Well, finally got around to getting some pictures after I cleaned the car up and finished the suspension/wheels install. Not overly pleased with the results(the pictures). I grabbed the wrong lens for the camera and didn't have the benefit of image stabilization, and the lighting wasn't the best. So now that I got the excuses out of the way here are some pictures. Followed by a few posts about the suspension, sway bar, wheels/tires and the setup. I'm going to drive this for a while and enjoy it before I do much else with it. Looking to maybe grab a 4 wheel big brake kit, finish up some gauge installs and that would probably be all for this year. Took some pictures with top up and then top down, sorry no hardtop pictures. So, enjoy the pictures.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0013TU_zpsmknlc8lv.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0064TU_zpskrh7pwez.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0120TU_zpssliaqylq.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0147TU_zpszyxdzqnz.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0154TU_zpsf0zzo883.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0164TU_zpslwjwyfsv.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0213TU_zpsnlyyujd4.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0241TU_zpsihrqtphd.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0272TU_zps7qbp4m8g.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0273TU_zps5fgcnder.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0276TU_zpsdjxbieab.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0283TU_zpswrenjx1q.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0309TU_zpscuyzodee.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0331TU_zpsrtywqnnl.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0341TU_zpstt63cbp7.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0379TU_zpsfekbnlis.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0395TU_zpsbh0iill9.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0411TU_zpsqb069myx.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0421TU_zpstybbzxly.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0425TU_zpscz2gvmrm.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/10AE%20Miata%20Shoot/DSC_0427TU_zps5678fw6y.jpg)
This was a happy day, when I got all the stuff dropped off from Flyin Miata.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150430_174045_zps7f67e0dr.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150430_174230_zpssopkeenb.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150430_174406_zps9rmvqfv9.jpg)
Fairly light for a 15x9
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150430_174717_zpsqlr7wpmn.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150430_174729_zps7bd2mfnx.jpg)
And what I started with. I'm NOT a fan of chrome wheels and these are some doozies. The finish, coupled with their narrow and sunk in nature just made the car look horrible. The ground effects just exaggerated the issue. Other than the day I drove the car home, it was straight to the garage she went and off to the internet to spend some money.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150517_165538_zps6rjgj4y3.jpg)
Adjustable V-Maxx's
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150517_165814_zpssjwpxkf6.jpg)
The contents of FM's suspension kit. Coilovers, wrenches, Sway bars and bushings. Easy to unpack, slightly more work to put in.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150517_170223_zpscywioczw.jpg)
Getting started
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150517_172308_zps6aq0cuie.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150517_172700_zpsrmdys9d0.jpg)
The fronts aren't too bad, you have to remove the upper a-arm(or atleast I found it easier that way) and pull it out with the shock.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150524_175415_zpsp2ywuruz.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150524_175421_zps86scl4vx.jpg)
Here she is after the coilovers are in and after a preliminary ride height setting. Already looking better.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150525_161010_zpsdei9ym34.jpg)
Though the wheel gap has made a visual improvement, width still is a major issue. With the stock wheels I can see the desire to pull off the rocker extensions.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150525_161017_zpsipqdlbbp.jpg)
Horrible
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150525_161024_zpskksaa8h4.jpg)
Ughh
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150525_161034_zpsn6aamaqd.jpg)
Ride height, car still has it's hard candy shell(hardtop).
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150525_161132_zpsbrh99pyn.jpg)
With the ride height set, and everything checked over and torqued down it was time for some fun.
Set up on pads with the scales, ready to go.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150613_151344_zpsa4s26ggp.jpg)
Checked the weight out prior to adding driver ballast. Hardtop was removed at this point.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150613_153245_zpskmcxz5dv.jpg)
2394 isn't too bad, considering the roughly 30-40 lbs that supercharger kit probably adds, roll bar must be another 15-30. Car had about 51% cross weight, so surely adding the drivers weight would require some adjustment. On my last miata I did not do any adjusting beyond ride height(I didn't have scales at the time) and it still handled very well. I'm hoping that even adressing this will be somewhat beneficial.
I added ballast, and was able to dial the cross weight back down to around %51(actually slight below at 50.8). I was very pleased with this.
So with the car set up and the perches tightened down I rechecked all my torques on the suspension components. Everything was good. Time to put on the new shoes.
