I HAS A MIATA!

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Wed Oct 07, 2015 10:12 am

HHHHNNNNGGGGGG

OK, so first let me apologize in advance. I have NO idea where one is meant to post "intro" threads, and I intend to keep it semi-updated... Kinda like a build thread! OK no, definitely like a build thread e.e

So anyway, myself and a mate decided we both wanted to get into motorsport, and figured that the best way to get there would be to split costs and build a racecar together. We both agreed that an mx5 would be the smartest option because they're small, cheap, easy to maintain, HUGE support base, and look absolutely silly!
A few months ago, however, my friend had a few personal issues which resulted in me buying his half and thus, becoming the sole owner of this Hairdressing lord.

Meet Loki!
He's a 1.6 na that I've been told is a spec v, but not sure....
Purchased with some frontal damage for a steal, have since fixed up to a running standard, but still not quite warrantable..

ATM the car is more or less stock, the exceptions being
1.8 brake upgrade
LSD (yet to be installed, been told it's a torsion but really got no idea)
mazdaspeed damper adjustable struts

Due to the fact that this cars intended purpose is full time racing, It would be absolutely awesome to get some advice from anyone in the know about what to do to better this little beast.
Going to be picking up some RPF1's with descent rubber tomorrow, and cage will be going in shortly too (just need to talk to said human to confirm when this will happen)
I'm a bit stumped RE what bracing SHOULD be installed to make the car as rigid as possible. Obviously for a racecar, handling,brakes, tyres come first before I even look at power.

soo yea.. sorry for the long read, i'm a damp sponge just itching to soak up as much info as I can!

Looking forward to meeting you all! Though some of you I've already met, through parts, and gymkhana (blue legacy

))

TL:DR - got an mx5 track project, and i'm a noob. halp pls

Cant upload photos because apparently I need to make 2 posts.. HAH! GHEYYYYYYY

biff · Post by **biff** » Wed Oct 07, 2015 12:41 pm

Hi Loki
Welcome, I don't race but I'm sure the team will give you all the help you
may need (plus some extra)
Best to ask questions, and as you say, heaps of support, so Google is your
best friend, just get your hum into gear.
Your human is going to be busy reading

(he may even be able to find some pictures)
Good luck and have fun
Biff
Red 89

PS What colour is it??

-----Original Message-----
From: Loki
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2015 10:12 AM
To: mx5talk@mx5forum.co.nz
Subject: [MX5] I HAS A MIATA!

HHHHNNNNGGGGGG

OK, so first let me apologize in advance. I have NO idea where one is meant
to post "intro" threads, and I intend to keep it semi-updated... Kinda like
a build thread! OK no, definitely like a build thread e.e

So anyway, myself and a mate decided we both wanted to get into motorsport,
and figured that the best way to get there would be to split costs and build
a racecar together. We both agreed that an mx5 would be the smartest option
because they're small, cheap, easy to maintain, HUGE support base, and look
absolutely silly!
A few months ago, however, my friend had a few personal issues which
resulted in me buying his half and thus, becoming the sole owner of this
Hairdressing lord.

Meet Loki!
He's a 1.6 na that I've been told is a spec v, but not sure....
Purchased with some frontal damage for a steal, have since fixed up to a
running standard, but still not quite warrantable..

ATM the car is more or less stock, the exceptions being
1.8 brake upgrade
LSD (yet to be installed, been told it's a torsion but really got no idea)
mazdaspeed damper adjustable struts

Due to the fact that this cars intended purpose is full time racing, It
would be absolutely awesome to get some advice from anyone in the know about
what to do to better this little beast.
Going to be picking up some RPF1's with descent rubber tomorrow, and cage
will be going in shortly too (just need to talk to said human to confirm
when this will happen)
I'm a bit stumped RE what bracing SHOULD be installed to make the car as
rigid as possible. Obviously for a racecar, handling,brakes, tyres come
first before I even look at power.

soo yea.. sorry for the long read, i'm a damp sponge just itching to soak up
as much info as I can!

