94 Build... GT35R, RE Vmount and a whole lot more............ NOW WITH PISTONS!!
05-01-14, 05:26 PM
#926
you should fit 315s. I can fit a 295 with an in of clearance to the inside and 10mm to outside(fender lip folded no pull). I am going to 315 personally for a street tire soon and invision a slight pull of ~10mm to fully tuck the wheel and tire.
05-06-14, 02:06 PM
#927
That of course, will come after I get her fired up.
05-10-14, 12:41 AM
#928
Thanks for sharing your experiences throughout the years. I learned quite a bit from going through this thread which will help me with my current project.
Good luck on your build. I'll see if I can find your thread on NoRotors and check it out too.
You can't go wrong with Ronin
Good luck on your build. I'll see if I can find your thread on NoRotors and check it out too.
You can't go wrong with Ronin
05-11-14, 09:44 PM
#929
UPDATE
Well, with everything starting to slowly come together I figured I better get to work. I am still saving for a large chunk of parts that need purchasing, but I'm not really too far off. After all, once the engine arrives, I want to work on getting it in, instead of all the things I should have had done already.
I got the car up on 6 stands and stabilized really well. It was a little tricky getting it up where it felt really secure, and I felt comfortable yanking on stuff underneath. I wanted to be able to drop either front or rear subframes without having to move things around.
Go time!....
Cobra IRS 8.8
As I have mentioned I decided on the Cobra 8.8 for two main reasons, strength and gearing. As many of you helped sway me, I really think it was the best choice. I am sticking with the factory 3.55 gearing and OEM LSD. For my needs, I think it will work well. I purchased a 04 differential with 39k on it. After inspection, everything looked in order. I cleaned it inside and out thoroughly in preparation for its final home.
I installed new axle seals. Though the originals looked fine, I figured it couldn't hurt, and they are pretty cheap. I picked up a modified cover, and installed it on there as well. I had a few folks say that I should paint the diff, but I don't plan to. I like the raw aluminum look. In any case, it's cleaned up and ready to go in.
I painted the Samberg 8.8 cradle with Dupicolor 500 deg engine primer, and paint. I have always had great luck with this paint. It's pretty darn tough and I think it turned out well. Should I have went powdercoat, maybe. But I think it will look great for a long time....
I ordered the Energy Suspension bushings for the front ears, and they will be here this week. This is the only thing I am missing to "physically" mount up the diff and cradle. However, I need to rework my fuel system and get my axles together before it goes in.
Out with the old!
Well, the factory stuff is out, and the new stuff is going in!! Next update will include my very minimal fuel system upgrade and getting everything mounted up. Since I already have a solid pump and good wiring I really just need to get the Corvette filter/regulator mounted up. Nothing fancy. Just some OEM style lines likely in the OEM filter location. My current configuration supported 540whp rotary, so I don't see a need to get too crazy.
I am disassembling my axles now. Still deciding if I'm going to have Drive Shaft Shop assemble the new ones, or to just do it myself. Gnx7 advised me to have them do it, but we will see. I got a good set of Cobra inner snubs and my outers are in good shape.
I purchased a 1" socket set from Tractor Supply during an outing with my wife. I have been needing a large set for awhile and saw this one on sale. It has worked great for popping axle nuts and using the large sockets for the press. Overall a handy set that I definitely needed.
Well, with everything starting to slowly come together I figured I better get to work. I am still saving for a large chunk of parts that need purchasing, but I'm not really too far off. After all, once the engine arrives, I want to work on getting it in, instead of all the things I should have had done already.
I got the car up on 6 stands and stabilized really well. It was a little tricky getting it up where it felt really secure, and I felt comfortable yanking on stuff underneath. I wanted to be able to drop either front or rear subframes without having to move things around.
Go time!....
Cobra IRS 8.8
As I have mentioned I decided on the Cobra 8.8 for two main reasons, strength and gearing. As many of you helped sway me, I really think it was the best choice. I am sticking with the factory 3.55 gearing and OEM LSD. For my needs, I think it will work well. I purchased a 04 differential with 39k on it. After inspection, everything looked in order. I cleaned it inside and out thoroughly in preparation for its final home.
I installed new axle seals. Though the originals looked fine, I figured it couldn't hurt, and they are pretty cheap. I picked up a modified cover, and installed it on there as well. I had a few folks say that I should paint the diff, but I don't plan to. I like the raw aluminum look. In any case, it's cleaned up and ready to go in.
I painted the Samberg 8.8 cradle with Dupicolor 500 deg engine primer, and paint. I have always had great luck with this paint. It's pretty darn tough and I think it turned out well. Should I have went powdercoat, maybe. But I think it will look great for a long time....
