Project: 1995 Miata

[Jake]

Yesterday was another big day of Miata, but this involved more cleaning and shakedown than repairs.



Joey and I degreased the garage floor, which was very necessary after spilling oil, coolant, fuel and trans fluid all over it. Then we degreased the car, which was necessary after spilling oil, coolant, fuel and trans fluid all over it. The paint is kinda-shit but a good claybar and polish would help out a lot. Front bumper needs a re-spray to look good again.

After that, we drove it. Put 35 miles on it all around the back roads of Clifton and learned some things. Here's everything I have left to do:

1. The catalytic converter was attached by three bolts, as the nut for the fourth stud wouldn't thread on properly. Pretty sure the other three buts have backed out a little bit. The car sounds like a Spec Miata. It's embarrassingly loud. Need to jack it up and tighten/install fourth nut.

2. I think I forgot to re-hang the rear-most exhaust hanger. That, plus the partially-disconnected cat, are probably what create this awful vibration/buzzing at idle.

3. Throttle cable stuck partially open by coming off the bracket. Had not tightened the nut holding the cable to the bracket down enough. Need to tighten with wrench. Used fingers to fix because that's all we had in the middle of nowhere.

4. Random wisps of smoke from rear of engine, near firewall. Doesn't smell like anything, seemed to go away after some driving. We spilled a LOT of coolant back there, and my best guess is that it's just steaming off a bit.

5. Check Engine light comes on after the motor reaches operating temp. I jumpered the diagnostic pins (thank you, OBD I) and am getting three different codes. Assuming I'm reading them right, they're 4, 6 and 9. The fault code page at Miata.net does not acknowledge the existence of code 6. I need to do some sleuthing on this one, but the car runs fine right now so it's not an immediate concern.

6. Airbag light is blinking. I need to remove the driver's airbag and actually solder the wiring together. The car has an NB wheel, so I had to splice wires back when I installed it. This involved my favorite method known as "twist and tape" - methinks the twist has loosened.

7. Radio sucks as usual. I need a head unit with a simple aux input. Current H/U has the "old" iPod connector (30 pin) and I have an iPhone 5, so the plugs aren't compatible. If anyone has a head unit that they'd donate to the cause, or sell for cheap (like $20), let me know. I have new speakers to throw in the doors if need be, too.

8. Tie rods are on their way and will be installed soon. Alignment comes with that.

Basically, the car runs really damn well, given the fresh swap. Just needs to have some bolts tightened/checked and other little things tweaked.

It was THE greatest feeling to drive around yesterday, even with the problems.