BLACKIE
Update: Blackie has been sold to a young couple, and owner of a 1991 Miata, looking to upgrade. I've put a lot of time and money into improving this car and I'm confident they will enjoy it. I look forward to seeing them at local Miata events. --Ben, 2 June 2009.
Bone stock 1996 Mazda Miata MX-5 with Brilliant Black exterior, black leather interior, black trim and black details. Key feaures for me included; 1.8L 133HP engine, Torsion II LSD differential ("posi traction"), Popular Options package including hollow spoke alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, power antenna.
I just achieved 38.8 MPG Highway. I typically average about 28 MPH during my commute. For the test I filled the tank to the top at a highway gas station, drove 30 miles out and 30 miles back the same day, to the same spot, station, and pump and filled exactly to the top. It was a clear day with temperature around 75F. I had used an injector cleaner in the previous tank. I used the cruise control set to 60 MPH, top down, windows down, no Air Conditioning, no radio. Next test will be to repeat, then with the top up, and then hard top.
RESTORATION, REPAIR AND MODIFICATION
Body work (24 spots repaired) (no accidents, clear CarFax)
Paint (Brilliant Black)
Robbins canvas soft top with glass window and rain rail (no defrost)
Miata hard top (no defrost)
Miata side latches for hard top
Miata air dam
KYB-AGX shocks
Eibach Pro springs
Stock bumpstops
Rancho boots
Racing Beat front tubular sway bar (1 1/8" diameter), bushings and brackets
Racing Beat adjustable end links
Passenger courtesy light
Plastic (black) door sill protectors
Center console lighting
Transmission (small) boot
Transmission (large) boot
Original console transmission boot left in place
DETAILS OF SELECT MODIFICATIONS
Correct 24 spots of minor damage: Three stage process($1,500). Prime and repaint a total 10 coats: 3 coats primer, 3 coats black, wait two weeks to let coat cure and then harden, 1 coat black, 3 coats clear with 20% black. Compound inbetween each step, then sand with 2,000 grit (see photo of fuel cap) and then polish to a brilliant black shine($2,500).
Wheels: Miata 7-spoke hollow spoke alloy wheels were offered from '94 through'97. They were 14"x6" with the recommended 45ET and weigh only 10.8 lb. (outstanding vs. 18 lbs steel wheels offered in the base package).
Add Dual Tuner, Sony subwoofers (mounted Hakuna style in parcel shelf)and Blaupunkt Subwoofer amp.
Mazda Miata Front Air Dam 90-97. Flair and function are served by adding this sporty front air dam. This comes primered (black), ready to paint and features inlets that allow disc brake cooling ($200 GoMiata, http://www.gomiata.com/genmazfronai.html).
The black vinyl soft top that came with the car was beat, and leaked. The Robbin's Sunfast Canvas top stretches much easier in colder temperatures than vinyl. This means you don't have to be Hercules to put you top up on a cool morning (and risk cracking the top of window). 3 year warranty. Sunfast black canvas, zipper, glass window, rain rail, no defroster ($699.95 Moss, PN 239-310 Robbins Sunfast Canvas Top, Glass Window, Black 90-97, INCLUDES RAIN RAIL,(one should always replace the rain rail, it is made of thin cheap plastic/vinyl and cracks causing leaks into the trunk and parcel shelf) http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=33456). I did the intallation "myself" during a Nutmeg Miata Tech Session (about 7 hours). Those guys were very helpful and the finished product was as good as a professional job. When I was missing the tensioner wires, they had a set on hand that they sold to me at their cost (always order a set because they rust and often break on re-installation (less than $20). Thanks guys!
Factory original interior lighting is only a dome light. Additional lighting was added with the appearance of factory original (with OEM replaceable 5-watt bulbs). They wire into existing lights so the console ones come on when the door is opened (anytime) and the dashboard light comes on appropriately when switched to "off", "door" or "on". The console lights are wired to the existing "ground switch" wires from the door, and the dash light is wired to the same plus a always on power source (write me for the wire colors and locations).($38.95 Moss PN 159-950 Interior Light Kit - Black Console 90-95)
Stock cornering does not suit my driving style. Racing Beat high performance sway bar was added. This sway bar does not give a harsh ride, but still keeps the car flat for optimum cornering and handling. Powder-coated “Racing Beat Red” to provide maximum durability and rust protection. ($150 OKMiata 90-97 Tubular Front Sawy Bar 1.125" OD)
Stock shocks were beat. It is often hard to tell if a Miata has beat shocks because the car handles so well. But once you replace the shocks, you'll surely know the difference. 4-way adjustable dampening that is easy to adjust and provide a range of settings from "stock" at 1 to "spirited" at 4. One of the most popular shocks for the Miata due to performance, cost and reliability. Keep in mind you must match your shocks to the springs you choose. A mismatch will not last long. ($395.00 Flyin' Miata, PN 13-57017, 1990-97 KYB AGX shocks).
The Eibach Pro-Kit lowering spring set improves vehicle's looks and performance. Pro-Kit springs lower the vehicle's center of gravity (lowers about 1 inch front and 1 inch rear), reducing body roll in the turns, dive under braking, squat during acceleration and give the car a more solid secure feel at all times. Pro-Kit Springs also minimize the ugly fender gap that makes a car look "lifted." Eibach Pro-Kit Springs..."The look that performs." There is much debate about springs and stiffness. Opinions range from stock (around 100 lbs.) to full race (around 700 lbs.). I chose the Pro Kit because it gave me excellent street ride, but nearly eliminated body roll, nose diving under braking and acceleration rise while giving a reasonable ride. Be sure to select springs that match your shocks. ($190 Tire Rack, http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Eibach&model=Pro-Kit+Spring+Set).
I've made a graph of all the currently available "stock" Miata Springs. Spring stiffness is on the left (y axis) and Make and Model is on the bottom (x axis). A single Make and Model is grouped as a pair of data points: the rear (lower spring rate) is shown below the front (higher spring rate). I've grouped the spring rates into "stock" (blue), "upgrade" (green), "spirited" (yellow) and "race" (red). This is only a rough guide to assist the inexperienced with Miata springs. Naturally one could order a custom rate and size from Eibach (highly recommended if you have the time and interest). I chose the center of the "upgrade" (greed) region and I'm very pleased with the result. I hear guys "going back to stock" all the time and I think it is because they go to stiff with their springs and shocks (remember they work together and have to have compatible spring rates and damping forces). Please feel free to input and or correct if I have anything wrong. I have this is an Excel spreadsheet, just send a message with your email address and I'll send it to you.
