Hornetball's Build
#101
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Since you're the safety wire pro, can you recommend any vendors who sell pre-drill nuts? I've got TSE studs for the turbo/manifold w/ stage 8 hardware so that should be good. For the turbo/downpipe I bought 8mm inconel studs from FM and nordlock washers, however, I'd like to safety wire as well.
You're right, as usual. I just wanted to get back on the road.
![Loser](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/sign0058.gif)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#104
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I am eager to see that radiator/IC setup, hopefully soon!
Mine is running flawlessly. 150 miles so far and debating on switching over to Rotella. I use Mobil 5w-20 from work because it's free and the thin viscosity to help clean the bearing/ring materials. Is 150 miles silly for an oil change? I did my first one at 25 miles just because oil is free. Tired of those noisy lifters already!
I have your brakes sitting in a box. I didn't figure you would be in a rush to put them on so they're here until our next visit. I need to drop the car by soon so you can have a look, I have a few things I would like to discuss as well!
Mine is running flawlessly. 150 miles so far and debating on switching over to Rotella. I use Mobil 5w-20 from work because it's free and the thin viscosity to help clean the bearing/ring materials. Is 150 miles silly for an oil change? I did my first one at 25 miles just because oil is free. Tired of those noisy lifters already!
I have your brakes sitting in a box. I didn't figure you would be in a rush to put them on so they're here until our next visit. I need to drop the car by soon so you can have a look, I have a few things I would like to discuss as well!
#106
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I've started to do HPDE, so my recent mods have focused on that:
HDHCSD:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88449d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130730-00258.jpg)
Swapped VLSD with a Torsen. Some comparison pictures . . .
Torsen is quite a bit larger:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88450d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130817-00259.jpg)
and heavier:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88451d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130817-00261.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88452d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130817-00262.jpg)
1.8 brake upgrade with Motul fluid, Centric plain rotors and StopTech pads. No pix (you know what it looks like).
I ran 4+ hours on track at MSR-C 3.1 last weekend with EBC turned off (5-6psi -- about 140RWHP). Didn't have any real car issues.
1. Car ran cool even though it was 100F+. Cooling setup is stock radiator with unmolested air guide and undertray, no IC and a reroute.
2. Brake performance and feel was consistently good throughout the 2 days and 9 sessions (my instructor took my car out for a session). The StopTech pads seem to work well for this car on street tires (BFG G-Force Sports in 205/50-15) and reduced power levels.
Minor nits were a loosish exhaust (could hear it clanging in the corners) and, well, I need a foamectomy:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88453d1378831253-hornetballs-build-photo2.jpg)
I'm going to Hallet next weekend so my projects this week are to foamectomy both seats, mount my fire extinguisher and secure the exhaust. After Hallet, I'm going to mount a BEGI downpipe and 2.5" Enthuza that I picked up for cheap ($300 for both). To establish my current power at 10psi, I did some 3rd gear Virtual Dyno pulls last night:
"Mustang" simulation (these curves agree closely with an actual Mustang dyno pull done with my original engine -- once again, Virtual Dyno seems accurate and repeatable):
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88454d1378831361-hornetballs-build-09_09_13-mustang.jpg)
"DynoJet" simulation for my ego (which is just the "Mustang" simulation x 1.15):
HDHCSD:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88449d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130730-00258.jpg)
Swapped VLSD with a Torsen. Some comparison pictures . . .
Torsen is quite a bit larger:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88450d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130817-00259.jpg)
and heavier:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88451d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130817-00261.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88452d1378831042-hornetballs-build-granbury-east-20130817-00262.jpg)
1.8 brake upgrade with Motul fluid, Centric plain rotors and StopTech pads. No pix (you know what it looks like).
I ran 4+ hours on track at MSR-C 3.1 last weekend with EBC turned off (5-6psi -- about 140RWHP). Didn't have any real car issues.
1. Car ran cool even though it was 100F+. Cooling setup is stock radiator with unmolested air guide and undertray, no IC and a reroute.
2. Brake performance and feel was consistently good throughout the 2 days and 9 sessions (my instructor took my car out for a session). The StopTech pads seem to work well for this car on street tires (BFG G-Force Sports in 205/50-15) and reduced power levels.
Minor nits were a loosish exhaust (could hear it clanging in the corners) and, well, I need a foamectomy:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88453d1378831253-hornetballs-build-photo2.jpg)
I'm going to Hallet next weekend so my projects this week are to foamectomy both seats, mount my fire extinguisher and secure the exhaust. After Hallet, I'm going to mount a BEGI downpipe and 2.5" Enthuza that I picked up for cheap ($300 for both). To establish my current power at 10psi, I did some 3rd gear Virtual Dyno pulls last night:
"Mustang" simulation (these curves agree closely with an actual Mustang dyno pull done with my original engine -- once again, Virtual Dyno seems accurate and repeatable):
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88454d1378831361-hornetballs-build-09_09_13-mustang.jpg)
"DynoJet" simulation for my ego (which is just the "Mustang" simulation x 1.15):
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/88455d1378831361-hornetballs-build-09_09_13-dynojet.jpg)
#113
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks. Just realized I never finished providing the data for the exhaust changes. Here's a link to a thread where that was discussed:
https://www.miataturbo.net/engine-pe...r-spool-75175/
https://www.miataturbo.net/engine-pe...r-spool-75175/
#116
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'll try to get some track video for you. It's a fun car.
