building the "WAR MACHINE"

[SpeedWorks]

hey everyone, so I know some of you are on the other miata forums and may have been following my build, but I thought that since I just joined in on this site that I'd post a build thread on here from the beginning.

Before I show you my current project, you can all check out my last miata and feel for my style. You can see my last project here:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/133319/1990-mazda-miata-mx-5

Now, enough of my old ride and on to the new project. I've had the project for some time now and progress has been a bit on the slow side, but I want to make sure everything gets done right the first time and I want to build the car completely from bottom to top once and not have to go back later and change stuff. Some of you might think i'm crazy for building my project like this, but I wouldn't do it any other way.

So now on to some pics.

Here is the shell when I first got it:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0616.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0618.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0617.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0621.jpg

And here is what the interior looked like when the car was delivered to me:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0622.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0623.jpg

Got the car with no doors, but a buddy had a set of doors in decent shape, so put those on right away:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0619.jpg

Then on to the first few freebies for the project thanks to some of my fellow miata brothers:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0624.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0625.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0626.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

stage 2 was to start tearing down the chassis and cleaning things up a bit.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0628.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0631.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0629.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0633.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0630.jpg

and here is a pile of stuff removed from the shell:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0635.jpg

and then as I was acquiring some parts for the project.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0637.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0643.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0644.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

further teardown and preparation for my wire tuck:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0632.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0638.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0639.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0640.jpg

also prepping front end for some paint:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0641.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0642.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0645.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0646.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0647.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0649.jpg

and after some paint applied:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0653.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0654.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0655.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0656.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0661.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

then some wire tuck progress:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/wiretuck1.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/wiretuck2.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT06821.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0684.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0685.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0686.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0687.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0688.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

got the shell up on jack stands to remove the subframes and get under the car for more teardown and cleanup:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/floatingshellfront.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/floatingshellrear.jpg

front subframe out:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/frontsubframe.jpg

rear subframe out:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/rearend.jpg

ppf out:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/ppf.jpg

and a sneak peak at my front big brake custom kit:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/newbrakesetup.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

from there, a slew of parts arrived:

steering wheel:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0705.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0709.jpg

front rotors, as seen in sneak pic above:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0706.jpg

new front hubs:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0711.jpg

inner and outer tie rods as well as lower control arm bushings:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0712.jpg

some nice JDM gauge rings:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0713.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0715.jpg

super rare Rod Millen rear mudflaps:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0716.jpg

you should all know what these are:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0717.jpg

red throttle pulley

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0725.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

and some more painting on the chassis:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0719.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0720.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0721.jpg

and a flying miata

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0724.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

and this is the engine for the project..... don't worry, it'll be torn down and completely rebuilt with a fine tooth comb:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0728.jpg

these will be a nice addition to the rear:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0726.jpg

the good stuff:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PICT0727.jpg

thought these might do good up front as well:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/frontupperarms.jpg

and picked these up from getting sandblasted and painted:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/frontsubframe2.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/subframeparts.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/frontsubframepartial.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/frontsubframe-1.jpg

closeup for color reference on the subframes:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/subframecolor.jpg

got this back from powdercoating.... oh and its been extrude honed too:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/intake2.jpg

and this is always a good site to see:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/gvlogo.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/gvsidepanel.jpg

without:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/rearstock.jpg

with:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/reargv.jpg

valve cover:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/vc1.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/vc2.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/vc3.jpg

mounting points for COPS

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/vc5.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/vccop.jpg

and the dash was cleaned and painted:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/dash2.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

subframe assembly:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PB270338.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/PB270343.jpg

nice addition for the interior:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/bridelowmax.jpg

removed, sandblasted, prepped and painted the pedal assemblies:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0836.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0839.jpg

had a -10 fitting welded onto the oil pan:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0841.jpg

and had the pan tapped........

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0842.jpg

for this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0849.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0847.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0848.jpg

coolant mixing manifold, with a little trick pulled from Hyper's holy grail coolant reroute:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0843.jpg

extended wheel studs installed:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0844.jpg

new brake master cylinder:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0845.jpg

gates racing accesory belts:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0846.jpg

[The Platypus]

Wow! That's quite a build! Really impressed.

[SpeedWorks]

custom fenders i am in the process of finishing up:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/P1240514.jpg

an awkward shot of the subwoofer/style bar box i'll be running:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/109_0090.jpg

and my front calipers after coming back from the powder coater. new seals and they will be good to go:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-5.jpg

size reference of stock wheel studs with new wheel studs:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08131726.jpg

a full set of the ever elusize vs855 valve springs:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08091741.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08091741a.jpg

brake rotor centering rings:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09091947.jpg

these will work nicely with the bride seats:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-1.jpg

i've got a little more info on the build, but i'll save that for later.

stay tuned for further progress and sorry for the massive picture assault all in one day.

[SpeedWorks]

Wow! That's quite a build! Really impressed.

thanks man. its been alot of hard work and i still have alot more to go

[psulja]

Nice looking build so far. I love your subframe!!

[eaeaerick]

I love rags to riches stories! But your thread name and avatar have me feeling that if this car does not look like the "War Machine" in the end, I may be disappointed. :-)

[SpeedWorks]

Nice looking build so far. I love your subframe!!

thanks alot. as for the subframes, i wanted them to be as nice as the rest of the car will be so i had them sandblasted and then shot with Awlgrip paint. For those that haven't heard of the stuff, its a two part epoxy paint that is mainly used in the yacht industry for painting engine components and components that live underwater. Its high solvent resistant and when applied right, it really shines. My subframes came out extremely clean and shiny so i'm super happy about that. just imagaine, if i put this much attention into subframes that will never be seen, how will the rest of the car turn out?


I love rags to riches stories! But your thread name and avatar have me feeling that if this car does not look like the "War Machine" in the end, I may be disappointed. :-)

don't worry, you won't be dissappointed. When the car is done and with all the trick features I plan on incorporating, you will see why i called it the war machine.

[Boostedbeaner]

Damn! Love the calipers and def an awesome build.

[fitftw]

This build is amazing. Love the pics of the wire tuck through the fenders. Think that hole was big enough? lol

[shane]

subscribed, doing everything right from scratch, love it!

[iRoadster]

Good stuff.

[SpeedWorks]

Damn! Love the calipers and def an awesome build.

The front brake setup has been quite a long process and has taken me way more time than i wanted. But I want to get everything right the first time so I gotta be patient i guess. As for the calipers, thanks a lot Boosted. I had the seals and pistons pulled, then had the casting below the "mazda" removed, then off to powdercoat they went. That is two stage, chrome powder then candy red powder. when all done, I carefully sanded the powder off the letters and gave them a slight polish. also, thanks for calling this an awesome build.


This build is amazing. Love the pics of the wire tuck through the fenders. Think that hole was big enough? lol

Thanks Fitftw, doing the wire tuck through the fender is the only way to go in my opinion. As for the hole, it had to be that big since i reused the original wire harness rubber gromet from the firewall.


subscribed, doing everything right from scratch, love it!

Yep, trying to get absolutely everything done right the first time and doing a full build from scratch is something I wanted to do on my first miata and didn't get a chance to so I new I had to do it with this one.


Good stuff.

Thanks iRoadster

[SpeedWorks]

So as far as body mods is concerned, i've got a few tricks up my sleeve still, but the plans i can divulge begine with this front bumper:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/front%20ends/finishedbumperinstalled8.jpg

then, if you look at my first miata project and pay attention to the front bumper, you might figure out what these molds are for:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0854.jpg

depowered power rack, clean and painted and ready for reassembly:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0853.jpg

What a sight:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0850.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0851.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_0852.jpg

and thats just part of my parts stash.

[SpeedWorks]

So here is more info on the build.

here are some pics of while I was in the process of stripping the paint on the chassis:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/SAM_0208.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/SAM_0210.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/05031653a.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/SAM_0213.jpg

I wanted to make sure the shell was clean before I went any further on the project, so I stripped it down to bare metal. I found a dent on the passenger rear quarter, which I already pulled and filled and the rest of the shell was pretty clean. its not been primered and waiting for paint. The only rust I found was on the windshiled frame. luckily it wasn't too bad and i have already taken care of that part of the body work.

here are some pics of the rust repair on the windshield frame:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/05031653a.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/05031653.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/05031633.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/05031633a.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-3.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-2.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/05031907.jpg

here are pics of the rust before it got cut out:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/SAM_0204.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/SAM_0203.jpg

and a sneak peak at other projects I have in the works:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/shortconsolebondo1.jpg

and this

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/P2190548.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/P2190547.jpg

which is inspired by this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/gaugepod.jpg

Once I have more info to update the project, I'll post it up.

[atank]

Very Nice Work!!!!!....more please

[iamdallas]

Lots of work going on here. I can't wait to see more!

[SpeedWorks]

Ok, so not much going on with the project at the moment. trying to hammer out some details for the build before i continue and gotta get some funds together for the next round of parts, but here are just a few pics to keep you all entertained with my work so far.

Here is the gauge meter hood panel i've been working on. its close to completion, just need to do a little more smoothing on it and it'll be finished.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-8.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/05301951a.jpg

and here are some shots of the exhaust i'll be running. I couldn't find anything on the market that really met what I wanted to achieve for the exhaust so I figured i'd piece together something custom that gave me the look i was trying to achieve. The only thing i'm keeping a secret for now is how the rear setup will look when completed.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-11.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-10.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-9.jpg

What do you all think of the parts so far?

[dustin a]

Nice work so far, keep it up!

[moerdogg]

Love that gauge pod! You should make a form and start making fiberglass ones for forum members.

[SpeedWorks]

Nice work so far, keep it up!

thanks dustin.


Love that gauge pod! You should make a form and start making fiberglass ones for forum members.

thanks about the gauge pod. i've thought about producing these but my free time is taken up trying to get the project itself completed. I am pretty good with fiberglass and I will be taking a mold of the piece once I work out all the imperfections in it and maybe you'll see me as a vendor/sponsor in the future.

stay tuned as there is more to come soon. made a trip to get some material today for a small interior project that you all might find interesting.

[Cane]

i think i know how the rear will look like and the exhaust will be placed! ;)
i would say, there was somebody inspired by mori san. ;)
are you planing on building somethingf like this?
3784

[SpeedWorks]

i think i know how the rear will look like and the exhaust will be placed! ;)
i would say, there was somebody inspired by mori san. ;)
are you planing on building somethingf like this?
3784

Good guess but not a winner. The rear will be subtle yet aggressive and nothing like that car you posted. That is an interesting car for sure though, but definitely not feeling the exhaust that would be trunk mounted. My car will be actually driven and I am going to need my trunk space, so running the exhaust through the trunk in out of the question.

[Cane]

Ok, i just thought of this roadster when i saw your exhaust. :)
btw: mori san doesn't need a trunk, his roadster is just to have fun. and he has a 13b N/A under his hood.

[SpeedWorks]

Small update on the project.

I was able to get my new intake manifold stud/nut kit. The studs have a nice feature of having an allen head for ease of installation.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-13.jpg

I was also able to get out to the junkyard today and do some searching for usable items for the project and came up with this little gem:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-12.jpg

Just needs to be cleaned and painted and it'll add a little something to the engine appearance.

Also, I ran by my friend's shop, Motion Motorsports here in Miami. He specializes in Miatas and 350z's. His personal ride is an NA miata currently getting a rotory swap. Well, he is doing my motor and it looks like the head will be fully ported and polished and the intake and exhaust manifolds will be match ported as well and I should be getting these parts back very soon. Then he will be on to the work on the block. Getting the motor back will be a big step for the project.

And on a side note, I picked up a nice piece of 1/4" flat stock steel 3" wide, 7 feet worth for yet another additional upcoming project for the car. Now just have to get the steel cut in smaller pieces for the actual usage.

Got some real good ideas for a custom strut bar as well and I'll be inking up design up soon to get something fabbed up.

[SpeedWorks]

No pics for today's update.

Sandblasted the backing plate for the timing belt cover and will have that painted up and ready for install soon. Will also be cleaning the cover itself in the next day or so and shoot a fresh coat of paint on that.

Also, took my frankenstein bolts and bolt plates today to sandblast so that I can get them powdercoated. The sandblasting took the chrome plating off but it took forever and I didn't finish the pieces. I'll be taking those pieces and the exterior door handles with me tomorrow to a local chrome plater that I found out about today and see about having the chrome stripped from the pieces at the plating shop.

Also, the 7 foot piece of steel I mentioned previously was cut up into 14 smaller pieces. Still won't give away what these pieces will be for just yet, but I think you all will find that project very interesting to say the least.

Stay tuned to this thread for more progress and please post up any questions you might have in regards to my build and I'll be more than happy to answer them

[iamdallas]

I like this build. It is unique. :D And that front bumper has grown on me quite a bit. Sexy.

[SpeedWorks]

I like this build. It is unique. :D And that front bumper has grown on me quite a bit. Sexy.

Thanks for the compliment about my build being unique, thats exactly what I'm going for. My goal in the end is to have a very unique and personal build. As for the front bumper, I liked it from the very first day I saw the photoshopped version of it and made it a mission to get the actual bumper brought to the public and I urged Autokonexion to get that job done. They did their part but unfortunately the bumper did not move as expected. I've since decided to add my own touch to the bumper and I'll be modifying it to fit my build.

[Johnnie]

Dayumn! Serious attention to detail.

[iamdallas]

Thanks for the compliment about my build being unique, thats exactly what I'm going for. My goal in the end is to have a very unique and personal build. As for the front bumper, I liked it from the very first day I saw the photoshopped version of it and made it a mission to get the actual bumper brought to the public and I urged Autokonexion to get that job done. They did their part but unfortunately the bumper did not move as expected. I've since decided to add my own touch to the bumper and I'll be modifying it to fit my build.

I'm excited to see the outcome. I'm really looking for that uniqueness for my car as well, but I'm a middle of the road kinda guy. Haha. I've got plans though.

[Agent☣Orange]

This is really good stuff Speed. I've been meaning to do the gauge pod on the hood for years but never got around to it but great to see you tackling it.

[SpeedWorks]

Dayumn! Serious attention to detail.

Yes, there is alot of attention to detail going into this project. Sometimes I even need to stop myself cause I tend to go a little overboard, but at the same time, that is part of what is going to set my build apart and give me a final product of something that will be truly unique.


I'm excited to see the outcome. I'm really looking for that uniqueness for my car as well, but I'm a middle of the road kinda guy. Haha. I've got plans though.

Uniqueness is pretty easy with the miata in my opinion. We don't have the aftermarket that the honda crowd has, so our parts sources give us just enough to make an impact without the miata becoming the next run of the mill modded import. In my case, I try to think a little outside of the box and take every aspect of the build to the next level. It also helps that I'm handy with fiberglass so I can make alot of the things I think up into actual parts, like my fenders, my bumper mod and center console.


This is really good stuff Speed. I've been meaning to do the gauge pod on the hood for years but never got around to it but great to see you tackling it.

Thanks for the compliment Yellow. As for the gauge pod thing, ever since I saw the one that Garage Vary makes for the NB's I knew I wanted something like that for mine. So it was only a matter of time before I added that project to my build. I still have to finialize that piece, but it seems that I have some many other projects going on at the same time, that it gets really difficult getting anything fully completed.

