Page 2 - The Rollbar
Page 3 - Random Shots
Page 4 - OTM's

New Tires! Falken Azenis RT615

The Kumhos finally died, and none too soon. They are now replaced by Falken Azenis RT615 in the 205/40/16 size. I've only put about 100km on them, but it is already astounding how much better these tires are from what I had. At 34Psi front and rear they are very responsive, but not harsh at all over road irregularities. They are just solid feeling and very, very sticky.

Current alignment:Slightly modified Lanny's

LF Camber -1.22*
Caster 5.28*
Toe 0.11*

RF Camber -1.25*
Caster 5.27*
Toe 0.11*

LR Camber -1.82*
Toe 0.11*

RR Camber -1.83*
Toe 0.13*

FM Swaybars

They took 20 minutes to install (with a hoist and an air wrench). We tried FM's reccomended setting first, and left them that way.

Driving Impression: The car corners much flatter, and is easier to balance on or near the limit. A great bang-for-buck mod!

Flyin Miata Springs (342lb/in front, 228lb/in rear)/KYB AGX Shocks (set to 3/4 stiff)

The ride height is perfect, about 1.5 inches lower front and rear, maintaining the factory rake. This is how the car should have come from Mazda. It has a much more aggressive stance, without being slammed. Speed bumps are deadly though (I've high-centred it several times, even getting stuck once).

Driving Impression: The limit is much higher. Any body roll is cancelled out by the heavy springs. Set on #3, the KYBs dampen very well, and are still driveable on bumpy Vancouver streets.

Monsterflow Air Filter with Good-Win Racing Polished Intake and Cool-Air Box

The install took me about 30 minutes, including the removal of the factory air box. Tools required: a socket set with a 10 inch extension. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. The intake retains the factory MAS and AFM.

Cold air intakes are the subject of much debate. I chose the Monsterflow based on other reviews and trust of Brian Goodwin���s product selection. My goals at the time were a better-looking engine bay and cool sound. These were met. The sound is not ricey. It���s more of a growl, with a slight hiss at idle, and little chirps on throttle tip-in. The growl is only present on full throttle, so you can be stealthy when you want to be.

If it���s horsepower you���re after, an intake is not a worthwhile investment. I did a back to back seat-of-my-pants test with the factory air box and the Monsterflow (in conjunction with FM dual exhaust). There is a slight difference in the nature of the power -- the stock air box seems to pull a bit more in the midrange (thanks perhaps to the Hemholtz reservoir) but seems to run out of breath at the top end of the rev range. The throttle response with the stock setup is dismal. The Monsterflow definitely pulls harder above 6000 rpms, and the throttle response is far better. After looking for ways to improve air flow to the filter, I decided to remove the weather stripping from the base of the hood (in front of the windshield). I believe it has made a slight difference -- the car pulls a bit harder at highway speeds, and suffers noticeably less heatsoak on hot days.

Overall, there is so little power to be gained from an intake, that its worth is questionable. For me, it was worth it for the throttle response alone, and it sounds pretty cool too.

Flyin Miata Dual Exhaust

The install took Chris at Eunos Custom Automotive a relaxed 1/2 hour. The instructions and template were clear, and there were no issues. The FM duals are about 5 lbs heavier than the stock muffler (just guessing but pounds-shmounds).

When I hit the start button, I wondered why I waited so long to do this mod. They sound amazing - a low, mellow burble on idle, rich midrange and they scream at 7000 rpms - 2 distinct tones. They're not unbearably loud at all, and they don't drone on the highway with the roof up. They just sound good.

Wanna hear 'em? Click here

I haven't dynoed the car but the seat of my pants reports a slightly meatier midrange and few ponies overall. This, combined with even smoother throttle response, allow me to stick to the rear bumper of a Miata that used to pull away from me, so I reckon I gained a couple of horsepower.

Overall, I'm very happy with this exhaust. They look sweet, and sound even sweeter.

Performance:

Good-Win Racing Polished MonsterFlow Intake & Cold Air Box
FM/Thermal Dual Exhaust
Magnecor KV85 Plug Wires
FM Springs
KYB AGX Shocks
FM Sways
Falken Azenis RT615 205/40/16 on 16x7 Konig Holes

Interior:

Eunos Custom Automotive Start Button
Chrome Vent Rings
Chrome A/C Control Rings
Chrome E-Brake Button
Eunos Custom Automotive Leather Shift Boot and E-Brake Boot
Sun Visors Removed (Visor Blanking Plates Installed)
Monza Low Tone Horn

Exterior/Body:

Hard Dog Hard Core Single Diagonal Roll Bar With SFI Padding and Custom Vinyl Cover
Modified Boot Cover
BSP Vintage Fuel Lid
Clear Front Side Markers
Chrome Washer Jets
Japanese Spec Roadster Badge
Baby Teeth Pulled