Looking forward to meeting you all! Though some of you I've already met,
through parts, and gymkhana (blue legacy

))

TL:DR - got an mx5 track project, and i'm a noob. halp pls

Cant upload photos because apparently I need to make 2 posts.. HAH!
GHEYYYYYYY

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

[Posted via external email]

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Wed Oct 07, 2015 2:11 pm

biff wrote:Hi Loki
Welcome, I don't race but I'm sure the team will give you all the help you
may need (plus some extra)
Best to ask questions, and as you say, heaps of support, so Google is your
best friend, just get your hum into gear.
Your human is going to be busy reading
(he may even be able to find some pictures)
Good luck and have fun
Biff
Red 89

PS What colour is it??

Brittish racing green with a red front bumper

yea, it's a read... i'm terrible with keeping stuff short LOL

Keith Jones · Post by **Keith Jones** » Wed Oct 07, 2015 9:18 pm

Hi Loki
Welcome to the world of MX5s.
I have been racing MX5s for the last 12 years. Originally a turbo 1600 and now a normally aspirated 1800.
The first question you need to ask yourself before getting stuck into modding your car is "what class am I going to race in?", as different classes allow/restrict different things, eg. 2kCup is much more restrictive than Classic Japanese.
Where do you live?
If it's around Auckland you are welcome to come and have a look at my car and have a chat.
There is also a race meeting on at Pukekohe on 16 Oct where there should be several MX5s.

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:25 am

Keith Jones wrote: The first question you need to ask yourself before getting stuck into modding your car is "what class am I going to race in?", as different classes allow/restrict different things, eg. 2kCup is much more restrictive than Classic Japanese.

Heya, I had looked at the 2k cup but dont really think i'd be elligable as I've since stripped the car and (to my knowledge) my mates thrown out the trim. Will need to double check.
had exchanged a few words with auckland car club about a couple events and classic jap/ production series seem to be a good start.

car atm is just a 1600, and being perfectly honest I'd liiiike to keep it na, but it'll probably end up with either an 1800 swap or +t'd. Not looking at power atm

Keith Jones wrote: Where do you live?
If it's around Auckland you are welcome to come and have a look at my car and have a chat.
There is also a race meeting on at Pukekohe on 16 Oct where there should be several MX5s.

Yep, im on the shore. Would be great to meet up / have a chat if you're up for it!!
RE the meet, unfortunately all my cars are not road worthy atm for various reasons. Don't suppose you know when the next one is?

Donovan · Post by **Donovan** » Thu Oct 08, 2015 8:05 pm

for 2KCup you can strip out some of the interior if you have a full rollcage fitted, and being a softtop you are supposed to have some sort of roll protection in place.

I can't remember what bit of the interior you can remove, think carpet and door cards maybe, still have to leave the dash in place.

Plus the car has to be supposedly purchased for under 2K. You are allowed to change the brake fluid, and brake pads, but not the calipers unless it was the same chassis type. If NB 1.8 calipers, then not sure, might get away with it, as I seem to remember that you were allowed to run the 15" wheels that the NB uses.

evel · Post by **evel** » Thu Oct 08, 2015 8:23 pm

heres some good braces to look at as 1600 have next to none.

https://www.flyinmiata.com/fm-butterfly ... 90-97.html
https://www.flyinmiata.com/frog-arms.html

Also look at doing all your bushes and engine and diff mounts. And get some grunty sway bars.

http://949racing.com/Supermiata-motor-mount.aspx
https://www.flyinmiata.com/complete-pol ... na-nb.html

MrGrey · Post by **MrGrey** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 5:23 am

Welcome to the family Loki

glad you finally joined us

You will find the people here know their stuff and are super helpful

incase you were wondering, yes, its me, Steve... hello

*waves*

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 4:38 pm

Donovan wrote: Plus the car has to be supposedly purchased for under 2K. You are allowed to change the brake fluid, and brake pads, but not the calipers unless it was the same chassis type. If NB 1.8 calipers, then not sure, might get away with it, as I seem to remember that you were allowed to run the 15" wheels that the NB uses.

