Random Snap – 029

In The Build – All Out NA

I spotted this build thread on CR and Miataturbo.net. The owner hasn’t held back at all, He’s built the motor, widened the guards, full cage and beefed up the transmission. Check it out here.

Random Snap – 028

Random Snap – 025

When the Dark Star blew up, Darth Vader and his Storm Trooper jumped onto the Miata bandwagon!

In The Build – Nissan Powered Miata

Here’s something I haven’t seen before. A bunch of engineers and students in Texas, Are planning on dumping a VG30DETT engine into the NA’s bay. It should make for an interesting build indeed!

Check it out here.

Roadster Of The Week – Steven’s NB Miata

Article by: Adam Zitka
Photography by: Steve D

This sleek black NB is from Dallas, Texas in the US of A, And I’ve had my eye on it for quite a while for now. I contacted Steve some time ago about getting his Roadster on the blog, And finally … It is!

“I bought the car in the fall of 2006. It was bone stock but I had a vision for it. See, I came from a long line of high-performance, highly modified cars. I had worked my way up from a 1986 Toyota MR2 through 3 more MR2’s (one being a very nicely modded MK2 Turbo) on to a 300whp bugeye Subaru WRX and then a fancy-schmancy Mercedes C32 AMG. Pretty much everyone I know thought I was crazy when I sold the luxury rocket ship AMG to get a ’99 Miata with 114k miles on it. They just didn’t see what I saw when I looked at it.”

This is one mean looking Roadster, The Garage Vary eyelids are partly responsible for creating a rather happy looking car, Appear angry and aggressive. A Garage Vary front lip also helps with the aggressive appearance that Steve’s NB has. Other exterior modifications consist of a OEM hardtop, “Large” OEM Side skirts, And “Small” OEM mud guards.

The set of wheels on Steve’s NB are a set of Rota Grid off roads, However for track events he switches to a set of 949Racing 6UL’s.

Once upon a time, Steve’s interior was cream from factory. So Steve swapped it out for the standard black trim. Along with that he installed a set of Sparco Speed seats and a set of Ultrashield 5 point harness’s. Steve also has a couple of Autometer sport gauges to monitor the vitals.

“Before I even bought the car I knew I’d go with boost. I had planned on going the turbo route since I was way more familiar with that than with superchargers. Gary from Track Dog Racing – located here in Dallas, TX – convinced me otherwise while I was standing in his back yard talking shop one day. I’m glad he did. While the 210whp that my car currently makes may not sound like a lot, the way it’s delivered from the MP62 supercharger is brilliant. It drives like a strong V6 car instead of like a small turbo’ed 4-banger. Power and torque are linear, predictable and available down low in the revs. It makes going balls out a whole lot more fun.”

You read right, There’s a MP62 Supercharger bolted to the BP4W engine, Which is currently running at 10PSI. To help run this boost safely, A TDR intercooler has been installed, Along with a set of 350cc injectors. A Jackson Racing header, And a Racing Beat exhaust system has been installed, Which reduces flow and increases power further.

 This is controlled by the well-known Greddy E-manage Ultimate. Steve has had some problems with the drivetrain holding up the extra power, So he has had the PPF reinforced and has upgraded the clutch.

“What I saw back then is what everyone else sees now. A car that’s equally as comfortable on the track as it is at a show. It turns corners and heads in equal measure.”

Remember guys, We are always looking for new Roadsters to feature, so if you have a killer Roadster you would like to see on RoadsterGarage.net, then shoot us an email at roadstergarage@live.com.au

Congrats Steve, You are the ROTW!

Modifacations:

Engine & Drivetrain:

Jackson Racing MP62 Supercharger
Jackson Racing header
Racing Beat Midpipe & Muffler
350cc Injectors
Greddy E-manage Ultimate
TDR intercooler
Spec Stage 2 clutch/lightened stock flywheel

Wheels & Suspension:

Tein Basic Coilovers
Racing Beat Sway Bars
Mazdaspeed Motor Mounts
Reinforced PPF
Stage II Clutch
Lightened OEM Flywheel
Superpro Diff Mounts
Hard Dog Roll Bar
Rota Grid Offroads w/ 215/40 Maxxis tyres
949Racing 6UL 15×9 w/ 225/50 NT01 tyres

Exterior:

Garage Vary Eyelids
Garage Vary Front Lip
OEM Hardtop
OEM “Large” Sideskirts
OEM “Small” Mud Guards
Smoked Tail Lights, Reflectors & Indicators

Interior:

Black Interior
Sparco Speed Seats
Ultrashield 5pt Harness’s
Rev Limiter Gauges
Soft Top Deleted

Roadster Of The Week – Faz’s NC

 

Interview by: Adam Zitka
Photography by: Micheal Mann & Faz

Lets face it, there aren’t as many modified NC’s as there are NB’s or NA’s. So when this galaxy gray NC1 caught my eye, I knew I had to get it on RoadsterGarage.Net.

