Shuey's 2001 NB8B "Sparky Mk II"

[KevGoat]

I was thinking of putting it lower like you mentioned, but my future plan is to get a grille to fit into the mouth and flaunt a little

Here's a photo of mine with the Lockwood grille I fitted recently. Looking at mine, I reckon one of the "slim" or "Euro" plates fitted low like 93_Clubman mentions could work ...


In fact now that 93_Clubman has put the idea in my head I reckon the way mine looks is ugly, think I need to do it ...

[93_Clubman]

Certainly worth a try Kev - at this time of year it'll be fine, but recall a post about some MX5 grilles significantly stemming airflow, so depending on yours, Summer in SA might be a consideration.

[shuey]

Certainly worth a try Kev - at this time of year it'll be fine, but recall a post about some MX5 grilles significantly stemming airflow, so depending on yours, Summer in SA might be a consideration.

The Lockwood grille looks fantastic, but it's a bit too bling for me (and outta my budget). Am probably looking for something a little subtle. Maybe one of those on MX5 Parts UK


Either this one in black

or


Stainless steel

93_Clubman: You reckon this will restrict airflow? hm....

[93_Clubman]

There'd be a little, but not enough to worry about, especially as yours is stock, or relatively stock, & NA.

Think this was the old grille thread: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=27423

[KevGoat]

I have one of those grilles from MX5Parts UK fitted to "Mexie". Done two holidays in the her, one in very high temperatures, never had a problem with engine temp. Was worthwhile protection though ...

[shuey]

I have one of those grilles from MX5Parts UK fitted to "Mexie". Done two holidays in the her, one in very high temperatures, never had a problem with engine temp. Was worthwhile protection though ...

Ah, that looks nice. And all better to keep the pesky leaves and most bugs out. Does it fill well?
Should've gotten it from Parts UK awhile back when they were having the 10% discount. Will look out for deals here or if the urge gets too great, I'll just get it off the website

[de Bounce]

You could make your own.

For my NB8B
Purchased some vent mesh from Supercheap (comes in a range of colours)
Found some rubber edging from Clark Rubber
2 x zip ties to hold the edging on.

Cut a template for the shape of the mouth, then cut the mesh to suite.
Fit and secure rubber trim with 2 zip ties.
Remove the 2 bolts near the babyteeth.
Push grill into mouth until it's against the uprights.
Reinsert the 2 bolts to hold the grill in place.
Finished

Cost less than $60 with enough mesh left over for 2 more grills.

[shuey]

.. ah, I still remember you showing this to me at Garage Cafe. Nice pics Bob, much clearer view of the grille.
I'll take a look one of these days and see if I can DIY them, else I'll come bug you again

[KevGoat]

Actually, just looking at that home made grille again, the black looks good, not so obvious. I might do that with mine in the NA as it's rusting ...

[shuey]

.. so yeah, it has been raining like cat and dogs the past couple of days. News reports mention that the rainfall that hit Melbourne in just 1 night was equivalent to what we'd normally receive in 1 whole month, so yea you could imagine how wet the roads were. Had 2 close calls slipping and sliding, plus after giving the missus a mighthy shock.. decided to get some new soles for Sparky

Incident 1: Launching from a traffic light at a slight incline. Tyre spinning at 1st and 2nd gear, and was losing the back end. The dude behind who saw that kept a big gap maybe anticipating I would move backwards instead

Incident 2: Travelling down a slight road decline into a free left turn (At the traffic lights), was going not more than 40km/h and entering into the middle lane (3 lane highway), loss grip at the back and start fish tailing.. start counter-steering and lifting the throttle to avoid spinning. Thank goodness there weren't any cars beside us. Heaps of cars at the opposite side of the road, probably thought we were hooning. Gave us a big fright, missus gave me the evil eye and said.. you're not to drive the car until you change them tyres.

So I did. Rushed to Bob Jane T Mart, Box Hill cos I remember they were selling the Potenzas. Initially the service guy said I was a day too late for the Buy 4, Pay for 3 promotion. Then the manager came in and told me, it's fine..we'll do a special for you (why of course, it's $600 worth of sale). He didn't have any on stock, but the last 4 were at the Port Melbourne branch so he called them in to be sent over. About 1 1/2 hours later and some wheel alignment, I was out of the door albeit a much lighter wallet. Wasn't able to tell how good they were since the rain had stopped, but definitely feeling more confident.

Some photos


Jacked up..


