What to do next?

[Rickman]

OK. I've got a couple hundred bucks from some sold MSP/P5 parts.

What should I do next to my Miata?

All I have done now is AEM intake and Aftermarket wheels. I also have rear stainless steel brake lines (don't ask. long story)

My goal is to have a daily driver that is also somewhat autocross worthy. (I'm pretty sure I'm going to the local novice driving school next month.)

Anyhow, what should I do with say $200-300?

 

[MiaTurbo]

harness to keep you planted in the seat?

 

[jsahyoun]

springs! or struts!

 

[MazKid]

Exhaust.

 

[Rickman]

I could get springs, but not an entire setup for the money I have. Does it make sense to get springs without getting the rest?

MazKid - What decent exhaust can I get for $200-300?

 

[MazKid]

Decent? Well, you can get a used Racing Beat header, or a Jackson Racing Cat-Back...the first thing I'd do with exhaust if the rest of it is fine would be to get the Jackson Racing high-flow converter. I bought a used one for $110 shipped that had been used for like 1,000 miles, in mint condition. Changed the exhaust sound(deep throaty sound now) and feels quicker at high RPM. You can actually see through the converter, looking through my stock one you can barely see any light. Well worth the money.

With the springs...I wouldn't get stiffer springs with stock shocks, you'll be bouncing like mad. You can get different shocks with stock springs and it'll work ok.

 

[lagunamiata]

Man Rick, I keep finding you on forums all over the place!

Don't do stiff lowering springs on stock shocks.

The best ways to spend money to make a car quicker in autocross:
1. Seat time
2. Tires
3. Sway bars

RB tubular front is $160, rear is $100. Add a set of adjustable end links $60 per pair, and you're set. You don't have to do the end links, but it helps tighten things up.

Heck, I'll even help you put them on the car...

 

[lagunamiata]

harness to keep you planted in the seat?

He doesn't have a roll bar...

 

[Rickman]

Man Rick, I keep finding you on forums all over the place!

Don't do stiff lowering springs on stock shocks.

The best ways to spend money to make a car quicker in autocross:
1. Seat time
2. Tires
3. Sway bars

RB tubular front is $160, rear is $100. Add a set of adjustable end links $60 per pair, and you're set. You don't have to do the end links, but it helps tighten things up.

Heck, I'll even help you put them on the car...

1. Seat Time - Driving School in march - CHECK!
2. Working on that as we type. I'm trying to trade my stock 16"s for a decent set of smaller (14" or 15") wheels for autocross.
3. Hmmm. let me look around a bit on this. I was considering sway bars, but don't know much about the options/effects/drawbacks, etc.

... wanna help me install my front hubs?

 

[lagunamiata]

1. I'll try to corrupt you and make sure you can't drive!! I'm instructing (thats a scary thought!!).
2. If you're going to do CSP (well you're already there with the intake), then you'll want 13" or 14" with Hoosiers or Kuhmos. Less unsprung weight = quicker acceleration.
3. Drawbacks? None that I know of. It won't make the car ride stiffer than stock, but will handle better, less body lean. Probably the best bang for the buck.

Front hubs... sounds like fun - NOT! When are you doing them?

 

[Rickman]

1. I'll try to corrupt you and make sure you can't drive!! I'm instructing (thats a scary thought!!).
2. If you're going to do CSP (well you're already there with the intake), then you'll want 13" or 14" with Hoosiers or Kuhmos. Less unsprung weight = quicker acceleration.
3. Drawbacks? None that I know of. It won't make the car ride stiffer than stock, but will handle better, less body lean. Probably the best bang for the buck.

Front hubs... sounds like fun - NOT! When are you doing them?

1. I look forward to it!
2. Any leads?
3. Alright, you may have just won me over.

I wanted to do it this weekend at my brothers house (I don't have a garage and some of the tools needed), but he had last minute plan changes and will be out of town. Anytime is good for me. I can even get into his garage when he's not there HA HA!

 

[Captain KRM P5]

hey rick, let me know if we can do a swap - parts for shirts/stickers?

 

[lagunamiata]

Leads on wheel... hmm... if you have the bigger brakes, then you may not be able to do 13" or 14" wheels. Not sure on that one.
Sways - you can check out mine or Bills at the school.

I was going to the Sandblast Rally in Cheraw on Saturday (like WRC!!) but considering the weather, I probably won't go. I'll check and see if we have any plans. Shoot me an e-mail later...

 

[Rickman]

I'm pretty sure I have the big brakes... my new 15s barely fit

Will do. I've been driving with a bad bearing for about 3 weeks now, what's one more gunna hurt? :]~

 

[lagunamiata]

If you're 15s barely fit, then the 14s probably won't. We could try one of mine just to see...

 

[Rickman]

Great thanks....

On the sway bar thing, I thought I read someplace that the RB rear bar wasn't recommended or 01-05 models?

 

[lagunamiata]

Dunno... Check the Miata.net forum.

 

[Rickman]

hey rick, let me know if we can do a swap - parts for shirts/stickers?

Maybe so. I'll look through your site in the morning.

-rick

 

[Captain KRM P5]

Maybe so. I'll look through your site in the morning.

-rick

there are a good number of things not listed as well that i can get as well, so let me know what you are looking for

 

[Vampyre]

i looked at a pic of rickmans car from the direct side. i think there isnt any way in hell he could get 14's on there. his brakes look like there is only milimeters of clearance as is. i have been burning off my tires cause i cant buy new wheels and tires when the ones on my car are still good. maybe a month or so and i will be sporting the same wheels as rickman but in bronze