RG.net: So, What was your first experience with the Mazda Roadster?

Faz: I had seen them and knew they were around but knew nothing else about it until I bought my 2008 PRHT GT. I was looking to trade in my 2003 Acura TL-S and thought I might as well get a two seat convertible. I had no experience with a convertible before. I had never sat in a Miata before. I thought it was cool that it was a hard top convertible. I had no plans for modifications either. The Dealer had two both Galaxy Gray and I like the color. Both were exact same specs. GT with appearance package and suspension package. So buy the car was my first real experience. I then joined couple of forums and everything changed after my for mod.

RG.net: What would be your favourite thing about your Roadster ?

Faz: It has to be the PRHT, though there is so much more to like about it.

RG.net: What was your inspiration behind building your Roadster, And how do you feel about the way it’s turned out?

Faz: I am big time Formula 1 fan, And always loved car racing from rally to open wheel to touring. I had no plans for the car when I bought it. Then I did my first mod and liked the idea of doing things my self and making it a little unique. Now they call me the “Serial Modder”.

I regretted one of my first mod which was trying to make the car quieter by putting in Butyl layers. Its heavy and a pain to take out. After a few cosmetics mods my focus changed to performance based mods and that brought out the racer in me.

I started making the car lighter and more powerful. taking out things I didn’t need, like washer fluid (I don’t drive in the rain). lighter battery, Cold air intake, header, midpipe, exhaust, custom tune by Sniper Delta force Tune. Suspension mods: MS Sways, Autoexe adjustable end links, braces all over: Beatrush, Autoexe, Neilex, Kansai. Ohlins DFV Coilovers. Volk CE28N wheels with Carbon fiber caps. 17×9- +40, 245x40x17 rubber. flared fenders. Lots of cosmetic stuff too: Custom wheel by JPM Coachworks. I did a lot my self like 3M Carbon Fiber vinyl, interior lights. Scangauge dash install, Innovate LC-1 and XD16 install. i-Shift Shift lights.Custom made air deflecter.Custom Adjustable Aero Wing from APR performance. Cosworth supercharger. The car is almost too fast but there is no such thing.

I am always thinking of what to do next.

I also ended up doing a lot of track work, HPDE and AutoCross.

RG.net: Is there anything that bugs you about your car, Or any Roadster in general ?

Faz: Not really I would have to think hard about this one. May be a few things Mazda could have made it easy so we can customize, like the ECU, certain wiring and controls. more power from factory. Nothing that can’t be taken car of now a days.

Oh with the Wing and look now it looks fast ( as it is) so the down side is that everyone on the road wants to prove something and I drive very calm on public roads. I have had kids in their tuner cars to infinities, corvettes, Porsche and sedans like camry trying to race me on public roads. Plus I have seen cops slow down and follow me thinking I will do something stupid.

RG.net: Are there any future modifications you have in mind for the car ?

Faz: Yes lots: Right now the I am waiting on a full Bomex body kit, Next is Big brakes front first and then Rx-8 rears, brake ducts. revalve coilovers for stiffer springs. seats, harnesses, roll bar if possible or beatrush harness brace. flat bottom etc. I think there will always be something to do. But I am hoping to be done with most of the major work in the next 2-3 years.

RG.net: What has been the most memorable moment with your Roadster ?

Faz: There are several but one has to top them all, I posted the details on the forums it’s called “OMG!! OMG!!” It goes like this.

I have been taking the car out when ever I get a chance to do data logging runs to continue to improve on the tune.

I went for a hair cut and pulled into the parking lot. A kid and his girl friend immediately came to me and starting asking everything and anything about the car.

At the same time a car pulled up, a guy with two kids and just stayed their listening and looking at the car. Turned out he was a Miata head too and has two Miata’s.

I finally go in for the hair cut and the young receptionist was into cars as well and kept checking out the car.

I come out and she goes you have an awesome car, I love cars ….

I offered to show it to her – she could not believe it and said OMG..OMG..

she then asked if I could rev it up so she can hear it… I said you can sit in it and I will take you around parking a lot and she goes OMG..OMG…OMG

She sits in the car and immediately goes OMG.. OMG

I start it up and she goes OMG ..OMG..

