Welcome to my life and hobby

[Danger]

Hi, my name is Greg, and this is my build thread...

Disclaimer!: This is a slow moving process, with things happening here a little, and there a little. Updates will occur as often as I have something slightly interesting to report on. Thanks!

So, this is me:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7183201536_07f6f716f6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183201536/)
me (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183201536/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

I'm a pretty chill guy, and I've been into cars since my early teenage years, particularly into automotive racing. In all aspects of my life a like to go fast, be it on a longboard skateboard, while skiing, running, and especially in my car. Now I have a serious addiction that has led to the formation of my new-found, hopefully life-long hobby of modifying cars. I remember having my father take me out to local autocrosses and drag races, then Miller Motorsports Park was built and we went out there too. Then the time came where I was able to buy my first car, so I bought a '87 325is from a guy who was going to turn it into a track car. He included some H&R race springs in the sale that he had purchased but not installed, so I put those on as well as a cheap cat-back exhaust, which were pretty much the only things I changed on the car. This is it:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7183324766_0a7b98e533.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183324766/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183324766/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

That photo doesn't really do the car justice as to how low it was. I scraped everywhere around town with that car! But despite how "cool" that car was, I decided to upgrade a year later to this '90 325is that had all the suspension done, a better cat-back, and a CAI:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7183326608_bccbe57b0e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183326608/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183326608/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7183327048_b5a771b070.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183327048/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183327048/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

It's too bad I didn't know enough about cars back then to really appreciate that one for what it was. A lot of work had been put in to make the car a nice daily-driver with a real competitive edge. It basically had the suspension equipment for Spec E30, but was tuned for the street. It was practical, reliable, and most importantly, fun! BMW's are a blast, and my experiences with both those cars make me sure that I will own more of them in the future, especially another E30. I loved that second BMW, well, I loved both of them, because something about a lightweight, RWD coupe that can handle the corners just keeps me thrilled when I drive, which is why I was okay with getting a Miata in the first place.

But, back to my life story, after cruising the second bimmer for a year or so, I received the opportunity to serve a religious mission for the the LDS church in Germany and Austria. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything, and I'll forever be in love with those countries and the people there, but going on a mission meant I had to sell my car. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, and by the time I got home I was ready for another car. So, two years later, I get back to find that my neighbors had held on to their sweet little Miata long enough to give me the first offer to buy it. They had upgraded to an S2000 and were getting an Element to be the winter vehicle (which was the Miata's role after the S2000 came along). I couldn't resist, and within a couple of weeks I had my new car that looked like this:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/6984645596_0e2368b30e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6984645596/)
first day (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6984645596/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7183320574_1228d46681.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183320574/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7183320574/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

So here are the specs:

Fully loaded, bone-stock 1996 w/ air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, etc., with something around 73000 miles on it and a one owner car. Brilliant black (if you can't tell from the pictures, though a lot of people seem to think it's green at the first glance) with a tan top and interior. The car was and still is mechanically sound, and there are very few cosmetic issues. I began going to work at making the car mine by removing all the little do-dads that the previous owner had "installed," mostly through the use of velcro and double-sided tape. After that I left the car mostly untouched for quite a while as I started up work and school and saving up for car parts. It took a while, but eventually the modifying bug bit me and I started modifying the car, mostly with the intention of making a fun daily-driver, but also with the intention of racing it. The parts came, my knowledge of cars grew, my mechanical aptitude increased dramatically (I've installed as much as I could, learning as I've gone), and my personal connection to not only this car but also to this hobby deepened.

After owning the car for the better part of a year and a half now, it has gone through a bit of transformation to look like this:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7104296331_ff3e234135.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7104296331/)
April 21, 2012 Auto-x (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7104296331/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/6958227354_3d6f2dc0a1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6958227354/)
April 21, 2012 Auto-x (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6958227354/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr


So, now that you have a little bit of my background with cars, I'll get to the meat that you really came here for!

