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Engine, Powder coating, and more
Posted by
Adax
,
10-08-2013
·
3,343 views
As everyone who races one knows, a Spec Miata engine is important. Races are extremely close and an extra HP or two can mean the difference between podium and paddock. A good one is also quite expensive so realiablity must also be factored into the decision. You can buy running race cars for the price of a pro engine. Since the inception of this project I knew who was going to be building my engine, Dan Tiley. Dan is far too bright to be playing around with chick car engines but thankfully he does for some reason. Probably the inner demons that drive him to race these cars as well. His success as an engine builder is evident every weekend. Look at this years SARRC championship if you need further evidence. Most importantly, you know the engine he sends you will be his his best work to date.
OPM was kind enough to transport it from VIR for me. After unwrapping it looked like this.
Can't wait to drop it in and fire it up for the first time.
The suspension and subframe start to look pretty bad after 10 years on a street car. I painted the last one I built but it ultimately looked like paint on top of rust and dirt. Powder coating after media blasting seemed like a better approach and it is surprisingly affordable. Hopefullly I won't be needing replacement control arms too soon to have to match.
New cooling hoses are always a good idea. I went with OEM hoses and clamps except for the radiator and heater core hoses which are silicone. I never knew new OEM clamps had these little clips to keep them expanded. You just pull them off when the clamp is where you want it.
The final interior wiring is below. All will be covered with the center console arm rest. The Traqmate and redundant video (ReplayXD) wiring is under here as well.
You've seen most of the interior in pieces. Here's the almost final assembly. I'll eventually get some better pictures as it looks awesome and I need to do those many hours of work justice.
Still in the middle of assembly. It it taking far longer and is far more frustrating than I ever thought it would be. Each step uncovers a new problem that must be addressed before it can be completed. I want to just be able to bolt something together the first time.
OPM was kind enough to transport it from VIR for me. After unwrapping it looked like this.
Can't wait to drop it in and fire it up for the first time.
The suspension and subframe start to look pretty bad after 10 years on a street car. I painted the last one I built but it ultimately looked like paint on top of rust and dirt. Powder coating after media blasting seemed like a better approach and it is surprisingly affordable. Hopefullly I won't be needing replacement control arms too soon to have to match.
New cooling hoses are always a good idea. I went with OEM hoses and clamps except for the radiator and heater core hoses which are silicone. I never knew new OEM clamps had these little clips to keep them expanded. You just pull them off when the clamp is where you want it.
The final interior wiring is below. All will be covered with the center console arm rest. The Traqmate and redundant video (ReplayXD) wiring is under here as well.
You've seen most of the interior in pieces. Here's the almost final assembly. I'll eventually get some better pictures as it looks awesome and I need to do those many hours of work justice.
Still in the middle of assembly. It it taking far longer and is far more frustrating than I ever thought it would be. Each step uncovers a new problem that must be addressed before it can be completed. I want to just be able to bolt something together the first time.
- Danny Steyn, CWright, Ryan Roberson and 2 others like this
