously need to reroute the feed lines.

Here's a Revlimiter blog post where Adam installs a Cappuccino water reservoir bottle. As always, lots of helpful tips and pictures.

https://revlimiter.net/blog/2011/02/nopro-washer-bottle/

MarkEt

26th August 2018, 15:19

Yep, thank you guys, I googled around and fine one cappuccino bottle for 25 euros. Plus shipping from Japan. 46 euros for the bottle.

Now if you guys could be so kind and help me diagnose the throttle (ÉCU, really) issue, that would be way cool.

[emoji12]

13brv3

26th August 2018, 20:48

I finished the the FM Turbo installation, ready for initial testing. I ran it to make sure it didn't leak, which is always a pleasant surprise. I also wanted to give the coolant a heat cycle to clear out as much air as possible. I'll top it off tomorrow if needed, and maybe take it for a short, low boost drive.

BTW, I think I have to re-register the car as a "Flyin Miata" instead of Mazda now, since it has more FM parts than Mazda parts :D

Cheers,
Rusty

96Formula6spd

26th August 2018, 21:54

Time for a new battery. Old one from Orielly was 6 years 1 month old. Had been slow to start the last few months. No more hard starting. New Orielly one for the next 6 years.

Terminator03

26th August 2018, 23:37

Time for a new battery. Old one from Orielly was 6 years 1 month old. Had been slow to start the last few months. No more hard starting. New Orielly one for the next 6 years.

I just had to do mine last week too. Come to find out the battery that the previous owner installed didn't have the vent tubes connected.:rolleyes: I never actually noticed because the only time i had even looked at the battery, was to connect my Battery Tender for winter storage, and I guess I never noticed that it didn't have them connected. I was surprised though when I bought a replacement at Napa to find out that A. it's an expensive little bugger, and B. the model number on the battery says "Miata". I've never seen a model specific battery before.

kallsop

27th August 2018, 00:42

These came in the mail today. Wheel center cap emblems from Adam at Revlimiter. The pic doesn't show it, they are all the same, but they are the V design with a dark blue background, and with getting eight of them I can do both sets of wheels that I have. Once again, thanks Adam for such great work!

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TNzQk8v/2/9cf92894/M/i-TNzQk8v-M.jpg (https://kevinallsop.smugmug.com/Phone-pics/n-bhj3pK/i-TNzQk8v/A)

GsxrZo6

27th August 2018, 15:59

Need help with a part
So my inside door handle broke. Ordered from treasure Miata but they do not have any in stock , Ive tried removing the cable so that I could just pull on it but it ends up locking the door unless I use a key . Do any of you have a nb2 driver side door handle for the inside

shoult

27th August 2018, 16:07

Did you try the Parts Group?

MosGuy

27th August 2018, 17:56

Only small things so far; the license plate screws were pretty chewed up when I bought the car, so I added some bling with a chrome 'zoom zoom' frame:

292663

The boot cover was missing, the previous owner used a piece of carpet. Bought one in blue cloth. Definitely a nice look vs the stock black vinyl.

292664

pfk1106

27th August 2018, 19:17

Only small things so far; the license plate screws were pretty chewed up when I bought the car, so I added some bling with a chrome 'zoom zoom' frame:

292663

The boot cover was missing, the previous owner used a piece of carpet. Bought one in blue cloth. Definitely a nice look vs the stock black vinyl.

292664

Nice looking boot cover. My covers a spot in my trunk... I love being able to instantly put down the top at a light or a stop sign and never seem to get around to putting the boot on...

Growe58

27th August 2018, 21:12

Solved a mystery today. My car always had these little white flecks of something in various places around the interior. I would vacuum them up and they would come back. I was beginning to think I was going to have to wash the car with Head and Shoulders! Turned out to be the airbag warning info flaking off of the sun visor. I scrubbed it all off with a scouring pad, gave the interior a good cleaning and hopefully that's that!