Slight difference from stock.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150613_171406_zpsrpsbaw1p.jpg)
Much better looking.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150613_175411_zpsd4mzbzry.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150613_175417_zpsu5xegopi.jpg)
Filling out those fenders, this was the best change over stock, IMO.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150525_161024_zpskksaa8h4.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150613_175431_zpsc2i9wxpy.jpg)
Rear
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150525_161034_zpsn6aamaqd.jpg)
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150613_175445_zps8m4vx03i.jpg)
And lastly it was onto setting the Front and Rear Camber and Toe. Got it back up on my pads and threw my home made slip plates(greasebags) under the tires.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150614_144325_zps6lumm92t.jpg)
Set up the strings and proceeded to take my measurements and make my adjustments.
(http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp273/FlatBlackCaddy/Miata%2010AE/20150614_163625_zpsi6q8csze.jpg)
After checking everything, rechecking, checking again, getting a drink of water and then triple checking all my measurements(got to love OCD) I was ready to go.
:lol:
God damn photobucket resized them.
That looks like a riot to drive!
Niiiiice. :rockon:
Nice!
Was it corner balanced? It looks like the left is higher than the right side, so I figured it was to balance out your (fat?) ass. :devil: :lol:
Car looks good not slammed. I need to unslam mine.
Jesus that's the best looking NB I've ever seen
Quote from: thecarnut on June 22, 2015, 12:16:16 PM
Nice!
Was it corner balanced? It looks like the left is higher than the right side, so I figured it was to balance out your (fat?) ass. :devil: :lol:
Car looks good not slammed. I need to unslam mine.
Yes, it was balanced. I'm surprised you can see the difference. The ride height measurements barely vary by much more than a 1/16 of an inch.
As for the ride height, I kind of thought of lowering it a bit more(specifically in the rear). It's set just a bit under FM's suggestions. My last one was lower, and it would rub driving on and off the lift. This car doesn't rub, and after a blast down some of the really rougher roads around here it had not issues as far as bottoming out. Something that my last miata(lower) would do on occasion.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on June 22, 2015, 12:19:36 PM
Jesus that's the best looking NB I've ever seen
I feel the same way, once I got those rims on and the ride height set I couldn't stop looking at it.
I'm very lucky, I would have never gotten this car if the dealer didn't turn down my offer for that 01 Green NB that I was dead set on buying. In the end I wouldn't budge(neither would they), and this is the end result.
My how the stars just align sometimes.
I really love this color, I'm a blue pearl fan and this is a very nice color. Looks great on the NB body IMO.
I dug my gopro out the other night and charged it up, I'll try to get some video this week/weekend and put it up. Really love the whine this thing makes.
I'd lower it. :lol:
But it looks fucking good dude.
Quote from: 68_427 on June 22, 2015, 12:31:04 PM
I'd lower it. :lol:
But it looks fucking good dude.
Since I already did all the weight setup and then wanted to lower it more I just decided to leave it(for now). That's too much work to redo the day after you finished it. I will probably readjust and fine tune ride height at a later date when I have some more time on my hands(winter).
True. I only adjusted damping since my coilover install.
That is a FANTASTIC looking Miata. Muchas congratulaciones. Should be a blast to drive, even as slow as it is. :evildude:
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 22, 2015, 04:58:37 PM
That is a FANTASTIC looking Miata. Muchas congratulaciones. Should be a blast to drive, even as slow as it is. :evildude:
You can't even make the slow joke, though, because SC. :wub:
Quote from: thecarnut on June 22, 2015, 05:55:14 PM
You can't even make the slow joke, though, because SC. :wub:
It has to be making a whooping 195HP........... :stirspot:
Wow, nice.
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on June 22, 2015, 07:17:22 PM
It has to be making a whooping 195HP........... :stirspot:
Obviously you would prefer it to have twice as much horsepower.
And twice as much weight.
And be half as good looking.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 22, 2015, 07:51:58 PM
Obviously you would prefer it to have twice as much horsepower.
And twice as much weight.
And be half as good looking.
The G8 is a looker....... Kinda like Brad Pitt or Denzel Washington! The Miata is cute. Kinda Like a Kitten Meme........
What kind of bike is that in the background?
Car looks good, BTW.
2011 Ninja 650R
That looks awesome. Makes me fall in love with the NB all over again.
You're what... not even $15,000 into this? Why do people buy new cars again???
Fantastic. You have inspired me sir.
What's the S/C good for?
Can I just rig a bunch of these to the engine of my Miata?
(https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/Ws4Esw.8BSFlGAwDzBStog--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9MzM0O3E9OTU7dz0zODA-/http://www.itgeekblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/compressed-air.jpg)
:lol:
Nice car. Does it have a V8?
Quote from: Rockraven on June 22, 2015, 09:12:17 PM
You're what... not even $15,000 into this? Why do people buy new cars again???
