Building a blonde young beefcake wearing nothing but skimpy shorts named Rocky
#781
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I’ve actually heard quite the opposite. This setup is a pretty common for some high powered turbo builds (mainly Honda guys). 7-800 WHP setups. High spark energy with low dwell times for an engine that was designed to run at 11,000RPM. I’ve checked with some of the bigger guys in the industry (turbo honda guys) and they all swear by them.
The fast DSM guys (like 7-8 second guys) went rounds with coil selection for a while, and ended up using Chrysler 300M coils, a handful of LS1 options and a these type of Denso bike coils with an Arc2 or M&W CDI. The bike coils by themselves have very poor spark energy and need a CDI (which they have on the bike), to make a strong spark.
Tony Palo and some of the other fast Honda guys are using these coils, but they're also using the M&W box and 16V charging systems ($$$$$$$$).
#782
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Well I won't be anywhere near the needs of a 7-8 second setup. This should do just fine for a sub 500hp setup. If not - I have almost nothing invested and I'll start clean again.
#784
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Just about finished with the “Engine” side of the harness. I’ve left the pigtails a little long without connectors on them for now. That way I’ll be able to size everything up properly while it’s actually sitting in the engine bay.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63427-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture023_zps3a864a96.jpg?dateline=1357222564)
I also picked up a few items to toss on while I’m putting things back together.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63427-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture023_zps3a864a96.jpg?dateline=1357222564)
I also picked up a few items to toss on while I’m putting things back together.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63428-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture022_zps1bc49d23.jpg?dateline=1357222564)
#786
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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It was a productive weekend. Got the coils in the mail and installed, finished up the harness and replaced my timing components.
Just for a change of pace I decided to set the electrical stuff aside and work on some mechanical items. The timing belt needed to be changed. The last time I pulled the valve cover off it didn’t seal properly and got oil on my belt. So I figured I’d replace it with the Gates Racing belt. They are known to hold up quite a bit better under harsh condistion.
Next I moved on to the new Coils. I didn’t install my connectors because I was unsure of which way I needed to orient the coil packs and I’m glad I didn’t because I would have never guessed I had to mount them all facing forward. So I installed the connectors on my existing pigtails.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63761-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture001_zps68d6b935.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63762-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture005_zps7bb4ba58.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63761-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture001_zps68d6b935.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63763-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture002_zpscf5c954e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63764-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture009_zpsa4713b5b.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
Everything installed and looks great. I used the previous mounting points for the loops to tie down my wiring. Came out great if you ask me.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63765-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture015_zps8289dfc0.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
While running my sensors I got to a point where I ran out of unique wire colors… So I used this AEM tuner wire coloring unit…
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63766-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture017_zps00fa37d9.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
With the front of the motor wired up it was now time to group them and get them through the firewall.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63767-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture019_zps5266c3b1.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
Sunday:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63768-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture026_zpsd330709e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
It was now time to bundle some wires and get them through the firewall. I grouped everything and was preparing to send it through the factory boot.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63769-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture028_zps4d863e31.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
I used the OE boot from the factory harness. Figured it didn’t get much cleaner looking than this and I really didn’t have room to do some fancy 50 pin connector off the firewall.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63770-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture030_zpse0c1121e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
I grouped them all together and pulled them through using a thick ground cable taped to my bundle.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63771-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture031_zpse9cf3015.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
The only routing I was unhappy with was my crank position sensor harness. It ran in front of the timing cover and looked like crap. So I decided to depin it and run it behind. I ran some DEI heat wrap before routing it to be safe.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63772-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture037_zpsed0a5ecf.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63773-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture041_zps55349272.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63774-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture042_zpsae4e6be6.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63775-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture043_zpsbf92a5e0.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
Next step was to mount my ECU…It’s a cool looking unit so I wanted to mount it somewhere interesting.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63776-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture046_zpsd24219a0.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63777-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture044_zps6177544e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
The only thing left is to run the connections to my body harness.. Fuel pump, gauges etc
Just for a change of pace I decided to set the electrical stuff aside and work on some mechanical items. The timing belt needed to be changed. The last time I pulled the valve cover off it didn’t seal properly and got oil on my belt. So I figured I’d replace it with the Gates Racing belt. They are known to hold up quite a bit better under harsh condistion.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63760-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture035_zpsb3cdecfc.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
Next I moved on to the new Coils. I didn’t install my connectors because I was unsure of which way I needed to orient the coil packs and I’m glad I didn’t because I would have never guessed I had to mount them all facing forward. So I installed the connectors on my existing pigtails.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63761-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture001_zps68d6b935.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63762-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture005_zps7bb4ba58.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63761-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture001_zps68d6b935.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63763-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture002_zpscf5c954e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63764-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture009_zpsa4713b5b.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
