From Mexie ... to MXSE ...

[Lokiel]

:
After some drama and chasing around for a month after ordering, my Jass Performance needle caps finally arrived!! Easy to fit, supposed to be just a push on, but the main dial caps were very loose so I had to put some adhesive on to hold them. Lokiel and Nevyn were right though, they really finish the look nicely!...


:

They're expensive but SO worth it when you see them fitted in real life - we need a night-time shot too (blue lighting and chrome is sexy).

[KevGoat]

Just remembered your request for a night time shot so went out to the car ...



Kind of shows the reflections but not properly. I reckon a twilight shot would show it off better so if I can remember I'll try to get something. But I know what you mean, the effect is pretty awesome at night !!

[KevGoat]

Spoke to Stephanie at BEGi about what gaskets I need to fit the downpipe and ordered those. So in the meantime as it is a beautiful warm and dry day in Adelaide I thought I'd paint the downpipe.

How it looked after clean up:





After 3 coats of high heat exhaust paint:





I can't do the heat cycling hardening until the gaskets arrive and it is fitted but that shouldn't make too much difference. Coated really nicely.

[KevGoat]

Of course ... couldn't stop there So as I'm in paint mode, decided I may as well keep taking things apart and paint something else. Off came the exhaust and turbo heat shields ... and the result ...

Before:


After:

[Roadrunner]

That looks much better! The heat shields are in my "to do" list.

[KevGoat]

That last night shot a few posts back of the instrument panel wasn't really much use, so I took one that hopefully shows it off a bit better...



... last one I promise!!

Posted via Tapatalk on Samsung S7

[bootz]

Pink needles (chortle)

[KevGoat]

Spent 6 hours today taking the stock downpipe out and fitting the BEGi in. Well probably one hour of that was spent jacking the car up and setting it up on stands to my satisfaction to go under it and another half hour or so taking things back out and loosening stuff off because I didn't read the installation guide properly and couldn't get the two halves together

Still waiting for a gasket and clamp to arrive to finish it off, but wanted to get the worst over and done.

Bastard of a job as all the write ups say, but glad I did it myself. Always satisfying.

In anticipation of doing this myself, and from the info on other installation write ups, I'd bought these wobble extensions earlier this year:



While I wouldn't say they make the job easier, they do help make it possible. Next image is the toughest nut to get to and can see that with the wobble fitting the socket sits nice and square:



... and a horrible photo, but it's in:



So she'll rest on the stands & jacks until those parts arrive hopefully this week or early next week, then start her up take her out and see how it feels

[billybunter]

ive tested that downpipe and its good for 220 kph with backpack and headwind although that was with an open mind in an open limit

[KevGoat]

ive tested that downpipe and its good for 220 kph with backpack and headwind although that was with an open mind in an open limit

Been nicely run in for me

This past weekend was my 59th so we packed a suitcase and went away to one of our favourite places - Clare valley. Lovely relaxing weekend enjoying some good food and wine. Approximately 220kms each way, so was also a good test to get a feel for the difference the downpipe makes.

First positive was after a few kms and the wife comments on how nice the exhaust sounds!

Not sure I could feel any real power increase (allegedly 5hp -10hp according to Stephanie at Bell Engineering) however the easier revving and earlier spooling of the turbo was certainly noticeable. Very happy.

[KevGoat]

This morning a very nice pre Christmas parcel arrived for me ... with this ...



So of course, wasn't going to waste any time. Straight outside and easily changed over ...





So what is it?

I came across these wheels a couple of months ago while browsing Miata.net. It's a Guardian Design wheel from MOTOR-O-POLIS in Poland. Each wheel is handmade to order. No requirement for any change over wheel, they source and alter them to suit the client. The communications and assistance I received in choosing the right specs for me were excellent.

For anyone looking into one, the actual specs on mine were:

NB (Nardi) to fit a 2004 MX-5
D-Shape (100% flat bottom)
Thumb rests
Perforated black leather sides
Smooth black leather top/bottom
Red Motorsport stitching
Competition style soft padding and thickness

After the wheel was fitted I went straight out for a drive and the difference over the SE steering wheel is chalk and cheese! The shape is so much better in the hands and the thickness feels just right. My hands felt more relaxed on the wheel which has to be a big plus! The shape naturally encourages better positioning of the hands on the wheel. The materials used and the quality of workmanship look outstanding.

Not a cheap upgrade by any means, but I can certainly recommend these to anyone interested.

[ManiacLachy]

I just saw your post on m.net as well. The wheel looks fantastic. Lokiel had one done by another group and his looks great too, I'm thinking I'll need to add this to the list, I need a little more thigh room down the bottom of the wheel.

[Okibi]

Group buy?

[billybunter]

too much money your problem come my way I will help you spend it

[Nevyn72]

Nice find!

Looks like it addresses all the shortcomings Lokiel found with his replacement wheel purchase;
- more space at the bottom
- custom options for the finish