Well, I've got the day off tomorrow and I'm going to try to dedicate a portion of my day to making some progress on some of the parts for the car. I've got a garage full of half done stuff and a bunch of other projects that I still haven't even started. Its kinda hard getting this project done, when I have so many ideas that I want to accomplish and I want them all done the right way. I know the car will get done in time, but I want to do it all right the first time and not have to go back later and change stuff cause I think it needs something.

Well, if I make any progress tomorrow on the build, I'll definitely post up any progress.

Thanks everyone for the support and stay tuned for more updates.

[SpeedWorks]

well, no progress lately. I had wanted to go out today and get a few things accomplished for the build, but it rained all night here and still hasn't stopped and the forecast shows rain for the next several days, so i'll keep the thread up to date as much as possible.

I might have some small progress later today if I can organize the garage some and get some work done in there for the build.

[SpeedWorks]

Small update on the build.

First off, I was able to make my way out to the junkyard recently and I was able to find a 1.8 alternator bracket. I've never liked the big and bulky 1.6 alternator bracket and I was planning on running a 1.8 water pump any way, so it only made sense to run the 1.8 alternator bracket. I was lucky enough to stumble across one at the junkyard too. I already sandblasted it and will be painting it up soon to add to the collection of parts awaiting install for the build. Here is the sandblasted bracket:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/07032316.jpg

Also had a chance to head off to the chromer with a bunch of stuff to get properly stripped. He was able to strip the chrome and nickel off the pieces I took him. After that, I sandblasted all the parts and they are currently awaiting powdercoat. Here is a shot of the lot of parts that I had stripped:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/07032315.jpg

Next project for the build. I mentioned previously in the thread about a 7 foot long piece of flat stock steel I had picked up. Well I was able to get all the pieces cut from that and a buddy of mine was able to cut and bend the last two pieces I needed. So now I have a bunch of steel brackets, but nothing yet attached to them. Hopefully, i'll have this project moving further along as well sometime very soon. Just need to get more material to continue on this one. Here are just some of the cut pieces:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-14.jpg

And lastly, I picked up a 25 foot roll of brake line tubing and a bunch of fittings to start working on my brake line tuck to go along with my wire tuck. I still need to buy another roll of tubing as i'm pretty sure that 25 feet may not be enough. Also still need to order my proportioning valve for the brake system. Gonna get that from Summit that way I can order it for use with 3/8 brake fittings instead of getting the prop valve from FM or some of the other vendors who sell you a prop valve that requires an adapter fitting. Since I'm doing my lines from scratch, I'll be able to run them just how I want them and mount my prop valve in a rather interesting spot, but that is still yet to come and more info on that a little later, once I have the prop valve here.

Now I need some help from you all. If anyone has a good set of upper door panels with all the mounting points intact that they would like to donate to my project or maybe sell for a reasonable price, please let me know. Aparently, the door panels I have are completely shot, top to bottom. The bottom isn't a big deal as I'm gonna cut some new ones out in the next week or two, but there is no easy solution for the upper panel except for getting new ones. If anyone has a set to spare, the color doesn't matter as I'll be recovering them anyways before install.

Thanks everyone and stay tuned for more progress.

[SpeedWorks]

Couple more small things to post on here.

Was able to finish painting up my timing belt cover today. Came out very nice and very happy with the outcome of this one:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_1041.jpg

Also, got my new rebuilt brake booster. I was forced into this purchase as when I picked up my old booster, there was way too much shaking noise coming from it and it had basically turned into a maraca. Luckily, working at a parts store, I was able to get myself a new booster. Now all it needs is a little sanding and cleaning and a few coats of paint, and it'll be ready for the project:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_1047.jpg

Also, found my spare soft top frame that i'll be chopping up soon for a bikini top:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_1046.jpg

Got the gas tank out from my pile of parts so I can start giving it a good cleaning and sealing before putting it back into the car:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_1045.jpg

And lastly for today. We should all know by now from other miata builds, that once you get this rusty frame out of the dash, there is only one thing you can do to it, clean it up and make it a beauty that no one will ever see. Just waiting to get it sandblasted so I can give it a few coats of paint and back into the dash it will go:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/SAM_1044.jpg

Stay tuned for more updates to come soon.

[etikoner]

Damn, I remember when I first got my car and joined the forum you were talking about this. Had no idea you were putting this much work into it... Much props, I'd love to see it in person once it done!

Curtis is good people you'll be happy with his quality of work, hah.

[SgtSpike]

You are crazy man.... so much work into so many unseen parts! But it's a fun thread anyway. ;)

[tsingson]

I love this build! I have been wanting to get a gauge hood like that for a while now.

[SpeedWorks]

Damn, I remember when I first got my car and joined the forum you were talking about this. Had no idea you were putting this much work into it... Much props, I'd love to see it in person once it done!

Curtis is good people you'll be happy with his quality of work, hah.

The project is taking longer than I had originally planned, but I want to get it all done right the first time around and do everything that I really want so that I don't have to come back later and redo stuff. There is a ton of work going into the car, but I just want to make sure everything is done right and as good as possible. As far as seeing it once its done, don't worry, it'll be hitting the streets and shows and meets and stuff once I finish the build, so you will definitely see it.

And yes, Curtis is good people. I've known his for a little while now and his work is just awesome. When I told him about my build and what I had planned he was more than excited to help me out with the build. He is doing alot of work for me on the project and I can't wait to see the outcome of the work he is doing for me.


You are crazy man.... so much work into so many unseen parts! But it's a fun thread anyway. ;)

Yeah, I might be a little crazy with the attention to detail I'm putting into the car and even on parts that'll never be seen, but in my opinion, thats the only way to build a car.


I love this build! I have been wanting to get a gauge hood like that for a while now.

Thanks for the props on the build. As for the gauge hood, I've wanted to do that piece for a while and I finally had some time to work on the piece so its getting closer to a finished product, then I can take a mold from the prototype to make myself the production version.

Thanks guys for watching my build. Stay tuned as I'll have some more updates on the project as soon as possible.

[tsingson]

I saw a piece like that in my HyperRev and I wanted to try and order one but I eventually gave up on it.

[SpeedWorks]

I got inspired by the Garage Vary piece that is for the NBs. I figured that with my fiberglass skill it wouldn't be too hard. Once I started on it, it was clear that it was going to be pretty easy, but just time consuming to get it perfect and a good fit on the car. I'm almost done with it and just have to find some time to do some final adjustments and finishing on the piece and then I can pull a mold from it to make my production version.

[SpeedWorks]

small update for today. Its great that Chassis Engineering is located in South Florida and not too far of a drive from me. My wife and I spent part of our afternoon today making the drive up to Chassis Engineering to pick up some material for the build. Picked up 40 feet of 1.75 OD tubing and had them cut it up into various pieces for me and brought that all home. Hopefully I'll be able to start working on that and have some pictures to show next week.

Best part of the day was spending time with my wonderful wife who is extremely supportive of my project and took part of her workday off to join me in the trip up to get the tubing.

Also decided that I'll be bringing the project home in the next week or two so that I have easier access to work on it here at home and get more done so that we can get this project further along.

[SpeedWorks]

Almost forgot..... I know I posted this in the thread already, but does anyone have a good set of upper door panels they can donate to the project or maybe sell at a good price. I need a set with all the mounting points intact as I inspected mine panels and all the screws points were destoyed. I'll be making my own lower panels, but do still need the uppers.

Anyone wanna help out?

[mhogan0]

hey man u need to start making those guage pods tho fund this project Id buy one

[SpeedWorks]

hey man u need to start making those guage pods tho fund this project Id buy one

That topic is for another thread and I need to become a junior sponsor before I can talk about selling stuff on here. We'll see though since most of my free time goes to trying to finish up the project, but your definietely right that I could make some money to fund the project by selling some of the parts I create.

Thanks and stay tuned.

[SpeedWorks]

So I went over to where I currently have the car as I was planning on trying to bring the shell home but that ended up not happening and just gonna have to wait a little longer to get the car home.

Snapped a quick pic of how the car sits as of now:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-15.jpg

I did recently have a little time and I sanded, cleaned and painted the parcel shelf. I shot it with two coats of ruberized undercoating. Once I do the entire floor and trunk in the undercoating, I'm gonna go back and spray a nice even coat of black on all of it.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/07171239.jpg

Then, since the car still doesn't have the subframes installed, I figured I'd need a way to move the car around, so with the help of Harbor Freight and Home Depot, I made this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-16.jpg

After I was done fabbing up the cart, I got my brother out of bed to help me lift the shell up off the jackstands on set it down on the car. It works great.

Since the day got rained out I figured I'd get to yet another project. Luckily this was one I could do in my garage. I recently found out that my door cards had become useless. They were completely warped and moldy. Luckily, I'm pretty handy and headed out to Home Depot and got some 1/8" material to make some new door cards. I used my old one as a template, and busted out the jigsaw and drill to get it done.

Old door card:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-17.jpg

New door card:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-18.jpg

Also, while I was at work the other day, I figured out which door panel fasterners i would need for my new door cards. Yep I found the right ones:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/07171845.jpg

So I bought enough to do both doors:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/07171846.jpg

Now my only problem was that I was in such a rush to leave home depot, that I didn't pay enough attention to the material I got for the door panels, cause I got one sheet in 1/8" which is the correct size, and the other sheet in 1/4" not the correct size, so I was only able to get one door card done. When I get a chance to head back out to Home Depot, I'll switch that out for the correct one and get the second door panel completed. Then I can start upholstering up the panels.

Well, thats all I got for today. Stay tuned for more progress.

[SpeedWorks]

small update for today.

Got my new axles in the mail a few days ago. They are 2001 non abs axles.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-19.jpg

I already got all new boots for them and I'll be sending them out very soon for a nice rebuild so that they will be good as new.

Then, I'm sure those axles will go great with the rear end setup i'll be running. Picked up the setup recently from a buddy, Hyper. 3.63 gears mated to a FC RX7 clutch type LSD. (sorry for the crappy pic, haven't had time to sort out the parts in the box.)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/07262217.jpg

All that will be going into my spare 2001 differential casing with all new bearings, seals and just about every other minor piece that goes in there, but only after I clean and paint the housing completely. Here is a shot of the spare diff when I got it. Still have to get around to that piece.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/diffandsteering.jpg

I'm gonna try to get some more stuff accomplished over the weekend and hopefully have more updates for the build thread by Sunday.

Stay tuned for more slow and steady progress.

[SpeedWorks]

minor update to build.

I got around to finishing these up this week. They have all been cut, drilled and sanded, now just waiting for the rest of the components so the welding can begin.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-22.jpg

Then, I was looking at the ebay shift knob I purchased for the project when I first got the shell and I wasn't liking how its not a screw on knob but rather it has the set screws. Then I remembered that back when I had my last miata and a MOMO shift knob, I had purchased a customer adapter that was designed for MOMO knobs and would basically convert the knob from set screw type to screw on type. Once I fished out the adapter, I realized I had one problem, it didn't fit into my new ebay knob. Luckily I was able to get it turned down just a little on a lathe and it fits perfectly now in the knob. This will work perfectly now.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-23.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08072312a.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08072313.jpg

And lastly, I spent some time today working on my spare valve cover. I am not sure yet if i'm gonna run this one or my 323gtx cover, but I like being able to have the option. I cut the front off the cover and spent some time shaving and shaping it till I got it just right. Next i'll have to get -10 AN fittings welded on and also get the threaded perches welded on as well for my COP setup, then it'll be ready for paint. I already got the pattern thought out, so I just have to make some templates. I'm hoping I can have the cover done in the next week or two. Here are the shots from today's work.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-20.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-21.jpg

Aside from that, I'm hoping to have the subframes back up on the car very soon so that it'll once again be a rolling chassis. And I got my front calipers back from being rebuilt. So now they have a super nice powdercoat finish and all brand new seals, boots, clips and hardware. Can't wait to get my mounting brackets done so I can bold up these calipers on the spindles and see the final version on my brake setup that has taken forever to get completed.

Well, stay tuned for more progress and update.

[Demon I Am]

Impressive. Looking forward to seeing more

[Hyper]

come on come on, move your butt Alex... by the time you finish I am going to be a grandpa....

[atank]

Very good work man, can't wait to see more!

[SpeedWorks]

Short update for the build.

I posted pics previously of the rust repair done on the windshield, but I didn't post a pic of the completed driver side. So while I was out working on the car recently I snapped a few shots of boths sides where the repairs where done. Take a look at the repaired areas. I still have to use a little bit of filler on the frame before I take that to the next step which may be coming up soon.

driver's side repair area:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08141907.jpg

passenger side repair area:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08141907a.jpg

Next, I had my welding and fab guy come out to do some small welding on the shell. I wanted to eliminate the stock antenna hole, so I let him do his thing on that.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-24.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-25.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-26.jpg

After all the welding and grinding, this is what is outcome:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08141910.jpg

All it needs now is a little All Metal filler and some sanding and that portion will be smooth and ready to move on.

Next, I got around to ordering my adjustable brake proportioning valve last week and it came in the mail over the weekend. I went with a Wilwood unit, but did not get it from the miata vendors and instead I got it from Summit Racing. The reason for this is that the unit sold by the Miata vendors all require tube nut adapters, but this is simply to run the stock miata brake hard lines. Since my car doesn't have any hard lines at the moment and I will be working on that from scratch pretty soon, I was able to order the proportioning valve with 3/8-24 inverted flare ports. That along with the 50 feel of hard line and all the necessary fitting, I'll be able to put together a pretty nice brake line setup.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-27.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-28.jpg

Then the nice thing about working at a parts store is that I can order most, if not all, the stuff I need for the project and get it a a great price. So I wanted to change my blower motor out and figured I'd also change out the blower motor resistor. I ordered up both at work and brought those parts home as soon as they arrived at the store.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08202029.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-29.jpg

And lastly on today's update. I've been thinking off the heat and sound insulation for the car alot lately. I already know that for the floors on the interior I'll be spraying a few coats of rubberized undercoating. Then to address the head from the transmission tunnel I was able to pick this up from work:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-32.jpg

Thats a roll of self adhesive backed heat and sound insulation thats 36"x60", which should be more than enough to cover the transmission tunnel. Along with this, I also found this in one of the parts catalogs at work that will help with the undercar temps:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-30.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-31.jpg

that is the 3' exhaust shield piece. Once I have the exhaust on the car, I'll be able to wrap the piping with this and keep alot of the keep from traveling up into the cabin.

I also pickup up a piece of 4'x6' insulation barrier from the same people. Its aluminum lined insulation basically. I plan on using that on the interior firewall. I think that all these components will really help with heat once I have the engine in the car. The interior should hopefully start coming together soon.

stay tuned for more progress as I should have the shell back into rolling form very soon.

[atank]

Hey I know those axles!!!!!!!!!!!

[QUOTE=SpeedWorks;53955]small update for today.

Got my new axles in the mail a few days ago. They are 2001 non abs axles.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-19.jpg

I already got all new boots for them and I'll be sending them out very soon for a nice rebuild so that they will be good as new.

[tsingson]

What is the reason for changing the blower motor resistor?

[SpeedWorks]

What is the reason for changing the blower motor resistor?

