Figured I would start a build thread since I have brought this car back for a basket case buy. A lot has happened along the way so I will try to catch this up to the point it is now.
Things that have been replaced
Battery: the biggest one that would fit from Interstate Battery.
Exhaust: about to rework that again
Rear axle assembly: now has a GSL. LSD rear end
Driver seat has been replaced with the GSL style with lumbar support
Power windows installed with factory wire harness.
All the window outside trim has been polished to a chrome look instead of the black.
More to come once I get it all typed up.

 

here is what I started with. it was a nice shell. it was a basket case every were else.

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Added wiring for the power windows



removed the rats nest.



Shifter was too long so we modified it now its Miata short.



polished the window trim.



built a custom exhaust tubular header.



rebuilt and installed a LSD rear end.



resurfaced the flywheel.



I also did a direct fire ignition but I have to finish the brackets and clean install on that its a bit messy with wires strung all about.

And its going to get body work done and repaint... light charcoal grey and bright orange accent color.

More pictures and mods and rebuilds to come... Thanks for looking. Feed back is very welcome.

 

Ordered a Stage 3 puck clutch a few weeks ago for my build. I was thinking about the break in period... If I was to jack stand the rear end and apply the brakes slightly and perform some soft take offs over and over would that be somewhat the same as when breaking it in over the 500 mile easy driving period?

 

Keep it up!!!!

 

Well clutch came in today. Looks pretty.

 

Nice project Dave! What happened to the turbo build that you were working on?

 

It's still in the works. This just all had to get done anyway. I figured I would get this up and running nice then I will finish my turbo build for that same car. I hope to install a zipper so I can switch the engines out quickly if needed.

 

I'm jealous, intensely. Down here in Miami we can't find shells like that, unless he won't let it go for 2k

 

So last nights progress removed the beehive cooler and installed the air/oil cooler and smaller Radiator, cleaned things up a bit, transmission cleaned out the bell housing of left over clutch particles. Dropped the engine back in a and mated the transmission and engine. Also installed a new electric fan.

 

I wouldn't think that a single fan of that diameter would provide sufficient cooling.

 

10" is the largest that will fit on a GSL radiator. All the other larger fans I have seen are for non GSL models. Black dragon sells the exact same size for Mazda RX7 GSL applications.

 

Why not run the stock fan??

 

I could but it uses HP from the engine to turn it. Electric takes less to HP to cool than a clutch fan.

 

So the engine is back in and who likes my breather cap??? I built it myself and I will probably paint it to match the car when it goes for paint. I also replaced the power and ground cables. There is now a 0/1 ground cable and a 2 gauge power cable. Starter still has a hesitation to engage the flex plate. So new starter it is.

 

So I had some extra carbon fiber sticker and figured I would see if it will look good with carbon fiber headlight lids. What do you think.

 

Well it runs and drives again. Still need to find a hood scoop that fits this build. Just cut a cleanse hole in my extra hood. I will be painting the original hood along with the car in case I ever want to go back to a stock round filter or if I want to change the look again I will have an extra hood to modify.

 

I know there was some concern about a 10" fan being able to cool the system adequately. Well the temp gauge has not gone above 1/2 and that is sitting with the cooling fan turned off for 45 min. So I am guessing the cooling fan is quite adequate.

 

Sweet cover... Looks familiar. Personal opinion, I don't like the carbon fiber sticker. Glad the fans working well, I'm not a huge fan of E fans, but if it's working that's good

 

Rebuilt me starter yesterday. Hope this takes care of my cranking problem in cold weather.

 

So today I took a resonator from an Impala that was blown apart stripped it with the torch and built another one for my car. This is what I came up with...






I also finished a rim today mounted and balanced an old tire on it to play with once I get the clutch broken in.

 

That's cool! It's nice to know that the resonators can be made.

 

Going to rebuild the direct fire ignition soon just got ahold of some HEI DR100 Ignitors and ordering some Accel coils so that I can make it look a lot cleaner. Plus the DR100 have a higher Amp rating.

 

So this build just got interesting. I am about to acquire a 5S turbo manifold and turbo with a ported waste gate. Hmmm more power.

 

Well turbo trade fell through. Oh well. Just got the rear bumper skirt installed. And it was even the same color as my car. http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/a...pspbuajyke.jpg

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/a...psixvwk9yf.jpg

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/a...psluzspxyk.jpg

 

You leaving the wheels in that orange? I'd say polished would look much better. and the CF sticker stuff, nahh.