Okay maybe a million is an exaggeration, but its got 290,000...

With my NA still in the midst of a *cough, nearing completion* motor build, I decided I wanted another Miata to daily. Originally I was looking for nice NB2, but this thing popped up for $5k so I grabbed this instead. Unmolested except for a 3.90 torsen swap

Bask in its bone stock quarter million mile glory...



After seeing 18psi's MSM build and Curly's worst MSM build, I knew the route I wanted to take to make it a nice daily. Just a few bolt ons and a tune.

First thing I did was pick up a used FM intake from midpack on this board. I decided the polished was a bit flashy for me so I sent it out for black powder coat.

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When I was in high school I used to deliver furniture. We had this old Mitsubishi box van. It sounded like it had an FM intake too. In all honesty I thought it was great at first, but its a bit noisier than I would like. I'll eventually swap it out.

This car is already a long way from here, so I'll try to keep the updates coming.

 

I don't know what exactly an FM intake is, but if you wrap foam matress pad or something similar around the air filter it will shut it up considerably.

 

M.net interior money shot - Sure doesn't look like 300k in here.



A couple months later I realized that my NA was not going to be ready for MMRLS . I decided to get a basic level of prep on this car so that I could still go have fun on the track.

Built some 550/350 billies and threw in big RB hollow front bar



Installed a Koyo Hyper V radiator and a Fab9 intercooler



BFW single diagonal bar



New lower ball joints
New outer tie rod ends
Repacked wheel bearings
949 adjustable end links

 

Haha. You should hear the intake noise on my Silver car with the cowl induction.

That's a nice car. PO did a heck of a job maintaining it.

 

I was actually just reading about this, thanks for the tip.

 

I spent about 10 hours detailing it too, but yeah the PO did a good job. Nice guy owned 2 other MSMs, a spec miata, and a gorgeous E30 M3.

 

Added a few more things before heading out for MMRLS but didn't take photos

V8R frame rails - Really made a huge difference on a chassis this tired.
FM downpipe
Carbotech XP10/XP8
Black 15x9 6ul and 225 RS3s from my NA
Race tech seat borrowed from my NA

All dressed and ready to go play...

 

Very clean car!

Looking forward to more updates!

 

Braking at MRLS was subpar. Pedal was mushy and inconsistent on track despite new rotors, XP10/8 combo, 949 braided lines. I flushed the fluid at the track to no avail so I new something was afoot.

Decided to swap out the MC and found this. Gross, and obviously the culprit.



Instead of staying stock I swapped in 929 master and a prop valve. I have one in my NA and love it so I figured I would do the same with this car.





Need to bleed again, pretty sure I have a bit of air in the ABS block. Even so the pedal is much better, nice and firm. Reminds me of an air cooled Porsche.

Note to other MSM owners, the fluid level sensor included in the Centric MC plugs right into the factory harness so you retain functionality.

 

Hope you bought the RB blocks and bolts too (see RB blocks and bolts for Miata) - otherwise you're going to do this:

Upgraded sway bar

Alternatively: Heavy Duty Sway Bar Mount Brackets Black for Miata

 

The heavy duty mounts won't work on his car

 

I just put those HD mounts on my MSM this summer and I thought one of the 2 sets of holes was set up for the RB 1.25 bar. Maybe not. I've only got the RB 1.125 bar on mine now. They were a pain to get on. When they say tight, they mean it....

AWR says they modified them to fit more aftermarket bars.

Reinforced Sway Bar Brackets - 1990-2005 Miata - AWR Racing Store

 

I'd be careful here... At the rate you're going you'll end up with 2 race cars... LOL

 

Yeah I installed RB blocks with the sway bar. My NA has the AWR mounts, didn't seem like the MSM has enough room.

The AWR mounts are way better than running blocks.

 

While on the subject of things not fitting, I've always wondered exactly why FM says the Wilwood bias valve can't be used with cars with sport brakes and ABS but will work with cars with only sport or ABS. I thought it might mess with the electronic proportioning on the newer ABS cars or ???? They don't even list it if you select MSM parts. I see you've put one on though. Any issues?

 

None for me so far, but it has just been street driving. Need to set the bias with the ABS turned off.

Read here for info on NB2 ABS and prop valves.

Planning to swap to NA8 rear calipers but keep the sport rotors to help the balance. The rear sport calipers don't balance well with much short of an 11.75" kit.

 

Exactly what I am trying not to do! It's a slippery slope. It will get easier once my NA is back running.

 

Well, you're failing pretty hard at it. lol. That's a sweet MSM. Looks like it has been well taken care of.

 

Thanks! Compared to my NA its a luxury car.

 

OneTwo, thanks for that link about the NB2/ABS. I must have missed that one. Got a BBK on the way and might have to try that at some point.

Been on here for years reading but haven't done anything much to the MSM yet other than the normal suspension/wheel stuff (Xidas, 6UL's, etc) but I've but been picking up parts for EFR turbo and brakes. Need to start my own build thread. I'll let you get back to your car.....