Well, I work at a parts store and I very often sell blower motor resistors to customers that have had theirs go bad. I have not yet seen a case of a bad blower motor resistor on a miata, but I'm trying to build my car with as many new parts as possible to avoid issues in the future. Since I'm going to be changing out the blower motor for a new unit and the resistor was available, I figured I'd change the resistor as well while I was at it and avoid a possible headache in the future. Also, since my car did sit around outside for a while uncovered and exposed to the elements, I am trying to replace any electrical part possible, so the blower motor resistor falls into that category.

Well, stay tuned to my build thread and i'm hopefully going to have an update tomorrow with some pictures.

Thanks
Alex

[SpeedWorks]

So not much of an update on the project, especially with the bad weather down here in south florida, but here is some small new on the progress.

Test fitting some brackets and awaiting some welding to complete the pieces:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08240920.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08240920a.jpg

And here is yet another of my custom fabbed pieces for the project:

NEW CUSTOM CAM GEAR BOLT SETUP!!

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/08271433.jpg

This is just a little touch i thought would change the engine bay a little. I don't want to overdue the engine bay, but I want to add slight adjustments that will add to the look of the entire package.

Let me know what you guys think of this small addition.

It doesn't look like the weather is really gonna let me get out to get anything done outside tomorrow, so I may get a couple small projects done in the garage that I have lying around unfinished.

check back for more progress as i'll post pics of anything i do to get the project moving along.

[SpeedWorks]

So today the weather actually cooperated and I was able to get some work done on the car.

Here is the shell out in the open for the first time since I brought it home

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-33.jpg

Got the shell into the front yard and flipped on its side. These pictures are before washing. Don't worry, the windshield frame never came into contact with the ground so there shouldn't be anything to worry about in regards to the frame having been tweaked in any way.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-34.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-35.jpg

And here are the shots of the underside after a heavy dose of degreaser and a very intensive pressure washing

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-36.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-37.jpg

After the pressure wash and letting the underside sit in the sun for a good while to dry out properly, I hit the entire underside of the car with a nice covering coat of rubberized undercoat. I went through 6 cans and was able to properly cover the entire underside of the car. I completely forgot to snap any pics of the underside after the job was done, but I assure you it all came out great. Now I can move on to reinstalling the subframes and trying to get the shell back into rolling format.

Stay tuned for more progress soon.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

What dedication. My god.

[SpeedWorks]

What dedication. My god.

Yes, I'm very dedicated to building this car the right way from scratch. I learned a lot from the mistakes I made building my first miata, so I'm trying not to make the same mistakes while building this one and trying to do things only once so that I don't have to go back later and fix or change things.

Now that the bottom of the car is done, I can bolt up the subframes and make the shell rolling once again. Once the shell is back into rolling form, I think the progress will move along much faster.

[SpeedWorks]

Now on to a little update. Went by the shop today to see about the progress on my motor. Here are the quick pics I snapped while there. Can you see anything from those pics?

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-39.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-38.jpg

The work isn't done, but from the second pic, if you look closely, you can tell where the block has been slightly reshaped. Once all the work on the block is done, I can send it off to get bored and honed for the new pistons and then get the bottom end assembled and wait for the porting of the head to be completed for full assembly of the motor.

i'll keep you all posted with any more progress on the project.

Please feel free to ask any questions about any part of my build and comment away .

Thanks

[wannafbody]

Might want to change the oil filter:8):

[SpeedWorks]

Might want to change the oil filter:8):

Don't worry, I already have some of the parts to do the remote filter conversion and will be getting the oil cooler soon to add to mix. Also, I already got a brand new oil pressure gauge switch that will go on the engine once its ready.

The block should be done with its current modifications and ready to be sent off to the machine shop for boring and honing in the next 2-3 weeks. Just have to send out the pistons to get ceramic coated before I can do that.

Once the mods on the block are done, the work will begin on the head with all the porting.

The project is moving along and once I have it back in rolling form very soon, i'll be able to actually start putting pieces on it and start the actual construction of the car.

I still have alot of parts that i need to buy for the project, but I'm patient and i'll get everything as soon as I can.

Stay tuned for more progress as I should have some fresh pics of more stuff coming up very soon.

Thanks for the support

[SpeedWorks]

Just another small update on the build.

Since i'm going over everything on the car and changing just about anything possible, i'm even redoing the steering column and everything attached to it. The column itself has been stripped of anything bolted to it and the upper portion of the column will be dissassembled soon and new bearing installed along with having the column sand blasted, cleaned and painted before reassembly.

Since i'm going through all that trouble, i'll be changing the bolt ons for the column as well. I ordered this at work recently and it came in yesterday. Very happy with this one:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-41.jpg

Here is the best part. Its not a factory packaged part since its been boxed as another brand, but the keys sure do look factory, so it might just be a reboxed factory piece. Check out the keys that came along:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09052057.jpg

I'll be having the door locks rekeyed to match the new ignition keys soon so that it'll all work well together. Also, i already found the turn signal assembly new and just have to order that piece in as well to get that ready to go on the steering setup.

And today while at work, yet another part for the project showed up:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09051854.jpg

Those are Denso original Supra Twin Turbo fuel pumps. And yes I said pumps as in plural. I'll be running two of those pumps in-tank for my setup. Now I just have to work out the mounting setup for the pumps and it'll all work out perfectly. And just in case anyone was wondering why not just run walboro 255 pumps, these flow alot more than the walboro pumps so its a better option.

Well, i'll keep you all posted with the progress as it continues.

[SpeedWorks]

So not much progess lately. I was hoping to work on the car alot this week but my first day off this week I ended up running all around town running errands, then yesterday I ended up all day in the ER and today, my second day off for the week, I spent just trying to rest before heading back to work tomorrow.

Here is some of the small stuff that I have been able to get going in the past week though.

On Monday, while I was running all around, I did manage to pick this up:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-43.jpg

It looks great and the bends in the bar are perfect.

Also on Monday, I had some time to work on my fiberglass stuff. Here is one of the molds with gelcoat layed down waiting for me to lay the fiberglass to finish up the piece:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09131011.jpg

Then, while at work Tuesday, this little piece arrived and I brought it home to add to my parts shelves. Its a new fuel pump hanger gasket.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-44.jpg

And lastly, today I spoke to my welder/fab guy and I passed by his shop to pick these pieces up to go along with the tubing I picked up on Monday. These still need a little grinding and sanding to get them looking just how I want, but they already look pretty great.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09131913.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09131913a.jpg

Next on the list, I have to sit down with a buddy of mine to start doing the design for the new fuel pump hanger setup I want to have made. I'll have my friend design the piece in solidworks and then have the pieces fabricated out of aluminum. this will be great with the two pumps I plan on putting in the tank.

Also, once I have the main hoop welded to the brackets I picked up today and once the car is rolling again, I can drop it off at the cage fab guy so he can work his magic and finish up the rest of the bars for the custom cage for the project.

After the cage is done, I can start reassembling the interior of the car and get all that sorted out. I will probably be sandblasting the metal beam from the dash next week so I can get that finished up and painted so that I can get it back onto the dash and get that ready to go back into the car.

Also, I'm working on a custom transmission brace that I should have done in the next week or 2 and I should have a set of frame rail braces purchased some time soon as well. I also want to try to make a ppf brace somewhat similar to the one Moss used to sell and I want to try to fab up some kind of custom diff brace inspired by the triangle brace. Also need to order my poly bushings for the rear diff and a few odds and ends for that setup so I can start rebuilding the rear end and get it mounted back in the subframe. Should be reassembling my steering rack soon as well and then putting some poly bushing on the mounts and getting that mounted up on the front subframe.

Well guys, I know my progress isn't the most exciting and many of you have stopped commenting on my thread, but still stay tuned for my updates and progess on the car.

thanks

[etikoner]

Crazy how you even got a new steering column as well.

Very exciting!

[SpeedWorks]

Crazy how you even got a new steering column as well.

Very exciting!

I didn't actually get a new steering column, but it'll be as good as new when i'm done. I got a new ignition cylinder setup that all comes as one piece and i'm ordering the new headlight/combination switch assembly soon, so that'll all be new. The column itself is being disassembled and new bearing put in and all fresh grease applied. The casing for the column will get a nice sandblasting and cleaning before a fresh coat of paint to clean it all up.

Stay tuned for more progress.

[SpeedWorks]

So here is today's mini update for the project.

Yesterday, I took apart the blower motor housing and was greeted with tons of filth. I got it all apart and washed the housing really well. Then I went on to the HVAC console. I removed the heater core from the console as I won't be running a heater on this car. After removing the heater core, I found tons and tons of dirt and filth in there as well. I got that piece pulled apart and washed that all down. After washing those parts, I hung them up to dry in the garage:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09172115.jpg

Today, I took some time this evening to start assembling the parts I took apart yesterday.

Here are a few shots of the blower motor housing at first assembly:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zps67814b3e.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zps6ef250eb.jpg

here is a comparison of the blower motors, old vs. new:

Old, full of dirt, leaves and tons of filth:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09190006_zps58d44fe8.jpg

New, nice and clean:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09190004_zps79660372.jpg

Here is a shot with the new blower motor installed in the housing. Notice the red portion inside, that is a metal panel that mounts between the two halves of the housing. When I pulled that piece out it was all dirty and partly rusted. After a nice sandblast and washing, I painted it up and installed it:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09190005_zps75987058.jpg

next in line was the blower motor resistor:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zpsbf5cd042.jpg

and in it went just like factory. great fitment:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zps9cda488f.jpg

and here is a shot where you can see the new resistor and motor:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09190011_zps921a5627.jpg

and lastly, here is the HVAC console that I openned and removed the heater core from. After that it was off to the yard to hose this down and hang to dry.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09190015_zps091a5dd4.jpg

stay tuned for more progress this week on the project

[tsingson]

Great build so far man! Enjoying the information you are giving!

[SpeedWorks]

A little more progress on the build.

I recently pickued up this seal from the dealer to go along with the freshly cleaned and painted Protege timing belt cover panel.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09201049_zps3ad05eab.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09201049a_zpsfd653cb2.jpg

The fitment is perfect, but I need to get some black silicone to hold it in properly.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zps9c4995a3.jpg

The next thing on my list to do yesterday was to start working on the front setup for the car. As you may already know from earlier in the build thread, i'll be running the Autokonexion NA/NC front bumper.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zps78bc4814.jpg

Now for any of you who followed the original thread on clubroadster when this bumper was first designed, the original photoshop had a front lip on it. The look the bumper had with the lip on it is what drew me into wanting this bumper. Since there isn't a lip available yet for this bumper and the one used in the original photoshop is an expensive Garage Vary unit that if purchased would have to be chopped up, I decided to use my fiberglass skills and come up with something myself.

First, thanks to Dliverance, I had a good starting platform, an NB2 front lip.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zpsb60f67ce.jpg

After alot of cutting and test fitting, I finally got the NB lip to the point i'm happy with and I can now start with tape and fiberglass to finish up the shape of the final piece. Here is how the setup looked yesterday when I called it quites for the night:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/09222307_zps9f8c601f.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zps214447b0.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix_zpsce84ba97.jpg

If I can really get some time together to work on this project, I should have the lip ready in the next few weeks. After the lip is done, I can start work on the turn signal setup for the bumper and then move on to the custom rear bumper I have planned.

stay tuned for more progress on the build

[SpeedWorks]

Ok everyone, so not much interest in my build thread lately by you all. I'm hoping that will change once I actually start assembling and making it look like a car again. Don't worry, assembly will start very soon and i'm hoping that alot more work will get done on the car once its back into rolling form and I can spend more time working on the car.

I have been spending alot on time lately in my garage working on other aspects of the build. Last post, I showed you the beginnings of the front lip I'm working on to go along with my Autokonexion front bumper.

Here are some shots of the progress I made yesterday on the lip. I'm about half way done laying the glass for the preliminary mold. Its actually moving along quite nicely.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-50.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-49.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-48.jpg

Here is the half I still have to get glass onto:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-47.jpg

You can get an idea of the shape of the lip alot more from these pictures as opposed to the pics I posted last time before I started fiberglassing it all. The lip will be a removable piece once its done and I think it'll really add that something I was looking for on this bumper.

Enjoy the pics and stay tuned for more progress.

[MLZ]

Nice Mickey Mouse slippers you've got there! XD

[theothersawyer]

Just read through this from the beginning and it is fantastic! I can't wait to see the finished product!

[SpeedWorks]

Nice Mickey Mouse slippers you've got there! XD

They aren't slippers, they are crocs, lol. thats my "working in the garage" footwear.


Just read through this from the beginning and it is fantastic! I can't wait to see the finished product!

Thanks for the compliment. finished product will come soon. just gotta get some time together to get back to the car. gonna try to have the preliminary mold for the lip done by end of next week and then I can continue from there. Still have alot to do though.

stay tuned for more progress

[wannafbody]

Looks pretty good

[SpeedWorks]

Looks pretty good

thanks, but i'm really just trying to get far enough along with all my side projects that I can actually get to working on the shell and start assembling that.

I still have alot to go, but I'm steadily moving forward on the project.

[SpeedWorks]

quick break from current project updates to show you guys some pics of one of the lives of my last miata project. found these pics while going through some old files

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/toyobooth4.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/toyobooth3.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/toyobooth2.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/MISC/toyobooth1.jpg

not many people were doing crazy stuff like this with miatas back in 1999

[turbotyla]

Some people would hate on that. But I would drive the shit out if it.
Especially in 99. I was 9 though haha.

Looks good I like the color.

[SpeedWorks]

Some people would hate on that. But I would drive the shit out if it.
Especially in 99. I was 9 though haha.

Looks good I like the color.

back then only some of the miata guys really appreciated what i had done. I know Joe from RSpeed would always tell me the car looked great, but all the old guys said i had ruined the car. I had fun building that car and learned alot of what to and not to do when building a project car from that miata.

Wow, you were 9, thats cool. by '99, i had already had that miata for 2 years and it went through many stages before what you see if the pics, and it then went through alot more stages after that.

as for the color, the car was originally white, then painted how you see in the pics. that color came from the Porsche pallet. it was called arena red metallic. the pics don't do the color justice at all. the car didn't stay that color though. after that its next reincarnation had it painted saffron metallic from the volvo lineup. you can see pics of it in that color on my cardomain page. www.cardomain.com/id/speedworks

thanks for the support

[etikoner]

I was also nine back then. Though I was just basically getting to love cars at that age. It looks pretty cool even by today's standards. It's not my cup of tea, but it wasn't terrible looking either. lol


I love what you did with that bumper though. I always thought it needed a more aggressive lip for it to look right, kudos.

[Boost93]

Props for the build...Please dont rice it out...

[diabeetus]

i was also 9. got a lot of babies here. thats cool

love the build so far and i cant wait to see whats next!!

[theothersawyer]

Car looks pretty good! I was 6 in '99....haha

Keep up the good work on the build!

[SpeedWorks]

Ok, so back on topic of my current build. So I get a call today from my buddy who is doing the engine work for the project. First thing he says is, "hey, bad news...", this can't be good. He goes on to tell me that he was looking over the cylinder head before he went any further with porting it and he noticed that the bottom surface of the head by cylinder #2 on the exhaust side is extremely porous and looks kinda like swiss cheese. He is assuming that the engine probably saw some serious overheating which probably caused the issue. He said we could cut down the head to fix the issue, but it wasn't the best option. Luckily, he said he has a spare 1.6 head at the shop and he is going to tear that one down tomorrow and check it out. If that one is in good shape, he will be porting that one for my project.

