GB Hits "The Easy Button", or "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em"

[GB]

2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata Limited Edition


http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1875&stc=1

[dodint]

Nice work! Looks new.

[21Kid]

Shiny! :cool::up:

[thesameguy]

Easy button. NICE!

[novicius]

:up: :up:

[Kchrpm]

Not a bad idea...

[TheBenior]

Nice. One day I'll own another Miata.

[Random]

The answer is always Miata. :)

[Godson]

Sweet

[Random]

https://www.flyinmiata.com/nc-stage-2-koni-suspension-kit.html

;)

[Kchrpm]

https://www.flyinmiata.com/flyin-miata-nc-supercharger-system.html

[novicius]

It's only money. :lol:

[GB]

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[GB]

Cheap tools make life hard.

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[GB]

http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2069&stc=1

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[GB]

http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2071&stc=1


Roebling Road, 11/13,2016
http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2072&stc=1

Next: springs, shocks, sways.

[Random]

Nice!

[Random]

Do they give you a template for locating those big holes?

[Godson]

I do not remember you buying this...

[GB]

Do they give you a template for locating those big holes?
The mounting plates/feet of the roll bar itself is the template. The bar had to go in and out a couple times during install. First drill perfectly vertical 1/4" holes through a boxed section of unit body, then enlarge the upper ones to 1" and the lower ones to 7/16". Then you drop in the 1" x 5" spacers. Back it all on the bottom by a lower mounting plate and insert some 6" bolts. Super-strong.

Bar meets SCCA and NASA regs while retaining soft top. Only model available for NC that does that. :up:

[GB]

I do not remember you buying this...

You had some issues of your own going on this summer. You're forgiven. :toast:

Wanna buy my 300ZXs? :D

[Random]

The mounting plates/feet of the roll bar itself is the template. The bar had to go in and out a couple times during install. First drill perfectly vertical 1/4" holes through a boxed section of unit body, then enlarge the upper ones to 1" and the lower ones to 7/16". Then you drop in the 1" x 5" spacers. Back it all on the bottom by a lower mounting plate and insert some 6" bolts. Super-strong.

Bar meets SCCA and NASA regs while retaining soft top. Only model available for NC that does that. :up:

Excellent. :up:

[Godson]

You had some issues of your own going on this summer. You're forgiven. :toast:

Wanna buy my 300ZXs? :D

Lol. True.

I think I have figured out my path. It's top secret for a while.

[Alan P]

Lol. True.

I think I have figured out my path. It's top secret for a while.

Does it involve getting back on that horse at some point?

[Godson]

By getting back on it, meaning I'll sit on my monster on the rare occasion from the safety of my living room. Then yeah.

[Godson]

So Glenn, what's the thought on the Miater

[GB]

Well, I rarely have anything profound to say and it's no different here: It's just a wonderful car. Straightforward, well-thought engineering.

If I could only have ONE car, would it be a Miata? No, probably not. But for what I want it for, it's just about perfect. If I wasn't so stubborn I would have acquired one long ago.

[CudaMan]

Ours had a lot of charm. I miss it sometimes. If it weren't for the 350Z, we might've kept it and made some improvements to the shocks and the seats.

That roll bar looks ace. :up:

[GB]

Mod #2






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvEq4LDcTUc

[thesameguy]

Man, that looks like some cool software!

[Godson]

I've never understood the need for autoblip downshifting.

You have three pedals...

[thesameguy]

And I've got three legs, but many people don't.

[Random]

One less thing to think about and/or get right 100% of the time?

I enjoy doing it, but in a Serious Race Car(tm), I can see why it might be nice to have the computer take care of that task for you while you deal with threshhold braking and racecraft and whatnot.

[CudaMan]

Some of the most fun I've had racing was in CTSC in the 370Z, heel-toeing down the gears with the racing ABS system allowing more fun than a street-tuned system. Back end squirming around a bit, even moreso if you didn't get the blip just right with the light flywheel and grabby clutch. Every brake zone got your attention. :)

Looks like the auto blip on that ECUTEK system is a generic blip. It likely doesn't know what gear you're coming from and going into - just that you're on the brakes and you clutched in. Interesting little hack tho. :) Also appears you can't have the engine running while map switching.

[GB]

Yes, the engine Can be running while map switching. You can even be driving and switch maps on the fly. I know this because I've done it... I accidentally drove off in VALET mode immediately after the install. 4000 RPM max is annoying! Switched to "DAILY" on the fly. You just have to have Cruise Control turned off temporarily while adjusting settings. Other than that, Cruise works as normal.

Got this as part of a package from Tuning Done Right.

