Roadster Of The Week – Kelly’s MX-5 Wallpapers

You asked for it, So you’ve got it! Some big pictures of Kelly’s dope MX-5 for everyone!

Roadster Of The Week – Kelly’s MX-5

Article written by: Adam Zitka & Kelly
Photography by: Boony – Deadstock Photography

This NA8 is one stunning Roadster, The owner has gone for the “Less is more” approach in terms of modifying, And as you can clearly see it’s working! This Roadster isn’t an American car, Nor European, It’s from the land down under, It’s based in New South Wales to be precise.

“Why I bought an MX-5:

Well after having my DC2R written off, I needed a new car. At first I was tossing up between an SW20 MR2 and the MX-5, but after seeing all the pics of the slammed Miatas from the states, I knew I had to have one.

  I spent a couple of months looking for the perfect mx5, I wanted something in immaculate condition and surprisingly that was quite hard to find. Black was my colour of preference, but the condition of this one was too good to pass on. I bought it within 24 hours of it coming up for sale.”

Kelly has done well with his Roadster, Only performing stubble touches all round. The exterior is blessed with a Garage Vary front lip, OEM hardtop and most recent addition, A KG works rear spoiler.

Your probably wondering what wheels are on Kelly’s MX-5 right? Well they are from a company called “Simmons” which was based in Australia, Unfortunately they have closed up shop and Simmons wheels are no longer in production. These particular Simmons wheels are a model called V4 which were designed and created a very long time ago.

Kelly scored these set of wheels off a fellow Roadster owner, And I imagine they would be pretty hard to find now without paying an arm and a leg. These V4’s are sized in at 14×6.5 with positive 7 offset. However these don’t clear the NA8’s brakes, So Kelly has slipped on some 5mm spacers all round, Effectively making the offset positive 2.

 The tyres wrapped around the Simmons are a set of Falkens with 195/45 sizing. This allowed Kelly to get super dooper low without the worry of scrubbing on the guards.

Although it might not seem like it, Kelly’s Roadster is set up for track work, The previous owner used to get out there quite often. Kelly is hoping to do the same very shortly.

You’ll notice the Australian made BD roll bar making itself visible. It is a very popular Rollbar down under as they are CAMS approved which means it’s usable for competitive racing. A pair of Whiteline (Which are also Australian made) swaybars are hiding under the bodywork too. A set of BC Racing coilovers happen to installed into this MX-5 too, Giving Kelly a vast range of adjustability, Damping and height wise.

I’ve always admired how clean Kelly has managed to keep his Clubman. I mean look at this interior, It still has the OEM head unit installed! Only minor touches have been carried out in the cockpit like the brushed aluminium vent rings and polished Voodoo gear knob, Though Kelly does still have a Mazdaspeed steering wheel to install. It doesn’t get much cleaner then Kellys!

“Future Plans:

Nothing outrageous planned for this car yet, I’m going to follow a ‘less is more’ theme with the modifying. Exterior wise I think it’s pretty much complete, just need to add a rear lip of some type. Interior, there’s not too much planned for it. Just restoring everything to near new condition.

Then, I want to lightly tuck the engine bay so everything looks neat and tidy. In terms of performance, don’t have too much planned. Maybe a turbo kit when I’m on my fulls, and money permits. Hopefully I’ll get to take the car out sliding sometime soon.”

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 Kelly, You are the Roadster Of The Week!

modifications:

Exterior:

– Garage Vary Front Lip
– Simmons V4 Wheels
– Matching Hardtop
– KG Works Lip Spoiler

Performance/Handling:

– Mania Cold Air Intake
– Exedy HD Clutch
– Fidanza Lightweight Flywheel
– Auto-Exe Exhaust
– BC Coilovers
– Whiteline Adjustable Swaybars Front/Rear

 Interior:

– Factory Nardi Steering Wheel
– Voodoo Polished Gear Knob
– Brushed Aluminium Vent Rings
– Brown Davis Roll Bar
– Mazdaspeed Steering Wheel (still to go in)

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 – Charlie’s NA6

Article by: Adam Zitka
Photography by: Rory – DownShift  

This weeks ROTW is a home-grown NA6 from Australia’s northern state … Queensland. Charlie, The owner bought this car early this year in stock form, Fast forward a few months and this is what Charlie has turned his Roadster into, It doesn’t seem like he is planning on slowing down either!      

“The reason I wanted to buy a mx5 in the first place was when I was just browsing the JDMST forum looking at the pic thread and falling in love with the low and wide look most of the dope MX5’s have today. From then on I knew I had to have one and started researching about them, even planning out what I was going to do if/when I got one”.