ElmerFud

27th August 2018, 21:27

That's illegal, there's a $500 fine for erasing warning labels! :rofl:

kiznarsh

28th August 2018, 00:55

Nice looking boot cover. My covers a spot in my trunk... I love being able to instantly put down the top at a light or a stop sign and never seem to get around to putting the boot on...

Same here, except for date nights. Then it looks slick and the valet will park it in the front. ;)

https://i.imgur.com/Dn7DvcFh.jpg

MosGuy

28th August 2018, 03:49

Nice looking boot cover. My covers a spot in my trunk... I love being able to instantly put down the top at a light or a stop sign and never seem to get around to putting the boot on...

Thanks; I never bothered with the boot on either of my NAs. You can see sun discoloration from the lack of use. I plan to use it during the day and take the extra minute or two to do it properly. Plus it looks better covered IMO and forces me to stop being lazy :O When it comes time for the top, I plan to swap it for a robbins in blue to match the boot and paint.

Americanstrat98

28th August 2018, 19:09

Installed a Flyin' Miata front sway bar. My suspension already had the Flyin' Miata alignment set up. I love the improvement in the corners. Definitely elimantes some of the body roll. Next up, higher spring weight, and more dampening.

pacomutt

28th August 2018, 19:36

I noticed the a/c condenser fan wasn't running, and the engine was running a bit warmer than normal. But air temps of 90˚ weren't helping either. Found a fan on eBay and ordered it.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180828/63bde5ceca4b57ff030f3766e961bdb3.jpg

Lee66cj5

29th August 2018, 21:40

Pictures or it didn't happen.It happened!292863

OKflyboy

29th August 2018, 22:23

It happened!292863Looks great!

JTL

30th August 2018, 08:43

It happened!292863

They look very nice. Where did she get them?

Lee66cj5

30th August 2018, 09:58

They look very nice. Where did she get them?A local audio store that she had trade with installed them. They are not katskins, but I dont remember the company.

bossrabbit

30th August 2018, 19:47

Today I made a start on getting space around the crank pulley to remove a sheared bolt.

The front tie bar I can't get out without some decent hose clamp grips to gain access, still, most of it is now disconnected. The radiator is drained without too much mess and I will do the hoses. Also blood bond with car strengthened.

Terminator03

30th August 2018, 20:37

Only small things so far; the license plate screws were pretty chewed up when I bought the car, so I added some bling with a chrome 'zoom zoom' frame:

292663

The boot cover was missing, the previous owner used a piece of carpet. Bought one in blue cloth. Definitely a nice look vs the stock black vinyl.

292664

Where did you get the boot cover? Ive been trying to find one for mine for awhile now

Terminator03

30th August 2018, 20:42

It happened!292863

Wow, those are beautiful!

BudgetBuilder

30th August 2018, 21:15

Today I watched my head piss oil all over my brand new driveway

rwyatt365

31st August 2018, 06:42

This...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_kFqCo-07kvstkYiMHyDbAkgx3MOEDszZSUWBnuxXVH5MLjSaz_Yo1iM9 u1sIxv_yQs1TwsJaMSnC9ATClVqWM36MK19gdRDdECdZtCe34j bNJDwNKRsKbLVObdbXm041m5WaiGI9y83t15PLdVI8ErJN6IEL 9G4aPCDrYst8YuV28ng9j0P4EEQi2_BlkbgWx2jOiw4hRioDWy V8d8TquQq52AicGyAEN9b3Vhh0lRQlpplL1kIwH9MNd0zZAdXM LZW61ACACVid_6eP5Wt9R5MTxTQg1hgGOHNkQFIPHHbQZsZ6F5 IzC4H0wxHeUJID3T9kgJO8n6qSR0_7Nmycdk_Yf_QShSRT-hd1QvHKAynV2FCvyJem0tzOHfpFOYSds-CegTLK5WVZKQFbEINGaNTBNQC-1is19zSwtotJnwtHls2aL18rXUbYqfKUCFVRZf4lW2Gr2hTiBN bwPBYO9-q_hTZE6BFwrjthgViGSYWGQZYvbALFZpo3tfqiLJvU_fOHuMWV zc9cMbEuD9As4aaJcjF75IdC2nGCyC1whuItPjOjK3Kd8rzjGg 5L1qt2ruPKz2IpMORgdccHf2Me26Ldxl_GMYDgUI6-cQS5I2OWsHd2OPiZlPWmAiOIPg=w840-h472-no

