cyotani
11-14-2012, 02:58 AM
After talking to a fellow so-cal member about suspension for a while, he referenced a thread on this site with a wealth of information.
I'm getting a little sick of the CR form>function crap, and trolling this site for a while I think I'm going to like this community. Hopefully I can learn a lot from you guys and contribute some myself.
Here's my build:
Meet Bulbasaur: I finally sourced a clean title straight frame shell and picked it up. It’s a 91 BRG with tan interior (which is kind of growing on me but black interior swap may be in the works… We’ll see). It’s got a whopping 320k miles on it and it looks to be 100% original. It has also been sitting for over 6 years (last tags were in 06) so it will some cleaning of all spider webs and creatures that used to call it home.
The goal is a Weekend Canyon car capable of handeling autocross/ track day duty. Emphasis on function over form as looks are really on the bottom of my priority list. Paint may be on my list as the last thing I do depending on budget and how the build goes. I want the car to first be quick with good handling, then later fast with a turbo or supercharger.
Budget for this build is cheap yet reliable. Almost every part I bought used except for important items such as clutch, suspension, etc. I’m looking to save every penny possible without cutting any corners.
The build Plan:
Stage 1: Get the Car running (COMPLETE!)
Remove seized engine and clean out engine bay. Install ACT clutch and drop in lower mileage healthy engine. Get the car smoged and registered. Drive the car a lot to break in clutch and make sure everything is functioning fine on the vehicle
Stage 2: safety + chassis stiffening (DONE)
Install Roll bar, harnesses, spacro seats and frame rails.
Stage 3: Set up Suspension (DONE)
Install all suspension components, control arms with bushing, 1.8 breaks, torsen, exhaust, etc. get an alignment and roll fenders to fit the 15x9 6ULs. Start auto crossing and hopefully some track days.
Stage 4: ECU and Tune (In Process)
Install Megasquirt, wideband and tune. Add IAT sensor and tune. Add BMW TPS and tune. Add RC 550’s and tune. Basically just get a lot of experience and become familiar with tunnerstudio so I can tune my forced induction set up down the road.
Stage 5: Power
Piece together a turbo or supercharger kit. Im leaning toward turbo at the moment because I always wanted to mess around with a turbo car. Planning on piecing together a kit from begi or flyin miata parts. I already have intercooler set up and piping in my garage. But this is a way in the future.
Stage 6: Paint?¿?
Parts List: (currently on the car)
Mazda Comp Motor Mounts
M-tunes coolant re-route
Oil filter relocation kit
Oil cooler
Magnecor wires
8 lb F1 racing flywheel
ACT 1.6 clutch
1.6 engine with about 50k miles
Going In Soon
15x9 6UL
Flyin Miata front sway (stock or disconnected rear)
Flyin Miata Frame Rails
Poly Differential Bushings
Megan EZ streets
1.8 Brakes
Poly Bushings in all control arms
Hard Dog Double Diagonal
Sparco Sprint 5 seats (mount to floor)
G Force 5 point Harness
Nardi Steering Wheel
Nrg quick release
4.1 torsen swap
Racing Beat exhaust
Test Pipe
Gv lip
R replica Rear spoiler (maybe)
Mud Flaps
Going in later
Mishimoto Radiator
DiyPNP
Wideband 02
RC 550 injectors
Walbro 255
IAT sensor
Variable TPS
Still need to buy
1.8 Hawk Brake Pads
Door Bars (Hard dog, blackfab or DIY?)
Turbo kit or supercharger kit
Picture Whore Time:
(Most of you probably skipped all of the above and went staight to this.)
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/IMG-20120804-00033.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/IMG-20120804-00035-1.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00047.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00050.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00051.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00054.jpg
(off with the F1 stage 3 clutch)
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00056.jpg
f1 8 or 9 lb flywheel (i heard they hold up okay so im using it)
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00058.jpg
Stage 1 of my build
This was probably the easiest engine install I've done. trick was to remove the coil pack for more fire wall clearance.
Had some wiring issues to the ignition switch due to a half assed security system install. Also the fuel bump was shot so I replaced that. It looks disgusting from sitting in for 7 years and the gas was discolored. So i drained that and fueled up with some fresh 91 octane and replaced the fuel filter. After that car started up with no problems.
The car drives solid! no issues at all except that infamous shake around 60-70 mph. After a test drive i took it over to got it smogged and it passed first time (which is a first for me). I couldn't register it yet those since the title transfer was not complete yet...
Here's some pics:
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00064.jpg
coolant reroute kit is neat.
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00063.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00062.jpg
old motor mounts were shot. mazada comp FTW!
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00065.jpg
my buddy helping me drop the motor in
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00069.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00072.jpg
ready for its first drive
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120811-00076.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120811-00083.jpg
still trying to figure out what to do about this.... the window zipper is bad to which sucks
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120811-00084.jpg
I also got some goodies from Flyin Miata
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00061.jpg
Update:
My car official passed the 330k mile mark. Damn impressive.
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/IMG-20120815-00148.jpg
Installed this "marine amp" which includes everything needed to replace your headunit with just an aux input and volume knob. Its pretty effective in doing so and it only cost me $70. I have yet to tell how durable it is tho. but it will hopefully decrease the likely hood of someone trying to break into my car when they see a alpine head unit or something.
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00133.jpg
Also Racing Beat Exhaust is installed!
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00134.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00138.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00142.jpg
It sounds pretty good. Nice and quiet at idle and when cruising at half throttle. My Butt Dyno registered a 1.656 gain in HP and a 2.6969 Ft-Lb gain in torque (not bad).