If that's the case then im a tad screwed, car was purchsed for WELL under 2k, but i've upgraded to 1.8 brakes etc.. perhaps CJS would suit better!
Also looking at permanently removing the softtop and getting a hardtop thrown in. I've been told there's a group in Hamilton that produce FG shells that are a fraction of the weight.

Thanks @evel!! I shall take a squizz now!!

MrGrey wrote:Welcome to the family Loki glad you finally joined us
You will find the people here know their stuff and are super helpful

incase you were wondering, yes, its me, Steve... hello
*waves*

Yeeessss I know it's you!! Just as i'm well aware you know who i am *cough300zxcough*

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 4:44 pm

Now that I can (hopefully) upload photos

Proposed the race life to little Loki this morning...

OHH too exciting!

MrGrey · Post by **MrGrey** » Sun Oct 11, 2015 10:43 am

it almost looks like you are bowling

Keith Jones · Post by **Keith Jones** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 5:18 pm

A good cage will do wonders to stiffen the car up, particularly if it's a full cage. Even a rear hoop with side intrusion bars and a harness bar will made a big difference.
The next ACJS meeting after 17 Oct is 16 Nov, at Puke again.

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:31 am

Yea, its getting a fullcage installed thankfully

after some more investigation, I think it's safe to say that the shocks in the car are somewhat buggered, so gotta start saving up for some coilovers. What are everyones opinion on some competitive shocks?

Bear in mind that this car will only be driven on the track

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:44 am

Yea, its getting a fullcage installed thankfully

after some more investigation, I think it's safe to say that the shocks in the car are somewhat buggered, so gotta start saving up for some coilovers. What are everyones opinion on some competitive shocks?

Bear in mind that this car will only be driven on the track

Donovan · Post by **Donovan** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 9:55 pm

I have a set of Tein Super Strut coilovers, with damper adjustment if you are looking for a cheap set of shocks.

Papamoeziz · Post by **Papamoeziz** » Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:15 pm

That is a sweet looking little car you've got there. I also decided with a mate to get a car to go racing with. After him losing a bet we were set to buy miatas. He is yet to come on board but I have mine, and it is so much fun racing. I recommend Hampton downs, they have a track day every month and I'm there almost everyone. I drive a black hardtop one with a halfcage.

If you're down at the track come say hi! [/img]

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 3:55 pm

Hey Papamoeziz:

Yea I certainly will do!

i'm aiming for the car to be mechanically ready by december. that way I have a few months to get some much needed practice for AJCS next year (time to up the power too)

He wont look like much for a while, but will certainly love to meet as many miata racers at possible!

Papamoeziz · Post by **Papamoeziz** » Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:28 pm

Nice! Who are you getting to put in the cage? I'm thinking about pulling mine off the road around Xmas to turbo it, or maybe buying some r888's for it, Time will tell.

And it's not about the looks, it's about how many people you decimate in a hairdressers car!!

Donovan · Post by **Donovan** » Tue Nov 17, 2015 5:15 pm

Papamoeziz wrote: And it's not about the looks, it's about how many people you decimate in a hairdressers car!!

OOOOHH, someone with the same train of thought as me, it don't go on my car unless it makes it go faster

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 5:43 pm

Getting Ray Chubb to install the cage, so far its coming along very nicely!
there was a little delay as we were using my car as a template for a few other racecars we were building.. but all done and finally lokis time to shine!

yea he wont look like much the first few months while I get the thing handling the way I want. Thinking of perhaps doing a rotary swap, as its no longer eligible for a lot of the cups haha. we'll see.
Do have its theme all drafted out though for when its ready

Papamoeziz · Post by **Papamoeziz** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 6:18 pm

Nice, I'm the same, got a style I wanna do once the funds allow for some stickers. Got a little carried away last week however, and went and bought a racecar. So now I have 2 miatas......

