MrMazda92's '92 GS - New daily

[MrMazda92]

I lined up a few performance goodies on the floor for a photo, just because I wanted to upload SOMETHING today, despite having nothing to currently work on, besides giving my ankle time to heal again. -.-


Left to right:
Fidanza flywheel - Needs a new friction surface, will be replacing w/ clutch
Short-tube headers - Will be cleaned, flanges will be re-welded to primaries(so I can polish the primaries inside)
Cam Gears - I intend to take these to my machine shop and see about lightening/balancing these with or without cams.
Unorthodox UDP - It's good to go, but I want to look into a 36-1 trigger wheel for it, for more accurate spark timing.
KL fuel rails - I'm having the bore corrected(slight run-off in both rails) and then powdercoating these black.
KJ(Milli S) injectors - To be flow-tested, new filter baskets & either new K8 or KL pintles, depending on current research... I'm kind of stubborn, and want to give my ideas on pulse-width duration a shot, since fuel rails are so incredibly easy to swap out, in comparison to other items.
Stratified PnP MegaSquirt - VAF removal, VRIS onset/duration, full replacement ECU. I need to figure out mounting for this, other than that it's ready for use!
SRD Reproduction Crossmember/Lower Tie-bar - My valvecovers and fuel rails will be Powdercoated either this color, or a slightly glossier black, I'm still undecided. The lettering will be mirror polished...

[MrMazda92]

Ah what the hell, I have 2 more pictures to post just for the hell of it:

My throw is pretty short, roughly 45-50mm(a little under 2") from 3rd to 4th.
This was accomplished with an PaceSetter adjustable Short-Throw and one of FowlJesse's drilled shift knobs. I can change the height of the threaded ball(acts as a fulcrum) in the center of the shifter to adjust the height and throw of the shifter. It took me a fair amount of time fiddling with it, to get it just where I like it, but the end result was well worth the time invested!

I did also use CorkSport bronzoil bushings and a cheaper 3rd link kit I found elsewhere to remove shifter slop... This sucker barely wiggles at all anymore, although there is a fair amount of vibration at freeway speed.

[Mooneggs]

nice job on the shifter. Having a drilled shift knob is easier and cheaper than re-routing your exhaust around it

[MrMazda92]

Thank you Mark.
Funny as it is, thank you for reminding me, the shifter clears my exhaust by less than 2mm. I have bumped it a few times when shifting from 1st to 2nd, but it's not been an issue other than that. I have tried to find another shift knob to use, but honestly nothing feels as good in my hand as the stock one. The MazdaSpeed Protege knobs look great, but I found them to be uncomfortable, and decided to stick with a stock one.

[fowljesse]

My .02; I like the Euro bumper better. The lines flow with the car more.
I'm glad you like the shift knob. I forgot that it is part of the reason why my shifter is so short like yours.

[MrMazda92]

Thank you Jesse, I appreciate it! I'm not going to hold it against anyone if they prefer either bumper, I promise!

From a durability standpoint... I'm leaning hard towards trying to find a new Euro bumper. I recently sold mine, so maybe I can find one with a lip attached? Idk, I'll wait to make my decision until I have the CS MS bumper repaired and reinforced. If it stands up to my scrutiny, I'll use it, if not I'll try to find a euro one, or modify my USDM for the air inlets and towhook.

I love the knob, it didn't reduce the throw a whole ton after I set the PaceSetter as low as I did, but it did somewhat. In addition to the reduced throw, it lowered the knob enough that I can rest my hand on it while messing with my stereo.

[Mooneggs]

Personally I prefer a weighted shift knob but I didn't know that until I tried one It's nice having reduced throw and over a pound on top.

[MrMazda92]

I'd thought about it in the past, but honestly I don't think that I need it.

Money is tight for me, and as it is I'm having trouble financing the stuff that is highest on my priority list.
Things will be easier when I get my nonsense with the recruiters figured out...

[MrMazda92]

Phew...