[Danger]

So, I guess I'll make a list of modifications, in no particular order:

K&N CAI
949 Racing brake upgrade
Touge Run GV-style front lip
TR Motorsports C1-M 15x7 wheels w/ Kuhmo all-seasons
OBX header
Enthuza high flow cat
custom cat back (I'll explain later)
Racing Beat springs
Koni street shocks
Racing Beat sway bars front and rear w/ RB endlinks
SS clutch line
ACT pro-light flywheel
tow hooks from SafeRacer (I don't remember the brand)
Auto-x alignment
rubber shift boots as well as a new suede interior boot
shifter extender
5X Racing radiator cooling plate
Magnecor competition spark plug wires w/ plugs I don't remember
removal of various heat shields, carpeting, EVAP, windshield visors

I think that's about it, so how about some pictures!?!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6914877385_4d8a65364b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914877385/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914877385/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6914879733_21bb8d86b5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914879733/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914879733/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6914878293_f15ca82fed.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914878293/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914878293/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7173528452_1155c0fd30.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173528452/)
Wheels and Tires (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173528452/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6914880995_6cd60e6997.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914880995/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914880995/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7006949863_4c5679aa6e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7006949863/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7006949863/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7173474566_c26c3c1465.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173474566/)
SDC12635 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173474566/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7173475112_3ab5dba75e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173475112/)
SDC12634 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173475112/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7173476032_b02010bce6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173476032/)
SDC12631 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173476032/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6914879381_0f06585f0a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914879381/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/6914879381/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

[Danger]

Oh, and about the exhaust. It started life as a normal cat-back system from Thermal Research and Dynamics, which was a nice stainless steel bit with a resonator and muffler, all 2.25inch piping. It wasn't too loud and sounded nice. I, however, like loud cars, so when the resonator started rattling, I had it cut out and a straight pipe welded in it's place. But still, I wasn't satisfied, so I ended up having the muffler cut out as well and a thrush glasspack welded in its place, with the glasspack oriented so that the little fins inside there are facing the direction the exhaust gasses flow. Result: Loud, but not obnoxious, lots of nice pops and burps, no resonance, and a clean look.

So it went from this (stock):

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7173528332_8cb7673fb5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173528332/)
Original Exhaust (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173528332/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

To this (normal Thermal R&D):

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7173528244_0794bb5dc6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173528244/)
Exhaust 1.5 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173528244/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

and finally to this (what I'm currently running with a header and high-flow cat):

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7173475816_1897024031.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173475816/)
SDC12632 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7173475816/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

[Danger]

You know that feeling when you are going around a corner and feel like you are falling out of your stock seat? Well, I hated that feeling, especially while racing. So when I saw a used Corbeau seat locally for sale a couple of days before my most recent auto-x, I decided to buy it!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7264222718_2a212ec1bc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7264222718/)
May 19, 2012 (5) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7264222718/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

It's nothing special, but it makes driving the car even more fun now!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7264226690_72582b4045.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7264226690/)
May 19, 2012 (4) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7264226690/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7264227658_a92e7e4d5a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7264227658/)
May 19, 2012 (2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/7264227658/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

[Danger]

I've got a couple little updates coming, but in the meantime, here are some pictures from my last auto-x, courtesy of J. Sudweeks!


37983799380038013802

[ZooAtlanta]

Cool build man. How do you like the knoi str.t setup?

[Danger]

Thanks! I like the suspension a lot. The koni's work really well with the racing beat springs (in my humble opinion), though both the shocks and springs are pretty soft. I'm not sure how the street shocks would handle stiffer springs (which I now regret not getting initially), but they are completely adequate for relatively soft springs. I never have excessive bounciness or anything like that. The shocks do well with a mild street set-up, but are probably not stiff enough to handle really stiff springs, and if that's what you want you'd probably be better off with the race shocks. Did that answer your question?

[ZooAtlanta]

Yes it did thanks alot

[Danger]

Well, I've been over in Germany and away from my car, so I haven't really been able to update this a whole lot. I may be resurrecting this thread, and updates will be sparse until after I get back home, but I'm sure any of you who read this will handle it. xD

Since my last update the car recieved a roll cage! Why a cage, you ask? Because I got it cheaper than it would have cost for a roll bar and the guy I bought it from delivered it right to my house. It is a Hard Dog Street Cage, and the installation was a little time consuming but pretty straightforward. Here are some pictures of the cage and the mostly stripped interior.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8125828142_4dabbdd251.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125828142/)
RollCage (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125828142/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8125832910_437b7065e1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125832910/)
RollCage (2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125832910/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8125845002_abe016032f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125845002/)
Interior (4) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125845002/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8125849510_d8ea1b2078.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125849510/)
Interior (3) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125849510/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8125856540_b396d88fe4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125856540/)
Interior (2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125856540/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8191/8125822126_e8df3d4fd1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125822126/)
RollCageInstall (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125822126/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

