I Donated bucko3the7man Posted August 9, 2016 I Donated Share Posted August 9, 2016 Have this thread yet had a discussion on which gen miata was the best looking. My vote is still with the first. A modern Lotus Elan. NB1 has my vote. NC is definitely out, and NA has its place. ND doesn't look like a miata as much anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laz Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 @kartracerboy Yes the NA is the best followed by the ND, then NB and NC being the ugliest. --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KartRacerBoy Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 I would rate them as NA first, NC, ND, and last NB (bland) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris GTO TT Posted August 9, 2016 Author Share Posted August 9, 2016 Speak for yourself but I think NB2 looks great with basically wheels and a mild drop where as the NA needs all that along with at least the R-Package lips to look good. 2003 Baja 5MT 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium w/Eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 NA first. I used to hate the NC, but the NC3 (13-15) has really grown on me since we've had ours. With wide wheels/tires IMHO it looks really good. NB is 3rd for me, and I don't like the ND at all. To me the styling looks really forced, and the whole car looks 'pinched', especially the back. I got to see the new 'Fiata' while at FM, and IMHO, it's MUCH better looking than the ND. Too bad it's heavier, and has some other issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KartRacerBoy Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 I'm confused about the ND. I thought there was a roof panel that could close up the roof so it was essentially a coupe.Or you could drive it as a targa, or convertible. Am I wrong about that? If I am, then I agree with you, rodan. What a silly exercise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 The 'targa' section of the roof folds down (with the rear window), but the supporting 'butresses' stay up. It's either a hardtop, or targa. And you can't operate the rear window independently of the 'targa' roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KartRacerBoy Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 Yeah. That is stupid. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 Some slight progress on the NA today. Pulled the intake manifold apart, cleaned and re-assembled it. Also cut off the support bracket (automatic forearm slicer), which should make oil changes easier. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2296_zpsupl5hg4q.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2297_zpsavzjaplr.jpg This is the last part of the 'new' engine that needed cleaning. Now back to the wiring harness... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05pearl Posted August 21, 2016 Share Posted August 21, 2016 Have this thread yet had a discussion on which gen miata was the best looking. My vote is still with the first. A modern Lotus Elan. I like my NB MSM http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy304/dskrafsur/Pic.1_zpsbwin6cn3.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris GTO TT Posted August 21, 2016 Author Share Posted August 21, 2016 I should really pull the intake manifold on my VVT motor and clean it too. I hear it helps a lot. 2003 Baja 5MT 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium w/Eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 Scored some PCI seat brackets on another forum... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2298_zpsinel82sj.jpg I keep picking up parts here and there that don't really contribute to finishing the swap, but will be needed eventually. Puts a dent in the budget as well, but it's hard to pass up a good price on stuff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris GTO TT Posted August 26, 2016 Author Share Posted August 26, 2016 That reminds me I need to find a harness and install the seat I bought. 2003 Baja 5MT 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium w/Eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KartRacerBoy Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 This reminds me that I need to get a house after my divorce is final with a three car garage. Even if the house is only 750 sq ft. The garage must be larger! I actually had a neighbor who was a cardiac surgeon who built a new house and his garage had more sq ft than his house to fit his 17 Packards. I suggested in his wife's presence that the garage should be even bigger since he was sure to acquire new Packards. His wife got apoplectic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 This reminds me that I need to get a house after my divorce is final with a three car garage. Even if the house is only 750 sq ft. The garage must be larger! I actually had a neighbor who was a cardiac surgeon who built a new house and his garage had more sq ft than his house to fit his 17 Packards. I suggested in his wife's presence that the garage should be even bigger since he was sure to acquire new Packards. His wife got apoplectic. Anyone remember the Valvoline "car guys" commercial that pans down the street past your typical suburban houses... and then there's one with 6 car garage, and no house, just a tent on the lawn... The garage can never (and never will be) be big enough... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KartRacerBoy Posted August 26, 2016 Share Posted August 26, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris GTO TT Posted August 26, 2016 Author Share Posted August 26, 2016 Yeah my wife and I are sorta looking out for the next house and it has to have at least a 3 car garage. 2003 Baja 5MT 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium w/Eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Plodding along... Last few weeks have been frustrating... 