So I've been putting together a little parts stockpile to work on some changes on the car for this season. I'm not promising really quick updates... but I figured some people might be curious about the changes.

Engine bay projects:
Fix cracks in intake manifold, add bracing
Build new twin scroll smaller runner manifold
Strap on super clean Evo8 twin scroll turbo (thanks Neo)
Build downpipe for new turbo
Possibly convert my standalone MS1 to MS2 (resolution/boost control/response)
Full retune... use boost controller for more fun

Non-engine:
XTD Prolite flywheel
ACT HD w/ 6puck sprung disc (thanks Neo )
6spd Miata trans
Revalve Bilsteins for my current spring rates
rharris "tuckin99" flares
15x10 Diamond wheels? (only thing I don't have and am still on the fence about)

Car is on jackstands and hibernating... going to try and start picking away at the projects. IM removal and trans swap stuff first. Then onto turbo manifold build and whatnot.

Pictures as things actually happen.

 

Just for fun... stock photos





Maybe

 

Turbo looks brand newz!! Thank god for noobs that crash their new sports cars. YW

 

Get those flares on already! And make sure to think long and hard about going with the diamond racing wheels...I understand the budget deal, but those things are boat anchors.

 

I know... but its hard to ignore 100 bucks or so a wheel. I'll just be more predictive and drive harder

Got my rivnuts in today also.... so the flare install can progress once I get unlazy.

 

$100 saved but 22lbs a rim though? I was just gonna ask you if you needed rivnuts..

 

He's cheap a fawk...I was IMing him the other day that some things you just can't cheap out on. Wide wheels are just one of those things.

 

You live like 3 miles away from me, how have I not seen this car?? I'm right by Fermilab. If you ever need help, send a message.

 

Heh, I don't really drive it around much. Mostly to and from track events and to work on it randomly at buddies down in South Holland.
3916052733_0e28f40771_o.jpg?t=1265082548

 

Got IM off and start part way off.

Ordered pilot bearing and release bearing.

XTD 9lb flywheel received.

And I'm not set on wheels just yet... so no more fretting :P. To get through this season I have 225s I need to finish... I might just get a set of spacers to move the 15x8 +0s out and widen the track some.

 

what size tire options would you have for a 15x10?

if there is no advantage over what you have, then i would suggest just spacing thme like 20mm.

 

Mock up the flares yet?? I ordered my spacers and the 6uls will be ordered in the next few weeks...if you don't do anything before then you can see what my setup will look like to aid in the decision making process.

 

275/35/R15

Not really much other than racing meat available for the 15x10's

 

Yah, awsomely expensive tires.

I was also watching your spacer/wheel updates. Ill probably just spacer out my xxrs for now. Going to wait for the cast 949 9" wheels to come out.

Got last bits I needed for my 6spd swap. Going to be doing that Sunday.

 

So after borking my first pilot bearing... i got another and installed it. So now the clutch/flywheel is in.

Weight savings of lightweight 1.6l flywheel and act clutch VS 1.8l oem flywheel and clutch = 10lbs.

31lbs vs 21lbs.

6spd is bolted in and waiting for total car fluid change.

Going to move it to normal spot in garage and start ripping suspension off in anticipation of the revalved/shorted Bilsteins from Stewart.

Also might start on chopping more body away for the new flares.

 

Flares still are'nt on....damn!

 

I know.... Hopefully I have energy left tonight to move car out from corner so I can work on all corners. Then it'll be on the hit list of projects I can tackle. Along with stripping majority of suspension components.

 

What exactly did you do so I don't do the same? Installing mine tomorrow

 

If you get the diamond racing wheel, how cheap are you willing to let go the of the sportmaxx??

 

For short term I'll probably run wheels as is or spacer them until I kill tires. After that... unsure.

For bearing, I used a big socket like I always do, but my hand slipped and I ended up pounding the dust shield down onto the bearings. I was irritated with myself a bit that night.