PDA

View Full Version : Miata round 2: Miata NB2



NbSteve
06-06-2016, 09:59 PM
Hi guys, I'm Steve or Stephen. A few of you may have seen my post asking for help on buying my next mx-5. But this is my first post owning one and will also be my build thread as the time, and money, goes by.

So after after owning an na8 while I was away at college I swore to someday own another Miata. Well my daily driver(96 Ford Explorer off road build) of 4 months here at home has cost me too much money in such a short period so now that my transmission is busted I figure it's time to cut my losses. And so began my search for an NB as my parents didn't think it'd be smart to get something from the 90's like my Explorer.

Well I'm happy to say I finally found it!
Went and looked at it Saturday almost 2 hours from home in Long Beach CA and she was perfect. Had only been there a short time and spent most of its time away from the coast, and the body proved the PO to be truthful as there was no rust. No leaks, no signs of a bad head gasket, trans, NOTHING. I got it for a reasonable price from a guy with a dealers license who took care of all taxes, fees, registration, smog, and dmv paperwork for the price of 8,700. This came out to 7,800 for the car after doing some backwards math. Now you might say that's a lot for an nb2, but what if this nb2 was a mazdaspeed edition? And what if it also had just under 85k on the clock?

So my mom helped me out, being an 18y/o college dropout working at In n Out part time making about $900-1200 a month, and signed for a loan that I'll be paying for in her name. The paperwork was just finished this afternoon and I'll be picking up the car tomorrow and spending the day at the beach with the top down!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/eaafd96cd2698d511df691a60e707fcc.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/e069c56349783ec31c4a49c7a4dee9cf.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/a3eb4e3721d27801d75c0231c5c0eb87.jpg

So given my income and such, updates on the car may not come quickly at first, but I do have plans for it.
What'll probably happen first is a HD Single diagonal roll bar because I love the uniqueness of that diagonal.
Might throw a short shifter in or at least a weighted knob because shifting is the best part of driving right? Afterwards, probably some 15" wheels with coil overs following soon after. I like the RH17" wheels but they're too big for my taste.
So if you'd like a set PM me! Lol
Maybe some small parts to compliment the turbo such as a manual boost controller from FM and a new BOV(correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't a new/bigger BOV make a louder sound when the throttle shuts? Not too familiar with forced induction lol). Then eventually a new soft top because I prefer black.

But all in all, it's a beautiful car even the way it sits and I can't wait for the day full of driving tomorrow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

HarryB
06-07-2016, 03:15 AM
Car looks amazing Steve, Titanum Gray is such an awesome colour on NB2s. Roll bar IMO is a must. I also think thet the Miata shifter is just perfect as is, but this is up to your taste; however if you decide for a short shifter please stay away from eBay jobbies, you will ruin the best part of the car.

NbSteve
06-07-2016, 03:17 AM
Yeah I have mixed feelings about the short shifter. I don't have the money to do it now anyways so I won't. But the aftermarket shifter on the car is too skinny and light. On my na8 I went and got a $20 Autozone billet rain drop style shifter and it felt great. Trying to find something similar maybe in a red billet though. Just want that style and the extra weight behind the throws.

Edit: the shifter it has now is not shown in picture. I snagged these from his craigslist post but he changed it since

Dandy
06-07-2016, 06:07 AM
Nice MSM at 18. You are living it. I like what you have planned for it. Good choice.

tsingson
06-07-2016, 06:44 AM
Neat seeing a MSM with a tan top. I love me some Titanium MSMs. Looking forward to what you have in store for it.

NbSteve
06-07-2016, 09:12 AM
Thank you guys. I cannot wait either. I'm just glad to be able to get behind the wheel of one again. Such a fun platform


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NbSteve
06-08-2016, 01:01 AM
Picked her up this morning. Such a damn beauty. I'm more in love with this car than anything I've ever owned or driven. And it's bone stock except what the PO says is a borla exhaust. Not a flamethrower but definitely adds a nice tone.
The turbo is even better than I imagined when at full throttle.
My dad even took it for a ride on an S-curve in town that "suggests" ~25mph at 55 with the biggest grin on his face after lecturing me all week not to be wreckless lmao.
My neighbor Ron has an 02 and says he's apart of an Inland Empire Miata group of mostly older men who do canyon runs and such and says I'm welcome to come with him one day so maybe I'll see some of you guys at one point or another! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160608/05f382b850b8e73ab3f62c0a9d4b8bdf.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NCGreasemonkey
06-08-2016, 02:08 AM
Nice! Might be hard to get the Dad out once he had the wheel. But have safe fun and keep us posted with your build. :popcorn:

NbSteve
06-08-2016, 02:13 AM
Lol he already plans on tagging along at the very least if I ever do any runs. He's too afraid of wrecking it though to actually drive her hard, understandably so because this one is a gem and he knows id be very upset[emoji23][emoji23]

Being safe about being dumb is my motto. Can't wait to have actual updates for you guys! Thanks for all the interest!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

BoBo
06-16-2016, 01:13 AM
Nice MSM! That's what I want !

Greasemonkey2000
06-17-2016, 02:28 AM
Welcome and congrats on the msm, Steve! :drinkto: Wish i had that nice of a car at 18 yrs old. :fp: I wouldn't mind a msm for my wife. ;) Look forward to the updates! :)

NbSteve
06-17-2016, 03:15 AM
Thanks guys! Can't wait to have updates for ya either. Finishing up my debt relief from a mistaken semester at college as well as loans from parents for my old DD being broken more than I could pay for it, but after that it'll be roll bar(safety first), wheels, and coils, with a few minor touches here and there [emoji6] thanks again for the interest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NbSteve
08-07-2016, 06:07 PM
So it's been almost two months, but it feels like forever. Here's a quick update on what's happened since I bought her.
Red bride shift boot from ShiftHappensOC on instagram, it's a decent "universal" product. Had to modify it to fit, and also couldn't use the plastic ring to secure it so it kinda just floats there lol.
Also grabbed an NRG 1lb shift knob, immediately felt great.
Had to replace the alternator because a bearing went out causing a loud rattle.
Just ordered a Robbins XTreme top in black which got here next day.
Still waiting on my HDSDM2 roll bar to come off back order, then next week I should be looking to order wheels, tires, and coilovers.
Another month and she'll finally have an all new look!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NbSteve
08-11-2016, 02:55 AM
Looks like I lost everyone's interest because of the gap in posts[emoji23] who cares.
Well I got my top on today, despite being told numerous times it couldn't be done. It was pretty straight forward. Not all that hard just time consuming.
Only issue I had is the drivers side of the front bow is kind of raised, but it was like that before. It creates more noise and allowed water through with the old top. I'd assume it will still do that since the noise still exists. Any tips for that?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NbSteve
08-11-2016, 03:04 AM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160811/b7b69a557cb3ebca960caf8316615a57.jpg
So this is the black vinyl Robbins XTreme top. $275 instead of the OEM vinyl/plastic $mid300's.
Came out really nice just waiting for it to stretch.

BUT WHAT IM REALLY STOKED ABOUT:

My roll bar also happened to show up today! So since I had the car torn apart I figured all I had to do was remove the shelf panel and seats so I knocked both projects out.
So stoked with the HDM2SD[emoji7]
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160811/6541de6f8f6df65586403ed47bf8715a.jpg

Padding and cover are a must because with the seat all the way back, the headrest is behind the hoop a bit. So if you're tall, definitely get the padding. I went wth the leather cover. Turned out sweet. The padding only sticks to the front side and so it's a noticeable add on. But with the cover, you get a nice one piece look on that main tube and can't even tell it's padded.

Question: did any of you DIY roll bar people's NOT bolt it the plates to the shelf/wall? I had a ton of hardware but I bolted up the seatbelt shoulder mount then the foothold of the retractor. After that I was left with 14 1" bolts that didn't seem like they'd be long enough to drill through and bolt the plates to the chassis. So I skipped that part. [emoji51]
So I'm asking who knows if that extra fastening is "optional" or if I got the wrong hardware and should I go back and do it that way?

Thanks to those who're still interested in the build!

Ordering wheels and coils tonight!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

HarryB
08-11-2016, 06:21 AM
Definitely use ALL mounting points!!

