David's 93 Crystal White With 1.8 Swap, AE101 IRTB's, LE red interior & more!

[Dmn2258]

what's up guys I'm David, I'm on a couple other miata forums as you may know, but I hadn't created a build thread on here yet so I figured I might as well. I'm not going to put everything in one post, but I'll try not to make a million different ones right now.

I got my car around 2 years ago. I was driving around a beat up Ford Expedition with 155k that was getting 13 MPG and was having transmission issues (go figure). I put it up on craigslist for trade and I finally got offered a miata with 100k on the clock. It was owned by some hispanic dude who had some 15x7 +35 ugly red wheels on there and the car was lowered 2" on cut springs. Dash was split down the middle, PS rack was leaking like crazy, etc. The miata wasn't horrible looking at first glance, but I never realized how much money I would be putting into this thing. The most unique thing about this car was for sure the white soft top. I didn't think anything of it when I got it, but as I learned more about the car I learned that you don't see them very often.

These are some of the few pics I have of when I first got the car. I messed around with some of the interior bits and wheels, but never loved the look of them.

[Dmn2258]

before I did any mods to this thing, I wanted to make sure it was somewhat reliable. I've replaced the radiator, PS rack, bunch of hoses and belts, and the list goes on and on.
The first major mods I did were adding new suspension, and new wheels. I kind of cheaped out and got some xxr 527 15x8 +0 and bought Megan Racing EZ streets.


I loved the way my car was turning out, but I eventually ended up swapping out my Megans for a set of BC BR type coilovers. Made in the same factory, yes. But BC's ride a lot better.

[maharaj]

I don't think that I've ever seen a white soft top. Wow. Welcome to The Forum.

[Dmn2258]

Next on my list was to swap the full LE interior into my car. I sourced a dash from miata.net, got the seats and carpet from atank, and got most of the other stuff off clubroadster. I also added a Momo Protipio(sp) steering wheel.


As time went on, I added a bunch of exterior and interior bits, and started making some functional modifications. These include: APR CF side mirrors, Autoconexion Version 2 Carbon fiber trunk, Carbon Miata Flush Rear Finish Panel, Door Sills, Headlight Lids(which are sold) and Speaker Covers. I also installed Flyin' Miata Front & Rear Sway Bars with Racing Beat End Links, Megan Exhaust and Racing Beat 4-1 Header (which is now sold)

[wannafbody]

Nice combo, I like the white gauges

[Dmn2258]

I started buying a bunch of stuff from garagestar which led me to find out techno toy tuning makes a head adapter to put Toyota Corolla Levin (only made in japan) Individual Throttle Bodies onto any miata motor. This caught my attention because the price difference between this and the other ITB setups are pretty surprising.

I first picked up a Megasquirt1PNP...ended up selling it and getting a MS2PNP instead. Then I found Project GLA was selling a full AE101 kit for a 1.6 engine, I jumped on it. I also bought things such as a Innovate MTX-L wideband, Walbro fuel pump(not necessary), and a couple other things to make the throttles look pretty.

All this was sitting in my garage for quite awhile, until I finally got around to putting in on my car with the help of a friend. I got most of it installed, but had no idea how to work the megasquirt which kind of screwed me over in a way lol. I was stupid and DD'ed my car before I got it properly tuned, before I had a working VTPS, before the throttles were synched, and before the wideband was installed and integrated into the MS. My engine stopped starting one day and it was well deserved. Very low compression accross all cylinders, guessing I probably washed the rings out from running so rich.

[—atank—]

I know those seats, and carpet!! Looks good David!!!!!!!!

[Dmn2258]

So I needed a new engine. I could grab another 1.6 and make it easy on myself, or I could upgrade to a 1.8 and have more power potential. I was considering putting a 99-00 head on a VVT bottom end, but I decided to go with a BP-ZE (94-97) engine swap. I found a 97 engine with "42k" on it with all accessories, and I jumped on it. I then had to order all the new parts that would fit on the 1.8, as well as some parts that are just for bling factor lol.
OBX 4-2-1 header
OBX dual feed fuel rail
Some parts from the flyin miata 1.8 swap kit
1.8 T3 ITB adapter anodized in gold
1.8 resonated test pipe
maruha carbon fiber timing cover
garagestar carbon fiber spark plug cover

[Dmn2258]

(somewhat) finished product (but the car is tuned and drives great):

[— Dandy —]

I gots to get me some of that Marlins retro. I can't be seen in the current colors. They began play the year my car was released, so there's my Miata connection.

[Dmn2258]

the Work Equip 03's are really starting to grow on me....I just don't know if I'd get silver or gold. Also I'm thinking 15x9 or 15x10....and definitely not a functional offset haha

[Dmn2258]

[— Phatmiata —]

wow looking good!!! Keep it up!

[—atank—]

Looks great David, I need that GS Skid plate!!!

[maharaj]

In one picture the vented headlight cover is on the drivers side, and then on the passenger side? Car looks good, just wondered if you had both vented or what happened there.