I ordered the Energy Suspension bushings for the front ears, and they will be here this week. This is the only thing I am missing to "physically" mount up the diff and cradle. However, I need to rework my fuel system and get my axles together before it goes in.
Out with the old!
Well, the factory stuff is out, and the new stuff is going in!! Next update will include my very minimal fuel system upgrade and getting everything mounted up. Since I already have a solid pump and good wiring I really just need to get the Corvette filter/regulator mounted up. Nothing fancy. Just some OEM style lines likely in the OEM filter location. My current configuration supported 540whp rotary, so I don't see a need to get too crazy.
I am disassembling my axles now. Still deciding if I'm going to have Drive Shaft Shop assemble the new ones, or to just do it myself. Gnx7 advised me to have them do it, but we will see. I got a good set of Cobra inner snubs and my outers are in good shape.
I purchased a 1" socket set from Tractor Supply during an outing with my wife. I have been needing a large set for awhile and saw this one on sale. It has worked great for popping axle nuts and using the large sockets for the press. Overall a handy set that I definitely needed.
05-18-14, 11:56 AM
#930
UPDATE
I installed a WIX filter/fpr from a Vette and pretty much wrapped up the fuel system on the tank side. As I mentioned before, I didn't have a whole lot to do. I decided this route because it was pretty easy and simple. Apparently that fpr has been proven to my power goals, and supposedly 800whp. If I was running E85 or making more power, I would definitely rework the entire system. But for now, I think this will do the trick. There was a write-up on here that I got alot of the basic info from. I moved the filter to the passenger side more, so it should be relatively easy to reach up and replace. I will be logging fuel pressure on the backside of my fuel rail as well. I am going to replace the 3 lines that go from the hanger to the hard line above the tank with fresh rubber. Ironically the Mazda lines are all still in great shape with no cracks and still very pliable, but as I decided to replace them anyway.
YES, I agree its still a little dirty under there. I started scrubbing with rags and degreaser and realized I was wasting my time. I am a stickler for cleanliness, so I swallowed my pride, and kept working. I am going after a pressure washer today, and plan to blast the entire underbody. I was meaning to do it before I got started.
The Cobra 8.8 is all mounted up. The Samberg kit was made very well and fit perfectly. 1point3liter sold me the cover that he modified and it also fit well. Cheers bro! I also spent about 2 hours beating the living **** out of my stock axles to get the outer CV off. In the end, I won. My Drive Shaft Shop axle kit should be here soon and I can get them assembled to start putting the rear suspension all back together.
From here, my list is starting to get a little thin. I will go ahead and mount up my Wilwood clutch master and give it the usual paint. My bay also really needs cleaned as it hasn't been touched since I towed the car to MS. I may repaint the lower rails with black since it's been a few years. I'm not completely sure if I will trim the rear firewall lip or not. If I can get away without doing it, I just may leave it since my bay is already painted and fancy. I do have some wiring to clean up from the last setup as well. I plan to pressure test my heater core. During my last rotary revision, I couldn't get the pipe on the firewall to stop leaking. I'm pretty sure I tweaked the line like a dumby and cracked the metal. I'm not 100% sure so now that I have easy access, I will test it to see if I am in for a dash pull....yay.
My Spoolin 1 7/8" premium merge headers...
Hinson modified clutch master....
Halfspec custom A/C line kit...
I installed a WIX filter/fpr from a Vette and pretty much wrapped up the fuel system on the tank side. As I mentioned before, I didn't have a whole lot to do. I decided this route because it was pretty easy and simple. Apparently that fpr has been proven to my power goals, and supposedly 800whp. If I was running E85 or making more power, I would definitely rework the entire system. But for now, I think this will do the trick. There was a write-up on here that I got alot of the basic info from. I moved the filter to the passenger side more, so it should be relatively easy to reach up and replace. I will be logging fuel pressure on the backside of my fuel rail as well. I am going to replace the 3 lines that go from the hanger to the hard line above the tank with fresh rubber. Ironically the Mazda lines are all still in great shape with no cracks and still very pliable, but as I decided to replace them anyway.
YES, I agree its still a little dirty under there. I started scrubbing with rags and degreaser and realized I was wasting my time. I am a stickler for cleanliness, so I swallowed my pride, and kept working. I am going after a pressure washer today, and plan to blast the entire underbody. I was meaning to do it before I got started.
The Cobra 8.8 is all mounted up. The Samberg kit was made very well and fit perfectly. 1point3liter sold me the cover that he modified and it also fit well. Cheers bro! I also spent about 2 hours beating the living **** out of my stock axles to get the outer CV off. In the end, I won. My Drive Shaft Shop axle kit should be here soon and I can get them assembled to start putting the rear suspension all back together.
