Ron the SE

mx54nb · Postby **mx54nb** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 10:25 pm

OMG Scary stories for bedtime

I've managed to get a silver SE with pretty much everything you have done already done (cheating I know but she was a good find, plus I need to keep up with Roadrunner & Mrs Roadrunner) back in August
Would be horrified to be in the same boat... want to get the tune refreshed on mine (seeing as I didn't set her up in the first place), think that it will be happening sooner rather than later.
At least I do know the mods were done by experts only 2 years ago but I'm still recovering from my 100% stock (low kms & very cared for) impreza's engine rebuild only in October

Will be watching for the rest of your story

track_addict · Postby **track_addict** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 10:25 pm

The only advice I can give you is make sure the power delivery is smooth. That, apparently, is the best way to keep the rods happy. Also, the closer to 10psi of boost (measured at the intake manifold) the better. Buying one already done is a great way to go. Hopefully your journey is better then mine!

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:14 am

mx54nb, if you're in Newcastle (as your profile suggests), then take your car to NitroDann and don't worry about a thing. He understands turbo MX-5s and how to tune them safely. But if you're friends with the Roadrunners, you probably already know this.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:25 am

ManiacLachy wrote:mx54nb........ if you're friends with the Roadrunners.

It's far, far worse than that Lachy! :roll:

Roadrunner · Postby **Roadrunner** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:03 pm

Nevyn72 wrote:
ManiacLachy wrote:mx54nb........ if you're friends with the Roadrunners.

It's far, far worse than that Lachy!

6 degrees of separation :lol:

mx54nb · Postby **mx54nb** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 11:01 pm

Roadrunner wrote:
Nevyn72 wrote:
ManiacLachy wrote:mx54nb........ if you're friends with the Roadrunners.

It's far, far worse than that Lachy!

6 degrees of separation

HAHA, yes, acquainted with NitroDann (and intend to take my girl to him very soon)
As to the Roadrunners, yeah well, Mrs Roadrunner & I go way back

track_addict · Postby **track_addict** » Mon Mar 28, 2016 10:34 pm

So, lots of progress. Engine has been built and is now in the car! I never thought I'd see the day. Normal kind of engine build. Forget bottom end, B&E oil pump, balanced etc. I had an early model head gasket fitted so I can fit a coolant re-route. I can go into further detail of the build if anyone is interested. Also bought a second hand SE turbo/manifold since my turbo was crappy. Fitted that up with a full set of OEM exhaust manifold studs and nuts. Bolted on what I could on the engine stand before going in.

Yesterday, I had two mates come over and give me a hand to get the gearbox bolted on and drop the whole lot in the car. So, that happened.

Then, today I had a few spare hours so I got the A/C compressor, P/S pump and some wiring bolted up. Thankfully I don't have a whole lot of left over hardware so far, but the job is still young!

I've got to drain the fuel tank since that has a full tank of year old fuel in it. Not keen for that job. If anyone has any tips on doing that job, that'd be great.

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Tue Mar 29, 2016 7:32 am

The engine looks so clean and new!

I'm definitely interested in the details of the engine build, and I'm sure others are too. Why did you decide to stick with the OEM IHI turbo? With the engine all built and strong (like bull!) you could push it much better with something like a 2560.

track_addict · Postby **track_addict** » Tue Mar 29, 2016 10:29 am

I'll post a photo tonight to show just how damn clean it is. I'll be shattered once it gets dirty.

Engine info:
-Scat H beams.
-CP pistons. Small drop in comp to 9.0:1.
-Bored out to 84mm.
-King race series bearings.
-ARP main studs and head studs.
-Maruha sump baffle.
-B&E street oil pump.
-Blueprinted.
-Balanced rotating assembly.
-Early model head gasket.
-Rebuilt head. Nothing fancy.
-Plus a bunch of inspections processes I don't know off the top of my head.

I then used a heap of genuine Mazda parts when bolting stuff on.

Reason behind the OEM IHI turbo is money. After the rebuild and other costs, I still need the car tuned, plus any other small costs that add up. I simply don't want to spend another 3-5k on top of that right now. Hopefully, not to far down the track I'll put a 2560 on and make 200rwkw. Well, thats the dream. Will probably need to do the clutch at that point as well.

Leon_ · Postby **Leon_** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:35 pm

track_addict wrote:I'll post a photo tonight to show just how damn clean it is. I'll be shattered once it gets dirty.

Engine info:
-Scat H beams.
-CP pistons. Small drop in comp to 9.0:1.
-Bored out to 84mm.
-King race series bearings.
-ARP main studs and head studs.
-Maruha sump baffle.
-B&E street oil pump.
-Blueprinted.
-Balanced rotating assembly.
-Early model head gasket.
-Rebuilt head. Nothing fancy.
-Plus a bunch of inspections processes I don't know off the top of my head.

I then used a heap of genuine Mazda parts when bolting stuff on.

Reason behind the OEM IHI turbo is money. After the rebuild and other costs, I still need the car tuned, plus any other small costs that add up. I simply don't want to spend another 3-5k on top of that right now. Hopefully, not to far down the track I'll put a 2560 on and make 200rwkw. Well, thats the dream. Will probably need to do the clutch at that point as well.

may I ask how much cost you for the engine rebuild?

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:58 pm

Have you put the gearbox back in yet?

track_addict · Postby **track_addict** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 7:51 pm

Box went in with the engine. Why? Clutch?

Postby **NitroDann** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 8:05 pm

Yeah Ive got a bit of an SE clutch secret for built engine power. Too late now.

track_addict · Postby **track_addict** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 9:26 pm

Ah. Well, when the day comes I need to do the clutch, I'll have to find out what your secret is.

track_addict · Postby **track_addict** » Mon Apr 04, 2016 11:40 pm

So, more progress on the weekend. Only got a few hours on both days to get some work done. Fuel rail and injectors are back in and the top of the intake manifold is back on. Then I set about laying all the electrical looms out and remembering where they go and how they are secured. At this point I was swearing at myself for not taking more photos when I tore it apart!

I also ticked a job off the list which I have been wanting to do for ages. Get rid of the factory boost control VTCS solinoids. Big thanks go to Emily for running me through how she went about the same job. Gave me much more confidence tearing stuff apart.

I know it doesn't look like much, but it looks so much better than before!

Also, here's a shot of how clean the engine was when I got it back. To my surprise and the builders surprise, thats the original paint on the block. He said they normally paint engines unless otherwise told. Love it!