Map 1: DAILY = claimed 10% increase in HP, Torque, and Fuel Economy

Map 2: TRACK = claimed 12% - 15% increase in HP and Torque... may vary depending on exhaust system (I am stock, so will not see full increase)
10% DECREASE in Fuel Economy

Map 3: ECO MODE = decreased performance, intended for when 91-93 octane is unavailable, and can be used for highway travel. Not much economy gained over DAILY mode, however, with proper fuel.

Map 4: VALET = 4000 RPM limiter.

He has plenty of Dyno runs to back up his claims, and hundreds of adoring fans on Miata net. He takes criticism from many people because he runs his business like a hobby... but there's no doubt he understands the software. So far, I'm pleased.
I have no hard data to make any claims, but the car sure zings through the tachometer much faster than before, and there is a DEFINITE increase in upper range power. Feels about the same to me beneath 4500 or so, but pulls stronger to redline than previous.

Flat Foot Shifting is nerve-wracking the first time you try it. It flies in the face of everything you EVER learned about driving a manual. Once you trust the software, shifts crack off in an amazing manner.

Auto-Blip is nice... I have never been the best heel-tow'er around anyways... so I think I'll enjoy it. I need to test it in anger to be sure... pretty useless in around-town driving.

Haven't tried Launch Control at all yet. I'm not a drag racer, so I don't see me using it much. I'll test it out just for kicks, for sure.


MOD #3 should be done in a month or two, fingers crossed: MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers.

[GB]

Padded the bar to further please track day tech inspectors. (I haven't had a problem, just making sure I don't in the future.)

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[drew]

:up:

[GB]

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[CudaMan]

Collars and mounts *almost* match the car. ;) I can't quite make out the brand. Adjustable damping? Any ride or handling impressions so far?

[Random]

ZetaCRDs from MeisterR. Euro, y0!

[novicius]

Very sharp, GB! :up: :up:

Now you need some slim spacers to push the rims out to the fender lip... ;) #alwayssomething

[thesameguy]

#semiflush

[Random]

#hellafunctional

[thesameguy]

#http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/296/199/9ff.gif

[GB]

Alignment. No wonder it was so 'darty'... front was toed out. Right front had negative camber, left front positive.

http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2299&stc=1

http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=2300&stc=1

Better now:
1/32 toe-in all around
-2.5 F
-2.0 R

[thesameguy]

A little toe out keeps things interesting!

(jacked up camber, not so much)

[novicius]

DAT ASS! :rawk:

With those tires the Miata looks pretty intimidating. Nice!

[GB]

New pads for this Saturday's upcoming Track Day.

(Ignore the hammer)

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[GB]

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Track Day, DIS, 4-8-17

[Random]

:up:

[thesameguy]

So... Miata vs. Z.... ?

[GB]

I have a neighbor who built an airplane in his garage. He flies it 2 or 3 days per week. He loves it. Takes day trips all over the southeast. I joke with him (seriously, tho) that *I* would never, EVER, have enough trust to take off in an airplane that *I* built myself. I'd love to go up in HIS, though. Anytime.

That's kind of how I always felt in the Z. Every time I stepped on the brakes I said a quick prayer. The combination of its age, and how much of it was held together with my "know how" started to get under my skin, and I felt I was a potential danger to others on the track.

I was 4.5 seconds faster per lap in the Miata at this track. (I don't have any lap times from when I had the Aero here).

Add to this the fact that I kind of lost my way with the Z. It was purchased to be a dedicated track car, that I would slowly turn into a legal racecar that I could go to Driver's School in. But then the whole confidence thing crept in, and I didn't think *I* could ever see the car all the way through to certification. Besides, it's cheaper to buy a used "turnkey" car. But racecars need to be trailered, and towed with a truck. More expense. I lost motivation.

Then there is the problem with the broken exhaust manifold studs (heads need to come off). the purchase of the beater ZX Turbo with the stillborn idea of an engine swap, to having 2 Z's sit unused in the driveway.... now I just want the z's gone.

The Miata is comfortable, reliable, has cold air, is faster, and I trust it.

The answer is always....

[Godson]

....Just build what you want ;)

[thesameguy]

I will never forget the first time I took a car I worked on heavily to a track. Weird how driving around in normal traffic felt completely different from driving a car at a race track, but it did. Nobody died, so that was good! :D

[GB]

2 days before the last track day, a piece of the neck of my coolant tank broke off. Couldn't get one in time for the track day, so I super glued it and prayed. It held quite nicely for 9 days.
I re-broke the offending piece for a quick photo. It's a known issue on these cars, just as it is in the Saab Aero. And just like the Aero, there is a really nice aluminum replacement available. Again, just like the Aero, I replaced with OEM.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2817/33927890971_214c8a641e_h.jpg


Soon after I bought the car, there was a slight misfire at high RPM. After running a few tanks of 93 octane, I hadn't had the problem in months.
But then, in the closing laps of the track day's final session, I heard and felt it a couple of times. So I changed coils and plugs.
Much easier to reach these 4 than 1, 3, and 5 in the Aero.