I don't have any pictures of it installed because for some reason I neglected to do that before I left. I'll hopefully have some cool pictures up before the end of the year. Installing the roll cage was one of the last projects I've had with my car, and the last one was making a heat shield for my air intake. I started taking my car out onto the track after I got the cage in addition to auto crossing, and it was really noticable that I was losing a decent amount of power due to the intake sitting right next to the header, sucking in all that hot air. I decided to make my own heat shield using some sheet metal and some of the heat absorbing material that I left out when I reinstalled the interior. So after some cutting and bending and drilling, this is what I got:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8125857376_203cd5150d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125857376/)
HeatShield (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125857376/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8125857590_d96394a34f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125857590/)
HeatShield (2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125857590/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8125858650_f99b351c4b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125858650/)
HeatShield (3) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125858650/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8125836055_dd0010ce40.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125836055/)
HeatShield (4) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125836055/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8125857932_fa7b13964a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125857932/)
HeatShield (5) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8125857932/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

More updates to come once I get back in December! Stay tuned!

[Danger]

This may not be Miata related, but I did have the chance to fulfill one of my biggest life goals while I've been over here, namely driving on the Nürburgring! I wish I could have had my Miata on the track, but I guess a BMW 325d convertible isn't too bad, either ;)





Pics 'cause it did happen!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8143047730_7245c6f2a0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143047730/)
SDC13004 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143047730/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8143046238_c58b95784b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143046238/)
SDC13020 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143046238/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8143044898_9e78db6e0e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143044898/)
SDC13022 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143044898/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8143012165_3f9365f283.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143012165/)
SDC13024 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8143012165/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr





Needless to say, that was one of the best experiences of my life! Truly unforgettable!

[treeafodo]

I'm so jealous about the ring experience! That is on my bucket list for sure!

[WASABI]

Very cool indeed!

[tsingson]

Enjoying the story man! Keep us updated!

[Danger]

I'm in the process of editing some videos that I made after I installed the cage, which means if I can get a decent internet connection I'll post them here!

[Danger]

This is kind of Miata related - It started out of pure boredom and has kind of turned into a fun hobby, but I've been trying to keep track of how many Miatas I've seen here in Berlin/Germany and taking pictures of as many as I can. There aren't a whole lot of Miatas in the Salt Lake City area, so it is cool to see as many as I have. I am up to about 36 Miatas, and here are some of the better pictures:

These were all in Berlin
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8163867403_a22b2cccb3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867403/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867403/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/8163867471_15c5586da6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867471/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867471/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8163900450_64ed206985.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163900450/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163900450/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/8163867563_e461b1db25.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867563/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867563/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8163900566_ff864f213a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163900566/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163900566/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/8163867645_d72e7818e3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867645/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867645/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/8163900742_e9ed20c3aa.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163900742/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163900742/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8163867829_1e037bdc90.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867829/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867829/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8163867889_b2c364c52f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867889/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867889/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8163867961_1eca494eea.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867961/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867961/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8163901112_4c1ea579db.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163901112/)
Berlin Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163901112/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

And these two were at the Nürburgring
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/8163867697_28bb6cbe4d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867697/)
Nürburgring Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163867697/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/8163901044_ef3267d021.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163901044/)
Nürburgring Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8163901044/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

If anyone owns these cars or knows who does, well, cool! We should hang out while I'm still here, haha!

[Danger]

I'm finally back from Germany, which means I had the chance to take some pictures of the car with the cage in it as well as my newest part, a racing harness. These were taken right before it started snowing, so I didn't bother to wash the car... It's good to be back and to finally start driving again!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8261984376_12d97c3bbb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261984376/)
SDC13439 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261984376/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8261986456_9fbf3f75eb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261986456/)
SDC13438 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261986456/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8261989468_4890e50514.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261989468/)
SDC13437 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261989468/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8260929497_7304cacd8b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260929497/)
SDC13430 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260929497/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8260927961_788ff0a6d1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260927961/)
SDC13432 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260927961/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8260930683_1f2afff4c5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260930683/)
SDC13429 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260930683/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8261992998_f30210101d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261992998/)
SDC13434 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8261992998/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8260926059_57578ec0c5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260926059/)
SDC13433 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8260926059/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

[maharaj]

Great pics! How much of a pain is it to get in and out with the racing seat and the cage?

[Danger]

Haha, it's terrible. I can't wait to get a new steering wheel with a quick release hub, which will make it much easier :roll:

[Danger]

Oh, and here is the first of a few videos:


http://youtu.be/yqcE8Ftl9-M

[atank]

Better to be safe than sorry!!

