build diary
<< | show individual entries | >>June 7, 2004: 
Because I'm not using the stock Miata computer, I don't need the stock air flow meter.
One of my old Miata intakes ("cone on a stick") makes the intake plumbing simple.
entry 342
Yet more wiring! Things are coming together and cleaning up nicely.
entry 343
The key to getting everything working is to label all the wires.
Saves a lot of detective work if you work a few hours at a time and forget what the green wire with the red stripe was for or if the turn indications are a switched power or switched ground.
entry 344
The ignition toggle, starter button and (blue) alternator light are in place on the transmission tunnel.
entry 345
Fitting the first of the internal body panels.
entry 346
Another colour mockup, based on Jamie Ruderman's suggestion.
entry 347
June 8, 2004:
The fuel system is buttoned up and ready to be tested.
That could be messy. Hopefully not! I also brought my driveshaft in to a local shop to get it shortened and was told that it was impossible to do after an estimate of $200-$250. Well, that's not what I wanted to hear! I know it's possible because it's been done.
Packages have been arrving from all over. A new set of gauge faces, a copy of "Lotus Seven and the Independents" as well as a kit car assembly CD from YourKitCar.com. I'll let everyone know how useful/interesting the latter two are once I've had the chance to properly peruse them but the book is very interesting to flip through. CMC gets a good mention. The radiator should be here today. Ooooo, this is exciting. I'm actually getting close to the point where a test drive would be possible. A very noisy, unmuffled test drive. Just like the first time I took Basil out. Hopefully with a functioning clutch and brakes this time.
entry 348
June 9, 2004:
My new gauge faces are in place.
They're from Viper S. Custom. Up close, the printing is not as sharp as some of the other gauge faces on the market but the combination of the cost, the availability and the different designs makes this irrelevant. Once installed, they look great. They even came with new bulbs for white nighttime lighting. I only ordered a partial set because, well, I'm only using a few of the gauges!
Back to driveshafts. I can either send the shaft off to CMC's shop to have it shortened for $100 plus shipping. Or I can have a full custom shaft made locally for $260. I'm leaning towards the latter, as it'll come with new u-joints, leave me with a good 1.8 driveshaft that I can sell and I'll be able to go visit the shop if there's a problem. Besides, this thing will be spinning at 7000 rpm right beside my hip. Is that really where I want to save $100 or less?
entry 349
My new gauges.
entry 350
The gauges in place.
The driving environment is starting to take shape now.
entry 351
There's no way this panel is going in to place as is.
entry 352
A tip I picked up from my friend Steve.
You can run the fuel injection wiring underneath the intake manifold for a super-clean look.
entry 353
June 10, 2004:
The radiator arrived and I've done some test fitting.
It's a BIG radiator and only barely fits inside the nosecone! Beautifully made and light to boot. There should be no cooling problems with this thing. Now, it's my understanding that this is the big radiator that is sold by CMC although I didn't get it through them. If it is the same one, it's not used with the Miata frame. The lower outlet interferes badly with the front suspension mounting points. This will be fixed by moving the outlet to a different place - not cheap, given that the radiator is epoxied together at the bottom. It would have been cheaper to get a custom radiator made by this point. I also had to modify the radiator mounting bracket fairly heavily, to the point where I think I'll just cut it off and start over. My frame was supposed to be prepared for the big radiator but it obviously wasn't. The verdict? I should have bought the rad from CMC - assuming it's different - or just gone with the smaller, cheaper economy rad that they've used in all the other "Miata" builds. Still, I do live in the desert so cooling is important. The modified radiator will be ready by the middle of next week.
entry 354
Hmm, do you think the radiator box was big enough?
entry 355
The radiator mounted on the car.
It had to be leaned back to clear the nose cone. It's mounted backwards here for testing.
entry 356
The lower outlet pipe wants to be in the same place as the suspension pickup - the radiator is backwards in this photo.
After careful consideration, I've decided it's easier to move the outlet.
entry 357
By comparison, here is the economy radiator used by CMC.
This photo was taken by Heikki Rinta-Koski at the Walter Mitty event, one of CMC's quick builds.
entry 358
That mouth is full of radiator!
entry 359
The remains of my radiator bracket.
entry 360
While we're looking at Heikki's photos, here's a peek inside the CMC shop.
That Eleven body is gorgeous! It's now listed on the CMC site for $2000.
entry 361
June 11, 2004:
It's alive!
Well, sort of. I powered up the engine computer last night and verified that the pressure sensor, temperature sensors and a few other bits are reading properly. So now I have a very expensive and cumbersome barometer and thermometer. I did have to do a little fine-tuning on grounds and I'm not 100% convinced the fuel pump is playing along correctly, but I'm making good progress. The potential to start the engine this weekend is good.
entry 362