Matt's MY08 NC Roadster.

[CoffeeBoss]

Hey Greg, don't have a copy at hand unfortunately. However I'm up for new tires soon, and will be back there to get the alignment checked. Will get a copy of the current specs.
Keep in mind though, with my car being lowered and an NC1, they might only be a guide.
Be worth checking with Charlie Brown also, Phil has probably been through more alignments then myself.

[taminga16]

Thanks Matt,
I will drop him a line, My tyre bloke will listen and if we can get it right I am sure that it will help fellow NC owners as well.

Greg.

[CoffeeBoss]

Thanks Matt,
I will drop him a line, My tyre bloke will listen and if we can get it right I am sure that it will help fellow NC owners as well.

Good point!
The reason I've been going to Stu for years now is because of his experience with these cars. When I had the IS200, he had only done a few of those by the time I started going there. All the local Altezza Club members started to take their IS/Altezza's there, and after a while he really got to know the cars, and what worked for them.

[Charlie Brown]

Thanks Matt,
I will drop him a line, My tyre bloke will listen and if we can get it right I am sure that it will help fellow NC owners as well.

Greg.

I don't do coke but I'll give you a spec for a stock height NC dríven in a "sporty manner"

Front

1 degree negative camber
6.5 degrees castor
2mm total toe in

Rear

1.5 degrees negative camber
3.0mm total toe in

When you get really serious and want to head for the track we can fine tune that a bit more.

cheers,

Phil

[CoffeeBoss]

Catch-Ups: Karl & The Cappa
So, many peeps on JDMST (or Redline GTi) should be familiar with Wil's Cappa. This seems like a timely post here, considering the discussion this car has had in this thread recently.

It's become some what of a legend in our circle, and deservedly so. See, not many people are willing to rock a car that fits the cafe cruising, hairdressing stereotype. Particularly if it's referred to as a Cappuccino.

But these are the vagaries of Japanese car nomenclature, and who are we to question it? I mean, it's open top motoring with all the right ingredients: light, front engined, rear wheel drive. And, in the case of the little Cappa, a hairdryer

It's a nice antidote to the world's most popular sports car, and proof that Mazda aren't the only one who know how to succesfully combine these ingredients into an affordable sports car.

Wil recently celebrated 4 years with the Cappa in the best tradition of any enthusiast, he went for a drive. Heading south meant he was stumbling into my turf, so naturally we met up. For a cappucino. (sorry, it's just too easy).


Photo by Wil

It's been a typically rocky road for Wil and the Cappa, and they've had their differences, not only because Wil is of a tall and lanky persuasion. The Cappa now rocks some tasty go fast bits, and is quite adept at punching well above it's weight at the track. I recently had a bit of seat time in the Cappa, and I now understand the appeal. It makes a noise unlike anything you would expect from a car with 660cc's under the bonnet, and it has that real go-kart appeal you get from a light small wheel base car.

Big ups to Wil for forging ahead with the Cappa. It's not easy to take the path least trodden, but often a more rewarding result. The Kei Class in Oz needs a champion!

Maybe this post will encourage him to update his thread





So, a while back I mentioned Karl, my former RenaultSport Clio driving friend who likes to plough into the sides of cars whilst riding his bike to work, and who recently took possession of this Laguna Blue NA8 Clubman (one of only 15 Laguna Blue Clubmans produced).



This car has a long history, and this purchase is a long story. But the abridged version goes something like this: Karl and I took a drive down to Canberra around August last year to take a look at this NA8 Clubman that was for sale. It was owned by a guy associated with F3, so he was definitely an enthusiast. Karl said "I'll take it" and 4 months later, he did!

You see, what was a nugget to look at was a dream to drive. This represents the third NA that I have spent quality time with, and the first time I've dríven an NA8 (previous NA drives have all been NA6's = 1.6L).

On first impressions, the NA8 is noticeably meatier around the midrange compared with the NA6, and body rigidity is notably better from the driver's seat.

But the main reason why it gets a mention here? Mainly because I was reminded how enjoyable an 'old' NA8 can be to drive after you've just stepped out of an NC!

Don't get me wrong, my love affair with the NC is far from over. However it is testament to the focus of the team behind the NA that this car can still enchant after all these years, and after all this development. It just goes to show - the simply things in life are often the best!




Well - second best
The NC has not been getting a great deal of driving attention lately, apart from a week back on the commute, which means another 1000kms on the odo driving to and from the office. Not the type of driving it prefers. So, I gave teh Roadster a solid detail a few weeks ago. Precisely, Sydney-siders may note, the day before it started raining solidly for over 2 weeks. Sorry about that.

There's alot to be said for a good wash-rinse-clay-rinse-dry-paint clean/polish-wax. Despite all the rain, the car is still looking very clean, and the paint is still nice and smooth.