I'm getting a little sick of the CR form>function crap, and trolling this site for a while I think I'm going to like this community. Hopefully I can learn a lot from you guys and contribute some myself.
Here's my build:
Meet Bulbasaur: I finally sourced a clean title straight frame shell and picked it up. It’s a 91 BRG with tan interior (which is kind of growing on me but black interior swap may be in the works… We’ll see). It’s got a whopping 320k miles on it and it looks to be 100% original. It has also been sitting for over 6 years (last tags were in 06) so it will some cleaning of all spider webs and creatures that used to call it home.
The goal is a Weekend Canyon car capable of handeling autocross/ track day duty. Emphasis on function over form as looks are really on the bottom of my priority list. Paint may be on my list as the last thing I do depending on budget and how the build goes. I want the car to first be quick with good handling, then later fast with a turbo or supercharger.
Budget for this build is cheap yet reliable. Almost every part I bought used except for important items such as clutch, suspension, etc. I’m looking to save every penny possible without cutting any corners.
The build Plan:
Stage 1: Get the Car running (COMPLETE!)
Remove seized engine and clean out engine bay. Install ACT clutch and drop in lower mileage healthy engine. Get the car smoged and registered. Drive the car a lot to break in clutch and make sure everything is functioning fine on the vehicle
Stage 2: safety + chassis stiffening (DONE)
Install Roll bar, harnesses, spacro seats and frame rails.
Stage 3: Set up Suspension (DONE)
Install all suspension components, control arms with bushing, 1.8 breaks, torsen, exhaust, etc. get an alignment and roll fenders to fit the 15x9 6ULs. Start auto crossing and hopefully some track days.
Stage 4: ECU and Tune (In Process)
Install Megasquirt, wideband and tune. Add IAT sensor and tune. Add BMW TPS and tune. Add RC 550’s and tune. Basically just get a lot of experience and become familiar with tunnerstudio so I can tune my forced induction set up down the road.
Stage 5: Power
Piece together a turbo or supercharger kit. Im leaning toward turbo at the moment because I always wanted to mess around with a turbo car. Planning on piecing together a kit from begi or flyin miata parts. I already have intercooler set up and piping in my garage. But this is a way in the future.
Stage 6: Paint?¿?
Parts List: (currently on the car)
Mazda Comp Motor Mounts
M-tunes coolant re-route
Oil filter relocation kit
Oil cooler
Magnecor wires
8 lb F1 racing flywheel
ACT 1.6 clutch
1.6 engine with about 50k miles
Going In Soon
15x9 6UL
Flyin Miata front sway (stock or disconnected rear)
Flyin Miata Frame Rails
Poly Differential Bushings
Megan EZ streets
1.8 Brakes
Poly Bushings in all control arms
Hard Dog Double Diagonal
Sparco Sprint 5 seats (mount to floor)
G Force 5 point Harness
Nardi Steering Wheel
Nrg quick release
4.1 torsen swap
Racing Beat exhaust
Test Pipe
Gv lip
R replica Rear spoiler (maybe)
Mud Flaps
Going in later
Mishimoto Radiator
DiyPNP
Wideband 02
RC 550 injectors
Walbro 255
IAT sensor
Variable TPS
Still need to buy
1.8 Hawk Brake Pads
Door Bars (Hard dog, blackfab or DIY?)
Turbo kit or supercharger kit
Picture Whore Time:
(Most of you probably skipped all of the above and went staight to this.)
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/IMG-20120804-00033.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/IMG-20120804-00035-1.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00047.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00050.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00051.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00054.jpg
(off with the F1 stage 3 clutch)
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00056.jpg
f1 8 or 9 lb flywheel (i heard they hold up okay so im using it)
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/East_San_Gabriel_Valley-20120809-00058.jpg
Stage 1 of my build
This was probably the easiest engine install I've done. trick was to remove the coil pack for more fire wall clearance.
Had some wiring issues to the ignition switch due to a half assed security system install. Also the fuel bump was shot so I replaced that. It looks disgusting from sitting in for 7 years and the gas was discolored. So i drained that and fueled up with some fresh 91 octane and replaced the fuel filter. After that car started up with no problems.
The car drives solid! no issues at all except that infamous shake around 60-70 mph. After a test drive i took it over to got it smogged and it passed first time (which is a first for me). I couldn't register it yet those since the title transfer was not complete yet...
Here's some pics:
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00064.jpg
coolant reroute kit is neat.
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00063.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00062.jpg
old motor mounts were shot. mazada comp FTW!
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00065.jpg
my buddy helping me drop the motor in
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00069.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00072.jpg
ready for its first drive
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120811-00076.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120811-00083.jpg
still trying to figure out what to do about this.... the window zipper is bad to which sucks
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120811-00084.jpg
I also got some goodies from Flyin Miata
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120810-00061.jpg
Update:
My car official passed the 330k mile mark. Damn impressive.
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/IMG-20120815-00148.jpg
Installed this "marine amp" which includes everything needed to replace your headunit with just an aux input and volume knob. Its pretty effective in doing so and it only cost me $70. I have yet to tell how durable it is tho. but it will hopefully decrease the likely hood of someone trying to break into my car when they see a alpine head unit or something.
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00133.jpg
Also Racing Beat Exhaust is installed!
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00134.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00138.jpg
http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i354/cyotani/EastSanGabrielValley-20120813-00142.jpg
It sounds pretty good. Nice and quiet at idle and when cruising at half throttle. My Butt Dyno registered a 1.656 gain in HP and a 2.6969 Ft-Lb gain in torque (not bad).