I start my new job first thing next week. I'll be making more than double what I have been for the past few months, and job security is pretty stable here, I'll be able to keep this up until I leave for basic.

Get ready for some cool updates!

[MrMazda92]

So my new job isn't half bad, and it's nice making enough money to pay ALL of my bills with enough to split between savings and toys(in other words, cars). I'm making more money than originally expected as well, the difference literally being my entire rent check every month. That was an unexpected, very very very positive bit of information!

I just sold a few items, both on the boards and locally, which should get me current on Registration and put enough gas in the tank for my first 2 weeks of work. I have a lot more for sale, and have already written out a budget at my current rate of pay for the next few months.

It's looking like the KLG4 and Brake swaps will be waiting until more money is set aside, possibly in January... I had truly hoped to get at least one done before 2013, but it's not looking likely at this point.

On a happier note, my little red monster, the MG Midget has rolled into my driveway for the first time since I've owned it. Fully original, numbers matching, with an intact rag-top. She doesn't run, and is a full restoration project waiting to happen. Minimal rust, fully intact car(including a tear-free interior), no dents or dings either. The chrome pieces are pretty crappy looking, and the only severely rusted piece on the car is the cargo "tray" on the trunk. That will likely need replacement, unless I decide against installing it after restoration.

This project won't be touched until I have a garage at my disposal, since attempting to restore it may very well cause it more harm in the driveway.

[MrMazda92]

I've been doing more research on the MS6/MSP brake setup, and am determined to make it work. Compared to other setups available(both OEM and aftermarket considered), the initial cost + the cost of upkeep(new seals, pads, rotors) put them as the best bang for your buck, assuming you are willing to fiddle with a spindle swap and larger wheels.

Initial cost will be a pain, mainly due to the 4lug > 5lug swap, new wheels, and new tires, but I estimate I can do the entire upgrade for around $700, all-inclusive. Tires will be the determining factor... Bear in mind, this will be for larger brakes in all 4 corners, rebuild kits all around, 5 lug swap, RX7 FD wheels(undecided on which set to go with), brand new tires, and powdercoating the calipers to top it off.

The beauty of this swap, is that the contact patch is increased enough to better utilize the larger brakes. Stopping distance should be reduced noticeably, and brake fade should be greatly reduced as well.
Hell, the MS6 is roughly a THOUSAND pounds heavier than an MX-3(32% heavier!!!), using a 215/45/18 tire on 18x7" wheels.

Here's the trick area:
I need to figure out exactly what tires I'll be able to run... This is new territory for me.
16x8 wheel, with an offset of 50. I don't care how low the car sits, so long as it's no higher than stock.
I'm against stretching tires, so I will likely need to roll my fenders. Hopefully I can leave it at that...

Has anybody run a 16x8 +50 wheel before? What tire sizes have you seen?

[bogaut]

+50?? thats pretty high..

[MrMazda92]

I've seen mention of fitment issues in the rear, but I'm willing to do almost anything to get these to fit.

I hope I can figure it out.

[crazycanadian]

I've seen mention of fitment issues in the rear, but I'm willing to do almost anything to get these to fit.

I hope I can figure it out.

I am really curious to see how all this fits together.. Brakes on my car are next up on the modification wish list... All though I am really hesitant to do a 5 lug swap since I run 3 different sets of rims/tires on my car threw out the year...

[MrMazda92]

I am too, I just wish I had more money set aside... It'll get easier after my 2nd or 3rd paycheck. Turns out I can keep my other job as well, I'm working weekends for one company and weeks for another!

I am bummed about the need to swap to 5 lug as well, although it will allow me to sell my current wheels and tires to offset the costs of my new ones... First I need to make sure it all works though.

Based on Marcdh's post earlier in my WL, I am assuming the issue was rubbing between the inner lip of the wheels and the strut assembly(in the rears at least), although he mentioned he was running coilovers. If it is an issue for me, thin spacers may be required to make it work... I can live with wheels sticking out a tad bit, but I would want it even front and rear, since symmetry is important to me.

I'll make this work, and if it doesn't I'll find something else that does!