[iRoadster]

I quite like it, save for the m.net fake wood interior bits. I'm sure removing those would be good for at least 3-4 seconds on the track.:teehee:

[Danger]

I quite like it, save for the m.net fake wood interior bits. I'm sure removing those would be good for at least 3-4 seconds on the track.:teehee:

Hahaha, probably! I honestly find the majority of such accessories pretty tacky, and I would personally never put them on my car, but in this case I feel like they kind of give the car character. But in my search for easy weight reduction the little things like the fake wood and the door moldings will have to go.

[Danger]

Disclaimer!: I am still pretty new to the track scene and I still have a lot to learn, so don't expect any world-class driving on my part :lol:

Here is another video from the same day, other side of the track:


http://youtu.be/xaavRTHfTbY

[Beschleunigt]

Looks good Greg! I think you did a great job for your first time on the track. At least you didn't spin off into the dirt (been there, done that). I can't wait to get my miata out on the track this summer. I may even try to hit up the winter cross this weekend.


Chase

[Danger]

So, winter's been keeping me from working on the car much, but at least it's still a blast to drive even in winter mode. Here's how it's currently sitting:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8445398843_4a0ab49844.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8445398843/)
WinterMode (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8445398843/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

I also put together a little video for a local talent show, so you can check that out too!


http://youtu.be/GkHv3VlGYAE

[Phatmiata]

I like the part where you are driving in the snow the best, shows how unpredictable the snow / ice can be in RWD. Nice video!

[Danger]

Thanks Phatmiata! I love driving in the snow and honing my abilities as a driver, and luckily we get a lot of it here in Utah!

[Caoboy]

I feel like you should name your car the danger zone.

[Danger]

I feel like you should name your car the danger zone.

Haha, why's that?

[tsingson]

Hahaha, probably! I honestly find the majority of such accessories pretty tacky, and I would personally never put them on my car, but in this case I feel like they kind of give the car character. But in my search for easy weight reduction the little things like the fake wood and the door moldings will have to go.

I think all you are missing is one of those old wood cup holders with the tray.

[Danger]

I think all you are missing is one of those old wood cup holders with the tray.

Haha! That would be tight!

I thought you guys might like this, made it just a few hours ago!


http://youtu.be/WWF3wci5bJs

[Stealth97]

Cool! Awesome car.

[Danger]

Cool! Awesome car.

Thanks!

I received a package today, and this was in it:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8500467527_c644724315.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8500467527/)
testpipe1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8500467527/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8500465885_380aac8e9e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8500465885/)
testpipe2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8500465885/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

My high flow cat has started to rattle internally, so it needs to come off or I'm going to go crazy (I hate noises like that), and in the meantime this new Roadstersport test pipe will take its place... for all of my exclusive off road driving :twisted:

[Danger]

It's been a while since I updated, but I've got some things to share!

First of all, I made a video with the test pipe. It was super loud (like over 113 decibels), and it served its purpose and was fun while it lasted, but the SCCA only allows 100 decibels, so it's off the car again. Here's the vid (WARNING: the audio kind of sucks):


http://youtu.be/bsIPFbo25fg



Second, I bit the bullet and finally got some much needed parts, as you can see in the pictures:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8604944384_e576fd3e25.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8604944384/)
SDC13484 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8604944384/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8603840413_b4ea8ac91a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603840413/)
SDC13485 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603840413/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8603838859_76fb376937.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603838859/)
SDC13486 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603838859/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8604936914_22d7721fd8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8604936914/)
SDC13489 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8604936914/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

In case you were wondering, the parts include a Momo MOD08 wheel, NRG short hub, and a NRG quick release. So far I am super stoked! I love the wheel and everything feels, looks, and works great. I'll get some pictures of everything installed at some point. The installation was pretty straightforward, with the hardest part being the removal of the clockspring. Now I just need to figure out how to wire up the horn and I'll be good!



And now some pictures of my car from my first trip to the local cars and coffee (the one without the hardtop):

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8603797929_a3b9b5c39a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603797929/)
SDC13514 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603797929/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8603799891_28bcf6391c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603799891/)
SDC13513 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8603799891/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr



And some pictures that I just took for fun:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8618096922_bfb8cc06ea.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8618096922/)
Springtime (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8618096922/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8616991347_9b7dde860d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8616991347/)
Springtime2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8616991347/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8616992019_26bcccee3a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8616992019/)
Springtime3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8616992019/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8618099530_2a14ff5fda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8618099530/)
Springtime4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77164060@N08/8618099530/) by gregory.gabbott (http://www.flickr.com/people/77164060@N08/), on Flickr



If you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed this long post!