Quick update: 1) New air filter backing plate is cut to better position the air filter now that we’ve resolved the AC hose conflict. I feel like we checked this a few times but I’m hoping the Dzus quarter turn fasteners have sufficient fuel rail clearance. 2) 1.6 lower radiator hard pipe offset mounting bracket was made out of steel and painted. This positions the two 1.6 radiator hoses correctly so there is no contact with anything that could wear a hole through. We couldn’t use the OEM 1-piece NB8 lower radiator hose due to conflict with our NA6 AC […]

Finally got a chance to work on the car a bit this past weekend. The custom AC hose worked out okay. Initially I was very pleased with the hose routing but when we attempted to fit the ITG filter we still had an interference due to the service port so we ended up with a final routing that is not as nice but gets the job done. We made use of existing body holes for securing rubber coated p-clamps and we made one custom bracket. We installed new o-rings and pulled a vacuum on the system that held at 29.9″ […]

I went to a friend’s workshop and he helped me bend up some 1.25×0.065 aluminum 6061-T6 tubing for some prototype coolant hard pipe to replace the really long rubber return hose with internal spring that ships with the M-tuned coolant reroute kit. The hose can be a pain to fit onto the radiator with the internal spring that keeps the hose from collapsing. And once again, packaging was a bit tricky as the flexy rubber hose could rub against the throttle bodies, alternator, fuel hoses, and/or body, which would wear a hole through and create a leak. You don’t want […]

Still chipping away at this. Whenever you deviate from stock you’ve got to get creative with plumbing and problem solving. For instance, a few years ago my AC was converted from R12 to R134a and there is a 90° adapter fitting screwed onto the original low-pressure suction pipe that goes from the evaporator under the dash to another hose that goes to the AC compressor. That fitting interferes with my air filter and has to be moved as keeping the AC intact and functioning was a project prerequisite. And until the air filter is positioned properly, I am reluctant to […]

Vacuum pump has been refurbished with new base, handle and exhaust cap and intake caps. Gave it an oil change and a good cleaning overall. Had one massive fail where the unit was accidentally switched on while tipped to the side and it spit about 1/2 pint of mineral oil all over my face, workbench, toolbox, walls and floor making a huge mess. Lesson learned: don’t ever work on tools that are still plugged in. Setup a test rig to see if this thing can pull a vacuum. It works when tested on the workbench, pulls ~29.9″ mercury, which is […]

It’s going to be 80°F today where I live. Unfortunately, the Miata project is still hibernating in a cold, unheated, non-insulated garage in upstate NY. So instead I am acquiring more parts, tools and knowledge so that we can work on it when warmer spring weather permits. I wasn’t really happy with the compromises we had to make with the air filter position in order to clear the hard AC lines, hood, coolant reroute hose and other underhood components. The packaging is all very tight in that area. So I’ve decided to take the road less traveled. It is a […]

Nothing major to report. Got the new Mazda ECU bracket and cover to replace the rusty ones. Got new 1.6 lower radiator hoses and hard pipe (needed because the one-piece 1.8NB hose wouldn’t clear the front sway bar and AC lines). Thought about a bracket to space the lower radiator hard pipe approx. 1/2″ closer to the motor and away from the frame rail so nothing rubs. Project is now on hiatus for the long winter. Garage has no heat nor insulation. Hope to resume in April.