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ALWAYS buy Genuine Mazda par... HEY, WTF?!?


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[thesameguy]

That is very interesting to me! I wonder if the coils on the Duratec in the garage say Mazda? :D

[Godson]

Lol. Can't escape the blue oval.

[TheBenior]

Any Mazda from that era will have a number of parts stamped FoMoCo. Off the top of my head, my Mazdaspeed3's brakes and radiator are like that.

IIRC, post-2001 facelift NB Miata had fog lamps that cross referenced with the Mercury Marauder. Mazda wanted 5 times as much for them as Mercury did.

[GB]

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In the words of Inigo Montoya, "Let me s'plain. No, there is too much. Let me sum-up."

Intermittent misfire (now cured, I hope) ruined catalytic converters. The car has two: Main cat in the exhaust header with O2 sensors before and after, and a secondary cat in the midpipe. Both got turned into concrete bits and talcum powder.
The car already had a Goodwin Racing "RoadsterSport II" muffler, so I purchased a Goodwin Racing RoadsterSport Max Power catless header and RoadsterSport midpipe with cat, and O2 sensor cable extensions.
Took the car to my friend's home in Melbourne, FL, where he runs his business (Strictly Saab... which he needs to change to Mostly Saab these days). A lift makes this sort of work SOOOOO much easier. Took about 2 hours to remove and replace everything. (Carlo, no torches or cutting tools needed. Didn't even use any PB Blaster, and all the nuts and bolts came loose easily after 11 years and 113,000 miles. Location, location, location!! :cool: :assclown: )

End result, really great, throaty sound and even better 'zing' through the rev range. It's nice to be able to put a high-quality product, engineered JUST for this car, on a vehicle in good shape. Well worth the purchase price.

[thesameguy]

So shiny! Looks great - post a sound clip when you can - I'd love to hear it!

[CudaMan]

Awesome. Pretty easy job in that car compared to many. :) Next get a programmable ECU interface and a dyno tune - it'll run that much better!

[GB]

Merry Christmas!https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4733/25407594588_4dcdbfff8b_h.jpg

[GB]

Track Days, for me, aren't to impress anyone else... they're just for me to have fun. Having a car that runs and corners like it was born for track work certainly helps... it makes a relative low horsepower chariot not only BEARABLE, but downright awesome. The axiom, "It's more fun to drive a slow car fast rather than a fast car CAREFULLY." has a lot of truth.
So I don't do my 4 or 5 Track Weekends per year because I think I'm an aspiring race driver... I don't need THAT much hassle in my life. Trucks, trailers, spare parts, certifications... not to mention LOADS OF CASH. I do it to find a few tenths here and there, hear the sounds, see the sights, and generally just have a good time.

And all of that is well and good, but that doesn't mean that this didn't sting a little bit.

Went to Roebling Road for a weekend with Just Track It. It's become one of my favorite weekends with a few friends of mine, usually the second weekend in November. I've gone the last 5 years in a row. It's usually the last one of the year for me.
This time I registered my car in 2 separate classes: Intermediate 1 for me, and Novice for my son, Cameron. (Aside: Cameron was 2 years old during the first SouthEast Gran Turismo Party)
Cameron has been iRacing for about 6 years. He's good at it... he was recruited to a pretty successful team that includes a couple of IMSA racers. Their names escape me at the moment.
Since we purchased his '99 NB Miata a few years ago, he's been running SCCA autocross events in ES, and he does VERY well, even on 14" 195 Yokohama S.Drive tire, which I think are 340 treadwear.
This was his first Track Day (weekend), though. I knew he would understand how to drive the line and such, and even though Novice with Instructor was sold out, I signed him up for Novice Solo... I figured *I* would ride with him and be his instructor. And that's what I did on Saturday. On Sunday I had him go truly solo. He was much better disciplined than many of the drivers in Advanced. (I don't like running with some of those bozos... they're out to prove that they're King or something.)

Anyway, here's a comparison of his fast lap of the weekend to my fast lap of the weekend. His came at around noon, mine was near 5:00pm with the sun setting. Sorry for the difference in lighting.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lfZ_zzjO5s&t=1s

Video has no sound, because it wouldn't sync properly.
Cameron 1:28.5
Me 1:31.5

So.
I even though I thought there might be a possibility that he might run quicker, I wasn't prepared for HOW MUCH quicker.