I will be picking up the new lifters in the next week or two and then the only thing left to buy for the head will be the new valves.

I'll keep you all posted on the build

[SpeedWorks]

Well, I've had a few days off and I have really been concentrated on the goal of getting the car done. I know I have a long way to go, but I really need to get working on it and stick to the build.

Yesterday, I brought the car back out of the garage and flipped on its side for the last time. I did the final painting of the underside. Last time I shot the entire underside with rubberized undercoat. This time around I topcoated everything with a good, solid coat of black chassis paint.
Here is how it turned out:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-54.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-55.jpg

Then I brought my subframes over to try to get them installed already. Here is a shot of the rear subframe sitting behind the chassis in the garage.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-56.jpg

I had waited for the paint to dry before flipping the car back to its normal position. Then the chassis was wheeled into the garage and lifted off the dollies and set back on the jackstands for the next faze of the build.

[wannafbody]

If you are going to add frame rails now is the time.

[SpeedWorks]

And now on to today's progress on the car.

I'm so happy that I finally got the subframes bolted back up on the car. This just leads to the next step in getting the car back into rolling form.

Here are a few pics of the subframes back on the car:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-57.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-58.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-59.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-60.jpg

Only bad part will be that I'll have to drop the rear subframe out one more time to reinstall the gas tank, but then it should stay for good. I still have to clean up the gas tank before I can get it back up into the shell.

next on the agenda for today was to clean up the interior and shoot it with some paint before I continue on in there.

Here is the before pic:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-61.jpg

And some after pics:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/11091807.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-62.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/11091819.jpg

It came out great. I used truck bed liner spray can version for this. I gave the entire interior a nice thick coat after proper cleaning and prep. Now I can get all my heat and sound deadening in and start reassembling some of the interior like the AC components and the pedal assemblies.

Come back soon for more progress. I should have some more stuff posted up mid week after I get another day off to spend concentrating on all my crazy ideas.

[SpeedWorks]

If you are going to add frame rails now is the time.

Frame rails are on my list for the project. Hoping to get them soon so that I can install them before I start adding to much more under the car.

[theothersawyer]

I love this build! It is amazing! Keep up the awesome work!

[DK Wolf]

You're gonna need a new name, there's already been a miata in the game right now with the name war machine.. My bruh Grant Wilson.........
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/68315_513098668700254_1003532973_n.jpg

[SpeedWorks]

You're gonna need a new name, there's already been a miata in the game right now with the name war machine.. My bruh Grant Wilson.........
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/68315_513098668700254_1003532973_n.jpg

I would hardly consider that a miata. It doesn't even have a miata engine powering it. It's cool and all, but not a miata. The project name stays as is.

[SpeedWorks]

I love this build! It is amazing! Keep up the awesome work!

thanks man. the "awesome work" will continue.

[cyotani]

God dayum, Talk about attention to detail. I can't wait to see how this turns out.

I wish I had enough patience to tackle a project like this.

[tsingson]

I would hardly consider that a miata. It doesn't even have a miata engine powering it. It's cool and all, but not a miata. The project name stays as is.

^ Agreed ^ :encouragement:

[SpeedWorks]

small update.

so I was able to finish spraying the final coat of paint on the engine bay a few days ago, so thats completely done and I can start putting pieces back in there. also, since the interior has been painted already, i'm gonna start putting in the heat protection/sound deadening material I got for it. i'll take pics as soon as I can in regards to these items. then i'll be putting the pedal assemblies back in as well.

I got my new oem strut mounts all painted and if I have time tomorrow, I'll be putting them on the coilovers and then trying to get them on the car. then I can put on the front brake rotors.

I did get time the other day to install all new eccentric bolts at every point. the old ones weren't bad, but I wanted to put fresh ones in, so I purchased a full set new from Mazda and installed them.

[SpeedWorks]

onto another portion of the project that i've been really thinking about alot lately. originally I had planned to run the car on E85, but after really thinking about it, i'm gonna stick with regular 93 octane. this will help me in a number of ways, first the availability of e85 as compared to regular fuel and secondly, in order to run the e85, the initial investment on components to make a good e85 compatible fuel setup would have hindered me due to budgeting on the project.

so now that i've decided that 93 octane will work just fine i turned my focus to how I plan on doing my entire fuel setup and what I can use from work to keep theh build on budget. Working at NAPA helps alot since I can source a lot of what I need very easily and keep it all in the scope of a budget that will allow for the car to be completed sooner rather than later.

I already got in the Denso Supra twin turbo fuel pump. I'll be running this pump on a modified hanger. from the tank, i'll be running 3/8" fuel injection line down to a stock fuel filter designed for more flow and the size lines i'll be running. the filter I plan on running is acctually application specific to many GM V8 vehicles. I'm sure this will work fine for the setup. from the filter, i'll be running 3/8" hardline up to the front where a custom steel braided line will take the fuel up to a Y fitting and then into my dual feed rail. from the rail i'll run a steel braided line to an aeromotive regulator and from the regulator it'll be standard 1/4" fuel hose down to 1/4" hardline to run back to the tank with a portion of hose again at the end going up the to top of the tank.

all parts except for the regulator and the steel braided lines i've sourced from work and will greatly cut the cost of the fuel setup. I think the setup i've come up with should work perfectly for my project. I'll post pics of the setup as I start setting it up on the car.

I should have the car back on the ground this week if all goes well, then i'll only have to lift it back up for the fuel and brake lines and to reinstall the gas tank in the car.

thanks for all the support and keep following the build for more pics of the progress.

[SpeedWorks]

Ok, so here's the latest update on the build.

got the steering column disassembled and sandblasted the outer tube

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/11152230.jpg

then got to work laying some fresh paint on the parts after a good cleaning.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/11152321.jpg

New bearings have already gone in and now I just have to reassemble it.

Next on the agenda was some more painting. I got to work painting my new strut mounts and the hats on the front brake rotors.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-63.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-64.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-65.jpg

more still to come.......

[SpeedWorks]

The next phase came yesterday.

I had some time to start installing some parts.

A quick shot of the coilovers layed out and ready for install with the strut mounts already attached.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-66.jpg

A closeup of the assembly

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-67.jpg

The fronts go in perfectly and are looking good

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-68.jpg

The color from the strut mounts show through very nicely in the engine baby as well

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-69.jpg

The rears also went in just fine

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/11261639a.jpg

And here is the front setup with the brake rotor in place. It'll all look even better once I get the calipers mounted as well.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-70.jpg

Stepping back for a view of the progress

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-71.jpg

The project is finally getting further along.

Tomorrow is another day and I should be able to get more work done on the project and see some more progression in the build. it's taking a while but it will all be worth it in the end.

thanks for checking in on the build and stay tuned for my next update

[Phatmiata]

Coming along nicely, I sure miss seeing your Orange NA, im sure this one will be 10X's nicer too!! Have you picked a color out yet? Or did I miss that part?

[etikoner]

With all that trick restoration, and suspension arm painting and restoration I'd hope you would have gotten something better then raceland/ vmaxx lol

Maybe it's not in your budget now, but hopefully in the future you could upgrade to something cooler? :D

[Gene Rodriguez]

holy shit

[SpeedWorks]

I miss the orange NA as well sometimes, but when I look at this build and think of that car, I see that car more as a learning experience. I redid that car so many times trying to get what I wanted and never finished and spent enough money on the remodels that I could have probably bought a used Ferrari, lol.

I took what I learned building the other car and used that in my mindset while building this car. I'm sure it won't be 10x's nicer, more like 100x's nicer, lol.

As for the color, I do have a color picked out, but I want to keep that a secret till I actually spray the car. I can't give away all the stuff going into the build. There are things I'm currently doing that I haven't posted just yet as well. I gotta keep some tricks up my sleeve.

[SpeedWorks]

With all that trick restoration, and suspension arm painting and restoration I'd hope you would have gotten something better then raceland/ vmaxx lol

Maybe it's not in your budget now, but hopefully in the future you could upgrade to something cooler? :D

This won't be a track car at all. It may see a few runs down a 1/4 mile and possibly some laps around a track at an event, but nothing serious. For a car that will be more of a weekend cruiser I didn't see the need to spend the money on a different coilover setup. Granted, I would to have run Tein coilovers, and that may still come in the future, but for now, I'm ok with running the racelands. Its a decision I made based on the intended usage of the car as well as the budget of the build. Remember that most of the trick restoration of the car has been done by me to keep costs down on stuff I am trying to spend money wisely on the project.


holy shit

Great reaction. I love it

[theothersawyer]

Lookin' good!

[SpeedWorks]

thanks

[SpeedWorks]

Today's progress:

My e-brake handle was looking pretty bad, so I decided to sandblast it. When I blasted it, the handle was still on it, so I only blasted it beyond the point of the handle. Once blasted, I gave it a thorough cleaning to get rid of all the remaining sand in all the gaps.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-72.jpg

Once dry from the cleaning i shot it with two coats of satin black paint.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-73.jpg

Now that its nice again, it'll be going back in the car pretty soon.

Next on the agenda today was to reassemble my steering rack.

I had taken it apart to depower it using Flyin Miatas method listed on their site.

Here is a shot of all the pieces layed out and ready to assemble

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-74.jpg

a close up of some of the internals and the hardware

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-75.jpg

and a shot of the rack housing and main tube

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-76.jpg

once it was all assembled, it looked great

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-77.jpg

and the rest of the steering components. the rack mounting brackets have been sandblasted and painted and are paired with all new mount bushing from mazda. then we have new inner and outer tie rods and new boots to complete the package.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-78.jpg

something looks missing here

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-79.jpg

that looks much better

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-81.jpg

a shot from above with all the components assembled

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-86.jpg

and a shot from below

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-82.jpg

next up for today was to address the firewall on the inside. I patiently took time and made this recently to cut down on the heat coming into the car through the firewall. the original insulation had turned to mush.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-83.jpg

then that gets covered with the stock rubber mat on the firewall

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/11281756a.jpg

and here they are installed. first the insulation barrier

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-84.jpg

and then the rubber mat

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-85.jpg

and to finish up todays pics, i'll just leave this here

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/MMS_Resized_Pix-80.jpg

stay tuned as I have alot more coming very soon.

[SpeedWorks]

wow, no love for the build thread, lol

[theothersawyer]

I am very interested in that last picture, but I cant figure out what it is! The paint on it is awesome though!

[riefdaddy]

Love the attention to detail you are putting into the build. I have to rebuild my front subassembly and I will admit I am watching what you are doing closely to make sure I don't miss anything. Mine won't have coilovers, but in other areas it will be close. Keep up the level of detail!

[Demon I Am]

I love a good ground-up resto!

[SpeedWorks]

I am very interested in that last picture, but I cant figure out what it is! The paint on it is awesome though!

Well, the paint was chosen because it looks interesting, but where its going is top secret at the moment. I can tell you that the effect is based on light hitting it, so in the shade there is no sign of the look.


Love the attention to detail you are putting into the build. I have to rebuild my front subassembly and I will admit I am watching what you are doing closely to make sure I don't miss anything. Mine won't have coilovers, but in other areas it will be close. Keep up the level of detail!

I am really trying to give every aspect of the build as much attention as possible to get the desired quality and look in the build. I'd love to see what you do with your subframes and see what goes into your build and the final outcome as well.


I love a good ground-up resto!

ground up resto is right. My initial idea was to just clean up the shell and get the car done quickly, but the more I tore it down, the more I knew that I wouldn't be happy unless the entire project was done to my liking. I learned this the hard way from my last project, where I never got to enjoy that car cause every time I finished something, I realized that something else wasn't just how I wanted it, and the car got torn down again, so this time i'm building different. I know that whatever I want done, needs to get done now and not later. This method means the project takes longer to complete, but in the end, there shouldn't be any reason why i'd have to put the car down to redo anything as it should all be perfect.

[SpeedWorks]

Small update for today.

I was finally able to get my brake hoses installed. I did all four hoses. The fronts are FD RX7 brake hoses, since i'm running FD calipers, and the rears ar 2001 hoses, since i'll be running sport suspension NB rear big brakes. Now I just have to put in my brake booster and master cylinder and make all my new brake hardlines and the braking system will be done. That should all start next week sometime.

I also got around to installing the freshly painted e-brake lever today. This mated to all new e-brake lines should make for a much better setup.

Now, on to the most time consuming portion of today's progress. I finally got around to covering up the transmission tunnel with the heat/sound insulating stuff. I did as best as I could to do the entire tunnel perfectly. Then with the leftovers, I covered some spots on the floor. I would have much loved to have done the entire floor, but I didn't have enough material, so the spots will have to do. Its ok though since I had already sprayed the entire interior with truck bedliner.

Here are a few pics of the interior after I was done for the day:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121205_173716.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121205_173739.jpg

stay tuned to the thread as I have alot more progress coming very soon.

[SpeedWorks]

And now on to some updates on the build. Haven't done any work on the physical chassis but did get some goodies for the build.

One of my fab guys showed up with my custom front brake setup bracket parts.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121209_210229.jpg

This pic will give you an idea of what they will look like when done

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121209_223629.jpg

I still need to go over them and clean up some of the edges and the holes. I already tapped the holes in the smaller pieces and once i've cleaned everything up, all that will be left is to countersink the large holes and weld the two pieces together and the front brake kit will be done. This is a project i've been working on for quite some time and it should be done pretty soon.

These brackets will locate a set of FD RX7 calipers over Corrado rotors for some really good stopping power up front.

I also got over to my buddy's house to pick up a set of loaner wheels to move the car around on for now. Thanks Luis

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121209_155856.jpg

I also got my transmission from the same guy. Its a 5 speed. Most might think, "why is he using a 5 speed with everything he is doing," but don't worry, my engine builder and miata specialist have a plan for the transmission and it will all work out great in the end. Just have to get it over to him so he can start taking this apart and working some magic I guess.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121209_210249.jpg

Thats all i have for now. I should have the pedal assemblies in this week with my new brake booster and master cylinder as well as my new clutch master cylinder.

I also plan on ordering my gas tank sealing kit this week so I can take care of that and get it back into the car very soon.

Thanks for following my thread and keep coming back for more updates, and please comment on the build.

[Martin]

... and please comment on the build.

OK... Freakin' awesome!

[SpeedWorks]

I know I've posted pics of the front brake calipers already, but since i'm so much closer to actually getting them onto the car and i've been moving them around so much lately, that I thought I'd post up another pic of the calipers for everyone to see.

enjoy

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121210_161134.jpg

[drftbot]

WOW! i just went through the whole thread page by page. that is some major dedication. same process i want to go with my car if i had a garage and a second DD. mad props yo!! (lol)

[SpeedWorks]

WOW! i just went through the whole thread page by page. that is some major dedication. same process i want to go with my car if i had a garage and a second DD. mad props yo!! (lol)

To take on a build as involved as mine you will definitely need a garage and a daily driver. I've had the car about 2 years now and i still have about another years worth of work to finish up the car. I really want to get more done, but my time is limited so I have to make due with what I have.

