The Black Rat

[The American]

I had ordered EFI to AN adaptors for the tank

thats on my list also, or braze fittings to the pipe-stubs

Rich.

I’m not sure if all mX5 tanks are the same, but if you’re planning to use AN lines, the adaptors from Speedflow are relatively cheap and are easy to use.

[The American]

Oh my wallet. Dog getting to know StarTrack Guy, FedEx Guy, Auspost Lady etc on scratch behind the ear basis.

Should have my engine back soon.

[plohl]

who'd you end up getting to do the engine work dude?

[The American]

I also have liked this video

What are you using these for? Trolling MT.net?

[Magpie]

What are you using these for? Trolling MT.net?

Looking at the dark side for inspiration...

[The American]

With a 400hpatw goal, and having already broken a 6 speed at 260whp, it has been in my mind to choose a stronger transmission solution.

The Black Rat already has a substantially modified floor pan and so any transmission swap that does not use the PPF, will require a custom-to-my-car crossmember. The Kmiata BMW transmission swap seemed the most obvious solution if coupled with a custom cross member. The other options included Mal Wood's T5 transmission to Mazda bellhousing approach, and the PAR Engineering AISIN gearset.

The PAR Engineering option is attractive to me, because it allows me to continue using the rest of the Mazda drive train (shifter, driveshaft clutch, diff, PFF) and does not require the custom crossmember (which would have to be fitted to what has already become a very congested space with seat, harness and fuel lines). Once the transmission is assembled I can install it myself, and won't need outside help for fabrication.

I have only come across one Mx5 with the PAR Gearset. There are, however, plenty of 86/BRZ owners who have taken the plunge and have the AISIN/PAR transmission in their turbo-charged Toyobaru, some of which are well north of 500hp. PAR Eng are comfortable that my output and use plans will be of no concern to their gearset.

The gearset has the downside of being straight-cut noisy...



The clutch will be an an Os Giken twin plate (TS2B).

In terms of overall cost, I think this will work out to be quite a bit less than the Kmiata BMW swap, but more than the Mal Wood T5 option.

[ManiacLachy]

I've been wondering what you were going to do for the transmission solution, this sounds interesting. Straight cut noisy gears are fine for your application of a dedicated hill-climb/track car, maybe not so much for a street car. I figure if it can take your abuse then it's a solid solution!

[greenMachine]

The gearset has the downside of being straight-cut noisy...

And this is a problem how ... ?

Is racecar! Is noisy!

If a bit of noise is what it takes to get the grunt to the ground, that is what it takes. Earplugs can deal with that.

[The American]

The gearset has the downside of being straight-cut noisy...

And this is a problem how ... ?

Is racecar! Is noisy!

If a bit of noise is what it takes to get the grunt to the ground, that is what it takes. Earplugs can deal with that.

Yes, I’m not bothered by the noise, so long as they don’t break!

[Daffy]

If PAR are confident that it will hold up, this seems a good option with how the black rat’s modded floor pan is set up. I would suggest (from experience ) that you look into strengthening the PPF and diff carrier if you go this option mate.

[greenMachine]

If PAR are confident that it will hold up, this seems a good option with how the black rat’s modded floor pan is set up. I would suggest (from experience ) that you look into strengthening the PPF and diff carrier if you go this option mate.

That seems like good advice, given sticky tyres and hard launches seem to be part of your chosen lifestyle

[The American]

If PAR are confident that it will hold up, this seems a good option with how the black rat’s modded floor pan is set up. I would suggest (from experience ) that you look into strengthening the PPF and diff carrier if you go this option mate.

When the diff comes out I will find someone who can plate up the arms for me. I’m also on the lookout for an FC diff carrier which would do the same job.

As for the Ppf, I’m not sure if it has as much to deal with when the engine and diff are both mounted in Poly. I broke the PPF in the white mouse in the same spot yours let go, but most of its life was before the upgraded bushes. I will be keeping a close eye on it. I have your old one with the iron claw here too.

[The American]

....given sticky tyres and hard launches seem to be part of your chosen lifestyle

It’s crossed my mind that the launches may need to go so i can keep the weak links alive. But where’s the fun in that? ( not replacing as much broken stuff I suppose)

[The American]

Motorsport focused life advice: While you have a job, buy all the car parts you can. This way, if you’re retrenched and newly unemployed, you’ll have plenty to do.

Yes, from about March next year I won’t be ‘too busy’ to reassemble The Black Rat. I just hope I’ve bought enough bits...

[The American]

I received an email from the engine builder this week. It’s all assembled and ready for collection. Hooray!

In other news, my employer brought forward my retrenchment date from 26 Feb to 18 December. Shed time coming my way.