1991 White Spec Miata build thread

[ibid]

SM requires Mazda mounts BUT I was able to run the slightly beefier Mazdaspeed ones ;) (so a little stiffer than stock junk)

[SM16RMSM]

Sorry for the non-spec Miata question, but why do they make you cover up the holes??

Since the Miata runs using a standard fuel tank and not a fuel cell, the tank can bust open during a hard impact/crash. To protect the driver, any openings where fuel can enter the cockpit must be sealed. If the car rolls and lands on the roof, fuel can't leak into the interior so any hole must be blocked, this includes and compartment coming from the truck since the fuel hose is back there. The GCR or rule book classifies this as a safety measure since we're not running racing fuel cells.

Wasabi, we can run any motor mount from Mazda or Mazdaspeed Development. I have the Mazda Competition Motor Mounts on my SM. It still a spec class so no aftermarket parts.

m. The Mazdaspeed motor mount, part NAY1-39-040 is allowed.

This is the part number for the competition motor mounts. There are stock, there are the Mazdaspeed mounts found on the MSM, and then there are the Mazda Competition mounts.

[ibid]

^ yup, that is what we put in (the legal allowed motor mount purchased through our mazda account)

[ibid]

Well folks, it's been a really busy day (and week).. and a lot more has been done (working furiously to have it ready for its 1st logbook and track event at MidO next weekend)

[WASABI]

Looking ready for action! I really like the cage and new seat. How often do you flush the brake and clutch fluids?

[ibid]

clutch fluid I don't remember doing more than once every 2 or 3 years to be honest. Brake fluid a full flush we just did, otherwise we just do a brake bleed as needed (depending on track use, etc.)... otherwise its a spring thing before track season starts for the most part. (keep in mind you try not to use brakes as much on a miata so it won't need as much maintenance as a heavy 3000+ pound car.. haha)

[ibid]

getting closer to done! ...have to get the roll bar padding all in place along with misc. other tidbits (like suspension alignment)

[WASABI]

Wooooo hoooooooooo! You've got to be excited!

[Codersozer]

I like where your Kill switch is located. I was trying to find a good place for it and i think I'm gonna steal your location!

[WASABI]

Do you run with a hard top? and if so, do you have plans for window vents/ducts?

[Codersozer]

Do you run with a hard top? and if so, do you have plans for window vents/ducts?

We run windows down, a few vendors make some air ducts with lexan for the 1/4 window on the door.

[WASABI]

We run windows down, a few vendors make some air ducts with lexan for the 1/4 window on the door.

Yes, that's why I asked.





I didn't know if you would need the vents even if you had your windows open. I would imagine it can get pretty hot in there, come mid summer. Do you run a cooling suit? or can you race without the hardtop because you have a full cage?

[Codersozer]

I didn't know if you would need the vents even if you had your windows open. I would imagine it can get pretty hot in there, come mid summer. Do you run a cooling suit? or can you race without the hardtop because you have a full cage?

It gets very hot in there because of all the safety gear we wear and the lack of insulation. I don't run a cool suit (they are expensive and for sprint racing I don't see the need) but a lot of people do. In NASA you can run without the top as long as you have arm restraints (I believe). Im not sure of the rules with SCCA.

[ibid]

^ you can indeed run without a top with arm restraints with NASA (and I do own a set of arm restraints)

BUT our hardtop is in the basement right now. It is just much easier to work on the car this way right now.

As far as air ducting in the side windows, we had them in our former 95 Spec Miata and they made a huge difference on hot summer days especially so that is the plan for this car as well (just right now it is a much lower priority)

Right now we just want to get it to the track this weekend and be able to complete the weekend races. THEN later we can worry about making the car more competitive and the nice-to-haves (getting better exhaust, doing away with the cat, installing the SPX2 air intake, etc.)

We do, however, have a cool suit setup and that IS getting wired into the car (after racing about a year and half without one when I 1st got started in racing, and then getting 1 as a birthday present, I can't imagine going without a cool suit system now -- got spoiled that fast!)


The kill switch location was the same on our former 95 SM (BSI Built) so we stole the idea from that as well (haha).

[ibid]

anyway....

..... now we get closer to 'racecar' status!!!! ..warm today so I've been working on stickering up the car!