#117
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Some pictures of my new lap timer/data logger/video logger. Simple setup consisting of an iPod Touch, a Dual XGPS150A and the CMS LapTimer Pro app. I built my own bracket to hold the iPod and GPS. It bolts between my rear view mirror and windwhield header. It worked great.
The end of the 1/8"x3" aluminum strap is drilled to match the mirror's mount. This is the mount for older NA's where the mirror screws into the windshield header.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102579d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00389.jpg)
A couple of pictures of the finished aluminum strap. An iPod case will be riveted to one surface and the GPS will be tie-wrapped to the flat at the end.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102580d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00396.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102581d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00397.jpg)
Installed. To finish, the strap is bent towards the windshield and then a furniture "Elevator Bolt" with a foam pad is placed against the windshield to triangulate. Adjust the nuts so that the assembly is spring-loaded against the windshield and the iPod is level and square for good G-readings. Simple and sturdy.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102615d1392049834-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140209-00404.jpg)
How it looks from the driver's seat:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102583d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00399.jpg)
Here's some laps from today for your enjoyment!
The end of the 1/8"x3" aluminum strap is drilled to match the mirror's mount. This is the mount for older NA's where the mirror screws into the windshield header.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102579d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00389.jpg)
A couple of pictures of the finished aluminum strap. An iPod case will be riveted to one surface and the GPS will be tie-wrapped to the flat at the end.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102580d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00396.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102581d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00397.jpg)
Installed. To finish, the strap is bent towards the windshield and then a furniture "Elevator Bolt" with a foam pad is placed against the windshield to triangulate. Adjust the nuts so that the assembly is spring-loaded against the windshield and the iPod is level and square for good G-readings. Simple and sturdy.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102615d1392049834-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140209-00404.jpg)
How it looks from the driver's seat:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/race-prep-75/102583d1392003591-hornetballs-first-track-day-img-20140207-00399.jpg)
Here's some laps from today for your enjoyment!
Last edited by hornetball; 02-11-2014 at 08:28 PM.
#120
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Been driving the **** out of this thing on track. 1 to 2 hours per week at least.
Good News: Personal best on MSR-C 1.7CCW, 1:29.2.
Bad News: When I got off track and popped the hood to cool things off, there was a lot of oil from the breather. Oh, oh! Plus, idle didn't sound normal -- obvious miss/weak cylinder. Double oh, oh!
Got home and did a compression test. 185/100/175/185. Darn!
Good News: I set my personal best with a blown engine!! Just wait . . . .
Some history, had a "weeping" head gasket on the engine for quite some time. Took me a while to figure it out. Symptom was that coolant would get blown out of the overflow on track. Never any problem with street driving. Also, never any coolant out the exhaust and never any mixing of coolant and oil. Eventually, it got bad enough that I would overheat towards the end of track sessions. That's when I finally pulled the head and found a carbon path from cylinder #2 to a water passage. Replaced the headgasket in January and everything has been OK for the last 2.5 months.
Soooo . . . the problem now is cylinder #2 again. I wonder if it's related? I wonder if it's only a headgasket again? Could a headgasket issue pressurise the crankcase?
Anyway, tucked away the Silver car for later. Full speed ahead on Red. I want to be normally aspirated on track with a full roll cage, race seats/harnesses, and meaty 225s on 15x9s.
Good News: Personal best on MSR-C 1.7CCW, 1:29.2.
Bad News: When I got off track and popped the hood to cool things off, there was a lot of oil from the breather. Oh, oh! Plus, idle didn't sound normal -- obvious miss/weak cylinder. Double oh, oh!
Got home and did a compression test. 185/100/175/185. Darn!
Good News: I set my personal best with a blown engine!! Just wait . . . .
Some history, had a "weeping" head gasket on the engine for quite some time. Took me a while to figure it out. Symptom was that coolant would get blown out of the overflow on track. Never any problem with street driving. Also, never any coolant out the exhaust and never any mixing of coolant and oil. Eventually, it got bad enough that I would overheat towards the end of track sessions. That's when I finally pulled the head and found a carbon path from cylinder #2 to a water passage. Replaced the headgasket in January and everything has been OK for the last 2.5 months.
Soooo . . . the problem now is cylinder #2 again. I wonder if it's related? I wonder if it's only a headgasket again? Could a headgasket issue pressurise the crankcase?
Anyway, tucked away the Silver car for later. Full speed ahead on Red. I want to be normally aspirated on track with a full roll cage, race seats/harnesses, and meaty 225s on 15x9s.