Everything installed and looks great. I used the previous mounting points for the loops to tie down my wiring. Came out great if you ask me.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63765-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture015_zps8289dfc0.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
While running my sensors I got to a point where I ran out of unique wire colors… So I used this AEM tuner wire coloring unit…
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63766-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture017_zps00fa37d9.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
With the front of the motor wired up it was now time to group them and get them through the firewall.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63767-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture019_zps5266c3b1.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
Sunday:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63768-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture026_zpsd330709e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
It was now time to bundle some wires and get them through the firewall. I grouped everything and was preparing to send it through the factory boot.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63769-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture028_zps4d863e31.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
I used the OE boot from the factory harness. Figured it didn’t get much cleaner looking than this and I really didn’t have room to do some fancy 50 pin connector off the firewall.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63770-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture030_zpse0c1121e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
I grouped them all together and pulled them through using a thick ground cable taped to my bundle.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63771-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture031_zpse9cf3015.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
The only routing I was unhappy with was my crank position sensor harness. It ran in front of the timing cover and looked like crap. So I decided to depin it and run it behind. I ran some DEI heat wrap before routing it to be safe.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63772-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture037_zpsed0a5ecf.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63773-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture041_zps55349272.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63774-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture042_zpsae4e6be6.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63775-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture043_zpsbf92a5e0.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
Next step was to mount my ECU…It’s a cool looking unit so I wanted to mount it somewhere interesting.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63776-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture046_zpsd24219a0.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/63777-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture044_zps6177544e.jpg?dateline=1357573082)
The only thing left is to run the connections to my body harness.. Fuel pump, gauges etc
#792
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![FAEL](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/sawzall.gif)
Some of that is patience -- which I lack -- but some of it is just the ability to envision something and actually have it look right when he's done. I can envision something and take my sweet time on it and it still looks terrible/is wrong sometimes.
#796
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Well this girl has a heartbeat. Finally spent some time finishing up the wiring and the map - she fired right up.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64148-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture014_zps824f5dbb.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
One of the last touches was the body harness that ran mostly to the ECU before. This harness takes care of the Fuel Pump Relay, Cooling Fans, VSS, Instrument Cluster etc..
The harness as it looked. I went through and found the items I’ll be using.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64149-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture007_zps89b58a60.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
I wanted it to be nice and clean so I used bundled wire and soldered my connections.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64150-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture011_zps5c469591.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64151-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture008_zps0e6cb46b.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64148-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture014_zps824f5dbb.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
One of the last touches was the body harness that ran mostly to the ECU before. This harness takes care of the Fuel Pump Relay, Cooling Fans, VSS, Instrument Cluster etc..
The harness as it looked. I went through and found the items I’ll be using.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64149-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture007_zps89b58a60.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
I wanted it to be nice and clean so I used bundled wire and soldered my connections.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64150-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture011_zps5c469591.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64151-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture008_zps0e6cb46b.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/64152-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture009_zpsb9e6f776.jpg?dateline=1357848362)
#798
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Hey guys - Check out the write up my work did on the build. Make sure you LIKE the Motovicity page AND the link ![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
https://www.facebook.com/Motovicity
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
https://www.facebook.com/Motovicity
#799
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Before the tune I wanted to make sure that everything was up to snuff. My intercooler has had to work overtime and it was due for an update. I picked up the Vibrant 550HP intercooler. Dimensions: 3.25” thick 30 wide and 9.25 high.
Step 1: GET THE CAR IN THE GARAGE
Car had a nice coat of snow on her…
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/65936-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture003_zpsd9bd4038.jpg?dateline=1359414099)
The old vs the new:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/65937-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture006_zps33f783c8.jpg?dateline=1359414099)
I’ll keep you kids updated on the progress….
Step 1: GET THE CAR IN THE GARAGE
Car had a nice coat of snow on her…
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/65936-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture003_zpsd9bd4038.jpg?dateline=1359414099)
The old vs the new:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/65937-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture006_zps33f783c8.jpg?dateline=1359414099)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/65938-building-blonde-young-beefcake-wearing-nothing-but-skimpy-shorts-named-rocky-picture005_zps0f4baead.jpg?dateline=1359414099)
I’ll keep you kids updated on the progress….
#800
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You should sell me your old one ![Biggthumpup](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/biggthumpup.gif)
Nice to see this moving forward! Nice that you have a garage to work in. I did my very first engine swap outdoors in the freezing when I was 18 or so. NEVER AGAIN!
![Biggthumpup](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/biggthumpup.gif)
Nice to see this moving forward! Nice that you have a garage to work in. I did my very first engine swap outdoors in the freezing when I was 18 or so. NEVER AGAIN!