Eric #4's build thread

[ecam8000]

So just for fun.
Searched several Craigslists' in nearby cities looking for an NB Miata. Searched AZ, CA and TX lists. Found several in Dallas in the miles and price range I was looking for. This was in 2010. Drove the pickup down pulling a trailer with about 9 ads printed off. The third car was the right one and gave $4500 for the thing with just short of 100K. Loaded the car and headed back to Denver. The price was about half what the asking price for the couple I saw locally.

I ordered the Flying Miata stage two suspension (shock/springs and sways). That installed I went autocrossing. ($900)

The next upgrade was 15x9 wheels and 225 RS3 Hankooks. ($890)

Then an e-bay Raceland header ($125 delivered) went on to replace the cast iron manifold.

A couple months ago after two days of test and tune type autocross runs. 40 runs on Sat and another 30 on Sunday the car developed a knock. Turns out oil is necessary to keep things working. I was three quarts low when number three rod bearing gave out. Pulled the engine and sent the short block out to a machine shop. $1300 I had a fresh bottom end (.020 over pistons), new rod, balance job and the head was reworked.

Last week I ran it at the autocross and beat three S2000's. My daughter still beat me in a S2000 and I came in second in class to an S2000.

[RX-7 Chris]

I didn't realize the motor went.

[ecam8000]

Didn't say anything, since it way my fault the oil ran low. It always needs some oil between events (8 or so runs and some street miles). I was too busy Sunday morning with registration to check the car before Amanda took it out.

At least now I have a fresh engine for the next 100+K miles of abuse.