From here, my list is starting to get a little thin. I will go ahead and mount up my Wilwood clutch master and give it the usual paint. My bay also really needs cleaned as it hasn't been touched since I towed the car to MS. I may repaint the lower rails with black since it's been a few years. I'm not completely sure if I will trim the rear firewall lip or not. If I can get away without doing it, I just may leave it since my bay is already painted and fancy. I do have some wiring to clean up from the last setup as well. I plan to pressure test my heater core. During my last rotary revision, I couldn't get the pipe on the firewall to stop leaking. I'm pretty sure I tweaked the line like a dumby and cracked the metal. I'm not 100% sure so now that I have easy access, I will test it to see if I am in for a dash pull....yay.
My Spoolin 1 7/8" premium merge headers...
Hinson modified clutch master....
Halfspec custom A/C line kit...
05-18-14, 12:03 PM
#931
A few months ago I picked up a new daily driver. Honestly, it absorbed some of my FD project money. At first I was pretty apprehensive to that fact, but I am glad I did it. I have to say that my Miata is the funnest "not serious" car I have ever owned. Handles like a champ, decent power, and an overall awesome daily driver. It has really kept me sane as I work on the FD again. I was driving a little Ford Ranger to work everyday, and it was getting frustrating. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't a 30 minute drive down some nice twisty roads. I figured it was time to upgrade.
I am a little snug at 6'1" 220lbs, but not terrible. It's a 2002 with 80k miles and in really good condition. Who knows, I may decide it needs an L33 one day.
I am a little snug at 6'1" 220lbs, but not terrible. It's a 2002 with 80k miles and in really good condition. Who knows, I may decide it needs an L33 one day.
05-18-14, 06:20 PM
#933
I'll tell you, aside from my FDs, I had a Miata and it was a blast to drive. It really is a drivers car. A lot of people just can't get over the stigma associated with driving a Miata due to their insecurities probably, but it has got to be one of the most fun cars to drive.
I'd love to get another Miata and seriously just use it as a commuter car between my wife and myself. But she refuses to get a stick and I refuse to get an automatic, lol. They are just dick easy to maintain and repair, perfect for a commuter car.
Congrats dude, keep up the updates.
I'd love to get another Miata and seriously just use it as a commuter car between my wife and myself. But she refuses to get a stick and I refuse to get an automatic, lol. They are just dick easy to maintain and repair, perfect for a commuter car.
Congrats dude, keep up the updates.
05-19-14, 05:50 AM
#934
Thanks guys. I have never heard so much **** from other people about buying and driving a particular car. It really is amazing amount of stigma that surrounds them. Of course, most people that talk trash have never owned one, let alone driven one. I give credit to Mazda, they did it right.
06-01-14, 03:25 AM
#941
Just checked in in this thread, don't think I've look at it in over a year. Wow, well I guess I just don't get it. Why not just sell the Fd and buy a Vette or even better go with a v10 viper if your into muscle cars and BIG throttle mashing powa?
It's like trying to turn a skilled ice skater into a bull dozer. Just makes no sense.
Good luck, I'll check back in a year and see how it turned out.
It's like trying to turn a skilled ice skater into a bull dozer. Just makes no sense.
Good luck, I'll check back in a year and see how it turned out.
06-01-14, 08:28 AM
#943
Homeboy isn't auto crossing or tracking his car.
From what I read his goal is more horsepower.
Seems like it would be way easier to sell the rx7 and buy a muscle car. He's looking for mad straight line powa!!!
Don't mistake me, I have no issues with v8 swaps. But this one makes no sense. Anyway back to lurking..
06-02-14, 08:02 PM
#946
The Magnum
Well gents, my Tremec T56 Magnum, Fbody bell housing, and shifter arrived today. I gotta say that I am pretty ecstatic! It arrived with the factory Tremec box pretty beat up as UPS once again likes to sling stuff around. I looked everything over, got some advice from Mark and its all good.
I want to thank GNX7 for helping me. I ordered through him and couldn't be happier with the service! Thanks a bunch Mark.
On to the Porrrrnnnnnnn
Well gents, my Tremec T56 Magnum, Fbody bell housing, and shifter arrived today. I gotta say that I am pretty ecstatic! It arrived with the factory Tremec box pretty beat up as UPS once again likes to sling stuff around. I looked everything over, got some advice from Mark and its all good.
I want to thank GNX7 for helping me. I ordered through him and couldn't be happier with the service! Thanks a bunch Mark.