On a side note, I spoke to the guy working on my motor, Curtis at Motion Motorsports in Miami, FL, and he said that his portion of the work on my block is nearly done and we are that much closer to getting the block off to the machine shop. I should have a pic or two tomorrow of what he has been doing to the block. Once he is done with the block, he can start work on the head. I would like to have the entire long block done by late January, so i've really got to push on to get the few remaining items needed for these projects.

I'm also just hoping to get some extra cash so I can order my fuel tank sealer kit from Eastwood. I want to get it cleaned, sealed and paint the outside of the tank before it goes back into the car. I'd like to get this mini project done as soon as possible as I really just want to have the subframes on the car for good and the gas tank is the only thing stopping that from happening.

Well, stay tuned as I should have another update tomorrow and maybe even some pics.

thanks
Alex

I just need to find a way to make my days last longer so I can get more done on the project when I do have days off.

[SpeedWorks]

quick update. I was finally able to sell my 17" wheels. So now with those gone, I have the funds to put towards my new wheels. I'll keep that a secret until they actually get here. And this time around, they won't be 17's, that's for sure.

[SpeedWorks]

OK, so I made it out to Motion Motorsports today where Curtis, one of the owners, has been working on my engine.

Here is the sight I was greeted with:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121219_150859.jpg

little bit of a close up:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20121219_150921.jpg

Now, he still has a lot to go to get that job completed before the block can go out to the machine shop for the rest of the work, but the work so far looks amazing. I am super happy with the outcome so far and can't wait until this motor is done and running.

Stay tuned for more progress after Christmas.

[SpeedWorks]

quick update on the engine progress.

here are a few shots of the continued work on the block smoothing. http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130104_151035.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130104_151028.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130104_151046.jpg

more to come soon

[Stealth97]

I don't know if people who have not seen how rough the casting on the inside if the block is can truly appreciate how nice that looks. Your attention to detail is going to pay off!

[Grip Driver]

Love the attention to detail, can't wait to see more of that paint color.

[Andy]

Nice job so far. Who did you take the intake manifold to to get extrude honed?

[Andy]

Never mind just looked up that is a company.

[SpeedWorks]

I don't know if people who have not seen how rough the casting on the inside if the block is can truly appreciate how nice that looks. Your attention to detail is going to pay off!

yes, i should have taken a before pic to show the difference so that everyone could truly have been able to appreciate the vast difference. I'm truly hoping that all my attention to detail will truly pay off in the end.


Love the attention to detail, can't wait to see more of that paint color.

hopefully you won't have to wait too much longer, but we will all have to wait and see.


Nice job so far. Who did you take the intake manifold to to get extrude honed?

Thanks and as for the intake manifold, it was sent out to Extrude Hone. Are you interested? I'm selling the manifold if so and I have a for sale thread here on the forum. Buying mine, you will save money as opposed to sending your out for the process, that is if you have a 1.6.


Never mind just looked up that is a company.

yep

[SpeedWorks]

And now onto some real updates for the project.

I got some cool stuff in the mail recently.

First thing I got was a nice box from Eastwood. If you don't know who they are, please take some time to check them out. They have alot of really cool stuff.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130121_131726.jpg

I got their gas tank sealing kit

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/eastwood_zpsfe4c2b2b.jpg

and as a bonus, they threw in a can of their "tank tone" although i'm not sure if i'm gonna use it. I might coat the outside of the tank in bedliner.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130121_131834.jpg

And here is the other package I received

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130121_131616.jpg

Pretty big box. I love when stuff comes in direct from Japan

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130121_131602.jpg

what's in the box?

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130121_131700.jpg

and here are a few shots today of some test fitting on a friend's car to see how they look

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130122_152431.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130122_152438.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130122_152449.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130122_152455.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130122_152507.jpg

Hope you guys are enjoying the crazy stuff that comes out of my brain to put together, what I think what will be, an amazing miata.

stay tuned for yet more updates to come soon.

[theothersawyer]

At first I didn't think the over fender's were that wide, because the pictures were at just the right angle. Then I saw the picture from the side...you better have some wide wheels to fill that fender!

[SpeedWorks]

don't have wheels at all just yet. i think i know what i'll be running, but that is still to come. i didn't think they would look so wide either when I ordered them, but i do like the look and i'm sure I can pull it off.

[Vegard]

This thing will be so badass when it's done, whenever that is... :P

[SpeedWorks]

This thing will be so badass when it's done, whenever that is... :P

my goal is to have it done by the end of this year, so just be patient guys, lots more progress to come

[SpeedWorks]

so, on friday I prepped the car and finally got it home.

here are some pics once prepped.

after almost three years, it finally rolls again... don't mind the dollies on the front wheels. one tire was flat from a damaged rim and it was easier to move the car like that.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130125_100341.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130125_100348.jpg

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130125_100355.jpg

here is a pic of the engine bay in the sunlight. see if you can see the paint effect.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130125_102822.jpg

and a shot while it was on the tow truck on the way to my place

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130125_104952.jpg

and lastly, the package I received today. it's a NB6 intake manifold. now i just have to clean it up and get it ready to go together onto the motor

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130128_160028.jpg

more progress soon.

[theothersawyer]

That engine bay is awesome!!

[SpeedWorks]

That engine bay is awesome!!

thank you sir

[blenderblast]

This is a very similar type of build I plan on doing when I get the proper amount and constant steady funds.
I like the attention to detail. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. Good job so far!

[SpeedWorks]

This is a very similar type of build I plan on doing when I get the proper amount and constant steady funds.
I like the attention to detail. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. Good job so far!

If you truly think you would like to tackle a build like this the only piece of advice I can truly give you is to fully plan everything from the beginning. You will still run into obstacles along the way that you didn't plan for, but at least this way, you will have a clear picture of what you would like to achieve in your build. Steady funds are a must with a build like this otherwise you are going to hit a point of no progress and will end up getting discouraged.

Building the car this way allows you the luxury of giving all the attention to detail that you want to give the build. My way is a little over the top, but that's the only way I can see building this car.

Please keep an eye out on the build and I will do my best to keep up the constant work on the project. Thanks for checking it out and for the kind words.

stay tuned for upcoming progress. Not much will be happening but i will post anything that i do get done. I'm hoping to get most of the bodywork parts finalized in the next month or two so that I can get everything on the car and start seriously addressing the bodywork aspect on the build.

now that the car rolls again, I also have to schedule in when i'll be dropping off the car with the chassis building to finish up my full custom cage. hopefully he doesn't take too long with the car.

We'll see how everything goes so just stay tuned for more progress

[blenderblast]

If you truly think you would like to tackle a build like this the only piece of advice I can truly give you is to fully plan everything from the beginning. You will still run into obstacles along the way that you didn't plan for, but at least this way, you will have a clear picture of what you would like to achieve in your build. Steady funds are a must with a build like this otherwise you are going to hit a point of no progress and will end up getting discouraged.

Building the car this way allows you the luxury of giving all the attention to detail that you want to give the build. My way is a little over the top, but that's the only way I can see building this car.


It is my dream to do a build like this. haha and yeah, steady funds and deep pockets is what I'm going for. I just wish I had a program that I could do a 3-d model for my personal reference. And to see how it could turn out.
To most people, your way is a little over the top, but go big or go home. :p
I am glad that I'm not the only one with this idea, and when I start to do this one I'll be going through your thread to make sure I didn't miss anything :)

[SpeedWorks]

It is my dream to do a build like this. haha and yeah, steady funds and deep pockets is what I'm going for. I just wish I had a program that I could do a 3-d model for my personal reference. And to see how it could turn out.
To most people, your way is a little over the top, but go big or go home. :p
I am glad that I'm not the only one with this idea, and when I start to do this one I'll be going through your thread to make sure I didn't miss anything :)

My program to do my 3d model for reference is all in my head. I plan each move out precisely before I go through with it. I sometimes wish I could afford to get a professional to do a full custom rendering for the project, but that's just extra cash that should go to the build itself.

I'm glad to see that you like the progress and the project in general. I feel flattered that you think that looking back to my build will help guide you along with yours.

pretty soon I should be cutting the stock quarters to make some room for bigger tires and once that is done I can start worrying about getting the new wide quarters on the car along with the Garage Vary side panels. Gotta get those parts on the car and looking like the car rolled off the factory line with those pieces in place.

progress and pics to come as soon as possible.

[Phatmiata]

Congrats on your win!! Keep up the good work!

http://mazdaroadster.net/rotm/2013_01B.png

[SpeedWorks]

This is awesome. I can't believe that I actually won the MOTM. So now I can buy some much needed stuff for the project.

[WASABI]

Ha ha ha ha... looks like you now have the funds to finish this up! Congratulations BTW

[Flyin 92]

Update bump

[SpeedWorks]

Update bump

you got it

I got the car home a few weeks back and i haven't been able to get to the car. My garage is so packed with the car in there now and all the parts surrounding it that its hard to even walk in there. i've been spending more of my time organizing and cleaning up so i can get back to working on the car.

hoping to have my gas tank cleaned, sealed, painted and reinstalled in the next 2-3 weeks. then i can start working on placement of new fuel filter and fuel lines. also gotta get under the car to start working on the new brake hardlines.

also, i was able to snake about my rear diff housing out of the mess along with my rx7 FC clutch type lsd. now i'm just trying to find someone capable of swapping in the lsd for me as i don't have the time, tools or know how to do it myself. while its all apart, new bearings and seals are going in along with breather. the rear cover housing will get a nice sandblasting and cleaning before some fresh paint and new bushings for it as well.

i'll keep you all updated as much as possible.

thanks
alex

[RedNeckSmoker]

done anymore work to the front bumper? would love to see how that lip piece is coming along,i guess im gonna have to make a lip or find one to chop up and fab to fit for my na/nc bumper, been looking for quite sometime

[theothersawyer]

^^what he said!

[SpeedWorks]

done anymore work to the front bumper? would love to see how that lip piece is coming along,i guess im gonna have to make a lip or find one to chop up and fab to fit for my na/nc bumper, been looking for quite sometime


^^what he said!

To answer both of you. I decided to scrap the front lip project. I do think a front lip would definitely look amazing on the NA/NC bumper, but to get the right look, its going to take longer than i want. Also, after seeing "theothersawyer"s pics, i'm convinced that my build will still look good without the front lip. Autokonexion has been saying that they do have plans for a lip for the bumper, but they have a lot on their plate at the moment i guess.

[theothersawyer]

Thank you for the kind words! I will actually be cutting out the lower lip of my bumper probably this weeks since it broke on a tire tread almost a year ago! Lol

[SpeedWorks]

Now for some news, a brief update.

I dropped off my differential assembly yesterday to have the clutch type lsd installed along with fresh bearings and seals. I told the guy that i'm not in a rush but i'm sure he will have it done for me pretty soon. I also told him to leave the rear housing off of the assembly so I can get the stock bushing pressed out and make way for the poly bushing set i need to still order. Also, while the rear housing is off, it'll receive the sandblast and cleaning treatment before getting a nice fresh coat of paint.

can't wait to get that done and back in the car. then i just have to send my axles out to get freshened up and all that goes back into the car.

i should get word back tomorrow about the hardware i and tooling i needed to order to finish up my brake kit, so that's another step in the right direction on this build.

thanks and stay tuned for more progress.

[SpeedWorks]

Got word on Saturday that my rear diff is done. The LSD is in with new bearings and everything has been aligned properly. The only issue was the pinion seal. I provided a new one but apparently it was incorrect, so I ordered the correct one and should have it this week.

[SpeedWorks]

brief update:

I'll just drop this here and let you see for yourself:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Screenshot_2013-04-06-14-41-12-1_zps54b0f254.png (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Screenshot_2013-04-06-14-41-12-1_zps54b0f254.png.html)

I'll have more info soon.

sorry for the lack of updates

stay tuned

[RuckkehrMiata]

Your image post is broken >_>

[theothersawyer]

I can see the image just fine!

[Hyper]

nice!!!!!!

[Phatmiata]

looks clean

[SpeedWorks]

nice!!!!!!

Thanks Eli. The work on the block is moving along and it should be going to the machine shop soon.


looks clean

Thanks Randy. I'm really hoping to get this car done and bring it out to Miatapalooza next year.

[Hyper]

update.....

[Ihatecars]

You had me so excited that this thread was updated... Hopes destroyed... :cry2:

[theothersawyer]

You had me so excited that this thread was updated... Hopes destroyed... :cry2:

Me too! :(

[SpeedWorks]

update.....


You had me so excited that this thread was updated... Hopes destroyed... :cry2:


Me too! :(

sorry for the lack of updates lately. i've been really busy with work as well as other stuff. i should have some pics and progress to post soon. i finally got my rear calipers so i just have to send them off for powdercoat now. and i've decided to go hydraulic handbrake, so i'll be selling my NEW stock e-brake cables, if anyone is interested. also, i'm looking for some stock seat rails, if anyone has a pair or wants to donate a set. there have been a few other mods recently and i'll post pics up as soon as possible.

don't worry, i haven't abandoned the project and actually i'm more motivated now than ever to get going on the build.

thanks
alex

[Ihatecars]

Glad to hear you're still alive and working on your Miata!
I'll be waiting with bated breath for updates.

[SpeedWorks]

OK guys, so here is my brief update for now.

After watching some stuff on Magnus Walker, the cool Porsche builder and then watching some stuff on the Singer Porsches, I got a little inspired. I like how Walker drills the door handles on his 911's, so I thought it might look cool on the miata, so I got to it and drill my handles.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130706_195048_zps5379b2cc.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20130706_195048_zps5379b2cc.jpg.html)

They still need to be powdercoated in their new finish along with some other bits and pieces, but this is just a work in progress at the moment.

on another note, I finally purchased the second rear brake caliper for the setup, so those also need to get powdercoated before going on the car.

I might have finally found someone that is willing to help me with my roll cage setup, so i'm waiting on a reply about that to move forward, and i'm trying to get my work area setup so that I can cut my quarter panels soon and then get them welded after that in preparation for the wide quarter panels going on the car.

Progress on the the car has definitely taken me longer than I wanted but I just need to keep looking forward and get on to the next phase of things.

stay tuned for more progress and thanks for checking in.

[SpeedWorks]

Brief update for today guys, no pics yet though, so stay tuned for the pics.

Got in my hydo e-brake a few weeks back and just got in all the fittings necessary to do a clean install of that. gonna be running all new custom brake hardlines throughout the car since i'm adding lots to the braking system and I want it all done my way and the right way. I also picked up a set of energy suspension poly bushing set for the rear diff, so as soon as that is painted and final assembly is done, i'll get that back in the car as well. For the diff, I put together a set of all new bolts for the housing assembly.

Also picked up some odds and ends for my fuel system, but I still have a lot to get for that so I won't start on that topic just yet.

Lastly, i'll be putting together a complete list of all the bolts on the engine, so I can put together a package of all new bolts and have everything fresh for when the engine is finally ready for assembly, everything will be nice and new, down to the last bolt.

I'll try to get some pics up in the next few days of some of the stuff i've gotten in recently for the project. You can also follow me on instagram @speedworksgarage where I tend to post pics of parts I get in and any progress that happens. Its sometimes easier to post up there first since its all done from my phone.

