Vuelta de Tuercas

The Miata is old. Which means two things: it's cheap and it's simple. Both things play in favor of my intention of taking on more mechanical projects with the car. Interior and detailing be damned! I want some fun with engine, drivetrain, etc. The "cheap" aspect is twofold: both the parts should be relatively inexpensive, and if I screw up the max damage will have a low upper bound. The "simple" aspect is pretty straightforward: the engine bay is not super cramped like in the Z, and the technology is something more likely to be (1) understood by me and (2) serviceable by me, a total n00b. Here's a recount of all the stuff I've done to it. This is going to be a mega post, light on images but with links to the full albums if you're so inclined. Edit: this is just part 1, there will probably be a part 2 with other stuff I've worked on, if I'm not lazy. Let's get to it. Valve Cover Gasket I already mentioned the car was leak...

Following the departure of the Z, I find myself in search of the next "fun" car. I'm not saying the next project car, as I'm not sure I want to take on another restoration project. Not that I did such an extensive job with the 300zx but it was quite a bit of work. I was pretty sure a while back that the next one after the Z would be an E46 M3 , but I'm not so sure now. The convertible is not really admissible in several track day organizations and the coupe doesn't appeal to me that much. I've also been tempted with another one of my bucket list cars, an air cooled 911. In any case, I knew it would be a while and I still needed a car for normal driving, while I made up my mind and managed to save enough cash. So I needed something in between. And of course I wouldn't get a Prius or an Accord; I have a soul and want to keep it. Back to my bucket list, I knew I wanted to have a convertible at some point, and I love pop-up headlights. Also I'...

All stories must come to an end eventually. On 14 April 2014 I sold the Z. The new owner has an inent to finish restoring it and also plans to take it to the track occasionally. So it will continue to have a happy life! It's only fair to mention, before we close this chapter, some posts I wanted to make but never got around to. In no particular order: Aftermarket stereo : or maybe I did write about this? Can't remember. Anyway, after the OEM radio started to fail, and after trying out the other identical one I got from the previous owner which was even worse, I decided to get a new one. Not much to it, I went to crutchfield.com, picked one, ignored the warning from the site saying that the stereo wouldn't fit my car, since of course I know better, ordered it and installed it. It's a not-quite-basic one, at least with Bluetooth and HD radio. I also had to get some adapters for the wire harness (to avoid stripping and reconnecting wires) and the antenna adapter. Oh, a...