MSM/NB Experts, Please take a look!!!

[evilmonkeyMSP]

Hey guys,

My brother was in need of a new car so I got him very interested in NB miatas. After a bunch of searching we've come across this:

2004 MSM
RED
65000ish miles.

Purchase price is 8500.00

The owner of it is an older guy and he's had it for 4 years, selling it due to a back injury so he's trying to unload it quick due to already getting a new and bigger car.

Please take a look at these pics below and tell me what you think! Any criticisms you have or words of advice please let me know. I can already see that some of the intercooler piping has been messed with and the stock BPV has been replaced.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

 

[THE Phen]

Ok... here's my checklist.

1) Better shape visually than mine.
2) Calipers had been painted red at some point, then cleaned off (but not well)
3) Top has been replaced. Red and black cloth seats had a vinyl top.
4) What's up with all of the vacuum lines?
5) Manual boost controller and aftermarket BOV, venting to atmosphere... potential for backfire.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

Yeah, it has a new Robbins top on it w/ rear defroster.

Where do you see the MBC? How many pounds of boost do these run stock?

You think it would be easy to find replacement parts to go back to stock?

 

[EvilJen]

I don't see any blood in the trunk so I'm betting he didn't have any dead hookers in there. Seems ligit. (evil)

 

[THE Phen]

Well, first I saw that the electronic boost controller wasn't hooked up. See the box with a wire plugged into it, and two nipples right on the front of the valve cover? That's the EBC. The MBC is sitting on the pipe going from the turbo to the intercooler with the yellow / green vacuum line going to it.

Replacement parts... I have most of them. The EBC is still there. The factory diverter valve... different story.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

ok, so should be pretty simple to hook the EBC back up then?

Well, first I saw that the electronic boost controller wasn't hooked up. See the box with a wire plugged into it, and two nipples right on the front of the valve cover? That's the EBC. The MBC is sitting on the pipe going from the turbo to the intercooler with the yellow / green vacuum line going to it.

Replacement parts... I have most of them. The EBC is still there. The factory diverter valve... different story.

 

[THE Phen]

Yeah... should be. Of course, the turbo maxes out efficiency between 10 and 12 psi. Stock is 7.5. It's probably fine where it is.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

I know this motor is better than the FSDE so if its been run at that PSI is there any issued?

Yeah... should be. Of course, the turbo maxes out efficiency between 10 and 12 psi. Stock is 7.5. It's probably fine where it is.

 

[THE Phen]

klea drove hers at 19 psi for a few months. So... no issues.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

LOL Ok...First thing that needs to be done, replace all that vacuum line with regular black line....that yellow s*** looks retarded.

klea drove hers at 19 psi for a few months. So... no issues.

 

[THE Phen]

Or blue. Mine is all blue and I don't hate it. LOL.

I'm 90% sure that more damage is done to the turbo running at the higher pressures than the engine itself.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

Gotcha. Any other pointers of what to look/listen to for signs of abuse.

Is there a thread anywhere with general maintenence info (such as trans, diff and oil fluid recomendations and such)?

Or blue. Mine is all blue and I don't hate it. LOL.

I'm 90% sure that more damage is done to the turbo running at the higher pressures than the engine itself.

 

[THE Phen]

Not on this forum (that I know of). Miata.net has a butt ton.

 

[subspeed6]

Here is a list to ask for:

When was the last oil change?
When was the last time the plugs and wires were changed? (MSMs love to eat those up. Ask Phen.)
Ask if the rear diff and tranny fluid were ever changed.
Check brake wear and fluid color/level. I doubt it has ever been flushed.


The thing I see most and it is probably my phone or the picture, but that left front rim and bottom part of the car looks like it is dirty or has sand blasted.

Hehe does your brother want to trade his stock mirrors for my APR ones? (Assuming he gets it) I'll trade my leather seats too.

 

[THE Phen]

Chris, those kinda look like water spots on my monitor.