'92 Miata: Budget Project Car

Postby **Huzer** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:14

I suppose I should probably take "budget" out of the thread title, now.

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:14

what's a budget?

kingtut · Postby **kingtut** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 9:14

RX-7 Chris wrote:what's a budget?

Do things always need to have a budget Chris? I mean, can't we just consider this to be an unlimited expenditure? Don't be a negative Nancy..please. Let's just take a step back and watch Huzer make it rain.

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 9:14

I'm just waiting for a little rain to fall my way.

Postby **Huzer** » Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:14

My coworker keeps trying to talk me out of a V8 and going turbo instead.

Saul_Good · Postby **Saul_Good** » Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:14

NA is best for that long running, low motor stress. I admit the v8 might change the characteristics of the behavior of the Miata, but 400whp reliable, consistent power > a stressed 1.6L turbo motor that will add complexity to make it run lap/run after run without issue. Both are fun tho, but I choose what will keep me on the road/track longer.

EDIT: I want this swap http://www.superfastmiatas.com or this one http://www.kmiata.com

roninsoldier83 · Postby **roninsoldier83** » Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:14

If it were me, I would drop a fresh 1.8L in it. Maybe pickup a set of aftermarket rods/pistons & build it over time as your budget allows. Fresh seals, bearings, studs ect.

After that I would likely put a Rotrex supercharger on it. The Rotrex won't make the same mid-range torque that you'll get out of a turbo, but as a bonus, it won't make nearly as much heat either. It's also more simplistic, lighter and has the ability to run an air-to-air intercooler just like a turbo. If you look at charge temperatures (BAT's), you'll see why a lot of the track junkie guys recommend the Rotrex (i.e. Kraftwerks).

With a turbo setup, you always see the same issue come up with the Miata guys: heat management. Larger radiators, oil coolers, extra ducting and inconel studs are a must. The guys running Rotrex setups seem to be more reliable on the track from what I've read; other than maybe the occasional belt slip issue?!?

Another option would be running an Eaton MP62 supercharger, which would likely be a lot of fun on the street! But, since most of the kits left on the market are cold-side kits (replace your factory intake manifold), they're difficult to intercool and generally have significantly higher BAT's vs a Rotrex at the same boost level. Boost off of idle would be nice, but the Rotrex *should* in theory be the more reliable track setup.

I guess this is assuming you're planning on tracking the car when everything is said and done... I'm making an assumption based on the roll bar, harness, suspension & wheels/tires! If this is going to be a street or autoX only car, I would vote turbo or MP62. For the track, Rotrex supercharger.

Just my $.02

Postby **Huzer** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 9:14

On a more "doable" note, I've decided to give a try at some fiberglass work. I'm going to blend in the rear finish panel to the surrounding body panels. I'm also going to add a bit of weatherstripping to the top of the finish panel (if it doesn't look hideous) as it doesn't seal quite like the stock taillights.

Anyone done fiberglass work before? It'll be my first shot at it. Stuff like this is why I bought the Miata, it's a fun trial and error car, and cheap enough that it doesn't bother me (too much) when/if things go wrong. I still need to splice in the back up light for the new tail light set up as well.

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 9:14

I've done some fiberglass but it has been close to 10 years.

Postby **Huzer** » Mon Sep 01, 2014 9:14

I ordered the bushings (poly. Yes, poly.) They should be here Wednesday. In prep for that, I pulled the rear suspension apart today but was too lazy to get to the fronts. The rear came apart easily, and the suspect bushing fell right out as I removed the arm. Now, I need to press the others out. Nothing was seized, and everything came out pretty easily.

Obligatory pics:

The bad one:

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Tue Sep 02, 2014 9:14

Did you have any issues getting them out? When I did mine it was a PIA even with a tool. I ended up having to burn out the majority of them but what a difference.

Postby **Huzer** » Tue Sep 02, 2014 9:14

I haven't pulled/burned the rest yet. That one just fell out. I'm not looking forward to it, to be honest.

Postby **Huzer** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 9:14

To go with the poly suspension bushings, ordered steering rack bushings as well. Sourced a driver's side fender (finally!) and hope to have a fun weekend in the garage. I'll get the rear suspension reassembled and see what I need for the front once I take it apart. I know I need boots, but everything else (tie rods, ends) seems good.

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 9:14

what brand poly are you going with?

Postby **Huzer** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 9:14

Energy for the control arms, Superpro for the steering rack.

'92 Miata: Budget Project Car

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