“I saw one for sale and instantly put my car for sale as well. I finally sold my car and took the 5 for a test drive and straight away everything that I read was true, So I bought it”.

It’s amazing how stubble touches can really change how a car looks, particularly an NA Roadster. Charlie’s NA6 is wearing a Garage Vary front lip, Autokonexion rear spoiler and A set of M2 runabout mirrors. The mirrors were out of coincidence really, You see someone kicked a soccer ball into Charlie’s drivers side mirror, And he thought instead of replacing it, He’ll go for the set of mirrors he always wanted.  

  
Those gold wheels really work well against the car hey? They are a set of Axis OG OldSkools, With 15×8 +25 sizing. Charlie wasn’t completely happy with the offset though, So he recently bolted a set of 15mm spacers on all four hubs, Effectively making the wheels +10 in offset. A set of Kumho KU31 tyres with 195/50 sizing, Are wrapped around the OG’s.  

The overall stance of the car wouldn’t have been achievable if it weren’t for the BC racing coilovers that Charlie installed. These coils are proving to be the best bang for your buck out there, Offering a great monotube design that offers vast adjustments of damping and height, At a rather small price. 

Interior modifications on Charlie’s NA6 have been kept minimal so far. Only the necessities have been changed. A Sparco Sprint currently replaces the driver’s seat, A Skunk2 gear knob helps improve shifting feel, And 330mm Nardi Classic replaces the tired, Worn OEM Momo steering wheel.  

Charlie hasn’t left a stone unturned with his Roadster. With the plan of his MX-5 seeing the track occasionally, Charlie has started stiffening up the chassis.  A front strut brace, Whiteline sway bar and pair of  Boss Frog “Frog Arms” stiffen the front end. A MX5 Plus torque box roll bar help stiffen the cabin, And another Whiteline sway bar along with a Flyin’ Miata subframe brace tighten up the rear end.

Looking at the above picture, Your probably wondering what or rather, Why that big P is hanging on Charlie’s roll bar. Well, Down under it’s a compulsory item for new drivers and it needs to shown on the car at all times if you are a “Provisional” driver (That’s what the P stands for). Lucky for Charlie, He only has one more year left until he is no longer a “P Plater”. 

With Roadsters dropping in price over here, It’s only a matter of time until the world will see more dope MX-5’s coming from down under. 

“For future plans I was starting to get a turbo kit, And started piecing the parts together (Ie. Diff etc). But due to a loss of license I’m thinking aobut doing a full exhaust, A little more suspension work then just track it more. I would like to be able to get to the limits of the car, Before adding more power”.

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

Congratulations Charlie, You are the Roadster Of The Week!

modifications:

Engine &Drivetrain:

Late model 1.6 engine
Advanced Timing (14 deg)
MX-5 mania cold air intake
Arc Enlarged intake
Modified factory exhaust
White and red rocker cover       

 Wheels and Suspension:  

15 x 8 +25 OG Oldskools
15mm spacers all round
Kuhmo KU31 tyres
BC Coilovers
Front Strut Brace
Mx5 plus torque box roll bar
Boss Frog ‘Frog Arms’
Secret element tie rods
Flyin Miata rear subframe brace
Whiteline Adjustable sway bars
1.8 brakes    

Exterior:    

GV front lip
M2 runabout mirrors
Tow hooks
Autokonexion CF bootlid spoiler     

Interior:   

 Bride Zeta II
Sparco Sprint Bucket
Skunk2 gearknob
330mm Nardi Classic

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

Roadster Of The Week – Andrew’s Boosted NB

Article Written By: Adam Zitka
Photography By: Andrew Vistnes

This week, We have yet another European Roadster gracing the pages. This Brilliant black NB belongs to Andrew. Andrew previously owned a stripped out BRG NA, But he decided he wanted a change, And he’s now converted to the dark side of forced induction.

This NB’s canvas has rather sleek and simple. Changes consist of OEM side skirts & Mud flaps, An Autokonexion bootlid, Garage Vary front lip, And Zoom Eng. fuel lid. Andrew also bought a hardtop for his NB, But instead of painting it brilliant black, He decided to paint it Marble White, one of the colours offered on the NC Roadsters. “After I got the HT on, I knew how the car should be. A mix between classic English sports car and Japan Eunos style”.

This statement is expressed loudly in the cockpit of this NB, As there really are a mix of JDM and british components in there. For instance, The cluster is an AWD piece, and those red leather seats are out of a Lotus Elise ! Like many, Andrew has ditched the airbagged wheel for a Nardi and quick release. He has also changed the gearknob for a wooden Nardi which gives an old british sports car vibe. Andrew doesn’t mind a bit of tunes too, So he has installed a Pioneer DVD head unit with bluetooth and GPS for those “let the road take me” drives.

