MX5 NA8 Weight Cut

[RileyR]

So I took out the Aircon and the Power steering.

I left the Power Steering and the Aircon brackets still attached to the engine because i have read that the Aircon bracket needs a certain bolt to be replaced so oil doesnt fall out of the engine. I was unsure whether or not the Power Steering bracket has a similar issue.

The weight for the complete AC system (leaving the bracket in place) was 13.6kg
The weight for the Power steering was 6.06kg.

Here is a list of what i have taken out and what has replaced those items (if applicable).

65kg out.JPG

[RileyR]

I depowered the steering the "easy" way, by looping the lines. I am fairly sure I have done it effectively. Some guides suggest I should close off the larger tubes and then loop the other 4 lines. others suggest I should close off 4 lines and loop only 2 lines.
It got awful confusing so I looped all the lines.
Is this going to cause issues, or will it be just fine?

steering rack.jpg

steering rack2.jpg

First impressions on a spirited drive on atrocious tyres:

There is heaps more feel in the wheel! You really know what the front wheels are doing. For eg when turning it gets heavier and heavier because its more forces through the system. Then when you start to lose the front end it gets lighter and lighter. This makes under steer really noticeable instantly. You don't feel it as much with power steering because its light whether you have grip or not, so the difference is subtle.

I hope I can still catch the back end quick enough!

[PaulF]

I just put an NA8 motor in my NA6 and completely removed the A/C compressor + bracket. My garage is not covered in oil. (Well, not from that at least...)

Also, you can remove that brace under the intake manifold with no ill effects.

[RileyR]

Thanks Paul I'll look into it!

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[The American]

Also, you can remove that brace under the intake manifold with no ill effects.

The Miata Turbo Grand Council have observed broken manifold studs where the the brace has been removed.

[Nevyn72]

Also, you can remove that brace under the intake manifold with no ill effects.

The Miata Turbo Grand Council have observed broken manifold studs where the the brace has been removed.

That's what I always suspected, Mazda didn't put it there for no reason......

That being said, you could probably lighten it quite a bit with an angle grinder.

[PaulF]

Just saying, LOTS of people (myself included) have run without that brace for years with no issues. If you're keen on weight reduction, it's a no brainer in my book.

[RileyR]

Hmm maybe the angle grinder option is a good half way.

Can any one confirm I have done the depowering of the steering rack somewhat correctly?

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[Zed]

I just put an NA8 motor in my NA6 and completely removed the A/C compressor + bracket. My garage is not covered in oil

the possible leak is from the (M8?) bolt that secures the aircon mount bracket through the oilpump. some leak & others dont but I cannot remember if its due to oilpump type, gasket, blind or through hole in the cylinderblock casting or just plain luck

Rich.

[PaulF]

Couldn't you just plug the hole with a shorter M8 bolt then? Much lighter than keeping that whole bracket.

[LiteIsRite]

Couldn't you just plug the hole with a shorter M8 bolt then? Much lighter than keeping that whole bracket.

That's what I did - a socket head stainless steel one. No leaks.

[shirtz]

Couldn't you just plug the hole with a shorter M8 bolt then? Much lighter than keeping that whole bracket.

That's what I did - a socket head stainless steel one. No leaks.

ive taken it all off mine. no leaks. anyone got a pic of where this leak is meant to happen?

not sure about this manifold brace you speak of later, so its directly under the manifold? mine may be already removed...

as for the power steer - looks correct to me. never be the same as either a0 a de powered with welded pinion or b)manual rack.

[PaulF]

not sure about this manifold brace you speak of later, so its directly under the manifold? mine may be already removed...

This bit.

[RileyR]

Thanks shirtz,

Yeah I have heard its better to pull apart the rack and weld that pinion etc. I dont have a welder and would need to get some one to do that, so I went for the quick fix.

Already feels quite good! Im glad you dont see anything wrong with my quick fix



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[bruce]

Methinks there might be a few youtoooob videos on the process? (well, there should be as everything else Miata related is there)