Poorman's Mr. Miato

[poormansporsche]

You're a ledge Demon! I've actually sorted it out with a set of Project-G poly windows with pop-out vents, which I truly love.

The second car I've ever owned was a 1988 Mazda 323. It had what I can only refer to as Wind Wings 2.0. The side HVAC vents also doubled as a vent from the windshield cowl pressures. It was like having your windows down only you can point the breeze someplace that made a difference. Plus you could use them in the rain. The old 323 was fantastic. It just felt like it wanted to be setup as a rally car. But I'm digressing.

Pop-out vents good. I'm struggling to find a photo of it. For now I've just installed the one. It looks more or less like this. Less black more green tho.






While I was there I also picked up a replacement upper shifter gasket, which was just utterly destroyed and held together with zipties.






So thought it prudent to replace it. My right hand is considerably cooler these days.





Project-G just has some really nice stuff. I couldn't help myself and also bought their dipstick handle as well. Mine was fully broken off. It's got a great solid feel to it.





I believe it was also around this time I ordered OEM replacement gauge cluster hood and tombstone.

I don't think I've seen an MX5 with an uncracked gauge cluster hood yet. Mine was also pretty banged up in addition to being a bit rattly.





And I thought about how tired I was of getting black smudge on my hands from the deteriorating steering wheel. So I bought a replacement Nardi 330 Deep Corn wheel (an authentic one). Is this maintenance? Well that's what I told the missus.





Then I installed that.


If I recall I used a short hub from Bell Works, I believe. Then I had to get an adapter because the hub is for Momo patterned wheels. So I picked up the adapter and it's a little far from the steering wheel now, but I've actually started to really enjoy it's placement.





It just feels right. I'm not a giant, so moving it back wasn't really the worst idea. I do find myself fumbling for the turn indicator in other cars now.


Dirty mother... The shift knob is got this weird tar around it. It's the OEM Nardi knob and someone tried to fix it by putting silicon around the rubber bit. However, in the heat it looks to have started to sag and really, the clear coat on it is pulling away from the wood. That'll never do. Unfortunately, I did't really want to pay for a replacement at the time. (See username)

I bought a cue ball and had it drilled and tapped for M10x1.25 it's got a great vintage race car look but also fits well in the hand and has a bit more weight. Gear throws feel a tad smoother than before.





I think I also did the plugs and and plug wires about this point as well. Though, I was sad to find out my valve cover gasket appeared to be failing. Cylinder 4 had a ton of oil around the plug. So that'll be replaced soon. Then it sounds like a hamster has taken up residence in my dash and started a workout regimen on his wheel. So I think the speedo cable is due for replacement. A bit nervous to take out the gauge hood again. They're about as reliable as moving Ikea furniture. They can only be assembled once.

Overall, it's nicely coming together. I can't say that it has changed all that much. It was already a great driving experience. But the upcoming installs should make it a bit more exciting.

cheers

poorman