MosGuy

31st August 2018, 12:48

Where did you get the boot cover? Ive been trying to find one for mine for awhile now

I bought it from go miata as new-old stock on clearance, it was their last one tho. You could check with the other sponsors or inquire if it's still possible to special order one from robbins.

chiefmg

31st August 2018, 17:28

Measured the height of the front coilovers and compared them side-to-side. Turns out they were only a couple of mms different. That got me to thinking and after I hoisted her ass into the air I checked the recommended spring length on the installation instructions against actual. Turned out both sides were off by 5-7 mm. I made those adjustments to bring them into the correct length. All of the nuts were tight so I don't think anything moved, I must have just done them wrong the last time I messed with them. I double-checked the length of the rear springs but both were correct.

Then it was on to the main event. I took a good look at the muffler the other day and found the driver's side was hanging lower than the passenger side, which allowed it to contact the lower diffuser. Note that NB1s have four hangers for the muffler, while NB2s only have three. The FM muffler I have only has three mounting points. I used urethane hangers thinking that would provide enough support, but with the extra piping of the dual outlet muffler the weight overcomes the lone hanger on the driver's side. I found that the piping had been resting on the 949 subframe brace I have in the rear (this is the piece I had previously relieved for some clearance). You can see the height difference here:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1844/44341964232_3d5326d057_h.jpg

After some research I found this lovely little number:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/43483431755_cc6661611e_h.jpg

Since I don't have access to a welder, this seemed like it would do what I needed. This is where it needed to go:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44341962202_2257c9bd8d_h.jpg

For easier access I removed the lower diffuser. Figured I would be able to get it cleaner while it was off, and it was a good thing I did as I was carrying some extra weight around from MATG:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1872/29454500267_4164b294fa_h.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/30523723918_8e7233ac4c_h.jpg

After some playing with the hanger and removing the excess material, here is what I ended up with:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1897/42582579160_f1bce7737d_h.jpg

Final comparison shot to see how the muffler is even side-to-side now:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/30523721538_2efb1013f1_h.jpg

Test drive showed I am no longer rubbing on the front driver's side fender liner, and I have less vibration being transmitted into the car. I had noticed what I thought was more vibration when I first got her all back together in May, but thought maybe because it had been so long since I last drove her I had forgotten the normal level of vibration. I'm now pretty sure that was due to the exhaust sitting on the subframe brace.

Razorblue

31st August 2018, 18:22

Took a short drive to Boone, NC for lunch. Then drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a while. Enjoying the weather before old man winter shows up!! Life is short, grab every moment.

kiznarsh

31st August 2018, 20:41

After some research I found this lovely little number:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/43483431755_cc6661611e_h.jpg

Nice work! Did you purchase or fabricate this part?

Also how do you like the Quick Jack? I keep waffling about getting it (I'd need the 5,000 lb capacity one).

chiefmg

31st August 2018, 21:07

Nice work! Did you purchase or fabricate this part?

Also how do you like the Quick Jack? I keep waffling about getting it (I'd need the 5,000 lb capacity one).

Bought it from here: https://www.amazon.com/Pypes-Exhaust-HVH11S-Stainless-Universal/dp/B007ICD7GM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1535763898&sr=8-4&keywords=exhaust+hanger

Love my QuickJack. It has made life a whole lot easier. Mine is one of the older ones rated for 5,000 lbs, it fits between the wheels of a Miata. I lift the Miata using the FM frame rails and I still have enough room for my creeper in between. From what I know newer ones are longer, which might be better to use on multiple vehicles. That said, I have used mine on our 2015 CX-5 and several other cars with no issues.

