Woody - Garnet Red Retro Inspired NB8C

I always wanted to have a retro-inspired NB. I started to modify my Brilliant Black NB8C, but couldn't decide what to do with the Mazdaspeed seats I loved. I really wanted to use a pair of imported seats with separate head restraints and the parchment interior that I'd bought. The mahagony wood trim, I thought, would really add a touch of class too.
Two weeks ago, I decided to buy another NB, a 2003 in Garnet Red. It couldn't have been further from a retro looking MX-5 if it tried. It was fitted with 17" Mazdaspeed wheels, a Sparco racing seat, shorty console with extended shifter, a very loud Car Make Corns muffler and loads of other racer parts. These will either be transferred over to Sooty, my black Nb or sold to provide funds for Woody's transformation. Clearly, it is the colour that sealed the deal for me.
Attachment 22204

Sooty, the Brilliant Black meets Woody, the Garnet Red for the first time.Attachment 22205

The interior on day one looking more like a race car. Attachment 22206

As a temporary measure, I fitted the velcro seats, centre console and Jass Performance Type R gear knob while I wait for some parchment interior pieces to arrive from the UK.Attachment 22207

As I always do when I purchase a new vehicle, I had a minor service done along with a change of the gearbox and diff oils. It was a good chance for my mechanic to give it a good once over at the same time. You might notice the MCA XR purple coilovers, Car Make Corns muffler, and the RS Factory rear lip. Fortunately, Woody was given a clean bill of health.Attachment 22208

The first retro touch was to "steal" the luggage rack from the boot lid of Sooty.Attachment 22209

The Cusco two point brace with brake cylinder stopper was soon transferred over to Sooty. Attachment 22210

That looks like a really clean example, and really love the colour! Got more pics of that RS Factory rear lip? I have the impression it will match my front just perfect ;)

RS Factory Front and Rear Lip Attachment 22211Attachment 22212

Wow! Beautiful NB. Makes me want to build one again.

Gorgeous color for the NB. Good luck with the build! Looking forward to seeing where you take it

The first run in the country confirmed that I don't need the drone from the Car Make Corns muffler.Attachment 22498

Swapped out the Car Make Corns for the X-Force muffler which is much more subdued.
The Beatrush PPF Power Plant Frame Brace has been removed as well.
The Torsen II will stay.
I'm not sure about the MCA Purples. Some days I don't mind them, some days they are too harsh.Attachment 22499

Turning to the interior, I've added a couple of basic I.L. Motorsport gauges. They aren't wired in yet. Attachment 22510

KG Works cluster with Jass Performance classic stainless steel gauge faces should add the classic touch.
Attachment 22511

In memory of my Heritage (2000 SE or 2000 Icon) depending on where you live, I had the roof replaced with a Robbins light tan.
Attachment 22512

Sadly the last 3 attachements do not work for me :(

Curious on the difference the PPF brace made. I have been contemplating installing mine for quite some time now.

I never tried the car on the track nor pushed hard. The previous owner had it fitted like so many track orientated upgrades.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HarryB

Curious on the difference the PPF brace made. I have been contemplating installing mine for quite some time now.

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I had a Beatrush PPF on Warbird, na8, and now have the Roadstersport PPF on Misfire, nb2, and I could definitely tell it made the drivetrain more stable(shifter moved less) and reduced wheel hop which is exactly what they are supposed to do but will increase "gear whine" from the rear end.

From Goodwin Racing's site:
"The RoadsterSport PPF brace is designed to reduce slop in the transmission by bracing the PPF against the rear subframe. This brace also improves traction by reducing wheel hop, a must for boosted applications. These braces are made in the USA from ultra light honeycomb aluminum for maximum strength and powder coated to last a lifetime.

Brian's Application Notes: Great mod for race cars, but for street cars, notice that you will pick up more gear whine because this item works by taking away much of the isolation effects of the bushings on the factory power plant frame."


Great looking NB sir! Always loved the color on the 00SE and almost picked up one but it got sold before I got to it. I guess this isn't the exact same color but very similar. Looking forward to seeing your progress! :drinkto:

New top looks sooo good. Compliments the red beautifully.

Will second how good and classy the colour combo works!

Chad thanks a lot about the explanation; I know how this is supposed to work, I was more wondering on the difference in NVH (or lack thereof) it makes. I have one that I am not really sure I want to install.

Very nice, very elegant. This Garnet Red is rare here and even though I'm not fond of red cars, this color really accentuates the NB styling very well. Thanks for the updates!