I've recently been transitioning over to using more Autoglym products (previously a Meguiars user), and I'm fast becoming a fan of the polish and wax/resin. And this stuff: Aqua Dry



Unlike other Wax-While-U-Dry products I've used, this uses a quality wax and a two-step drying process utilising micro-fibre clothes. A little more drying effort to retain that 'just-waxed' finish.

Now if only I could do something about all those stone-chips...

[two40]

I've recently become an avid user of Autoglym myself. Top stuff that.

[Szemen]

I never used Meguirs, always been a Autoglym fan. Their stuff is just brilliant.

I think its time you satiated your appetite for a NA8 ;) Join our club~~~

[broady]

Matt, you're welcome to have a test drive of mine too

[Cappuccino]

Thanks for the comments Matty....made me all warm and fuzzy inside.

[CoffeeBoss]

Haha - I consider me getting my own NA inevitable. I was quoted as such on the MX5 Picture thread on JDMST well before I got the NC

Circuit Club + MX5 Racing



So many would know that I've been associated with Circuit Club for some time now. My first trackdays were with Circuit Club in the Altezza. In my most unbiased opinion, there is no better way to get out onto the circuit for some quality track time, wether you be a first-timer or a regular as I've become.

Well, while I'm unashamedly plugging Circuit Club, allow me to rewind to January 2009. You may recall from this post that a small group of Circuit Club staff and associates were given an exclusive go at Garry Wilmington's Marulan Driver Training Centre. Well, at the end of that month, I was back at MDTC for the official opening. I was there to write an article for The Circuit about Chris Gough and MX5 Racing.

Well, after a protracted website redesign (which we are not finished with, incidentally!) I've finally published the article on the site.

Since it's a topic close to my heart (driving NC MX5's around a circuit!) I thought I'd post it up here.

Warning - if you intend to click, make yourself a hot drink and get comfortable, I've waffled on even more then I do in this here thread!

Linky.

[sliq]

i haven't met chris in person but have bought shiploads of stuff from him. top bloke to deal with and very easy going.

now time to get that coffee and read....

[CoffeeBoss]

After missing the 'old school' JDMST meet up on the 30th, a small group of us had our own End Of Month Meet anyhow the following evening. Ended up with 3 NA's, an NC and a certain Suzuki Cappa.





Taz's Type S NA8. I had a cheeky seat behind the wheel. Nardi Deep Corn's are a rather nice steering wheel.
Despite the weak offset, (which we are to frown upon these days, right? ) the BBS wheels on the Type S look fantastic also.



Despite our best efforts, we even ended up at Krispy Kreme Mascot.

Meanwhile, had the 70'000kms service done a few weeks ago. The car actually has a problem that needs to be fixed - an interior light. Busted switch. Apart from that, all is well with the dealer servicing so far. They did suggest that one of my braided brake lines may have been leaking... Indy and I checked them out and fluid levels have been constant, most likely it was a little residual fluid left from the install or the last fluid change.

If anything, after my last track day at Marulan, brake consistency has never been better. That report to follow.

[CoffeeBoss]

Circuit Club Training Day @ MDTC
13th March, 2010

It's been over a year since I've been for a hoon around MDTC. It was such a welcome return. There's a great deal I like about MDTC - the small venue makes the day great for socialising, and the tight track is a great test of braking, grip and driver skill. You really have to be on your toes, and have your car up on it's toes, if you want to be quick around this track. There's very little respite for the driver as you rip around the track, and a 15 minute session at full tilt always feels like more than enough!

As is common with Circuit Club days, the was a nice variety of cars and drivers that turned out for the day, from newcomers to Sammy Stevens and Dean Evans doing some pre-Targa testing in their respective EVOs.



Reggie's first Circuit Club day since, oh, ages! A very successful day too, it was great to see Reg reconnecting with the whole trackday thing:


Becoming a big fan of the EP3 Civic. This is Kenneth's EP3, which had a GruppeM induction kit. Sounded fantastic.


Sammy's 'new' Tarmac-Ready EVO VI:


Finally met Xero from JDMST and his awesome AE86:



This was also my first time punting the NC around MDTC with A048's on, my previous two visits last year were both on my road tires. With fresh brake fuild, good pads and great grip from the tires, the turn in and braking of the car was the best it has ever been. Lap after lap I would dive down the twisty 'back straight', a 3rd gear section which has you flat through a right hand kink, which leaves an ever shrinking braking area that has you hard on the anchors and back to second for a tight left hander. Lap after lap through the whole day the brakes were solid and consistent at this point, which would normally be the first point where I would start to discover my tires were getting to hot and my brake fluid was starting to boil! It was nice to have that reliable consistency there so I could just get on with the driving.

