Heldenzeit's Garage (Endless Maintenance)

[homeforsummer]

The green things are called "Frog Arms" and strengthen the chassis.

Didn't realise you had a set of these (though since I've never seen behind your fenders, I suppose I wouldn't!). Are they actually any good? I went on FM's website a while back and reviews on there are mixed. I'm still trying to figure out some sort of order in which I should add strengthening bits, without simply loading down the car with extra weight.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Didn't realise you had a set of these (though since I've never seen behind your fenders, I suppose I wouldn't!). Are they actually any good? I went on FM's website a while back and reviews on there are mixed. I'm still trying to figure out some sort of order in which I should add strengthening bits, without simply loading down the car with extra weight.

I like them. It helps the cowl shake on the highway for sure. Car feels more solid than if they weren't installed.

 

[homeforsummer]

I like them. It helps the cowl shake on the highway for sure. Car feels more solid than if they weren't installed.

Might have to look into them then. I'm currently researching coilovers, but see little point in getting some if the body I'm attaching them to is going to flex all over the place.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Received my Japanese market headlights for the LS400. Need to buy an H3 to H4 harness adapter, but I should have them in by the end of the week. Foglights came with Raybrig bulbs haha.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Done! Much nicer than the USDM units. Brighter as well as putting out a much nicer beam on the road.

Mercedes W126 headlights are very similar haha.

Upper fender is now fixed in place. Lower part still needs some work. Maybe I'll just leave it off for now.

 

[Cale]

Did you make sure you adjusted the beam pattern for driving on the right?

 

[Heldenzeit]

Did you make sure you adjusted the beam pattern for driving on the right?

From what I can tell, they really only adjust up or down....

So no I haven't haha.

 

[Cale]

Yeah that's all the adjustment you need. JDM lights will be opposite of ours with the left side pointed higher up to illuminate off the side of the road, so that might make the output look that much better but it's also akin to flashing oncoming traffic with your high beams.

 

[Heldenzeit]

I knew that going in; just haven't been able to fix it yet.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Yay modifications.

T3 steering wheel spacer, so the wheel sits a bit closer to me. Feels like a DTM car haha.

Hehehe. Blackbird Fabworx CSP style spoiler. Originally meant for an OE trunk, but I was able to install it on my fastback. Need to add a splitter on the front to balance this.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Couple more nice pics.

 

[homeforsummer]

Looks spectacular.

You need a new colour scheme though. Montego blue is no longer cutting it. First thought is to colour-match with your gauges...

 

[Heldenzeit]

Looks spectacular.

You need a new colour scheme though. Montego blue is no longer cutting it. First thought is to colour-match with your gauges...

Thanks!

Hahaha. Paint isn't that high of a priority now, but I'm really partial to Ferrari Rosso Barchetta.

Or maybe a brighter shade.

 

[Roger the Horse]

The darker red would probably suit the MX5 much better.

I'd suggest just plain white though. Or maybe a sunny shade of yellow.

 

[Cano]

Duuuuuude loving the lexan spoiler, looks awesome.

And just go black or a refresh of the current shade. The car looks awesome in a dark color.

 

[Heldenzeit]

I've considered yellow too.

Either way, paint isn't that important to me right now. It isn't a show car.

 

[Cano]

You need a diffuser to fill that hole in your bumper. Like, need.

 

[Heldenzeit]

You need a diffuser to fill that hole in your bumper. Like, need.

Only if I make a flat bottom for the middle part first. Next aero pieces will be a front splitter and possibly an airdam. Ugly, but it works.

 

[SVX]

This car is literally my inspiration.

 

[Cano]

Only if I make a flat bottom for the middle part first. Next aero pieces will be a front splitter and possibly an airdam. Ugly, but it works.

Not ugly! I like barndoor front-ends.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Not ugly! I like barndoor front-ends.

I'd need to put some quick releases on it for easy removal. It's super ugly to me.

 

[Cano]

I'd need to put some quick releases on it for easy removal. It's super ugly to me.

Ah yeah, of course you ain't gonna run around on that on the street.

Altough you could, ahem.

but yeah, dzus fasteners and you're set.

 

[Heldenzeit]

I knew this would happen eventually. Introducing the TRA Kyoto (Rocket Bunny) Miata.

 

[Clark]

I still think the blue looks really good.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Got the opportunity to drive the 949 Racing ND Miata out at Chuckwalla this weekend. Lets say I'm very impressed. The ND is a wonderful chassis. Faster than an NA/NB and much more comfortable for road use. It's a good feeling when an R35 GT-R points you by on track.

Some guy brought his X6M haha.

EG Civic

On track pics are here.
https://www.caliphotography.com/photos/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=44966#page=thumbs

 

[SVX]

You have good taste in eurobeat.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Had my alignment adjusted last night. 3* front camber should be good for track use.

Also changed the alignment bolts. The cams wear out over time, allowing for an inaccurate measurement. The gold brace on the lower right is a PPF connector made by Beatrush. It connects the PPF to the subframe, keeping the differential in place. In addition to urethane differential mounts, the rear of the car is very solid.

Club Orange.

 

[Heldenzeit]

Roadster Cup Finale at Buttonwillow was last weekend. This time, we ran the track in reverse of what I'm used to so it took me a few laps to get acclimated. New spoiler and alignment setting certainly helped the feel of the car. My best time of the day was a 2:10.5, about 3 seconds behind all the boosted cars running in my class. Not too bad for having half the horsepower. Thankfully, the regulations have been changed for next year to make my N/A car more competitive.

Next season I'm planning on changing the seat, adding a harness/HANS device and possibly door bars. I've gotten to the point skill wise where a crash could be at a pretty high speed. Engine needs a refresh too.

 

[homeforsummer]

Engine needs a refresh too.

Beyond what you listed in the very first post, have you had much done to the engine? Despite what I mentioned in my car's thread I'm still considering one or two bits and pieces to give it a bit more top-end pep, since it seems to give up above 5.5k rpm. Is there anything you've done to the engine that seems to have made a big difference?

 

[Heldenzeit]

Beyond what you listed in the very first post, have you had much done to the engine? Despite what I mentioned in my car's thread I'm still considering one or two bits and pieces to give it a bit more top-end pep, since it seems to give up above 5.5k rpm. Is there anything you've done to the engine that seems to have made a big difference?

Not really; I've just kept it maintained. It does have a lightweight crank damper, which helps it rev quicker, but I haven't done any significant work to the engine. It's smoking a lot under load, so it's time to replace. 245k miles will do that haha.