Weekend Projects

[jmsj578]

If you aren't driving it, I guess it may be best to let it go, then. That way, maybe someone else can get some enjoyment out of it. I'd better be happy with what I have, for a while. The wife set her foot down, for whatever that's worth. (nervous)

Anyway, we went on a nice ride down past Somerset, today. I put about 150 miles on Little Red's odometer. It was fun. Sure saw a lot of bikes out, today. I'll call the painter, in the morning. I need to get the car in the shop, this week. Spring is approaching, fast! Besides, I think momma wants me to pull the Roush out for the next ride.

 

[Moultese]

Sell the MS3 if you aren't driving it or even enjoying it. No sense in owning a car you just don't really like. Take the money from the sale and save it for a nice car purchase in a few years.

 

[Diehonda]

I do own the MS3 free and clear, and I don't want to start making payments again either. I just don't enjoy driving the thing anymore; I can't even remember the last time I drove it. I've about decided that I'm just going to dump it for the best offer and bank the money. I'll drive the ti as long as there's no salt on the roads, otherwise I'll take the Wrangler. I'll save up and buy another Bimmer in a year or two...

What part of it don't you like?

You will make more money selling it on cars.com or autotrader. There are a few speeds listed but not many. Most of them are 6's.

 

[DaleNixon]

I think he's had a lot of reliability problems with it. Sucks having a car you can't trust. For me it was my old '96 Ford Contour.

 

[jmsj578]

I had to fire my Miata's painter today. Thankfully, he hadn't started on it, yet. It's a long story; but, the guy was way out of line. I told him he'd not be painting my car. I was pissed! Anyway, I had another painter in mind and hadn't contacted him before because I couldn't find his number. My son just happened to know the guy and knew about where he lived. He went out that way and found his house and business. Later on, I headed that way, found the guy, and had a nice chat. We agreed on a rough estimate and set a time to get started. How does taking the car to him tonight sound? He needs the work; and, I need him. All is well, again. The neat thing is that this guy is quoting a price well below the other one and is doing about the same amount of work! Imagine my surprise to hear that! More bling!

 

[08cosmic3]

Installed OBX R Boost Tubes and Denso IVT22 plugs

I installed OBX R boost tubes form a group by on another forum and Denso IVT 22 one step colder plugs. The tubes are blue and the clamps are T-bolt. The hot side tube was too long and had to be trimmed. These tubes don't look as high quality as the SU tubes but they were $40 less. They do seem to be better than the stockers and add some color under the hood. I took it for a spin and didn't notice any boost leak so I guess all the clamps are solid. I'll check them again after a week to see if they need to be retightened. The plugs don't add any performence that I could tell but provide a little security as I add power to the car.

 

[DaleNixon]

I'm still not 100% clear on what adding step colder plugs does. Can you explain?

 

[///M Compact]

What part of it don't you like?

Well, I bought the MS3 to serve as my primary track toy- as well as a borderline practical daily driver and family hauler. I thought it might be fun to try something that wasn't German and RWD. After just one three day HPDE it needed a new LF strut(which caused me to miss a week of instructing at Watkins Glen). As soon as I got that fixed the turbo started smoking. And this is all before the car hit 26,000 miles. The Louisville Mazda dealers suck when it comes to service, so I have to take it back to my selling dealer(Kings Mazda in Cincinnati). Kings has been great, but the only mods that they won't hassle me about are the MSCAI and MSCBE. I'm simply not confident that it can handle 3-6 HPDEs per year without major problems. There's no point in keeping the thing if it won't see the track, so I might as well cut my losses.

 

[08cosmic3]

I'm still not 100% clear on what adding step colder plugs does. Can you explain?

Read this thread.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123724048&highlight=plugs

 

[DaleNixon]

Intriguing. I may just have to order some Denso ITV22's. Where did you acquire yours from?

 

[08cosmic3]

Intriguing. I may just have to order some Denso ITV22's. Where did you acquire yours from?

SU, $48 shipped for all four. The Denso come recommended and are already gapped to our specs. Some are going two steps colder when they turn up the boost. IVT24 are two steps colder. SU has both..

 

[jmsj578]

After firing the painter for Little Red's project, the new one is already working on the car. With some help from a forum local to the upholsterer, I was able to get enough info to get his phone number. I called him and told him about what had happened between the fired painter and me. The job to do the seats was accepted; so, I'll take the seats, tomorrow. The fired painter is the only one left out of the project. Suits me. I feel relieved.

 

[///M Compact]

Today I drained the Synlube out of the transaxle and replaced it with the uber-expensive Ford synthetic. The LSD has quieted down a bit and the shift action is better than it's ever been. It's almost like driving a new car. Almost. I also received the seats for my '02. They are look great and will make the old crate very comfortable to drive.
A good day.

 

[DaleNixon]

SU, $48 shipped for all four. The Denso come recommended and are already gapped to our specs. Some are going two steps colder when they turn up the boost. IVT24 are two steps colder. SU has both..

I don't plan on turning up the boost, but I wouldn't mind seeing my knock sensor warning go off less frequently. I'll probably grab a set of IVT22's. Thanks!

 

[jmsj578]

The painter has started sanding the car. The upholsterer got the seats, today. All is well.

 

[08cosmic3]

Pics ASAP

 

[jmsj578]

I stopped by the painter's shop, yesterday. When I took it there, the other day, he had a big truck hood to finish, some plumbing in his mother's house to finish, and my car to start. He's got his mother's project done and was just finishing up the hood, yesterday. That means he'll have more time for my car, now. He's already been filling in the dings on the rear and right side. He hopes to put primer in those areas, shortly. My little car looks pretty ugly, right now.

 

[Diehonda]

Nice!

I will be posting pictures of my parts once they come in. I am doing a 200K tune up. Timing belt, tensioner, idler, idler spring, water pump, front seals, rear main seal, oil pump seal, oil pan gasket, new oil pressure sending unit, man tranny flush, fuel injectors, and high pressure fuel filter. Also replacing the inner tie rod.

Sound fun?

Parts came in and it is in the shop for the timing belt, water pump tune up and the inner tie rod is being replaced.

(dance)


Helps when a close friend owns a shop. Home boy discount FTW!

 

[08cosmic3]

Installed Cobb Rear Sway Bar.

I have it set on the stiffer setting. Ain't it PURDY?

 

[jmsj578]

I have it set on the stiffer setting. Ain't it PURDY?

Almost as pretty as mine. Mine are orange, front and back. I think I read that mine are set up on the softer setting for my Miata. It's still pretty stiff with the springs and coilovers. It can be pretty jolting when going over a railroad track, etc. Other than that, they're fine. I also noticed grease fittings on them; so, I'll need to do that, shortly.