1st had to fix the AC in the tow beast, which had quit 15 minutes from home on our Flyin' Miata trip. Fortunately, it was easy... just added a little R134 and replaced the pressure switch. I did end up buying a set of AC gauges and a vacuum pump to diagnose it, so I decided to fix the AC in our Bronco. The compressor had died 2 years ago, and I just never got around to it... So, a new compressor, accumulator, lines, etc. and I got that working as well, though it took two weekends to get it all sorted. Next was installing a set of gauges in the tow beast, as we're getting ready for a trip to Utah at the end of the month. That turned into a cluster... first, the tapped port I had planned to use for the EGT probe was literally welded shut after 230k miles, so I ended up pulling the exhaust apart and drilling/tapping the manifold. I was also ducking thunderstorms the whole time I was working on it, so every hour or so I would have to push all my tools in the garage and close everything up for 20-30 minutes of downpour. Turned a 4hr job into 1 1/2 days. I did get a good look at the turbo while I was in there, and things look pretty good considering it looks like it's the original turbo. So, now the truck is fully monitored, and everything is looking good. Back to the NA.... First, I mapped out the injector harness, which has to be installed with the intake off. Fortunately, I didn't have to modify it at all, so I put it back together, and installed the manifold. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2299_zps2la3vaje.jpg Next, I started working on the engine harness. I mapped everything, and there's still a few connectors it looks like I won't be using. I need to determine what a couple of them are, as they don't go to connectors on the engine, and obviously the chassis is different. I hope I don't go blind reading wiring diagrams! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris GTO TT Posted September 3, 2016 Author Share Posted September 3, 2016 Your engine looks so clean! Makes me jealous! 2003 Baja 5MT 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium w/Eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Don't be too jealous... I haven't driven mine since January! I figured out all the connectors on the engine harness so I can pull it back off and prune out what I don't need. Time to go back into the MS3 manuals and correlate everything to make sure I get the connections right. Once I have a wire count off the motor harness, I'll figure out a connector(s) to make pulling the motor a one or two plug process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris GTO TT Posted September 3, 2016 Author Share Posted September 3, 2016 That's true Also that is why I want a MS3 PnP 2003 Baja 5MT 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium w/Eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted September 5, 2016 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Got the engine harness pruned... here's my working area on my disaster of a workbench: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2303_zpsybyuaacm.jpg It's really fun having to work with wiring diagrams from both the 1992 and 2001 cars! Harness back on the engine... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2300_zpsgcnvhh35.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2301_zpsczd9krym.jpg I have not re-loomed the wires yet, have some sheathing coming to tidy things up. The extra long loop on the front is for the IAT sensor, which will go in the intake tube. I'm using the stock wires, but removed the connector, as I'll be using a GM IAT and connector to work with the MS3X. At the rear, somebody did some funky sh*t with the cam position sensor wiring. Looks like maybe rodents got to it, but there was no sign of that anywhere else. I'll be ordering a new connector for that as well.... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2302_zpshud9azvm.jpg This is pretty tedious work, but it's not rocket science. The nice thing is by the time it's done, I will have much more familiarity with the entire system and how everything works. PnP is a lot easier, but I think could actually be more challenging if you have to chase down problems. Now it's time to start researching milspec connectors.... 31 wires coming off the engine harness! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Trying to get a few minutes in on the car each day... Test fit the PCI brackets today. The driver's side requires "massaging" the trans tunnel with a BFH... took about 5 minutes. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2305_zpsymwzsgrc.jpg http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/RodanAZ/Miata/VVT%20swap/DSC_2306_zpskwjsdcu4.jpg Wire looming sleeve and tape should be here tomorrow... gotta love Amazon Prime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris GTO TT Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 What are your plans for a harness and install? I'll probably end up running MRLS with the stock seat and belt again this year, but really would like to install my seat and harness. Then look at getting a HANS. 2003 Baja 5MT 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium w/Eyesight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Safety is the main reason behind my decision to go full retard with the NA. Plan is for 6pt harness, HANS, and possibly a halo seat or full containment seat, and a full cage. I may stick with a normal seat and containment nets for streetability, not that it will be driven often on the street. I also have some design ideas for the cage that will keep top down street driving more enjoyable. With the previous setup, I had 4pt harness, mostly because the seats didn't have the holes for the sub belts, and I wasn't happy with that, 'cause I know it's not a good setup. Lap belt bolts into stock points, shoulder belts over harness bar on rollbar. The PCI mounts have built in mounting points for the sub belts, so I'm all set once I pick a seat. There's a good thread on MT.net on safety, but it kind of devolves into two options: on the street, stock belts and airbag or ZOMG! You're gonna die!!! or on track, 6pt harness, cage, HANS, full containment seat or ZOMG! You're gonna die!!!! I'm not really that dogmatic about it. I think a Sunday driver with a cage and harness is doable, and I think you can survive HPDE without a HANS. You just have to accept that it's not perfect, but nothing is. Hell, I ride a motorcycle, so I know all about risk mitigation and acceptance... Either way, I'm not sure of the efficacy of 25 year old stock restraints, so anything should be an improvement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now