I put the top down and I get a few more OMGs

I did a launch with DSC off turn DSC on, slide with DSC on, DSC off a donut, launch and back (Parking lot was empty and in an area where the shops are close, all closed up)

All along she was.. OMG.. OMG… OMG… OMG… OMG.. OMG… OMG… OMG..OMG.. OMG… OMG… OMG… OMG.. OMG… OMG… OMG..

She then asked if she could take a picture of the car and I said one better, I’ll take your picture with the car and … OMG

I can honestly tell you I have never ever heard so many OMG in such a short time and likely never will

As someone else pointed out the only time I missed a back seat to get a few more OMGs – but I think I got plenty

RG.net: How long do you plan on keeping the car ?

 Faz: I think I am going to be keeping it for ever. Considering how much time, effort and money I have spent on it and the amount of modifications I have done to it.

Remember guys, We are always looking for new Roadsters to feature, so if you have a killer Roadster you would like to see on RoadsterGarage.net, then shoot us an email at roadstergarage@live.com.au

Faz, You are the Roadster Of The Week!

Modifacations:

Exterior:

Rear window Tint
Debadged rear mazda logo
Side GT emblem and Supercharged emblem
Brake caliper paint Red – Yellow decal
Custom Tags “2MUCHFN”
Keyhole covers
IL Motorsports Tow hooks red
Hoen Fog lamps
Hoen license plate bulbs
LED parkers
Hood Pins
APR GTC-200 PRHT Wing
Stubby Antenna Power Agency

Interior:

IL Motorsports center console
Mazda3 Coin holder
RX8 intermittent Wiper switch
Garmin 755T/4GB with Kuda mount
Scanguage II w/dash modification
GROM for Garmin
Center Speaker upgrade
MX-5 Red SeatBelt pads
3.5″ Door Speaker upgrade Infinity Kappa 32.9cf
Shift-I Shift Lights
Redline Leather gear boot
Redline Leather Handbrake boot
Selfmade 1/4″ MR10 Lexan windblocker
Redline Gauge Hood cover
Redline Armrests
Redline Door pulls
Innovative XD16 AFR Gauge + LC1 sensor and Bosch O2 Sensor
CoolBreeze Air Scoop
JPM Steering wheel – custom with stiched center strip
3m Di-Noc carbonfiber interior
Cobalt Short Shifter w/spring mod
Momo Anatomic Short shift knob – Custom by JPM Coachworks
OBD II splitter cable
SmartTop Module
GoPro HD inner mount
Beatrush shift collar
Boost gauge and pod
DashDyno

Engine, Managment & Drivetrain:

Goodwin Roadster midpipe
Roadster Q exhaust now changed to Roadster Street Single (10lbs)
Engine Mounts poly 70 and Engine brace
Racing beat header
Odyssey 545 Battery with Cover and brass terminals
Fumoto Oil Drain plug
Battery Quick Disconnect connector
Differential FGR to 3.63 – Custom
Modified Neilex FSTB
Shorter super charger pulley
ACT Clutch ZM4-HDSS
FM lightweight flywheel
AEM Water injection kit with filter
AEM Water injection flow gauge
Supercharged emblems
Cosworth air filter
Intake Sock
Cosworth Supercharger is installed and tuned by Moto-East
Cold spark plugs
550cc Fuel injectors
Oil catch can
Innovate OT-2
Pivot throttle controller
AutoExe Sports Clutch Line

Chassis & Suspension:

MS Sway bar kit
AutoExe Adjustable end links
AutoExe Member Brace Set
Kansai rear brace
BeatRush front brace
Kansai Diff support bar
AWR Engine Brace
Nielex Front Knuckle supports
AutoExe Floor Cross Bar (Rear)
Cobalt Skid plate
AutoExe rear strut bar
Ohlins DFV
Custom Alignment
Corner Balancing

Wheels & Tyres:

Volk CE28N Titanium GunMetal 17×9 +40mm
Volk GT Black Anadoized limited Edition Cention caps
Rays Formula Red Lug nuts
Yokohama ADVAN AD07 tires

In The Build – Josh’s Bad Ass Drifter

This build has been going on for quite a few years (3 to be exact!). In a nut shell, Josh had smashed the car up. He then decided to completely rebuild the car from scratch to Formula D specifications.

The amount of custom fabrication and effort gone into this NA is amazing. The whole front end is a tube chassis, The engine makes over 400HP, and the car will be wearing a carbon fibre wide body kit. truly dope! You must check this out! Be sure to have an hour or so spare … Theres over 50 pages to go through.

Just take a moment to admire all the work in the engine bay alone! Keep it up Josh!