13brv3

1st September 2018, 08:47

I was going to ask where you had your QuickJack positioned. I have the longer version of the 5000SLX, which I can just barely make fit on the frame rails with some adapter plates. It's really been useful. I joke that I've spent more time under the car than in it :-)

Rusty (turbo tuning)

pfk1106

1st September 2018, 17:13

Took a short drive to Boone, NC for lunch. Then drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a while. Enjoying the weather before old man winter shows up!! Life is short, grab every moment.

Blowing rock and the blue ridge are a nice ride:thumbs::thumbs:

Growe58

1st September 2018, 22:51

My right side headlight has always pointed up and illuminated the tree tops. Now that the days are getting shorter and I have more occasion to drive in the dark again, I decided to do something about it. Unfortunately the remote adjuster mechanism is stripped out and with it removed it's almost impossible to turn the little nub with pliers with the headlight in situ. I suspect that the whole adjuster internal linkage may be broken anyway. I noticed that the entire headlight housing was a little loose so I forced a couple of shims in between the bottom of the housing and the body cutout which forced the front of the housing downwards. Not perfect, but MUCH better. It's like ... forgive me ... night and day.

JonK67

2nd September 2018, 09:12

For easier access I removed the lower diffuser. Figured I would be able to get it cleaner while it was off, and it was a good thing I did as I was carrying some extra weight around from MATG:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/30523723918_8e7233ac4c_h.jpg

I'm guessing the diffuser covers the muffler completely? Does that cause more heat retention, more heat in the trunk? I've got a big piece of ABS I was going to make a rear diffuser cover from but didn't want to trap the heat. Who makes it(link)?

chiefmg

2nd September 2018, 10:30

Yes, my diffuser covers the muffler. I have not noticed any more heat retained, and the muffler did not show any signs of discoloration to indicate that. There is obviously some airflow over the top of the diffuser, otherwise I would not have had all the crap inside it. I got it from Rev9 here: https://rev9autosport.com/jet-stream-rear-bumper-lower-diffuser.html

I also bought the upper diffuser for the complete look, here is how it looks together from the rear:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1844/44341964232_3d5326d057_h.jpg

dbrmnz

2nd September 2018, 10:41

Where did you get the boot cover? Ive been trying to find one for mine for awhile now

Moss Miata (forum sponsor) carries Robbins canvas boot covers.

JonK67

2nd September 2018, 10:41

Yes, my diffuser covers the muffler. I have not noticed any more heat retained,....https://rev9autosport.com/jet-stream-rear-bumper-lower-diffuser.html

Thanks, I really just want to keep all the air from piling up in the bumper so I may put some rear facing vents to dump any water, debris out. Good to know it doesn't hold heat.

MosGuy

3rd September 2018, 07:34

Where did you get the boot cover? Ive been trying to find one for mine for awhile now

Moss Miata (forum sponsor) carries Robbins canvas boot covers.

As do Go Miata (forum sponsor). Black and tan in vinyl/cloth are readily available from most vendors. I assumed they were after one of the other colors which were phased from active production years ago and are more difficult to find.

ApexAnimal95

3rd September 2018, 10:57

Thanks, I really just want to keep all the air from piling up in the bumper so I may put some rear facing vents to dump any water, debris out. Good to know it doesn't hold heat.I've seen where people will stuff a large size swimming noodle in the bumper. They've actually reported better gas mileage.

JonK67

3rd September 2018, 11:06

I've seen where people will stuff a large size swimming noodle in the bumper. They've actually reported better gas mileage.I've read that too but have the ABS sheet and can cover more of the pocket area and it'll be a fun project/experiment.