Fantastic. You have inspired me sir.
Probably not even 13k, these really are the best bang for the buck, imo. Hell even picking up a clean na and doing some light suspension mods and bolting a turbo kit on it should be doable for under 10k.
Quote from: Laconian on June 22, 2015, 10:35:43 PM
What's the S/C good for?
I think they used to advertise them as 200hp. So about a 50hp (30 percent) increase. Doesn't sound like much but it's a huge difference over stock when you are behind the wheel. Sadly you can't get much more power out of them. There might be a flyin miata turbo kit in this cars future.
gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so jealous, take some curves for me
That is incredible bang for the buck, really. Too bad these Miatas are not available here (only the NC is).
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 23, 2015, 11:17:37 AM
That is incredible bang for the buck, really. Too bad these Miatas are not available here (only the NC is).
Never knew that you guys didn't get the miata's down there.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 23, 2015, 11:53:00 AM
Never knew that you guys didn't get the miata's down there.
Can't tow a lawn mower
Quote from: 68_427 on June 23, 2015, 11:57:13 AM
Can't tow a lawn mower
Doesn't meet the required minimum passenger limit of 7 people.
Front tow points too weak to attach mule to.
Are you anywhere near COTA? Join us for our track day in that Miata in a month.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 23, 2015, 12:04:03 PM
Are you anywhere near COTA? Join us for our track day in that Miata in a month.
I don't know where COTA is, but I doubt I'm anywhere near it. I'm up in Minnesota, so everything in pretty far from me.
Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't want me there. My jokes are worse and more frequent in real life than they are on the internet.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 23, 2015, 12:04:03 PM
Are you anywhere near COTA? Join us for our track day in that Miata in a month.
He's at least 1.5X farther away than you are.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 23, 2015, 12:23:05 PM
I don't know where COTA is, but I doubt I'm anywhere near it. I'm up in Minnesota, so everything in pretty far from me.
Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't want me there. My jokes are worse and more frequent in real life than they are on the internet.
Just outside Austin, TX
Just got my new gopro mount today, picked up a rollbar clamp mount for the miata. Also dug out my gtech pro rr, i might try to get some 0-60 and some 0-60 (or 80) -0 just for shits and giggles.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 24, 2015, 08:44:35 PM
Just got my new gopro mount today, picked up a rollbar clamp mount for the miata. Also dug out my gtech pro rr, i might try to get some 0-60 and some 0-60 (or 80) -0 just for shits and giggles.
Post a short vid. I really want to hear this car.
That was the plan, I'll have something by the weekend to post.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 24, 2015, 08:55:22 PM
That was the plan, I'll have something by the weekend to post.
:rockon: thanks for supporting my vicarious Miata lifestyle :lol:
Here's a short video, it's not much. You can hear the supercharger a bit, but the wind noise drowns it out. It is much louder in person.
https://youtu.be/GAaFrDoFBIo (https://youtu.be/GAaFrDoFBIo)
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 30, 2015, 11:23:57 AM
Here's a short video, it's not much. You can hear the supercharger a bit, but the wind noise drowns it out. It is much louder in person.
https://youtu.be/GAaFrDoFBIo (https://youtu.be/GAaFrDoFBIo)
More hand brake and drift0 required.
No driftz, sorry Watanabe.
So at this point I'm pretty much set on converting over to a fmII turbo kit this winter.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 30, 2015, 11:23:57 AM
Here's a short video, it's not much. You can hear the supercharger a bit, but the wind noise drowns it out. It is much louder in person.
https://youtu.be/GAaFrDoFBIo (https://youtu.be/GAaFrDoFBIo)
:rockon:
I figured you would pick apart my pictures in the op, considering the quick detail job i did.
;)
Would have uploaded the other 15 minutes of that video, but it's just a bunch of the same old thing. It's a great road, worth the drive over to Wisconsin.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 30, 2015, 08:38:46 PM
I figured you would pick apart my pictures in the op, considering the quick detail job i did.
;)
Nah, man, it looks great in the pictures! I applaud you for Doing It Yourself. :rockon:
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 30, 2015, 08:44:14 PM
Would have uploaded the other 15 minutes of that video, but it's just a bunch of the same old thing. It's a great road, worth the drive over to Wisconsin.