Stay tuned and i should have some progress coming up soon.

[SpeedWorks]

Real quick guys, for anyone reading this that can help, I need someone to bend some roll cage tubing for my project, but without having my car there, so it would have to be someone with access to a miata to take measurements and trial fit the pieces. I just need 3 bars bent, no welding. I have the tubing and I can ship it if someone can offer to do the work for me. The tubing is 1 3/4" OD .134 wall DOM steel.

thanks.

[SpeedWorks]

Ok, so I haven't posted up in this thread in a while, so i'm gonna do my best to bring it up to speed on my progress, which isn't much, sorry....

here is my JDM/EDM NB6 intake manifold that i'll be running:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130128_160028.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20130128_160028.jpg.html)

i'll be cleaning up all the casting marks on the intake manifold and eliminating anything I won't be needing. once it gets match ported it'll go off to powdercoat.

and for those of you that remember my front big brake upgrade, here is the final version of my caliper brackets:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20131123_011123_zps38f92f34.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20131123_011123_zps38f92f34.jpg.html)

here is my intake manifold with my M-tuned fuel rail mocked up:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131218_231232_zpsvpgv80eb.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131218_231232_zpsvpgv80eb.jpg.html)

got my Racing Beat rear sway bar mounted up on the car but still no end links:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20130925_005548_zpszl5u4vem.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20130925_005548_zpszl5u4vem.jpg.html)

here is the diff cover after being sandblasted, cleaned and painted. all new bolts on there also, now I just need to do final assembly to get it back up into the car:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131123_214621_zpssw2l3kqv.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131123_214621_zpssw2l3kqv.jpg.html)

and these will be another good addition when I go to re install the differential:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20130822_214042_zps8yhxgalo.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20130822_214042_zps8yhxgalo.jpg.html)

[SpeedWorks]

and some more updates.

here is the hydro-ebrake I picked up:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20130806_110039_zpsmzpg4zqg.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20130806_110039_zpsmzpg4zqg.jpg.html)

and the fittings I picked up to do a nice clean install:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20130822_223434_zpstgaddgyf.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20130822_223434_zpstgaddgyf.jpg.html)

installed the fittings to get a little further along:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20131217_224414_zpsshjidx17.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20131217_224414_zpsshjidx17.jpg.html)

flipped the handle vertical and turned the master cylinder on the unit upside down:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20131217_224957_zpsyni8vtvh.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20131217_224957_zpsyni8vtvh.jpg.html)

then i started thinking about upgrading my master cylinder as well on the braking system. i wanted something with a 1" bore, but didn't think i need to spend the big bucks on the wilwood setup. did some reasearch and found this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2013-12-17-07-49-48-1_zpsuaraxisc.png (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2013-12-17-07-49-48-1_zpsuaraxisc.png.html)

it bolts right up to the na booster, and will work fine with proper adjustment to the push rod, but its damn big, so i kept looking for something else. I found this and will know tomorrow if it fits:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2014-01-02-09-40-11-1_zps1wk8i5cz.png (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2014-01-02-09-40-11-1_zps1wk8i5cz.png.html)

Once i have that, then the last piece to my brake system jigsaw puzzle will be this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/SUM-760000_ml_zpsrsbb1xdx.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/SUM-760000_ml_zpsrsbb1xdx.jpeg.html)

also got around to sandblasting, cleaning, painting and installing new weatherstripping on my fuel tank access panel:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131123_215754_zpsiozvfuvu.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131123_215754_zpsiozvfuvu.jpg.html)

and just a few of the fittings for my fuel system:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131231_002953_zpsfn1gyoai.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20131231_002953_zpsfn1gyoai.jpg.html)

and last on my parts to share, here is something that i'll have in my hands tomorrow and be able to compare against the trusty kia waterneck. this might just be the perfect option for a coolant reroute and i should know more info tomorrow and will share what I find out as soon as possible:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/1132657_zpszzhkxxth.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1132657_zpszzhkxxth.jpeg.html)

well gang, that's all I have to share for now but stay tuned as this is the year I plan to get this car done, so i will have tons of progress to report.

Thanks for following

[Ihatecars]

Even though you don't update all that often, I really enjoy this build.
Keep taking your time and doing things the right way. This Miata is going to be so amazing when it's finished.

[atank]

I do like the looks of the drilled door handles, looking forward to seeing them complete!

[Phatmiata]

What is the benefit of the Euro intake?

[SpeedWorks]

Even though you don't update all that often, I really enjoy this build.
Keep taking your time and doing things the right way. This Miata is going to be so amazing when it's finished.

Thanks for the compliments on the build. I want to build this car right the first time and not cut corners.


I do like the looks of the drilled door handles, looking forward to seeing them complete!

I too can't wait to see them done and back on the car. It's something different that I think will be one of those parts that unless you know, you won't know.


What is the benefit of the Euro intake?

From what I've read, the NB6 manifold flows better than the NA6 manifold. also, it runs the 1.8 throttle body, so you can upgrade to the skunk2 unit and have a nice bolt on larger throttle body.

[SpeedWorks]

ok, so a quick update on the master cylinder and the water outlet.

The Honda master cylinder is not gonna work out. It would require a shortened push rod on the booster and I'm trying to have fewer fabrication projects, so i'll be sticking with the other master that I found that works just fine with the booster as is with minor adjustment to the pushrod.

As for the water outlet, the position of the neck would end up pointing straight down when installed on the back of the Miata head, so it is not a good option. still looking at one other option and if not then i'll just go with the trusted kia waterneck.

thanks for checking out the build thread.

[925driver]

Bump for updates and pics!!

I had some time to kill and decided I wanted to read an awesome build threads. I skimmed through a few but (no offensive) I mostly found build threads that were about slapping on rims, coilovers and autozone bolt-ons. I really wanted to see a heavy thorough build. I found exactly that when reading your thread! Your dedication to a full ground up build is amazing! Keep the goodness coming! I'd love to continue reading on this until you're completed!

[Hyper]

Bump for updates and pics!!

I had some time to kill and decided I wanted to read an awesome build threads. I skimmed through a few but (no offensive) I mostly found build threads that were about slapping on rims, coilovers and autozone bolt-ons. I really wanted to see a heavy thorough build. I found exactly that when reading your thread! Your dedication to a full ground up build is amazing! Keep the goodness coming! I'd love to continue reading on this until you're completed!

back in the days any owner of a 240z would have the option to send the car to the dealer and for $25,000 the dealer will completely restore the car. My brother and I had the Z fever for a very long time. Together we owned like 6 to 8 240-280z in total, and to this day we still own a beautiful 240z.

Alex will probably finish his car one day. I understand him he has immediate priorities and like me he has a son to look after so the build will take sometime.

[Malibu Q]

This won't be a track car at all. It may see a few runs down a 1/4 mile and possibly some laps around a track at an event, but nothing serious. For a car that will be more of a weekend cruiser...


Why are you installing a hydraulic handbrake? I thought they were for rally and drift cars. Your car is far too nice for that. Enjoying this thread greatly, particularly the rolling over and painting the underside. Big thumbs up. Also the drilled handles, first time I've seen this on a Miata. Well done so far.

:blobwave:

[SpeedWorks]

Bump for updates and pics!!

I had some time to kill and decided I wanted to read an awesome build threads. I skimmed through a few but (no offensive) I mostly found build threads that were about slapping on rims, coilovers and autozone bolt-ons. I really wanted to see a heavy thorough build. I found exactly that when reading your thread! Your dedication to a full ground up build is amazing! Keep the goodness coming! I'd love to continue reading on this until you're completed!

I'll definitely keep the goodness coming and thanks for taking the time to read through my build thread and for the compliments. It means a lot that others see what i'm doing and understand it. Stay tuned



back in the days any owner of a 240z would have the option to send the car to the dealer and for $25,000 the dealer will completely restore the car. My brother and I had the Z fever for a very long time. Together we owned like 6 to 8 240-280z in total, and to this day we still own a beautiful 240z.

Alex will probably finish his car one day. I understand him he has immediate priorities and like me he has a son to look after so the build will take sometime.

Eli, I'll definitely be finishing the car and the goal is to have it done by the end of the year. I know I have a long way to go, but I want to get this done and on the road to start enjoying it.


Why are you installing a hydraulic handbrake? I thought they were for rally and drift cars. Your car is far too nice for that. Enjoying this thread greatly, particularly the rolling over and painting the underside. Big thumbs up. Also the drilled handles, first time I've seen this on a Miata. Well done so far.

:blobwave:

Well, the hydro e-brake is more for fun than anything else. I think drifting is awesome and I'd love to try it, but in this car it'll be there but not used too often, but still there in case I feel the urge to actually use it.

Thanks everyone for following on my progress and the encouragement on the build.

[SpeedWorks]

Now, a brief update. The last option I was looking into for a water neck for my spacerless coolant reroute didn't pan out either so it was back to the trusted Kia water neck. But wait, this is my crazy build, so I couldn't just slap on a plain Kia waterneck. I needed a spot for the temp sensor so it was time for a little fabrication. First order of business was to get a 12x1.5 aluminum weld bung which is harder to source than you would think. I ended up having to have a friend make me the weld bung on his lathe. From there I handed the weld bung and a brand new from Kia waterneck to do his magic with the welding.

Here is the outcome:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140127_123853_zpsea74bigk.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140127_123853_zpsea74bigk.jpg.html)

Once I got home with the piece the first thing I needed to do was to get rid of the excess material from the weld bung on the inside of the housing so I got out some tools and wend to work. I am quite happy with how it looks on the inside.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_003005-1_zpsrgdtbk4u.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_003005-1_zpsrgdtbk4u.jpg.html)

While I had my tools from that job out, I just couldn't leave well enough alone so I smoothed out the welds on the outside of the housing and this is what I ended up with:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_002919-1_zpse7fybiek.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_002919-1_zpse7fybiek.jpg.html)

So that's where I stand with new stuff for the build.

I did start looking for all new connectors for my harness so I can tackle my wire tuck with a fresh harness made from scratch with all new connectors.

Also, I finished cleaning and painting my new brake booster, so that should be going back into the car along with the new master cylinder and the completely refurbished pedal assembly in the next few days. I'll also be installing my adjustable proportioning valve and mounting my e-brake this week as well and then I can start running some of the brake hardlines.

Well, stay tuned for more progress on my build and thanks for checking back.

[Hyper]

Here is the outcome:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140127_123853_zpsea74bigk.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140127_123853_zpsea74bigk.jpg.html)

Once I got home with the piece the first thing I needed to do was to get rid of the excess material from the weld bung on the inside of the housing so I got out some tools and wend to work. I am quite happy with how it looks on the inside.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_003005-1_zpsrgdtbk4u.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_003005-1_zpsrgdtbk4u.jpg.html)

While I had my tools from that job out, I just couldn't leave well enough alone so I smoothed out the welds on the outside of the housing and this is what I ended up with:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_002919-1_zpse7fybiek.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140129_002919-1_zpse7fybiek.jpg.html)


.

nice!!!!

[SpeedWorks]

OK, so here are some small updates.

I finally got around to mounting my Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve in the car. It is mounted through the transmission tunnel for in car adjustment. Here are some pics:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220226_zpszsqf9xwj.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220226_zpszsqf9xwj.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220218_zpstynudkmg.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220218_zpstynudkmg.jpg.html)

And here is a shot from under the car looking at the valve from the engine bay through the transmission tunnel.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220917_zpsklanjivq.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220917_zpsklanjivq.jpg.html)

Next up I got my pedals back into the car along with the refurbished brake booster and new 1" bore master cylinder.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220245_zps9ecwkoh1.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220245_zps9ecwkoh1.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220714_zpsgsfttwwh.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220714_zpsgsfttwwh.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220749_zpscc4flzbg.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140206_220749_zpscc4flzbg.jpg.html)

I've already starting running brake hardlines but i'll post up those pictures tomorrow.

Enjoy the progress and stay tuned for more.

[925driver]

The excitement I get from a notification of your post, is describable but possibly frowned upon if I actually state it. However, great job! I will be patiently waiting for updates.

[SpeedWorks]

Quick update.

Here are the pics of some of the brakelines I made up and installed at this point.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014201_zpst6acbz32.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014201_zpst6acbz32.jpeg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014143_zpsnvs7rdnm.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014143_zpsnvs7rdnm.jpeg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014133_zpsdrysxlwz.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014133_zpsdrysxlwz.jpeg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014149_zps0gayytnu.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140210_014149_zps0gayytnu.jpeg.html)

And on a side note, here are the pics of my M-Tuned fuel rail with the 6an russel fittings installed.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140207_215150_zpsyjixvmkt.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140207_215150_zpsyjixvmkt.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140207_215158_zpsqkswhf1k.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140207_215158_zpsqkswhf1k.jpg.html)

Stay tuned for more progress. I'm really trying to get this car wrapped up by the end of the year so I have a lot still to do.

[SpeedWorks]

Here's a little more progress.

Picked up a NB throttle body from Hyper, Thanks Eli, to add to my NB6 intake manifold setup. The pics are after some cleaning, but i decided that i'll eventually be sandblasting it and powdercoating it.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140217_165309_zps1jhrliyp.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140217_165309_zps1jhrliyp.jpg.html)

And thanks to Hyper(Eli), I was able to get my hands on a new head for the engine build.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140225_220512_zpsgggnvvrs.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140225_220512_zpsgggnvvrs.jpg.html)

next i'll be disassembling the head to send it out to be rebuilt with all new components.

The throttle body has been taken apart as well in preparation for the powdercoating. I just need to make an IAC block off plate and some egr delete plates as well, then i'll be ready to send the throttle body and intake manifold out for coating.

[riefdaddy]

Could you post some pics of the TB disassembled? I want to rebuild one for my car and was curious how many parts I have to deal with. Also, are any of the parts hard to disassemble? Curious about the screws on the butterfly valve.

[SpeedWorks]

Ok, so i'm bringing this thread back from the dead. I haven't posted on here in a while so i might miss some of the progress but i'll post up what I can remember.

Got myself a strut bar and have it mocked up on the car. some minor modifications will be done to it before it goes in for good.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140413_032126_zpsbekrge0m.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140413_032126_zpsbekrge0m.jpg.html)

In the middle of my build, i'm always helping others as well. here is a short console I made for Jaded, aka Leatherface. I think i'll be making mine very similar.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140416_002527_zpsq2kfebxw.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140416_002527_zpsq2kfebxw.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140416_002553_zpsv1dmyfgl.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140416_002553_zpsv1dmyfgl.jpg.html)

cleaned, prepped and painted my 1.8 harmonic balancer

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140523_013427_zpsb4k0l3ia.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140523_013427_zpsb4k0l3ia.jpg.html)

and then I got a 36-1 crank trigger wheel right from mazda

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140416_002730_zpsz4zqvmcq.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140416_002730_zpsz4zqvmcq.jpg.html)

these showed up as well
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2014-05-13-12-29-33-1_zpsmkklbsvx.png (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Screenshot_2014-05-13-12-29-33-1_zpsmkklbsvx.png.html)

The tank is out and waiting to get sent out for some cleaning and sealing pretty soon.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20140515_173442_zpso8nj0eg0.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140515_173442_zpso8nj0eg0.jpg.html)

Also, got this to keep the passenger comfy

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140523_012845_zpslssywnkc.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140523_012845_zpslssywnkc.jpg.html)

and these just came in recently

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140611_160824_zpshnajii2g.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140611_160824_zpshnajii2g.jpg.html)

i am missing a lot of progress, but i'll update soon enough.

stay tuned and thanks for following my build

[theothersawyer]

I LOVE this build! I am always excited to see when this thread is bumped! Keep up the good work!