As you may have guessed, The engine isn’t standard. Andrew has a MP62 Coldside supercharger strapped to the left hand side of the block, Which is managed by a PC-Pro piggy back computer. The headers are the best in the business … Maxim Works, which is followed by a Roadster Sport mid pipe, And muffler. The engine cover has been painted BRG and there is a flashy Nilex oil cap on there too.

With the extra grunt from the supercharger, Andrew thought it would be a good idea to upgrade the suspension. Stance GR+ coilovers have been installed, along with a 10th anniversary front undercarriage brace, and Racing Beat rear undercarriage brace. The wheels have been changed to a set of Compomotive ML’s in 15×8 sizing, Much wider than the OEM wheels, And would offer a tad more traction to say the least.

“My focus now is to upgrade the engine and brakes. The cold side MP62 behaves like a NA engine, but the torque needs a new clutch and the roads around here demands better brakes….lives on the west coast of Norway with lots of small,twisty roads around me which is perfect for me and my Mx-5.

There are many plans for the car, but maybe I build a fully track focused NA on throttle bodies and 13×8” next time.”

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 Andrew, You are the Roadster Of The Week!

Modifacations:

-1999 mod NB8C (Brilliant black)
-OEM Small side skirts&rear mudflaps (tupperware)
-Hardtop painted in Marble White
-Red tinted rear lights
-Autokonexion fibreglass trunk (ducktail)
-Garage Vary front air dam
-Fuel Lid from ZOOM Engineering
-Euro styled brake lamp from ZOOM Engineering underneath the bumper.
-Engine oil cap from Nilex (M2-1002 replica)
-Valvecover painted in BRG color

-Org. Torsen^® Limited slip differential
-Stance GR+ coilovers  (11.5/11.7 daily ridehight )
-Racing Beat rear subframe brace
-10th edt. frontbrace
-Mazdaspeed engine and diff mounts
-Compomotive  ML 15×8″ ET10
-195/50/R15 Yokohama S Drive tires

-Org.engine running with a Coldside MP65 supercharger  from fastforwardsuperchargers.com
-PC-Pro piggypack
-4-2-1 header from MaximWorks
-RoadsterSport midpipe
-RoadserSport 3 muffler
-Zeitronix datalogger (AFR,TPS,ETG,RPM,MAP)

-Gauge faces from ArtWorks Dewa (vers. NBS-R)
-Defi Genome (org.subaru STI) gauges, oil pressure/temp-water temp-boost
-Q.release bell and hub from WorksBell
-Nardi steeringweel
-Nardi wooden gear
-Lotus Elise seats in red leader (mounted on org.frame)
-240mm Broadway rear mirror
-Pioneer AVIX X3 (DVD,Navi, Bluetooth, GPS, Ipod…)

Roadster Of The Week – Kevin’s NA6.8

Article Written By: Adam Zitka
Pictures Taken By: Kevin Davey

This stunning mariner blue NA6 belongs to Kevin Davey. He has owned his Miata since 2003 and has been tinkering with it as soon as he purchased it. This NA6 is Kevin’s daily driver and track car so mods have been kept conservative. For instance, He has left the air-con and climate control untouched.

The exterior has been kept extremely simple, With the only modifications being an R-package front lip, M1028 Vitaloni Mirrors and a Carbon fiber NACA duct headlight lid. Kevin has recently added a set of 15 inch Work Miester S1 wheels to his NA6, which replace the 949 Racing 6UL’s that were previously on the car.

The Engine has been drastically modified. For starters the B6 donk has been jacked for a 1.8 litre setup. The block is from a 97 model, And the Head is off the BP-4W engine, Found in the 98-00 NB. Kevin hasn’t just slapped these together. The whole setup has been rebuilt. A set of Hi-Compression Supertech pistons have been stuffed into the block. The head has been mildly ported & polished, And a MazdaSpeed Miata intake cam shaft has replaced the OEM cam. Kev’s new setup made 130HP at the wheels after break in, On a rather safe tune.

Kevin has updated the interior with an NB steering wheel, And a pair of Bride Vios III seats. Some Corbeau 5 point harnesses help strap Kevin, And his passenger in when competing in track days. Kevin grasps a RE Amemiya gear knob when shifting the six speed gear box, And places his feet on some Aluminum pedal covers.

Seeing this is a track car, The suspension has been well looked after. The standard shocks and springs have been replaced for a set of Tein Flex with F9kg/R6kg springs. A Racing Beat tubular front swaybar has been installed to the front of the NA, And the power steering has been removed for better steering response.

