Also, it looks like you're going to need longer springs

what rates are you running?

 

Yeah it's a 7 frame. Who needs extra time and money when you can have 4 projects at once!

Springs are 450lbs front 250 rear. The length will be OK, little bit of optical illusion going on.

 

More progress. Got some tigging done today for the coolant lines and added a fitting to the radiator.


The MX-5 got to channel Radbull a little too

 

New main pulley came in so that was installed and I set timing. Clutch hydraulics are all installed and working. Pedal feels awesome. Front brakes got plumbed in as well. Rears are on hold for more Nicopp tubing.

Modified the dash a little to make it stronger - now you can shake the car by pulling on it.

Wired in the relays for the fuel pumps and fan. Made my own thinwall spark plug socket rather than paying way too much for a pre-made model. Installed my new NGK racing plugs.

 

 

Finally mounted up. Also drilled and tapped the top of the radiator for an air bleed.





This week is all plumbing and finalizing the wiring for the fan and fuel pumps, then it's all about safety gear installation before the Ascutney Hillclimb May 15th-16th

 

Yup, going to have to cut the hood. Not even mad


Finalized the wiring last night and tested it for the first time. All the smoke stayed in the wires!

 

Jesus christ does assembling -16AN lines suck


Fuel pumps are installed, wired and plumbed. I do want to swap a straight fitting out for a 90 though for better fitment.

 

 

Took the cell and radiator out about 7 times last night. Wanted to make sure everything was mounted on rubber isolators and then I tweaked the shroud design a touch. After that I had to throw on the tail lights for a "feel good" moment.




Ran my new brake hard line to the rear of the car and then drip bled the brakes. All four corners were dripping readily so I should be OK to get the lady friend to work the pedal for a final bleed. Started assembling more -16AN coolant lines. What a bear those things are.

 

this is awesome.

how are you getting air into the radiator?

 

For this weekend it's just cabin air from the car having no windows plus the fan. We'll see how that goes and adjust from there. It's all an experiment. Luckily the radiator is waaaaaay larger than it needs to be.

In other news - she runs! I was completely caught off guard by how easy it started...


Today is a lot of sheet metal work and fabrication - including a throttle cam.

 

When you said "throttle cam" for just a second I thought you were planning to stick a GoPro in the engine bay.

 

Beep


Bop


Boop


Bam

 

Car passed tech at the hillclimb and earned kudos from the inspector for a "very nice build"


First run it unveiled a horrible lean-out situation when it transitioned to the secondaries. The chokes are way too big (48mm). The only part for the car that I don't have multiple adjustments for? The chokes. Luckily I had an eye on the AFR gauge and shut shut down after 30 yards so no harm done.

Back on the trailer and headed home. New chokes ordered.


Womp womp

 

Getting to see your car was inspiring. I think everyone within 5 miles of the mountain had the pleasure of hearing it when you took off. It looks/sounds like it'll be ready (with a coolant firewall) for Burke?

 

If the new chokes solve my lean-out issue I'll be there with a new lexan bulkhead and a muffler.

 

new transmission acquired. Swap will take place this weekend and the new exhaust system will go on as well.

New chokes should be here tomorrow or Saturday, which is good because I have dyno time booked for Thursday.

Thinking of slicing the front fenders so I can pull them out to cover the tires.

 

Was there something wrong with the old transmission? I've been looking for a spare to keep for my rx7 and miata, assuming they're interchangeable. Let me know if it's worth rebuilding and you don't actually want it.

Also, if you want me to lasercut a 'firewall' out of acrylic for you in Nashua, just let me know. I can get some pretty fancy degrees of precision.

 

Old transmission didn't have reverse and the shifter turret was completely fubar'd. I'll keep it to swap a miata gearset into.

How would I get measurements to you for the bulkhead?

 

Pull the old transmission. Swap bellhousing. Replace all seals. Swap new crossmember and mazdaspeed mounts over. Ready for installation.




swapped bellhousing





swapped crossmember





Yech, that doesn't look good.

 

Tranny is all swapped and new chokes for the carb came. Celebratory braps!

 

Bring your marshmallows because she's ready to rock

 

Couldn't find a shift **** I liked, so I made my own.

 

Also started the process of making the car a solid color