[Golden Stallion]

:popcorn:

Just saw this thread. Love every bit of it. hope you build this miata, cosmetic wise, to today's time and not late 90s early 2000s time. Also cant wait to see what tricks you have up your sleeves

[SpeedWorks]

I know I haven't done a good job of keeping this thread updated, so here is some news on the build.

I got the throttle body disassembled by a buddy of mine and I have been doing some cosmetic mods to it. i'll post up pics of it when it is done.

I also recently got my hands on a set super rare RE-Amemiya mirrors:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/amemiyamirrors_zpsf04b0287.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/amemiyamirrors_zpsf04b0287.jpg.html)


Also, got my hands on a fiberglass hood bulge from Rogue. Now I need a hood to put it on and figure out what other mods will go onto the hood.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/roguehoodblue_zpsdfdf7021.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/roguehoodblue_zpsdfdf7021.jpg.html)

Not sure if I posted this already, but here is the final version of my custom brake brackets to run the FD RX-7 front brake calipers:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/20131123_011123_zps93fbfa7d.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/20131123_011123_zps93fbfa7d.jpg.html)

And here is a quick pic of the FD caliper with the great powder coat color applied already:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/brakecaliper_zps45a48bdf.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/brakecaliper_zps45a48bdf.jpg.html)

Here is a pic of the Caliper and bracket together:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/20140412_224146-1_zpspxefagrv.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/20140412_224146-1_zpspxefagrv.jpg.html)

To go along with my Autokonexion NA/NC front bumper, I got myself this and just need to remake it in fiberglass and modify it to fit properly and I'll have a nice front lip for the project:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/Screenshot_2014-04-19-14-02-30-1_zpsexpujcyj.png (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/Screenshot_2014-04-19-14-02-30-1_zpsexpujcyj.png.html)

Gotta love Autokonexion for coming through with some awesome fenders for the project as well:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/IMG_20140625_215741_zps0afhqtqa.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/IMG_20140625_215741_zps0afhqtqa.jpg.html)

And here is a REAL Veilside Miata spoiler. I had this on my last miata project and saved it:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Miata%20Project/IMG_20140625_160311_zpsl1makvoe.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Miata%20Project/IMG_20140625_160311_zpsl1makvoe.jpg.html)

I've got a few other surprises but I need to get those further along before I show anything.

Thanks for checking out my build and stay tuned for more progress

[theothersawyer]

Man that lip is going to look good! I want one! Only problem is, I already scrape my bumper getting out of my driveway on occasion!

[Hyper]

Man that lip is going to look good! I want one! Only problem is, I already scrape my bumper getting out of my driveway on occasion!

Speedworks is putting 16 inch wheels he has a little bit more height clearance than the average miata

[theothersawyer]

Makes me jelous. That lip will look amazing!!

[SpeedWorks]

Just gonna drop a few pictures here as an update. I'll come back soon enough to give some details.

Did this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20141112_080338_zps2yxe7ufv.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20141112_080338_zps2yxe7ufv.jpg.html)

Moved on and did something here:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141020_011844_zpsz1wfrhdu.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141020_011844_zpsz1wfrhdu.jpg.html)

And working on this now:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/100MEDIAIMAG0623_zpsc9i8vodb.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/100MEDIAIMAG0623_zpsc9i8vodb.jpeg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/100MEDIAIMAG0626_zps6cxdnml2.jpeg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/100MEDIAIMAG0626_zps6cxdnml2.jpeg.html)

I'm trying to get more done on the project soon, so I'll be sure to share any progress as it happens.

[Hyper]

TB looks great!!!

[theothersawyer]

Awesome as always!

[SpeedWorks]

Just a quick addition to the build thread. Finished a little more work over the weekend on the the next piece to the coolant reroute.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1416836624627_zpsgfbjydhj.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1416836624627_zpsgfbjydhj.jpg.html)

This will work great with the water neck I posted before. I still have a lot more work to finish this aspect of the build but I have a positive outlook that things may start moving a bit faster in finishing up little projects and getting everything on its way.

Thanks for checking up on the progress.

[Hyper]

Just a quick addition to the build thread. Finished a little more work over the weekend on the the next piece to the coolant reroute.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1416836624627_zpsgfbjydhj.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1416836624627_zpsgfbjydhj.jpg.html)

This will work great with the water neck I posted before. I still have a lot more work to finish this aspect of the build but I have a positive outlook that things may start moving a bit faster in finishing up little projects and getting everything on its way.

Thanks for checking up on the progress.

ha ha we're on the same page, presently working on the same project. the finished coolant re-route pipe looks great!!!!

[SpeedWorks]

Here's a brief update. It will be mostly pictures but you get the idea from what the pictures show.

Did some work on one of my valve covers. If you look at the pics you will notice a lot of modifications.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134822_zps5ae0f1ns.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134822_zps5ae0f1ns.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134817_zpsr4p8vlod.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134817_zpsr4p8vlod.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180346_zpsityrl27d.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180346_zpsityrl27d.jpg.html)

and a close up of the 10AN

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180352_zpstchgvvqc.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180352_zpstchgvvqc.jpg.html)

Then the aluminum v-band was welded to the throttle body. After talking it over with my fabrication guy, we decided to weld it from the inside and then just clean it up.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180258_zpsybhipohe.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180258_zpsybhipohe.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180307_zpsvi2qpdtb.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180307_zpsvi2qpdtb.jpg.html)

Then I went through my box of parts that have been sandblasted and are waiting to be cleaned and painted, and decided to move on to this piece and get it mounted back into the car.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180225_zpsm4e5mmsi.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180225_zpsm4e5mmsi.jpg.html)

I'll try to post up more information soon on any further progress. I'll have a lot going on in the next few weeks with progress on the project so stay tuned for further updates.

[Agent☣Orange]

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa375/YellowYata/Humor/Faces/IMG_8252_zps94955110.gif

[Stealth97]

awesome work!

[jawolf518]

Here's a brief update. It will be mostly pictures but you get the idea from what the pictures show.

Did some work on one of my valve covers. If you look at the pics you will notice a lot of modifications.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134822_zps5ae0f1ns.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134822_zps5ae0f1ns.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134817_zpsr4p8vlod.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141203_134817_zpsr4p8vlod.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180346_zpsityrl27d.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180346_zpsityrl27d.jpg.html)

and a close up of the 10AN

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180352_zpstchgvvqc.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180352_zpstchgvvqc.jpg.html)

Then the aluminum v-band was welded to the throttle body. After talking it over with my fabrication guy, we decided to weld it from the inside and then just clean it up.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180258_zpsybhipohe.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180258_zpsybhipohe.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180307_zpsvi2qpdtb.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180307_zpsvi2qpdtb.jpg.html)

Then I went through my box of parts that have been sandblasted and are waiting to be cleaned and painted, and decided to move on to this piece and get it mounted back into the car.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180225_zpsm4e5mmsi.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141221_180225_zpsm4e5mmsi.jpg.html)

I'll try to post up more information soon on any further progress. I'll have a lot going on in the next few weeks with progress on the project so stay tuned for further updates.

What piece is this? looks so pretty now. The gold coated.

[SpeedWorks]

What piece is this? looks so pretty now. The gold coated.

That would be the fuel filler neck.

I know it is something no one will notice once its back in the car, but its just the little details in my build that I feel set it apart at the end of the day.

[SpeedWorks]

And now a quick update.

Was doing some fiberglass work the other day for a few parts for the build.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_205803-1_zpsjabhixt2.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_205803-1_zpsjabhixt2.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_205756-1_zpsawkjecbg.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_205756-1_zpsawkjecbg.jpg.html)

And that is just a very small portion of what i've got going on at the moment. I'll try to keep the thread updated with more progress as i'm hoping to have a lot more done soon.

Thanks

[theothersawyer]

If that's what I think it is, I'm very excited to see this!

[SpeedWorks]

If that's what I think it is, I'm very excited to see this!

Theothersawyer, now i'm wondering what you think it is. :D

[SpeedWorks]

Ok, so to keep momentum with progress, here is something to look at.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1420528912126_zpsrvpqg6ll.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1420528912126_zpsrvpqg6ll.jpg.html)

What you see here is a 2001 USDM throttle body. This piece will ultimately be mated to a JDM/EDM NB 1.6 intake manifold which will be going on a USDM cylinder head.

On the throttle body, i've welded shut the IAC port and smoothed it from the inside. Then on the IAC mounting pad, the "ear" has been cut down and a new hole has been drilled and tapped. A custom aluminum block off plate has been made to cover up the IAC mounting pad and will be attached with stainless allen head countersunk hardware. Then the coolant passages have been deleted by way of allen head plugs. To keep with the theme of allen head hardware, the throttle body mouting studs were removed from the intake manifold and instead I will be using stainless socket cap bolts, but it doesn't end there. I counterbored the mounting holes on the throttle body so as to recess the socket cap bolts for a flush look. On the inlet portion, the mouth has been cut down and an aluminum v-band has been welded in place from the inside and again smoothed out. And lastly, all casting marks have been removed.

All that is left on the throttle body is to have it sandblasted and cleaned prior to being powdercoated and then this piece can be reassembled with a new TPS and be ready for the engine.

I'm almost done with the intake manifold itself as well, so i'll post that up soon.

thanks for checking in on my progress and stay tuned as there is more to come.

[SpeedWorks]

OK,
So a quick update for today.

I finally got around to doing the final assembly on my differential for the car. It is a 2001 differential with 4:30 gears and an FC RX-7 clutch type LSD. All new bearings and seals were installed to assure it's as close to new as possible. The front housing was cleaned, sanded and painted, while the rear housing was fully sandblasted, then cleaned and painted and it received new fill and drain plugs along with a new breather. To top it off the housing bolts are all brand new. All that is left is to install this back into the car with the Energy Suspension bushing I have waiting.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_162554_zpsdpurxomq.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_162554_zpsdpurxomq.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_162612_zpsdvduja4a.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_162612_zpsdvduja4a.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_162625_zpslodmshim.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_162625_zpslodmshim.jpg.html)

I also made a new gasket for the fuel filler neck and got some nice hardware for the same. Should have the filler neck back in the car in a few days as well.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221154-1_zps4aliv3gr.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221154-1_zps4aliv3gr.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221227-1_zpsnjfevwo5.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221227-1_zpsnjfevwo5.jpg.html)

Then a BIG thanks to Adam, AKA Revlimiter, for sending me some new gauge needle stoppers. These were the last piece to the puzzle on my custom gauge cluster.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221311_zpsshpoksw0.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221311_zpsshpoksw0.jpg.html)

And lastly, I received these today. Now I just have to refresh the fuse box itself before I stick this on to make it nice and new looking. New fuses are also ready for the fuse box.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221357_zpsddeptamx.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_221357_zpsddeptamx.jpg.html)

Well, thanks for checking in and I'll have more progress soon.

[Demon I Am]

That diff is a piece of artwork

[SpeedWorks]

That diff is a piece of artwork

Thank you sir. I put a lot of time into getting it the way you see it there. I could have done a few things a little better, but i'm happy with the outcome.

I try my hardest to put my best work into everything I do, whether it's for my build or someone else's.

On another note, I should have a few more updates tomorrow. I'm waiting on a package and as long as it comes in as expected, then I should have a really cool part of the project done and I can check that off the to do list.

Fingers crossed that my package comes in tomorrow so I can show you guys some more from the build.

Thanks

[theothersawyer]

I hope it came!

[SpeedWorks]

I hope it came!

Just my luck, the package I was waiting for did not arrive when it should have. Instead, the package arrived today and i didn't have time to work on it. I'll probably get some work done on it tomorrow and if I finish, i'll post up some pictures.

[theothersawyer]

Sorry to hear that, but can't wait for the updates!

[SpeedWorks]

Ok,
So once the package I was waiting for finally arrived I was able to get some time to work on this next little project for the car.

Let's start with a picture of just about all the parts I've put together over a few years to complete this project:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232337_zpsiw9p5bnj.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232337_zpsiw9p5bnj.jpg.html)

What you see there is my early NA gauge cluster (somewhat disassembled), Aerodramatics aluminum gauge needle covers, a pair of red "pilot" lights, some RevLimiter gauge needle stoppers, a brushed aluminum gauge bezel, my custom made gauge faces and the package on the left has my gauge rings that i've had for a little over 4 years now.

First, I had to make some holes for the pilot lights as my cluster did not have the lights in those spots that later NA's had.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232430_zpszlcg0e0r.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232430_zpszlcg0e0r.jpg.html)

and a close up of the pilot lights

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232439_zpswv0agdnq.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232439_zpswv0agdnq.jpg.html)

pilot lights installed

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232653_zpsytlnf5nj.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232653_zpsytlnf5nj.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232658_zpsqkb5cbbu.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_232658_zpsqkb5cbbu.jpg.html)

then I added the brushed bezel. this piece came with double sided tape for mounting but I felt the need to add a few button cap screws for extra measure.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_233932_zpsdki5lifq.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_233932_zpsdki5lifq.jpg.html)

then, on went the gauge rings

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_225022_zpsapcfflhz.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_225022_zpsapcfflhz.jpg.html)

Next I installed my custom gauge faces. Pictures don't do these justice. the silver portion is actually chrome.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_230756_zpspm8sdd6h.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_230756_zpspm8sdd6h.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_230827_zpsit562vtd.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_230827_zpsit562vtd.jpg.html)

After everything was done, here is the final outcome

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_233452_zps9owipt41.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_233452_zps9owipt41.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_233536_zpsdqxtqvlx.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150119_233536_zpsdqxtqvlx.jpg.html)

Well, thats all for the update. I hope you all like the cluster cause I sure do and it's been a long time in the making to get it just how I want it.

[SpeedWorks]

In the time while I was waiting for the final package to come in for the gauge cluster project, I managed to sneak in another little project.

My JDM/EDM NB 1.6 intake manifold has EGR ports, which I won't be using. I wanted some nice block off plates so the only option was to make some myself to my liking. Going with the same material I used for the IAC block off plate, I went with 1/4" aluminum for these plates as well.

I made some templates and went to cutting the plates. After a lot of shaping and smooting, I finally got them to where I was happy with them. The next step was the hardware. Since I have been trying to stick to a theme of allen head bolts on as much as possible on the engine, I opted for some stainless countsunk allen head bolts for this application.

I think the plates came out great and they look right at home on the manifold and the hardware is just the icing on the cake.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_220250_zpszz1kgiab.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_220250_zpszz1kgiab.jpg.html)

front plate:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_220617_zps7rhp4yjn.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_220617_zps7rhp4yjn.jpg.html)

rear plate:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_220536_zpswnthj7zm.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150118_220536_zpswnthj7zm.jpg.html)

With these plates completed, the intake manifold is now ready for a full cleaning and sandblasting and then a nice powdercoat finish. The throttle body and water necks will be joining in for the same treatment and i'm hoping to have that all done soon.