A couple of snaps from One Stop Image -





Allow me to rewind though - that morning, I pulled into the Marulan BP and took my place at the frontmost bowser to fuel up. While I was checking tire pressures (all constant, gotta love Nitrogen) a guy in an old SAAB 900 comes driving around the front of the bowsers. He gives me a big smile as he squeezes between me and the car opposite, while I'm thinking... what is this guy doing, he's going the wrong way? He eases his car around to the other side of the bowsers and fuels up.

I'm waiting for Reggie and Justin, then as I'm about to jump in the car, SAAB driver emerges from the shop and smiles again as he walks past. At this point I notice the Yokohama cap and the word "Instructor" emblazoned on his tshirt. "Oh, OK, I just figured out who you are" I announce. He apologies on behalf of his SAAB, which lacks a reverse gear!

Our instructor that day is none other than Jeff Denmeade. When Jeff is not tarmac rallying an EVO (which will be containered over to the US so he can compete at Pikes Peak!!) he does driver training. Apparently it is in his blood - after graduating from the famous Skip Barber School of Racing, he later returned there to become head instructor. In short: he's an exceptional tutor to have in the passenger seat. I managed to grab Jeff for one session in the afternoon. His experience was evident within the first lap, where he had quickly ascertained where my driving level was at, and then focused immediately on where I could go quicker, brake later, turn in harder, and so forth. I love that about driving - now matter how long you have been driving for, there's always something to improve, a secret of a corner to be revealed, and different approach to try.

I asked Jeff about what it was like to drive in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb which he has run in a few times. I mean, what an awesome event to compete at. When questioned about the fear factor of sliding around corners with thousand foot drops off the side, Jeff asked me if I was familiar with the "Climb To The Clouds" Mount Washington Hill Climb? Jeff has had 2 class wins (and a 2nd & 3rd overall) at that hill climb. Here's a video of the course record - Jeff tells me the last time he as there, he was ahead of this car's time at the halfway point, only to be held up by a slow competitor near the top of the course. This certainly makes Pikes Peak look like a 4 lane hwy. Be sure to watch right to the top - scary stuff. And this is certainly a heroic piece of driving:



Jeff will be at the next Circuit Club Track Day at Wakefield. If you are there, make sure you grab Jeff for some seat time. He is a barrel of laughs, and a top-drawer instructor!

[nath]

bumpy bump, hinty hint

[CoffeeBoss]

Patience Mr Nath! As you well know, I've been rather busy lately!!

FoSC 2010
So train-spotters will recall our visit to the Festival of Sports Cars at Bathurst last year. Well we were back again this year for more B-road exploration around the Bathurst-Oberon hinterland.



Not to mention the awesome display of cars at FoSC this year.





Perhaps it was the weather, or, I'd like to think it was the growing popularity of this event.
But there was noticeably more cars parked outside of Mount Panorama on the Saturday and Sunday mornings compared with last years event.




I only spent an hour or 2 on each day checking out proceedings and saying hello to a few people I knew who were competing.





Really want to join in on the action next year as a competitor.
This event is very much a meeting of enthusiasts and their prides and joy. All of whom are there to worship at the altar that is Mount Panorama.



But as much as the competitors no doubt enjoy themselves, this is a truly fantastic event for spectators as well.





There is nothing else like seeing and hearing so many modern and classic sports cars tearing it up around this fantastic circuit. FoSC has an open pit policy which means you are free to wander about and check out the machinery, and meet the owners and drivers. Truly a fantastic grass roots event. But one that is attracting increasing international attention. This year, Porsche were the 'invited marque' and had flown out some of their collection from their museum in Germany, including the one-of-a-kind GT1 road car. Which I didn't get any shots of... doh! *forehead slap*

One of my highlights - Group C Datsun Bluebird. Read all about it here



Full gallery here.

In our usual tradition, we also did some proper Grand Touring around some of the many great b-roads surrounding Bathurst. We took a drive out to Milthorpe which has a cool old train station (definitely one for train-spotters)



We also discovered Diamond Swamp Rd. This heads north out of Tarana and tee's with the main highway. Well worth the diversion. Took a few quick snaps with the compact along the way.





Returned to Sydney via the Bells Line of Road. Even with the end of Easter long weekend traffic, it was still a much nicer trip than battling the hordes on the main highway.

I read an article on the MX5 Club newsletter a while back by Sean in which he espoused the Grand Touring capabilities of the NC. I have to say I support this sentiment. With the extra space and the great flexibility of the 2 litre, the NC makes an excellent car for long trips. The fact that it's still hugely entertaining in the twisty bits is just a great bonus.

Or perhaps that should be the other way around

Coming up - another road trip, some more track time, and a 2nd birthday present for The Roadster...