Seeing the new engine setup makes a-lot more power then the standard engine did. Kevin opted to install a Goodwin Wilwood big brake kit, With Porterfield RS4 brake pads for the street, And Carbotech XP12 brake pads for the track. A Wilwood brake proportioning valve has also been installed to adjust the brake bias.

Kevin’s future plans include a full set of gauges to monitor engine vitals, Energy suspension Hyperflex bushings, And an R-Package rear lip. For more photos of Kevin’s Miata check this link out.

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 Kevin, You’re the Roadster Of The Week!

Modifacations:

Engine:

’97 1.8 Block
11:1 84mm Supertech Pistons by 949Racing
’99 Head with a mild port and polish
MSM Intake Cam
OBX 4-2-1 Header
Magnaflow 2.5″ exhaust
MTuned Duel Feed fuel rail
NB “purple” Injectors 265cc
MTuned Coolant Reroute
Goodwin MonsterFlow Carbon Fiber intake
PWR Aluminum Radiator
Samco Silicon Hoses
Innovate LC-1 Wideband
MegaSquirt PnP ECU
Mazdaspeed engine mounts

Drivetrain:

ACT 6 Puck Clutch
ACT 9lb Flywheel
6 speed transmission
4:30 Torsen differential

Suspension:

Tein Flex with 9kg front and 6kg rear springs
Racing Beat tubular front swaybar
Goodwin Wilwood Big Brake Kit
Wilwood Brake proportioning valve
Porterfield RS4 brake pads (street)
Carbotech XP12 brake pads (track)
Stainless steel brake lines
Depowered steering rack

Wheels/Tires:

Work Meister S1’s 15×7.5 w/ 195/50 R15 General UHP tires (street)
949Racing 6UL’s 15×8 w/ 205/50 R15 Toyo R888’s
949Racing Aluminum lugnuts

Interior:

NB Nardi Steering wheel
RE Amemiya shift knob
IL Motorsports center console
Bride Vios III Sport seats
Corbeau 5 point harnesses
Boss Frog Clearview roll bar and harness bar
Aluminum Pedal covers

Exterior:

R Package front lip
M1028 Vitaloni Mirrors with concave mirrors
Carbon fiber NACA duct headlight lid

Roadster Of The Week – Shintaro’s NA

Article written by: Shintaro Maeda
Pictures taken by: Shintaro Maeda

A Miata is a car that I never thought I would own. I was with everyone else thinking it was a girl’s car. However, a big mistake I made during my freshman year in college changed everything. At the time I was peaking my interest in modifying cars. I thought it would be a great idea to take out student loans to buy a sr20det motor to put in my 240sx. A terrible idea that has been. I blew the motor with-in three months because of my inexperience in tuning turbo cars. Not having enough money to rebuild the motor and buy text books, I was forced to part out the car. After learning an expensive lesson, I started looking for another daily driver.

 I still wanted a rear wheel drive car, and it had to be with-in my student budget. After doing some research, I knew the Miata was the answer. The car was very affordable and amazingly fun to drive. After driving one for the first time all the misconceptions I had were blown away. Since this car had to last me through college, I wanted to make it as simple and reliable as possible. Ruling forced induction out of the equation, I went with some mild modifications to enhance the fun-factor of the car.

 Engine-wise, it has a timing advance, Jackson racing intake, headers, borla cat-back, and a test pipe. Exedy stage 1 clutch and Fidanza flywheel have been installed aswell. Suspension consists of H&R springs, AGX shocks, Fat Cat Motorsports tophats and bumpstops. Stopping power is increased with 1.8 brake upgrade with Hawk HP plus pads. At the time I purchased the car I didn’t know anything about the color. After finding out that it was British Racing Green, and that it was a special edition color, I knew I had to build the exterior of the car to mimick the vintage racers of the 60’s.

 The hood has been stripped and polished with Jeep louvers riveted in. The mirror is a Ray-dot replica with a base plate made from an old piece of aluminum I found lying around. To further exentuate the vintage style, a Brainstorm fuel lid has been installed. The car also has RS Aizawa headlight duct, K.G.Works spoiler, OEM lip, Metro Motorsports antenna, and Rennenmetal towhooks.

 There are few bits in the interior as well such as Hard Dog roll bar, Daikei hub, NRG quick-release, and VooDoo shift knob. I have to say buying a Miata has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The car has gotten me through college without issue and I feel I’ve learned a lot more about tuning cars. Now that I’ve graduated and managed to get a full-time job, the Miata has been released of its daily driver duties to weekend-driver status. Future plans include a much-needed paint-job and a supercharger. I feel ready to take on the challenge of forced-induction once again.