Thanks for checking in on my progress and stay tuned as i'll have more updates soon.

[Golden Stallion]

When this car is done, it will have to be the nicest miata out there. the attention to detail is unreal and every part is either new or refinished. I also am loving the more frequent updates than before.

[SpeedWorks]

When this car is done, it will have to be the nicest miata out there. the attention to detail is unreal and every part is either new or refinished. I also am loving the more frequent updates than before.

Thanks for checking in on my updates. I know my updates have been few and far between in the past but i'm trying to get more done on the car and post up as much as possible on my build thread.

Stay tuned for more progress.

Thanks
Alex

[SpeedWorks]

So, here are some more small updates.

It seems like i've been making a lot of block off plates lately. Here is my latest one. It is a block off plate to go with my coolant reroute. Since i'm eliminating the front water neck, here is the plate that will go in its spot. Again I went with 1/4" aluminum with stainless countersunk hardware.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003402_zpsphsjgrzf.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003402_zpsphsjgrzf.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003504_zpswa4nvw0q.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003504_zpswa4nvw0q.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003426_zpsgdjbu2g5.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003426_zpsgdjbu2g5.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003134-1_zpsoxhiysv9.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003134-1_zpsoxhiysv9.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003212_zpsgt5egini.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_003212_zpsgt5egini.jpg.html)

Also, i've been working on a brake master cylinder stopper. It will be part of the strut tower brace mounting plate. I've got it mostly worked out and just need to head out to see my welded to finalize it all. Once its welded it'll go off to the powdercoater. I'll post more pics of this as I get it done.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_004123_zpsuql1qlfp.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_004123_zpsuql1qlfp.jpg.html)

And here is another piece I received in the mail for another project I have in mind. I'll show more of this once I get to that stage.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_004012-1_zpsvngqynov.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150123_004012-1_zpsvngqynov.jpg.html)

Thanks for checking up on my build. There is definitely more to come and hopefully soon.

[SpeedWorks]

So here's a quick update for today.

I was able to head over to my welder/fabrication guy yesterday and get the welding done for my brake master cylinder stopper which I put together on my strut brace bracket.

I think it came out pretty good. I cleaned up the welds a little and all that's left is to send it out for powder coating.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_231035_zpsmgfwrxnq.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_231035_zpsmgfwrxnq.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_230805_zps1meatfao.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_230805_zps1meatfao.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_230823_zpsrolga4hb.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_230823_zpsrolga4hb.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_230814_zps651nfqux.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150125_230814_zps651nfqux.jpg.html)

That's all the updates I have for today. I should be heading over tomorrow to work on my custom catch can setup and I'll be taking a look at an oil cooler and some filter relocation parts as well.

I'll keep this thread posted and as up to date as possible so stay tuned for more progress.

Thanks for checking back

[SpeedWorks]

Hey everyone, well I haven't updated this build thread in a while, so I thought I should let you all know what is going with my project. I haven't really made much progress on the project, but I have had some new stuff come in recently, so check it all out.

First piece would be an aluminum 1-way check valve my brake booster setup. You will all see where this comes into play soon.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150710_153911-1_zps969crkgj.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150710_153911-1_zps969crkgj.jpg.html)

Next on the list are some fittings that came in for my fuel setup. I'll post more about this once I get closer to putting the fuel setup in the car.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150710_154004_zpsasunctqi.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150710_154004_zpsasunctqi.jpg.html)

Then I got a billet aluminum in-line thermostat housing for my coolant reroute setup. Remember what this looks like now, as it won't look like this for much longer.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185710_zpskzff7rkk.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185710_zpskzff7rkk.jpg.html)

And then I finally got my line lock. This is the last piece of the puzzle for my crazy brake setup. Now that I have this, I can start ordering fittings so that I can start plumbing the brakes.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185653_zps2q5ojwbp.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185653_zps2q5ojwbp.jpg.html)

Then I had to take advantage of the group buy for the Garage Star door bushings. Even though my car doesn't even have doors on it now, these will come in handy when the time comes. Now to find some nice hardware for these.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150718_221336-1_zpswlp7zk6i.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150718_221336-1_zpswlp7zk6i.jpg.html)

Next I received a package from a buddy in Norway. He and I collaborated on 2 parts for my build and when he shipped the parts he added in one of his custom designed parts.

Here is the first collaboration piece, a shift ring to go along with my custom short console.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185812_zpsykrxw69p.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185812_zpsykrxw69p.jpg.html)

The other piece we collaborated on was my new AC vents

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_190124_zpskbinusac.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_190124_zpskbinusac.jpg.html)

And lastly from the bunch would be a unique design my friend came up with, a visor delete/GoPro mount.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185938_zpsq22tq3sp.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_185938_zpsq22tq3sp.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150712_002859-1_zps44h1gf6p.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150712_002859-1_zps44h1gf6p.jpg.html)

Now this last picture actually has to do with work on the project. I started working on part of the shave for the bay, so here is the beginning of the vacuum line tuck for the brake booster.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_173119_zps8mwlyvu5.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_173119_zps8mwlyvu5.jpg.html)

stay tuned to this build thread as I hope to have more progress soon.

[Stealth97]

loving it.

[SpeedWorks]

Another quick update:

Just made a set of these. Now to figure out exactly where I want them. I have a few ideas, but nothing set in stone just yet.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20150722_170813-1_zpsffp8cvql.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150722_170813-1_zpsffp8cvql.jpg.html)

And my water pump pulley hardware is now complete.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1437950156416_zpscuvolrvy.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/PhotoGrid_1437950156416_zpscuvolrvy.jpg.html)

Stay tuned for more progress.

[theothersawyer]

That's some pretty hardware!

[SpeedWorks]

Well everyone, I'm back. Sorry that I've been away so long and I haven't updated my build thread. I've been dealing with some serious family issues since August, but it looks like things are getting better.

Enough though with the personal stuff, lets get to the build. I really haven't done much since the last time I posted, but I will show what I have worked on.

I had been working on a trunk for the car using the stock steel one as a starting point, but that wasn't working too well for me, so I did this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_013937-1_zpsviugxhue.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_013937-1_zpsviugxhue.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_235517-1_zpsfdr4e2yn.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_235517-1_zpsfdr4e2yn.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160228_173434-1_zpsf1sol6l4.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160228_173434-1_zpsf1sol6l4.jpg.html)

It still has a lot of work to get it to how I really want it in terms of shape, but its a good starting point.

Then, I got to work on this:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160227_162145_zpstvpj7eez.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160227_162145_zpstvpj7eez.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160228_173441-1_zpsgdrpnhby.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160228_173441-1_zpsgdrpnhby.jpg.html)

And here is a really bad picture of both pieces just resting in place.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160301_084801-1_zpsgymvtntz.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160301_084801-1_zpsgymvtntz.jpg.html)

I'll try to have more updates soon enough.

Stay tuned and thanks for checking out my build thread

[theothersawyer]

Welcome back! Glad things are getting better for you!

[Dave737]

Welcome back!!! Love this build...:popcorn:

[Greasemonkey2000]

Sorry for your troubles Alex but glad to see you getting time to work on War Machine! Love that name by the way! :drinkto:

[SpeedWorks]

Welcome back!!! Love this build...:popcorn:

Thanks


Sorry for your troubles Alex but glad to see you getting time to work on War Machine! Love that name by the way! :drinkto:

I'm very glad that things are getting better and very happy to have some time to get back to the project. I've got a lot of new stuff coming up soon, but I don't have anything to post just yet. Oh and as for the name, just wait until the car is done, then you will see how the name truly fits.

[turboedpickup]

I'll say it again...I hate finding new AMAZING build threads... just read through all of it in one sitting. Just wow. Amazing work. Not that I was there previously - but regardless, glad you're back!

[Hyper]

I'll say it again...I hate finding new AMAZING build threads... just read through all of it in one sitting. Just wow. Amazing work. Not that I was there previously - but regardless, glad you're back!

lol, the age ratio of the members in this forum is possibly in the Mid-Thirties and Forties. I can name a few... we owned miatas for a long time.

[SpeedWorks]

I'll say it again...I hate finding new AMAZING build threads... just read through all of it in one sitting. Just wow. Amazing work. Not that I was there previously - but regardless, glad you're back!

Thanks for saying my build is amazing. I try to build things the way I like but doing it right the first time. And thanks for the welcome back.

[oldgrayleather]

lol, the age ratio of the members in this forum is possibly in the Mid-Thirties and Forties. I can name a few... we owned miatas for a long time.

And some of us Miata noobs are at the upper end of that age range having missed many years of enjoying the cult of the MX-5 :lol:.

SpeedWorks - absolutely blown away by your build! I don't expect I'll ever have the capabilities to tackle most of what you're doing but am totally inspired.

[SpeedWorks]

And some of us Miata noobs are at the upper end of that age range having missed many years of enjoying the cult of the MX-5 :lol:.

SpeedWorks - absolutely blown away by your build! I don't expect I'll ever have the capabilities to tackle most of what you're doing but am totally inspired.

Thank you so much. Your words simply encourage me even further to build this car the way i've wanted to the entire time.

[SpeedWorks]

Hey everyone,

So not much actual progress but got some more parts in for stuff i'm working on for the build.

I'm putting together an oil cooler setup and here is the first piece of the puzzle.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000243_zpsao7oa7hg.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000243_zpsao7oa7hg.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000313-1_zpsaf7j5vrt.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000313-1_zpsaf7j5vrt.jpg.html)

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000350-1_zpsnyjtvryc.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000350-1_zpsnyjtvryc.jpg.html)

I also got a bunch of stuff to start work on my custom coolant reservoir:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_001153-1_zpsyusutvfo.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_001153-1_zpsyusutvfo.jpg.html)

I also got these components in for another modification to the bracing on the car.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000952-1_zpstusna5g3.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000952-1_zpstusna5g3.jpg.html)

And these will be part of a new control arm setup as well:

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000845-1_zpszukr81xl.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_000845-1_zpszukr81xl.jpg.html)

And lastly, some switches for a panel i'm working on as well.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_001035-1_zpsucqdoicz.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160704_001035-1_zpsucqdoicz.jpg.html)

As you can tell, i've got alot of fabrication stuff going on and hope to have alot of these small projects wrapped up very soon.

Well, stay tuned for more posts. I will post as much as I can with any progress I make in the coming weeks.

thanks for following my build.

[kung fu jesus]

An oil cooler is in my future plans, too.

[SpeedWorks]

Another quick update for the build.

I was needing one last piece to complete my gauge cluster setup, a reset button in aluminum. I didn't like any of the ones on the market so I contacted RetroModern and had them make something for my setup. I'm happy to have this custom piece to complete my cluster and i'll have it installed soon.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160730_102621_zpsho89aaj2.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160730_102621_zpsho89aaj2.jpg.html)

The other piece i'm really happy to have received is a pigtail connector for my upcoming custom hazard/pop up light button setup. I couldn't find this connector anywhere, but RevLimiter was gracious enough to help me out and sell me a pigtail setup. I'll post pictures of the completed setup once I have all the parts and get it all together.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160730_102630_zps84bsdzvf.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160730_102630_zps84bsdzvf.jpg.html)

Well, stay watching this thread as i'm hoping to have more updates soon.

[SpeedWorks]

Hey everyone, well it has been some time since I posted and I finally found some time to get back to updating this thread. Not much work has been done, but definitely more parts have come.

I had been wanting a certain style oil cap for quite some time and just couldn't find what I wanted, so I commissioned this piece to be made just for me.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160830_090734_zpsdb8u4zsr.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160830_090734_zpsdb8u4zsr.jpg.html)

I also powdercoated my valve cover after cutting the front and shaving, shaping, smoothing and adding necessary fittings.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20161030_154017_zpsxcxyichk.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161030_154017_zpsxcxyichk.jpg.html)

And to match the powdercoat on the valve cover, I powdercoated my cam gear washers as well.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160830_183541_zps0dbxehsb.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160830_183541_zps0dbxehsb.jpg.html)

Then I moved onto a project i've been wanting to work on forever. I finally got around to making my own modern styled hazard/pop up switch panel. There is a full plug and play harness I made for this, but I don't have a picture of it.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20160901_170051-1_zpsbww6mn2b.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160901_170051-1_zpsbww6mn2b.jpg.html)

I then picked up this little piece to add to the hydraulic e-brake that I already purchased.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180634-1_zpskiqxfawe.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180634-1_zpskiqxfawe.jpg.html)

And I powdercoated the lever and handle for the hydraulic e-brake as well.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20170210_213825_zps7ozmsqoz.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170210_213825_zps7ozmsqoz.jpg.html)

Then I went on a powdercoat frenzy and did a nice batch of parts for various areas of the car.

exterior door handles:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180729-1_zpsidpgemhe.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180729-1_zpsidpgemhe.jpg.html)

frankenstein plates:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180808-1_zps0cgw2gsg.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180808-1_zps0cgw2gsg.jpg.html)

coolant reroute water necks:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180841-1_zps9yxlh7gv.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180841-1_zps9yxlh7gv.jpg.html)

coolant and egr block off plates:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180921-1_zpszkkgpyty.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180921-1_zpszkkgpyty.jpg.html)

interior door handles:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180956-1_zpsyl31br5l.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161015_180956-1_zpsyl31br5l.jpg.html)

I was also able to pick up an upgraded throttle body for my setup. I love this one.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_151449-1_zpsxc71jwiy.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_151449-1_zpsxc71jwiy.jpg.html)

Once I had the throttle body, I had this nice spacer made up for something I have planned for later on.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_61641-1_zpszgzjwowu.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_61641-1_zpszgzjwowu.jpg.html)

With the new throttle body in hand, I figured it was time to start working on porting my intake manifold.

Here is the before shot of one of the runners:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_150934_zpsovrajs2g.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_150934_zpsovrajs2g.jpg.html)

and the after shot, although I still have some more work to do:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_150930_zps0kbyxleh.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_150930_zps0kbyxleh.jpg.html)

and the throttle body end:
http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_150949_zpspvwfhgvr.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170102_150949_zpspvwfhgvr.jpg.html)

I've got a whole bunch of other stuff coming up in the next few weeks and i'll try to snap some pics and post up any progress.

Thanks for paying attention to my build.

[SpeedWorks]

So here is another part i've been working on for the build and I can now say they are done and to my liking.

http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx174/speedworksgarage/Mobile%20Uploads/20170328_010320-1_zpsiitgpua1.jpg (http://s753.photobucket.com/user/speedworksgarage/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170328_010320-1_zpsiitgpua1.jpg.html)

I took a spare set of rear upper control arms and made them adjustable. I don't know how many degrees of adjustment I have with these, but I do know that I can shorten the arms by .75" and lengthen them 1.25" from stock. The hardware used to make them adjustable and the welding work done are more than necessary, so they should hold up just fine. And to top off all the great work, they were sandblasted and powder coated.

These will make a great addition to the suspension setup.

[SpeedWorks]

So I just noticed that all the pictures on my thread are back up. I guess photobucket is working again for posting pictures.

With that said, I'll be updating my thread soon with some new stuff i've gotten for the car as well as the little bit of progress i've made recently.

Stay tuned