ApexAnimal95

3rd September 2018, 11:15

I've read that too but have the ABS sheet and can cover more of the pocket area and it'll be a fun project/experiment.I have some alumilite or whatever it's called. Basically a thin sheet of plastic sandwiched between 2 sheets of aluminum coated in a super durable black coating. It's sign material made to withstand the weather.
This winter I hope to make some kind of diffuser too.

neanicu

3rd September 2018, 14:24

Washed,waxed,took a pic :https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180903/83ae8fb29c029af50a1a73bdbbe909d6.jpg

Helitech

3rd September 2018, 17:19

Finally finished my 2001 this afternoon. From the accident on April 13th till now to get done! Coated with DYC Performance Series Supermarine Blue. Turned out great!293191293192293194

cduplain

3rd September 2018, 17:26

Finally finished my 2001 this afternoon. From the accident on April 13th till now to get done! Coated with DYC Performance Series Supermarine Blue. Turned out great!

Very nice!

Orangello

3rd September 2018, 17:34

Drove it to work.

Sanchinguy

3rd September 2018, 18:06

Washed it! Wax is holding up well, so no wax this time around...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180903/90d8fae06a572ff8fb1520a0e70f806b.jpg

dbrich

3rd September 2018, 18:19

Raining on the Gulf coast today, so took time to rotate tires, readjust coil over heights, and recalibrate the AFR sensor. Springs seem to have drooped 1/4" since being installed.

Growe58

3rd September 2018, 21:23

I took a curve on a wet road a little too fast today and the tail stepped out a bit. I must say I was very impressed with the car - ⁮it gave me very early warning that it was getting loose and even though I lifted off the gas (which I know you're not supposed to do), it still reacted nicely to backing out some steering and settled back down with hardly a twitch. I'm not one of those guys that can oversteer with impunity and it was just a modest little slide, but still a real "oh #%&$!!!" moment for me. While I don't intend to regularly put it to the test, it's reassuring to know that if I get in a bit too deep, the car is designed to be forgiving of my stupidity! Well done Mazda!

cruster

3rd September 2018, 21:46

Quick maintenance wash and hit it with Sonax Spray and Seal...which might be my new favorite car care product. Itll be interesting to see how long it lasts, but sealing the whole car in under 5 minutes and watching the water bead off afterwards was pretty impressive.

Lee66cj5

4th September 2018, 08:41

I cleaned up the interior some then sanded and painted the interior oxidized door pulls. I was going for satin finish, but apparently 85% humidity extends the paint drying time enough to make satin more glossy. It took about a day and a half for the paint to dry.293239

JTL

4th September 2018, 16:25

I had a very bad experience doing the "Canadian" drl mod which ended up melting the internals of my signal lights. People say they have done this with no problem and I followed the instructions to the letter. I guess I was one of the unlucky ones. Once it became clear my signals were no longer working I checked the bulbs. The first one came out in pieces, the second one was very difficult to remove and once I did it was very discolored. My first thought was I need to replace the headlight assemblies, VERY expensive for oem, next option was to look at aftermarket. A poster by the name of Warhammer pointed me to the ones he selected for his car. Not bad and under $200 for the pair. Next I decided to take the headlight out and bake them to separate the parts. The process is pretty straight forward. Then I went to work with a torch and a dremel to see what, if any I could salvage. Looks like I will be ok. Certainly not like new but it will not be visible since all of my handy work is inside the casing and behind the lens. Oh, if I had not done fixed this the bulb assembly would no longer fit into the housing. I sprayed the reflector with a bright chrome paint, not as good as chrome but it will work. My only concern is when the assembly's go back into the oven is if the paint will hold up. It says up to 200 degrees and I am using 190 so tomorrow I will know. Finally point, I ordered leds to replace the incandescent bulbs to lower the heat factor. Even the projector lights are showing signs of heat discoloration.

Before and after.

Ted Crilly

4th September 2018, 16:56

Finally finished my 2001 this afternoon. From the accident on April 13th till now to get done! Coated with DYC Performance Series Supermarine Blue. Turned out great!