Sadly I can't post pictures foR some reason.

As for a rotary, sweet idea, my mate has the silver NB and that's pretty nuts.

Loki · Post by **Loki** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:13 am

Been a while since posting!
had a little down time recently due to a couple of issues, the most entertaining being somersaulting my motorbike on scenic drive earlier this year!

So now, 6 months on the car is more or less ready to go, but due to wanting to keep the vehicle street legal I need to source out a couple of things, including materials best used as door card replacements, and perspex or any other plastic to replace the windows with

Does anyone have experience in fabrication of either of these? or what materials are best to use? The OEM door cards have long gone and the dash will eventually fall to the same fate due to weighing almost that of a small truck. It would be great to see what others have done to get around this!

There's also a small list of things I need that would be immensely appreciated if anyone can help

These are all for a '90 1.6

- Front windscreen
- rear garnish plate (colour doesnt matter)
- 1.6 lsd
- windscreen wipers

will be posting this to the facebook pages too in hopes of something popping up, but in absolutely NO rush!!

Thanks all!!

Keith Jones · Post by **Keith Jones** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 12:12 pm

Good to hear things are still moving along.
There are lots of different materials that you could use for the door cards. Most racers use aluminium as it easy to work with and is cheap. Alternatively hardboard or ABS sheet will work. It depends how you intend to finish it - painted or material covered.
Replacing side windows can be an issue. Lexan is usually the material of choice as it is shatter and scratch resistant. The main problem is that the window glass is curved, and while Lexan and other polycarbonates can be shaped with heat they are much more flexible than glass so it is difficult to maintain a seal against the hood. In the old days it would have been possible to make up a frame to contain a fixed Lexan window, but this is no longer permissible under MSNZ rules, windows must be "fitted as per their original mounting method".
You can easily change the small quarter windows for Lexan.
With regard to the dash, check the rules for the race series you intend to run in before you do anything. You mentioned earlier that you were looking at ACJS. This series requires the OEM dash (or at least a full width one) to be fitted. Actually the stock MX5 dash can be significantly lightened without losing too much of the OEM appearance.

Keith Jones · Post by **Keith Jones** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 12:29 pm

Picture of the dash in my old car.

Papamoeziz · Post by **Papamoeziz** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 12:30 pm

I've seen you lurking on the facebook pages! Personally ive got 2mm ABS sheet for the doorcards, which i plan on replacing with the carbon fibre (for looks, not for weight). But id say its probably easiest to get some standard doorcards and just pull off the handles etc, and make up a dummy knob for closing the door.

I've still got ALL my dash (but binned the AC, replaced with the joiner pipe), because i figure i can just keep adding power

. I think a fully naked car is ugly as sin, and you need no sharp objects if you plan on having passengers, so id remove everything behind the dash and keep the dash itself. Once again personally, i've kept the heater so if for some reason i need a LITTLE more coolant in the system to HOPEFULLY give me that extra 10s before i cook a motor (and for efficient demisting).

With windows, go lexan/polycarb, NOT perspex. But most of your weight is in window motors (if you have them), so is it really worth it? If you're going that far, what about removing the sound deadening, unneeded wiring, control circuits, cutting the doors apart, removing the lock mechanisms etc etc etc. I'm not trying to be a downer, but if you're going all this way, make it a full racecar, compromise makes you SLOW.

One good way to go is to go get your race licence and get it an authority card. Then it can be reasonably street legal, but full racecar.

If you're down in hamilton hit me up, and come have a look at how I've done mine, i figure its the best of both worlds. (i.e slower, but practical)

I HAS A MIATA!

I HAS A MIATA!

I HAS A MIATA!

Re: I HAS A MIATA!

Who is online