On to the Porrrrnnnnnnn
06-20-14, 09:00 PM
#947
Cobra 8.8
The differential and subframe are finally assembled. I had to wait on a snap ring to come in. One of my inners was missing its snap ring and I definitely didn't want to install it without it. I scoured and searched until I found one. I also took the time to paint the bare metal on my axles, since they will just get rusty again. I ordered 2 quarts of Royal Purple 75w 140 and 4 oz of Ford Friction Modifier. I decided to go all Royal Purple this time around so we will see how it does. I have to admit, I am pretty proud to see the rear come together. One portion of the car is finally complete. Now lets get these other piggies wiggling.
The ****
Well, I decided on a Cobra ****. It looked like it would match and it has a leather wrapped OEM feel to it, which I like. If it starts to feel too bulky, it will likely get swapped for the one Lane posted up earlier. I still really like that one...lol. I think the Cobra **** should match the interior well. I also had to order a different shifter rod considering the threads are different. Good old Ebay strikes again.
In my down time I decided to give my slotted rotors some love. They were slowly corroding on the hub portion so I decided to give them a shot of ceramic paint. I'm actually surprised they looked as good as they did for so long. The rears are mounted up and the fronts are still hanging out until my subframe comes in and I can assemble. I will torque and paint the axle nuts once I can drop the rear.
The differential and subframe are finally assembled. I had to wait on a snap ring to come in. One of my inners was missing its snap ring and I definitely didn't want to install it without it. I scoured and searched until I found one. I also took the time to paint the bare metal on my axles, since they will just get rusty again. I ordered 2 quarts of Royal Purple 75w 140 and 4 oz of Ford Friction Modifier. I decided to go all Royal Purple this time around so we will see how it does. I have to admit, I am pretty proud to see the rear come together. One portion of the car is finally complete. Now lets get these other piggies wiggling.
The ****
Well, I decided on a Cobra ****. It looked like it would match and it has a leather wrapped OEM feel to it, which I like. If it starts to feel too bulky, it will likely get swapped for the one Lane posted up earlier. I still really like that one...lol. I think the Cobra **** should match the interior well. I also had to order a different shifter rod considering the threads are different. Good old Ebay strikes again.
In my down time I decided to give my slotted rotors some love. They were slowly corroding on the hub portion so I decided to give them a shot of ceramic paint. I'm actually surprised they looked as good as they did for so long. The rears are mounted up and the fronts are still hanging out until my subframe comes in and I can assemble. I will torque and paint the axle nuts once I can drop the rear.
06-20-14, 09:03 PM
#948
I got a few things done this weekend. It has really been heating up down here so it slows me down a bit. I haven't got my garage A/C setup yet, but I am working on it. I will be adding 4x4 banks of florescent lighting, foam insulating my garage doors, and a 15,000 btu A/C unit. It's hard to do quality work when I am soaked in sweat all day....lol
I lined the tranny tunnel with Thermatec heat material. It's good stuff, easy to work with and does a good job.
I got my Wilwood master cylinder mounted up as well. I had to manipulate my custom brake line configuration in that corner a little bit, but it was pretty straight forward. I may have to rebleed the brakes as I had to crack a few fittings open. No biggy though.
I de-powered my rack. I went back and fourth on whether to keep power steering. I finally decided I would press with the depowered rack. I have been driving the car with looped lines for 4 years and really do like the feel. I have heard that a proper de-powered rack is even better. We shall see.
I lined the tranny tunnel with Thermatec heat material. It's good stuff, easy to work with and does a good job.
I got my Wilwood master cylinder mounted up as well. I had to manipulate my custom brake line configuration in that corner a little bit, but it was pretty straight forward. I may have to rebleed the brakes as I had to crack a few fittings open. No biggy though.
I de-powered my rack. I went back and fourth on whether to keep power steering. I finally decided I would press with the depowered rack. I have been driving the car with looped lines for 4 years and really do like the feel. I have heard that a proper de-powered rack is even better. We shall see.
07-10-14, 05:05 PM
#950
I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the depowered rack.
I had thought for a short time that I might switch to an LS3 and supercharge it, but for now I have kept that idea at bay. Look forward to your baller build.
to the two fellas in here with emerald green mica NB's, I have a buddy in Upstate SC that has an emerald green hardtop with headliner and defroster for sale if you're interested. Let me know and I'll link you up with him.
I had thought for a short time that I might switch to an LS3 and supercharge it, but for now I have kept that idea at bay. Look forward to your baller build.
to the two fellas in here with emerald green mica NB's, I have a buddy in Upstate SC that has an emerald green hardtop with headliner and defroster for sale if you're interested. Let me know and I'll link you up with him.