Very nice. Did you do this job yourself?

Helitech

4th September 2018, 17:39

Very nice. Did you do this job yourself?Yes, used the DYC Turbine spray system.

Ted Crilly

4th September 2018, 19:22

Not today, but over the weekend I installed a new Robbins factory style top on my NB1. Unfortunately the bow straps were missing from the package that I received and I only noticed this after I had removed my old top from my car. This wouldnt be so bad if I could reuse the straps from my old top, but they were missing from the old top when I purchased the car. After speaking to Moss this morning Im hopeful that the straps will be sent to me in the next few days, but it will still require a partial disassembly of the new top I installed yesterday.

A few observations and comments of the install process.

The install was much more difficult than I expected, based on the process of removing the old top. Parts that came out easy when removing the old top, were a real b***h to line up and fasten on the new top. The retainer rails that attach to the body of the car through 13 studs were particularly difficult, and I could only complete this task by omitting the inner foam stud seals, (Ill get a chance to install these properly when I install the bow straps). Additionally, I could only get the retainer rails installed by doing the outermost studs (#1 & 13) last, (not first as instructed).

With one exception, (noted below), the quality of the roof seems really good. Stitching was perfect, and there were no loose threads or frayed ends. I would definitely recommend paying to get the rain rail pre-installed, as there is obviously quite a bit of work to align and attach it to the roof correctly.
The one problem with the roof was that two of the pre-punched rivet holes on the "sail flap (one hole on each side) were misaligned to the holes on the frame. Im not sure if this is due to an error on Robbins side, or whether there are small differences to the position of the frame hole on different frames. Either way, the pre-punched holes in the fabric didnt line up to the holes on the frame.

As expected, closing the top for the first time was a real challenge. I performed the work on a warm (80+ degrees) day so the top was able to stretch a little, and I had the latches extended as far as possible, but it still required a significant weight on the roof and a lot of huffing and puffing (some funny looks from the neighbours) to get it to latch for the first time. Twenty-four hours later and it is already significantly easier to close.

Robbins' instructions are really poor. Despite reading the guides in the garage section of miata.net, and watching many install videos on YouTube, I still relied primarily on the included instructions from Robbins. I wish I hadnt as they were lacking many details and at best confusing. At no point did the instructions state to install the cables before placing the roof on the car. Other guides and videos do state this, (and with hindsight it is obvious), but I was so focused on following the Robbins instructions that I missed the cable install, and had to drill out some freshly installed rivets and reverse some of my good work to get the cables into position.

If I were to repeat the process I would have a much better idea of exactly what to do and would leave the frame on the car. But for fist time roof installers I would probably advise taking the slower path and removing the frame. I understand this is more time consuming and will probably require a helper, but ultimately probably it is easier to get to those difficult rivets and screws.

Whoever installed the previous top on my car was incompetent at the task. After removing all the nuts securing the roof fabric to the 13 studs on the body of the car, I realized that the roof fabric was not sitting within the rain rail, but rather between the rain rail and the retainer bars. This meant that most of the water flowing off the roof would miss the rain rail and make its way into the cabin. The result was a dirty and dusty mess and some surface rust on the rear deck (see pic below). Fortunately for me, this car has spent most of its life in LA and likely didnt see a lot of wet weather. I expect this also explains the persistent stale & musty smell that has permeated the cabin.
Additionally, the rain rail wasnt attached at all to bolt #1, (perhaps the installer just gave up at this difficult step), and I also found a piece of the door seal trim under the carpet of the rear deck.

Despite the challenges, I would recommend installing their own top to anyone who is even partially mechanically minded and has the time, patience and persistence to push through the obstacles and frustrations. It was very satisfying to finish the job and have a good looking new top, and know that I saved myself $400-500 on the cost of having a pro do it.

https://i.imgur.com/V6BrxErh.png

https://i.imgur.com/fhZvFnFh.png

What did you do to your NB today? [Archive] - Page 124 (2024)

References