That does look like a nice road. I was down in Wisconsin for a bachelor party a few weeks ago and a few of the roads I took to get to the spot were pretty sweet and similar to that. Nice long (fast) turns, good corner visibility, lots of slight elevation changes, etc. But, I was in Truck. :lol:
Quote from: giant_mtb on June 30, 2015, 08:57:57 PM
That does look like a nice road. I was down in Wisconsin for a bachelor party a few weeks ago and a few of the roads I took to get to the spot were pretty sweet and similar to that. Nice long (fast) turns, good corner visibility, lots of slight elevation changes, etc. But, I was in Truck. :lol:
Ive run the old f150 down some of my signature back roads. The results were, hilarious, to say the least.
Quote from: giant_mtb on June 30, 2015, 08:55:45 PM
Nah, man, it looks great in the pictures! I applaud you for Doing It Yourself. :rockon:
If you were closer I'd rather pay a pro, but i can muddle my way through it.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 30, 2015, 09:07:21 PM
If you were closer I'd rather pay a pro, but i can muddle my way through it.
You appear to have done a fine job. Interior looks great, too. What products/processes did you use on the paint?
I just used a menzerna polish i had laying around with a ccs soft polish pad. Then 2 coats of collinite concours wax.
Nice. Never used a Menzerna. Seems like quality stuff, though.
Quote from: giant_mtb on June 30, 2015, 09:25:48 PM
Nice. Never used a Menzerna. Seems like quality stuff, though.
It's good, but the new(ish) 3m stuff is just as good. I have a few menzerna products that i confiscated from the store.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on June 30, 2015, 08:07:11 PM
So at this point I'm pretty much set on converting over to a fmII turbo kit this winter.
why?
Quote from: HotRodPilot on July 14, 2015, 11:23:13 PM
why?
The jackson kit is good for around 200HP at the crank. It's non intercooled. You can buy an intercooler for them(around 1500 bucks) or obviously fab one up with a universal and some piping. I've read on some forums that once you intercool them you introduce even more room between the throttle body and intake(throttle body is on the intercooler, on the exhaust side). This will increase the already common idle issues these kits have. Also, this unit is pretty much maxed(it's a M45, not the larger M62). After intercooling, messing with injectors and moving to a standalone(like a megasquirt) I'd be lucky to get 220-230HP out of this. Which frankly wouldn't be all that bad, but. My bigger concern is how this system currently on the car(which I would NOT intercool) would hold up on a track after a few laps. I'm guessing heatsoak and detonation would be an issue. On the street it's fine but I'd rather move over to a simpler and more robust(in general) turbocharger. And I'll get to make more power. :lol:
How much horsepower do you want?
Dont fuck up that nice Miata, you idiot.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on July 16, 2015, 12:20:52 AM
How much horsepower do you want?
If we are ever contacted by aliens, and if those aliens had been studying male American behavior, they would likely have two main questions.
"What is it with you dudes with horsepower and blow jobs?"
Quote from: HotRodPilot on July 16, 2015, 12:20:52 AM
How much horsepower do you want?
I don't want anything crazy, but the better reliability(with regards to the heat issues and track use) and a few extra HP would be nice.
I'd like 250-275HP, easily achievable with a turbo. The supercharger would never get me there.
Quote from: mzziaz on July 16, 2015, 12:53:39 AM
Dont fuck up that nice Miata, you idiot.
I don't "fuck up" anything.
A fast Miata is no longer a Miata. Call it something else.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on July 16, 2015, 12:47:43 PM
A fast Miata is no longer a Miata. Call it something else.
So what do you call a reliable BMW? :huh:
30 years old.
Quote from: thecarnut on July 16, 2015, 01:47:36 PM
So what do you call a reliable BMW? :huh:
A joint venture?
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on July 16, 2015, 12:47:43 PM
A fast Miata is no longer a Miata. Call it something else.
-1
still fun. still drivable. still sporty. still convertible.
200-250WHP/ton is a great power balance. Lot of epic cars are in that range (E46 M3, Cayman R, 996 GT3 etc)
You are not deploying much more on the street, or getting any more out of 1.8L with decent response
Quote from: thecarnut on July 16, 2015, 01:47:36 PM
So what do you call a reliable BMW? :huh:
The need has never arisen.
This thread is boring. You should give me your Miata and buy this:
http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcars/MAZDA/ROADSTER_COUPE/700100010330151125002/index.html (http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcars/MAZDA/ROADSTER_COUPE/700100010330151125002/index.html)
You're already used to the RHD thing, just add another to the stable.
Those are kind of neat, but too new to get in under our import laws. Plus, the miata is a roadster, it's half the reason(at least) that it is as great a car as it is.
What do you want with my miata? You had an opportunity to buy a great little japanese roadster, but you wanted a S2K instead.....:lol:
Meh. A few grand got me a better engine. That's how I view it :lol:
Update: I sold it.