Hi Folks. Time for an update!
Since the joy of making old things new again (see the calipers above) I have had a few ups and downs. Let’s start with the downs...
I’ve never been able to dial in enough negative camber (based on the temp profile measured across the tyre), so some time ago I bought the extended lower ball joints for the front tie rods (very common mod). I got close to having enough negative camber, but I wasn’t happy with how little thread was engaged on the tie rod outer end, so again I never quite got there. My rule of thumb for tie rod ends (and other fasteners) is that I want no less than 1.5 times the diameter of the rod I’m engaged thread (12 x 1.5 = 18mm). They play a pretty important role (keeping me off the concrete walls), so I want that thread engagement to mitigate against possible failure.
So, in pursuit of longer tie rods and perhaps the advantage of bump steer adjustability, I bought an “SPL Parts Bump Steer Adjustable Tie Rod End Kit”. Not cheap, once you add shipping from the U.S.A. I stripped the OEM tie rods off my steering rack, started to install the SPL Parts tie rods, and noticed something that worried me...
The male thread on the SPL Parts inner tie rod end is significantly shorter than the original Mazda part. So, I took some measurements and made some notes...
What?! Only 4.6 engaged threads??!!!!! You’ve gotta be kidding me. Why would they do that??!!!!!
Anyway, I’ve just finished reassembling the rack tonight with the OEM tie rods. The SPL Parts tie rods may be up for sale if I don’t get my money back from them. If you would like to try to convince me that they are fit for purpose, please go ahead, but I don’t think I could ever trust them.
Sadly, I haven’t been able to find an Australian supplier of the one-use locking tab washers located in either end of the rack, inboard of the inner tie rod ends. Does anyone know where I can get two of these? I have assembled the rack temporarily with the old ones, but new items will be required before I hit the track.
Okay, so that’s the crappy story, but it hasn’t been all bad news. A box arrived today, carrying a part that I’ve been hunting for about 6 weeks. I wasn’t sure if I had the right part, but now that I’ve got my hands on it, I reckon I’ve nailed it!!
The fuel rail from an NA8A!! This fits onto the BP-Z3 head (or valve cover?) and includes a fuel return line, so I can run my NA6 fuel pressure regulator (upside down) and use both the feed and return fuel lines that are in the car. This method is prescribed by the CarPassion VVT swap guide, and also by the “VVT Swap Definitive Guide”, so who am I to question it?!
This is one part of the VVT swap recipe that had eluded me, so I am relieved to finally have it!
I have loads of other stories to tell, some good and some not great, but it’s very late again and these late nights are killing me! I’ll finish on another high though... My eBay manifold log arrived!!!
Until next time!!
Zzzzzzz......
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