And now that I typed this up, I can't even remember what my overall point to this post was. I haven't posted around here in a long time.
We need to go to more of these together. I wish some of you Time Trial guys lived a little further SouthEast.

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[dodint]

Yeah, he was carrying at least 4 mph more than you crossing the line. That'll make for a nice and tidy lap time. Really cool to see the both of you out there.

It's hell on tires but Time Trials Nationals is going to Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC on Memorial Day. I'll be there and I'm planning on putting my buddy, a complete novice, in the car as well. TTN is also making a stop at Road Atlanta this year as a co-sponsored event with Global Time Attack. Both events require no motorsports licensing for a Novice to run.

Check out the TTN thread in the paddock. Tyler and I run events together, Phil might run my car this year as well somewhere up north.

[Godson]

Great stuff!

I'm trying to get things sorted to have the car ready for a possible run at Road Atlanta, as that track is on my bucket list of places I need to burn some fuel at.

We should try and get together for that!

[Cam]

Sting? I'd be proud of him for going fast! :lol: Great work Cameron!

[Yw-slayer]

It was a #humblebrag. Maybe a #stingbrag?

JK. Happy for you, mate, our children should be better than us!

[GB]

One single Low Profile Mini Fuse, the size of a TicTac, should not turn a car into a complete dead lump for 3 days.

It's like your pinky toe. Have you ever stubbed your pinky toe on a piece of furniture? Something that small shouldn't be allowed to cause so much pain and anguish.

[JoeW]

I will say that, as owner of the car, you are more likely to not drive at 10/10ths. When it’s your own money you tend to take it down a notch because you want to bring it home in the same condition you brought it there. That’s what I did with my old 911. I could have gone a lot faster but at risk of reliability, wear and tear and possible crashing.

Your kid does not have any of those reservations :)

[dodint]

Really? I got a chance to drive a competitors car at TT Nationals last year. I didn't drive it nearly as aggressively as mine, I knew he was driving it 8 hours back home. Tyler was sharing my car with me for most of the weekend and I had to beat it into his head to give it everything.

GB, speaking of TT, Tyler and I will be out in Kershaw, SC time trialing at Carolina Motorsports Park on Memorial Day weekend. It's a pretty fun event, you and your son thinking of coming out? https://timetrials.scca.com/events/1995996-2020-tire-rack-scca-time-trials-national-tour-at-carolina-motorsports-park-powered-by-hagerty

[JoeW]

I meant because he is a much younger adult with fewer reservations because it’s dad’s car.

[Godson]

"dad will fix it for me."

[GB]

Small developments.
A year and a half ago I bought 17x8" rims and Dunlop Direzza Star Spec ZIIIs (235s) to be my track day rims and tires. But they look so good and perform so well on the street, I just left them on full time. 6 track days, 3 autocrosses, and maybe 3500 miles later, they're still OK for the street, but too tired for work at the limit. So I painted my stock 17x7" rims gloss black and bought new track tires. Toyo Proxes R888R in 225s. Did a track day at the DIS 24 Hour course and was 4 seconds faster per lap than I was one year ago. :cool:

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Cameron has been running every autocross he can get to in his nice little '99 Miata. He's been on 14x6" stock rims, with Yokohama S-Drive street tires (I think they're like 400TW). He runs in ES, and has been consistently about at the one-third position in his finishes... meaning about a third of the field, however big, is ahead of him, and about two-thirds slower than him. Over the winter he scored some free 15x6" Miata rims (the kid gets free rims every year, it seems), and he finally pulled the trigger on a set of RE-71Rs. He just DESTROYED the field in his first time out on them, just guessing at tire pressure, and no water sprayer to cool the tires between runs. Almost 2 seconds clear of the field. The guy who gave him the rims came over and asked for them back! (jokingly) I'm not ready to label him with "alien" status yet, but the kid's pretty quick. He said it was "easy", because instead of understeering everywhere, the car actually went where he intended it to. Yeah, that certainly helps!

("Kid" being a relative term... he turns 20 Aug. 18.)

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[dodint]

4 second is aweson; congrats!

[Phil_SS]

So if you are on the DIS 24 hour course then you get to use the banking etc? Cool, what is that like?

[GB]

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[GB]

New brass shifter bushing. The old nylon one was a little worn out.

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[GB]

New front hubs, RX-8 spec.

Never again without a hub puller!

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[dodint]

Nice.

Just noticed that shift bushing. Good call on the upgrade. :lol: