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Have done some tuning over the past week. Swapped over to the S-Drives on Friday, with temperatures being consistently lower the Rivals weren't happy. While I love my special wheels better, I have to admit the silver ones are growing on me:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5703/2...9c58515b_c.jpg
Had to wash her, before I did that I got underneath to find out if there was any residue from a dead animal I had to run over the other day. It cleared in the front but I heard/felt a good whack from the rear. I thought it had hit the exhaust, but looking between the 949 subframe brace and the factory bracing I saw a blocked area. Ended up having to work a piece of stiff plastic in there to get the chunk out. Lesson learned on that one.
Thanks to my wonderful wife I got the go-ahead to try something. It's going to take some work and I'm not even sure if it will be a success or not, but watch this space...
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You mentioned before you and I were running the same 3 pt. strut brace and we both had to move it for repairs.
We may be getting old and missed something here...
http://www.racingbeat.com/mazda/perf...wer-brace.html
Less weight = more fun!
Be safe till we meet my fellow nut-case!
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I am familiar with that argument, and I don't agree. Also ask our favorite banning moderator his opinion, he had a similar discussion on a different forum. I do agree the firewall is flimsy (one of the reasons I will eventually be putting in a master cylinder brace) however the Cobalt three pointer I have ties the firewall connection into the bottom of the fresh air box so it's triangulated that way. I did feel a difference in my handling when I first installed it (as I have on other cars, some with a boxed front suspension similar to the Miata's), so I will deal with the slight aggravation of having to remove it for some work.
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That is why I commented. And thanks! I cannot hit all the posts about this topic and you will have seen ones I didn't.
Might take tools to remove mine on a Rt. 8 run soon so I can review seat-of-the-pants dyno results in real time with my set-up.
Peace fellow nut!
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I've been having some trouble while filling up with gas with the nozzle shutting off. I've read there is a problem over time with a check-valve located in the fuel filler pipe. I ordered one the other day, it came in yesterday so I went to put it in today. Found out I don't have one so that shoots that theory in the foot. I'm going to do some more research to see if I should install it or not.
While I was working on her I delved into the fueling problem (which reared its head again a few days ago). I decided to swap out injectors to see if that solved the problem. When I pulled the fuel manifold I notice some residue on the connector for the #1 injector. Turned out the O-ring on the top of the spacer that plugs into the manifold was slightly damaged. It wasn't leaking much but maybe enough to cause a problem. No pictures as it was hard to see where the damage was. I replaced the O-ring and buttoned everything back up. Short drive didn't reveal much although I didn't see the problem. Longer drive to follow as soon as I can.
My surprise noted previously was a driver's seat from a ND (Launch Edition). I set it in place, if I'm going to make it work I will have to figure out how to modify the mounting brackets as the factory ND ones won't line up. It sure did look pretty sitting in there though, I'm hopeful I'll be able to make it work.
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Apparently Mazda did not include the check valve in the fuel filler pipe on my car. I pulled the fill pipe out this morning and there were no signs of anything ever having been in it (and based on diagrams I saw on line the type of pipe I have did not have one installed). While I was in there I removed the vent pipe to check it. Blew through in one direction and had no flow. Blew through in the other and had flow. Blew through it from the original way and had flow. Hmmm. Shot a light through the hose and it was clear. I didn't hear anything hit the floor when I blew through it the second time, but it appears something was blocking it. I'll find out next time I fill up if the problem is solved or not. Here is my filler pipe, and the small hose on top in the other picture is the vent hose:
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5784/3...e7ab7fea_c.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5736/3...53ff8d0f_c.jpg
I also swapped the Delrin door bushings side to side to see if the doors would close better. Seemed to make a difference in the passenger side while not changing the driver's side. I'll see how my passengers do with it before I decide if I need to shave the passenger one or not.
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Might be better to adjust the cup on the door rather than shave the bushing. Just a thought.
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I actually gave that a shot when I first put them in, but for me it's better (more controllable) to shave the bushing itself. My son didn't have his usual trouble with it tonight, I'll give it a few more attempts before I call it good.
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Did some prep work yesterday for installing my hard top. Cut the trim panels for the side strikers and put those on, along with my F-bolts. Went to my storage, dug the top out and put it on. When I got home I looked at installing the Beatrush latches. I thought they used the factory striker plates but they don't. So those came back off. Got the Beatrush parts installed, also replaced the rubber isolater on the right side rear latch (that fits over the F-bolt). Those are side specific and when I first ordered replacements I was sent two of the same. The JIS screwdrivers I bought from Revlimiter proved their worth yet again, as the screw holding the top cover on the rear latch gave me a hard time the last go-around when I used a standard size Philip's. Everything is all fitted up and secure.
I didn't take any pictures of the Beatrush install as there are plenty of those floating around. I'll get a picture of the hard top in place with my present configuration soon.
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Sweet!
I know you and I live in 'quieter' areas than all the other Cali. and Fla. folks. But keep the pics. of how you hold down your hardtop off here.
Just saying, my friend.
Would hate to hear a pop in the distance and know it was your head exploding ( at sea ) because you found out your top was snatched.
Oh, and take it by your local Vet. and ask how much they would charge to chip it. They might look at you weird, at first, but most will do it with a smile when you explain why.
Peace!
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Way ahead of you on that one. Exterior shots only.
That's a good idea on the chip.
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I have those on occasion.
Once I get my interior back in I'll share an extra security tip with you.
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There is a lot of 'right' with this car! And that rear wing just finishes it all off! Great pick-up and choice!
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Color matched hardtops always look the best.