It's like flying without wings, i mean tyres


Sparky without shoes, still waiting for the tyres to arrive


Getting the wheels aligned, wasn't that much off to start off with


And here they are.

[shuey]

.. did a bit of parts shopping the past couple of weeks, and items are starting to reach the door step. Collected my OEM side-skirts today from the postie but that will have to wait as I needed to find time to send the car in and the side skirts to get painted and mounted. Found a good shop nearby that would do it within a day and charges reasonably, so I'm hopeful.

Next up, the chrome fuel lid. Was pretty happy that came into the mail today as I had been looking for it for quite some time. Fixing it was pretty straight forward, however as mentioned by Mick to me previously that the rear quarter panel's shape was a little unique hence the fit wasn't flush, but after fiddling and moving things around, it came out pretty nicely. Would've liked the cap to open up a bit higher, but looks like i've gotta fiddle around and pre-load the spring another time. Just some photos


It came all nicely packed, yum!


Just needed a 8mm socket wrench and you're good to go. Taped up the overflow plug to avoid anything dropping in accidentally


Easy does it, place the lid over those 3 screws and just screw them in. Had to adjust a little so that the rubber lining fits well and touches the panel.


A close up.


All done. A rear quarter pic

[KevGoat]

Looks nice Scott. Really suits that colour.

Can't wait to see it all when the side skirts go on

[shuey]

Okay, so it seems that I have neglected my garage thread for a couple of months. Well, wanted to wait to put on my side skirts, but due to work commitments I have yet to do so even after 2 months. But big thanks to Kev05 for sending me the rails and instruction manual, it will come in handy when I fit them on. Well, just a few subtle things I've added on so far

Knob and Hand Brake Cover

In my attempt to SE-fied my ride, I got myself to convince KevGoat to part with his SE gear knob and hand brake handle. Just a simple twist and turn.. and I had a new knob

Air Filter

As I couldn't justify paying $300 for a measly additional 1-2kW that the Pipercross Viper Induction Kit will get me, I decided to go for its direct replacement filter for about 15% of the price.


Side by side with the Mazda OEM drop in filter. The Pipercross is thinner, but the rest of the dimension is the same.


Fits all nicely in the air-box. Just snap open the 2 clips, remove the old filter.. replace with the Pipercross (Pipercross logo face-down).


Lifetime filter, no noticeable difference in performance..but a touch nicer growl at higher RPMs. I read its better than the K&N, but no biggie.

Fire Extinguisher

Sprayed the bracket/plate for the fire extinguisher in glossy black (thanks Regie!)


Got this from Autobarn for $25 (full price was $32). Had to drill another hole into the metal plate as the initial hole was not the same. Unfortunately due to a stubborn (and as a result rounded off) seat bolt that did not want to come off, I couldn't fit on the bracket (1/2 drive socket with extension and Vise-Grip, but to no avail). May have to send it to an auto mechanic to get it off

Cam Position Sensor (CPS)

.. and in recent times, as Sparky was getting a little asthmatic and would not start (at times) when it was warm/hot, decided that it could've been the EGI relay, fuel pump or the CPS (thanks for the advice 93_Clubman). Based on self-diagnosis, decided to get a new CPS and replace that first in hopes it arrests the problem, else I'll go on to replace the other 2 (hopefully not the fuel pump)


$70 from Mania, next day delivery with express post (an additional $5, but I was desperate). I couldn't miss the Vic Weekly Meet-up


Remember, it's the camshaft position sensor..and not crankshaft position sensor (located on the rocker cover near the firewall where the VIN is)


Just a 10mm nut, and that wire socket..and we're good to go.

... so far so good (keeping fingers crossed). Car seems to be starting up fine (even when its hot/warm). But I will monitor it for the time being. Will still pick up a replacement EGI relay for good measure

[meanmx]

Looks good Shuey. Remind me on Thursday at the weekly meet and I'll bring a couple of sockets and give that bolt a try for you. Don't pay someone to do things!!!

[shuey]

Looks good Shuey. Remind me on Thursday at the weekly meet and I'll bring a couple of sockets and give that bolt a try for you. Don't pay someone to do things!!!

Thanks, meanmx. I'm in Sydney this week, so will only catch up with you guys the following week (dang, PP at Chaddie is so close to home)

.. in the mean time, picked this up yesterday for a pretty penny. Can't wait to bolt it on


Looking to give it a nice clean and hopefully it gives improves on the OEM's anaemic grunt