NCGreasemonkey
08-11-2016, 07:49 PM
Definitely use ALL mounting points!!

What Harry said. The floor pan is thin and the bolts are long enough. When I ordered my cage I was in Hard Dog HQ and those guys are pumping out precision stuff faster than any small shop should be able to!

You can read my build thread around the first of this past June. But you won't have the hand sores. Or just look at another one of their amazing products like this...

http://i.imgur.com/Zl01KpL.jpg

Test fit before dash reinstall and slip joint drilling. That is the blister maker!

NbSteve
08-14-2016, 04:40 AM
That looks intense. I'll definitely be adding the additional mounts in soon.

For tonight's update, short and sweet does it.

Coilovers came in, (yes I know, ricelands[emoji849], but they fit the budget and I had them on my na and they were well enough for my liking) along with some black chrome 48mm open lugs, and as the snapchat states, wheels and tires have been ordered and will be in within the next week!

Was really hoping for the konig dial in's 15x7 et35 in white, would've looked clean on some 195's (mild stretch) but Konig decided to discontinue them so I had to settle with black which I figured will look best on 205's.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160814/01610fefe058a6fb12491441298fc650.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160814/37c9ea0e2331c8dde6734ade5a4952ec.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160814/e2ac21eeba54c39adb6001d457e2e243.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NbSteve
08-14-2016, 04:41 AM
OH! If you're looking for tires, and even a set of Konigs, check discount tire direct! The wheels had an instant $50 off normal price on GWR, and the tires were avg. price with free shipping on both. Also, when you buy wheels and tires they mount and balance for free. I got my full set for $740 to my door.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NCGreasemonkey
08-14-2016, 02:59 PM
Dial ins and 205's on Noir.

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

As for pricing... I am a Grease Monkey at a tire shop. :slayer:

RustRat
08-15-2016, 07:47 AM
Black on black looks good!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NbSteve
08-15-2016, 02:08 PM
Dial ins and 205's on Noir.


Are those 15x7 or 8?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NbSteve
08-20-2016, 03:40 AM
WHEELS AND TIRES CAME IN FRIDAY. Stayed up all night getting the coilovers on, then today getting everything set up properly.
Old ride height, maybe measured a bit off (from top of center cap with new wheels, stock bilsteins) was 12" up front and 13-1/8" in rear.
New height with racelands is 10-3/4" front, 11-1/8" rear.
I really wanted matching ride height all the way around so I got pretty close.
AND THE BEST PART: ZERO RUB. Slight left side fender liner but nothing major at all! It's sagging anyways so I can fix that easily.
I have to wait till Sunday for alignment due to work, so that may change once my camber is reset to 0, but if so it shouldn't be more than flattening out the fender lip.
For those of you who swear that racelands are terrible, they're actually better than my OE suspension. They feel the same around corners but are much more comfortable on the road. They absorb a lot of the things that the OE bilsteins would make me cringe over at speed. It's great I love it for the price.
Installation took longer than it should but I'd definitely say go with the Long bolt/UCA method for the front coils for anyone wanting to take on the task. I'll post a thread with the steps I did for the coilovers because this method was hard to find for me, so maybe it'll help someone one day.

So anyways, after a long night and day, and only 2 months I'd say she's a totally different car. Just a few more touches on the outside as well as maintenance before I shove a few dollars under the hood. Because horsepowerz.

PICS!!![emoji1]
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/a0c4efaa12e2aa10b5f1387a43911af9.jpg
Home from work(@ In-n-out we wear all white) and excited to test fit the wheels
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/6e64a7fbc74209d52c19d1c75edb764d.jpg
First side of the car done, talk about low. Yes I'm into fitment but not so much that my daily's drivability goes to zero. No rubbing is definitely luck of the setup draw, and I'll take it.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/b1f8fa7d8d77b80d97180c5cee5d599d.jpg
Just a nice sunset pic since my driveway was fullhttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/1aa3f227cd42a2640af22de706984ee8.jpg
Yes I can still make it in my drive easily. Haven't had trouble scraping in drives or gutters on my normal roads, speed bumps? Those are a different, 1mph type of demon.

The rest of the photos of her mangled are on my dads phone, haven't gotten them yet. Few good ones there though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk