99 Hotside in Phoenix

[chuckerants]

I recently moved from Southern California to Phoenix AZ. This week was the first official 100+ day and my 99 has started pinging for the first time since my MP62 hotside installation.

Here's my specs:

- 99 Calfornia Spec Base Miata w/ELF
- BRP MP62 6 Rib Hotside Non-IC installed since 12/05
- 100mm crank pulley, 65mm nose pulley
- NGK BKR6E Spark Plugs
- New Coil Pack
- New plugs
- New NGK plug wires
- New fuel filter
- New CAS

Below is the graph of my first Dyno runs done at MD Automotive in Westminster CA - 172HP, 142 Torque. This was done with the ELF at the recommended settings.

Since that run, I increased the P3 setting from 8 to 9 and now with the pinging, I maxed that out to 10. P3 is the setting that controls the maximum amount of fueling the ELF can introduce via the stock injectors at full throttle or under boost.

The temp was "only" around 95 or so when I first heard the pinging in 3rd and 4th gear starting around 5000 rpm.

http://www.chuckfullobeans.com/images/hp/Dyno.jpg

Run Title: 99 BRP SC KIT..
Run Notes:
Run Date: 5/13/2006 5:57:24 PM

DYNORUN.003: 77.35 ¡ÆF 30.14 in-Hg Humidity: 22 % SAE: 0.97 Average Gear Ratio: 65.49

s RPM x1000 hp ft-lbs Air/Fuel
1.10 2.25 47.80 111.58 11.90
1.84 2.50 58.19 122.24 11.83
2.52 2.75 68.11 130.08 12.19
3.19 3.00 76.42 133.79 12.51
3.85 3.25 81.58 131.84 12.75
4.51 3.50 90.07 135.16 12.84
5.16 3.75 97.85 137.05 12.91
5.80 4.00 105.30 138.26 12.82
6.44 4.25 112.88 139.50 12.62
7.09 4.50 118.74 138.58 12.41
7.73 4.75 126.18 139.51 12.32
8.36 5.00 135.32 142.14 12.47
8.99 5.25 141.44 141.50 12.56
9.63 5.50 147.76 141.10 12.53
10.28 5.75 153.75 140.44 12.58
10.92 6.00 160.71 140.68 12.69
11.58 6.25 163.50 137.40 12.71
12.25 6.50 167.06 134.99 12.41
12.94 6.75 170.77 132.87 12.77
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
MAX: 12.94 6.75 170.77 142.14 12.91
MIN: 1.10 2.25 47.80 111.58 11.83

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Documents\CHUCK\DYNORUN.002
Run Title: 99 BRP SC KIT..
Run Notes:
Run Date: 5/13/2006 5:57:24 PM

DYNORUN.002: 76.53 ¡ÆF 30.14 in-Hg Humidity: 22 % SAE: 0.97 Average Gear Ratio: 65.16

s RPM x1000 hp ft-lbs Air/Fuel
1.12 2.25 47.84 111.68 11.93
1.86 2.50 58.67 123.26 11.92
2.55 2.75 68.01 129.90 12.26
3.21 3.00 75.63 132.41 12.54
3.88 3.25 82.14 132.73 12.75
4.54 3.50 90.01 135.07 12.89
5.18 3.75 97.96 137.19 12.91
5.82 4.00 106.25 139.51 12.84
6.46 4.25 111.17 137.38 12.67
7.11 4.50 118.85 138.70 12.43
7.74 4.75 126.56 139.99 12.36
8.37 5.00 134.43 141.01 12.47
9.01 5.25 140.57 169.31 12.54
9.66 5.50 144.71 137.53 12.47
10.31 5.75 151.32 138.33 12.52
10.96 6.00 157.40 137.78 12.63
11.63 6.25 161.74 135.89 12.74
12.32 6.50 162.52 131.32 12.40
13.02 6.75 168.19 130.87 12.60
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
MAX: 13.02 6.75 168.19 169.31 12.91
MIN: 1.12 2.25 47.84 111.68 11.92

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dynojet Research Inc.
Documents\CHUCK\DYNORUN.001
Run Title: 99 BRP SC KIT..
Run Notes:
Run Date: 5/13/2006 5:57:24 PM

DYNORUN.001: 76.53 ¡ÆF 30.14 in-Hg Humidity: 22 % SAE: 0.97 Average Gear Ratio: 65.55

s RPM x1000 hp ft-lbs Air/Fuel
0.64 2.00 29.32 76.96 15.43
1.47 2.25 48.11 112.29 12.05
2.21 2.50 57.85 121.52 11.92
2.90 2.75 67.63 129.17 12.38
3.57 3.00 75.50 132.17 12.59
4.24 3.25 82.63 133.53 12.81
4.90 3.50 88.85 133.33 12.88
5.55 3.75 95.86 134.26 13.32
6.20 4.00 104.02 136.59 13.04
6.85 4.25 110.84 136.98 12.65
7.50 4.50 118.64 138.47 12.40
8.15 4.75 124.09 137.21 12.38
8.78 5.00 131.68 138.32 12.47
9.42 5.25 140.18 140.24 12.56
10.07 5.50 145.59 139.03 12.59
10.72 5.75 152.19 139.01 12.67
11.37 6.00 158.05 138.35 12.77
12.03 6.25 162.33 136.41 12.75
12.71 6.50 164.61 133.00 12.49
13.41 6.75 168.17 130.85 12.62
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
MAX: 13.41 6.75 168.17 140.24 15.43
MIN: 0.64 2.00 29.32 76.96 11.92

[chuckerants]

Once again, the P3 setting WAS 8 when the first dyno runs were done but it is now at 10.

The first thing I'll try at Tom's suggestion is to try a new set of even colder set of NGK BKR7EIX plugs.

And to think it hasn't even gotten "hot" yet. :(

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

First we will see what the BKR7EIX can do for your hotside. Then we will adapt the e-cool to the hotside and see what we can do.

[chuckerants]

Thanks Tom.

My goal eventually is to make around 225 HP or enough power without having to get a built motor.

For now though, I would like to eliminate the pinging and THEN look into more power. Whether this can be achieved through e-cool, A/A IC, WI or a combination of all of the above, we'll see.

[chuckerants]

It's 103 today and I took another drive. The pinging is still there. :(

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

It isn't going away by itself.

Come visit and we can change the plugs and cool in the pool. :)

[chuckerants]

I've also been told by someone that a Walbro 255 fuel pump might help with my situation as the stock pump may not be able to cope with the increased fueling. However, by looking at the A/F of my dyno, it looks like the pump is doing fine.

Also, when I was looking on while Dan's 94 was being dynoed, his ELF (P3) was maxed out at 10 (from a recommended 5~6) while the SS was adding fuel. The SS had plenty of headroom left at 207 HP.

IIRC, the 94 has even smaller injectors than my 99. This leads me to believe that my fuel pump still has some room before I need to upgrade to a Walbro.

SO, I guess it's e-cool for me.

[chuckerants]

It's 106 today in good old Phoenix at least it is at 3:36 PM.

I just got back from meeting with Tom.

Tom met me this morning to have my DTB tapped and fitted with e-cool. The first thing though we did was to replace the NGK "6"s with even cooler plugs.

After the DTB was reinstalled with the additional injector, I wired the Split Second into the car. Afterward, we drove to get the fuel line "T"ed. After only the colder plugs, I noticed a definite improvement in the pinging. Before the new plugs, there was no mistaking the pinging. Now I really had to listen to hear the pinging.

Then came the Split Second. Tom loaded a Map from a 99 with a 105mm pulley (I still have the 100mm) just to use as a baseline.

Tom and I drove down a deserted commercial street a couple of times redlining in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Now I REALLY had to listen for the pinging. Honestly, I could almost NOT hear it as it was that subdued.

Next stop, the dyno where we can really tune the car. I'm really amazed that the plugs and the e-cool had that much effect on the pinging. Today was by far the hottest day I'm driven my car. When I first heard the pinging in my car, it may have only been slightly above 100.

So, before I eft Tom, I gave him back the 95mm pulley I asked for confident that my pinging issue can be solved without resorting to a smaller pulley.

Lastly, I want to thank Tom his time. He must have spent over 5 hours with me today and his house is over 1 1/2 hours from where we met this morning. Also, he refused to accept payment for his time or all the equipment we installed on my car today. No it wasn't free, Tom just wouldn't accept payment until I am happy with the results - that being elimination of the pinging altogether. On top of all that, he bought lunch - AGAIN!!!

Now I'm not afraid to drive my car anymore.

Thanks again Tom.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

We really need to get that 170WHP to 200. ;)

Repeat after me. 95mm no. 105mm yes. 95mm no. 105mm yes. Continue repeating until convinced.

Lunch is on you next time.

[chuckerants]

We really need to get that 170WHP to 200. ;)

Repeat after me. 95mm no. 105mm yes. 95mm no. 105mm yes. Continue repeating until convinced.

Lunch is on you next time.

Yes to all of the above. :)

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

So, does that mean I should bring a 105mm pulley toi the dyno Friday? ;)

[chuckerants]

So, does that mean I should bring a 105mm pulley toi the dyno Friday? ;)Absolutely.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

OK. 110mm? :)

And just think, we got this far with no programmable ECU or retarding timing. See, those are not necessary if you do it right.

[99mx5]

Chuckerants, What you experienced is classic Tom hospitality and support.
8) :D


What was the dyno result, and with what size pulley?

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Dyno is next Friday but my crystal ball says 190WHP+ and no ping. 170 is not allowed. Besides, doesn't Chuck have to give me an extra $100 for every HP above 190? That gives me extra incentive. ;)

[Banshee]

Awesome!!!

Hey Tom,

Can I get in on one of your payment plan where I can try out the E-Cool, Fuel rail, any everything else, as well a free lunch and say pay you when I'm "satisfied?"

I should of taken you up on your E-cool gaurantee back in march, I may have been up $3000 dollars.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

That's only for non-believers, Chuck is/was a skeptic. I think just changing the plugs made a believer out of him as the plugs alone eliminated most of his ping. We've already proven ecool works on the coldside and, Friday, will prove that it works on the hotside. Even on "pump" gas. :)

[chuckerants]

Yup, Tom is right. I am/was a skeptic. But, Tom is slowly starting to win me over.

Dan's story about playing with the Lambo is the type and level of power I'm looking for eventually and the numbers are just incidental. I will eventually need an AA IC to get me to that level of power, but right now, the ability to drive my car in this heat is what I'm trying to accomplish - with Tom's help.

In the month that I've been in Arizona, my AC condensor had to be replaced, my OEM radiator upgraded to a PWR, my windshield taken out by constuction truck, and I've had a flat tire. Oh and the pinging in my car.

It can only get better from here. :)

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Well, they says you need an A/A IC just to cure ping at only 170WHP. Then they offer you 205 WHP for only $4800. I say we can get you close to 200 (maybe above) with the ecool setup. I will make a believer out of you without having all that intercooled heat stuffed back into your engine through the radiator.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Dropped the drawing off today for the adaptor plate and should have it by the end of the week. Should be able to test Chuck's car shortly thereafter. :)

[chuckerants]

Ok, yesterday it was 95 F. I got impatient and dropped the ELF P3 to 6 from 8 and it pinged. So, I increased it again to 7 and voile, no ping - and at 105F.

So, at this point my A/F is a wee bit on the rich side. Now I'd be worried if I planned on keeping my cat, but that's going to be removed soon. Someone mentioned to me that they thought the cat was not a problem, but when we removed the cat, it gave us a 10HP increase and a torques increase throughout the RPM range. That pretty much tells me the cat is costing me 10 HP.

After the removal of the cat, I'll be test-fitting the new FFS BTB.

With just the removal of the cat, I'll be looking at ~188HP (from the previous dyno run). Now with the exhaust being less restrictive and flowing better, it should consume more fuel so the AF should lean out a little.

Next, we'll be back to the dyno to see how much the 75mm BTB will have vs the OEM 52mm TB.

After that, we'll try running with a 110mm pulley. :D

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Lookie what I got today. :)

http://www.FastForwardSuperchargers.com/HotsideBTB-Adaptor.jpg

[chuckerants]

Is it Christmas yet? :D

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

It'll be Christmas Tuesday when you get here. :)

[chuckerants]

Before I have the cat con removed and the BTB installed, Tom asked me to see what my boost level was now.

I'm running a 105mm crank and 65mm nose pulley. I just verified using an analog test gauges I bought from TDR that at idle the vacuum is at 19 in.

Cruising at 4000 rpms in 3rd gear it is at 19 in. When I go WOT, the boost gauges goes straight to 6 PSI and tops out at 6.5 PSI at redline.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

That'll probably go from 6.5 to somewhere between 8-9 just because of the BTB.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

:)

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

:)

[chuckerants]

Holy crap what a day!

Just as Tom and I finished up my car and went for a test drive, a dust storm came in a gave us a nice dust shower.

The great news is that Tom was right, my car does pull about 8.5 PSI now -even before the cat con removal.

The major install of the day was fitting of the BTB - from a stock 52mm to a 75mm. The difference was amazing. I can actually hear the extra rush of air.

In test driving the car and on the drive home, I had to be very careful about how I modulated the throttle as it seemed like it had a lot more torque than before with the stock TB.

I also has a chance to bypass the heater core as I don't think I'll be using the heater much here in the Valley of the Sun. Tom also installed a vacuum block (is that what it's called?) to help with the brake booster and the cruise control.

Tomorrow, I get the cat con replaced with a resonator. :)

Thanks again Tom. Please thank Cathy for the Bratworst. And you can keep the gallon or so of anti-freeze I "left" all over your garage floor. ;)

[Dr Evol]

I wish I lived closer to Phoenix, I love Brats!

Thanks for your help on my car last night Tom!

[chuckerants]

Did I mention that we were driving around topless when the duststorm hit?

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/pics/0607weather.jpg

[Wayne-n-Fla]

:cry: :cry:, brings back memories of my time in ElPaso,
OK, today is Dyno day ?? and maybe a report on the driveability, idle issues, ?? report :lol:

[Banshee]

Wayne,

I think you just got to bite the bullet and order up a supercharger kit. All this cross-shopping, waiting till the next big thing hit is going to drive you crazy. Even at 150whp, the miata is a hoot to drive. I can't imagine what it'll be like with another 40 horses.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

I don't want to make you guys drool too much so I won't tell you what Chip made yesterday with a bad CAS sensor. Should be more today when he gets that fixed. But is almost set a new coldside record. ;)

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Even fixed the cruise control drop out by moving the cruise vacuum line to where it belongs. :) Adapter plate basicall dropped right in. Chuck has an aftermarket cruise so that is why the dual cables.

http://www.FastForwardSuperchargers.com/Hotside/Hotside-BTB.jpg

[Kyp J]

:shock: What is going on that picture? Looks like a hotside with the throttle where it can be accessed. I'm not an expert on hotsides (I think I saw one in person once or twice) but I thought they hid the throttle control.

Also, I thought FFSC was for the other side.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

That is a picture of how a hotside should ship. BTB, proper BTB adaptor that flows correctly (computer flow designed) and a port for the cruise control that lets it function properly.

Tomorrow is dydno day. It was 173 and pinging as installed from that other company. :) 188 with open exhaust and e-cool (105F day and no pinging). Tomorrow will tell what the BTB does for it. It is NOT a ported blower so it should make reasonably decent power on 91 octane in the heat with no intercooler. Right Ari? :)

[Kyp J]

[quote="chuckerants"]Did I mention that we were driving around topless when the duststorm hit?

I know when riding a motorcycle without a shirt, the dust and dirt kicked up by other riders hurts yer nibbles.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

That is a picture of how a hotside should ship. BTB, proper BTB adaptor that flows correctly (computer flow designed) and a port for the cruise control that lets it function properly.

Tomorrow is dyno day. It was 173 and pinging as installed from that other company. :) 188 with open exhaust and e-cool (105F day and no pinging). Tomorrow will tell what the BTB does for it. It is NOT a ported blower so it should make reasonably decent power on 91 octane in the heat with no intercooler. Right Ari? :)

Drat. Dyno is now scheduled for Monday morning. We'll have to wait a few more days.

[chuckerants]

Sorry about that, but the women of the house needed me to do stuff. lol

But Monday isn't that far away is it?

So, my initial impressions of the BTB and the removal of the cat con is WOW! I have to get used to the throttle as I'm still driving the car as if I still have the stock TB. The car really seems to pull as if it has new life. The real dyno will have to verify my butt dyno, but the last time, we let the car at 188 HP when the cat was disconnected. So we may even be around 190~195HP now.

I had a small problem after the BTB install with idle droop, but at Tom's recommendation, I adjusted the idle (with the tool that Tom provides with all his kits) and after 24 hours(whihc is what he said), the ECU "learned" the new idle point.

The cat con was replaced today with a stainless steel straight muffler and the volume of my exhaust went DOWN slightly but got a little deeper which is great by me. All I asked is that they not make my car sound like a Honda Civic with a fart can exhaust. So now I have a Pre-cat (I have a CA car), a muffler, and an Ansa Silverline dual exhaust.

On the way home, the temp was around 105F. When I got home, the temp was around 104F and Tom said that he saw temps of around 107F. So, as I got off the freeway, I had the AC on but forgot that I had it set at 3 of 4 and proceeded to flog it a little upto around 6000~7000 RPMs (not to redline or fuel cutoff). NO PING!

Again, the temp was somewhere around 103~107 F. I had Chevron 91 gas and with the AC on almost full, I had NO PING! And Tom, yes I am still pleasantly surprised. :D

Since the last dyno (the graph is posted here I think) at 176HP at 105F, the only thing I chaged was that I decreased the ELF from 8 to 7. The BTB was added and the cat con was removed.

Boy am I looking forward to the dyno on Monday.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Women. :)

I think it will be in the 195-200 range.

Dynorun 1 was from California, I believe, where Chuck had it dyno'd when it was installed.
Runfile 1 was our baseline run. They match pretty close.
Runfile 3 and 5 are with exhaust dropped and e-cool turned on.

http://www.FastForwardSuperchargers.com/Hotside/Chuck-99-Dyno.jpg

[chuckerants]

One more thing, on the test drive after the BTB install, the first WOT run showed 8.5 PSI of boost. The subsequent WOT runs showed 7~7.5 max PSI of boost. As the car approached redline, the boost gauge showed 7, 7.5, 7, 7, then maxed out at 7 PSI.

As Tom was watching the test gauge I had connected, he could probably explain it better, but basically, the 6 rib kit that I waited to buy because it does not have belt slip, was.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Yep. Belt was slipping. For the moment, we will just reef on the tensioner Monday to dyno but I don't think there is anything you can do about it with that fixed tensioner. When I get back from California mid-month, I will look at a proper tensioner fix for the hotside.

On that note, FFS will be introducing a hotside kit around the end of July. Price to be determined. But, like the Coldside, it will be a minumum of 190WHP on 91 octane (closer to 210 for 94-00 with 92+ octane). It will also be added to our CARB schedule in case people in California also want a hotside.

[chuckerants]

Ok, I couldn't wait. I hooked up the test gauge and got some gas. On the way back I drove a few more miles to a long deserted stretch of road and went WOT.

Two runs and they both showed between 7.5~ 8 PSI at redline. This is after the BTB and NO cat con. The temperatur is downright cool at 101F. lol

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

And no ping, i assume.

[chuckerants]

And no ping, i assume.

Of course, no ping. :D

Oh and I tightened the belt a little before I drove it.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Well, if you're not getting any ping, you need a bigger pulley. ;)

[chuckerants]

Well, if you're not getting any ping, you need a bigger pulley. ;)

What a coincidence as SOMEONE gave me a 110mm pulley the other day. Hmm.

[chuckerants]

188 HP baby!

I started with 172 HP and massive pinging with a 100mm pulley. Now I am getting a solid 188 HP and zero pinging. :D

There is strong evidence though that the pre-cat on my CA car is plugged, so that is next to be "looked" at.

[Banshee]

Which pulley did you use?
Got the dyno plot?

[chuckerants]

I have the 105mm on now.

Dyno to follow shortly.

[99mx5]

Congrats Chuck!
I can vouch for Chucks results... I was there :)
It was great to meet you!
Take care!!!

...now where did I put my clutch?

[socal pat]

Great numbers Chuck! So just out of curiosity what numbers were you supposed to have been running instead of the 172 when you started? See I can ask this without being abrasive cuz I'm not the vendor. :wink:

[chuckerants]

Great numbers Chuck! So just out of curiosity what numbers were you supposed to have been running instead of the 172 when you started? See I can ask this without being abrasive cuz I'm not the vendor. :wink:

With the ELF, I was supposed to get around 180 HP with a 100mm pulley. And at 172HP starting around 100 F, I was getting really bad pinging. Now using 105mm and e-cool, no ping and more HP.

[chuckerants]

http://www.chuckfullobeans.com/images/miata/061206.jpg

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Note: It is going rich because the cat is stuffed up and will be corrected as soon as the cat is corrected. At which time it will also be nicely in the upper 190 range. :)

[raceskier]

Chuck, Tom,

I read earlier that you replaced the main cat with a straight pipe/muffler combo. Is that correct? Now you are working the pre-cat issue. If you are simply eliminating the pre-cat, fine. If not, wouldn't it breathe better with late (2001+) OEM exhaust manifold or aftermarket header and a main cat in place?

[chuckerants]

Chuck, Tom,

I read earlier that you replaced the main cat with a straight pipe/muffler combo. Is that correct? Now you are working the pre-cat issue. If you are simply eliminating the pre-cat, fine. If not, wouldn't it breathe better with late (2001+) OEM exhaust manifold or aftermarket header and a main cat in place?

You are correct. Ideally, an 01+ exhaust header would be great. Unfortuneatly, now EVERYONE is privy to the benfits of the 01+ header vs the 99/00 header so it's very hard to find. The quick and dirty solution is to "fix" the pre-cat.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Besides, Chuck would have to uninstall and reinstall the hotside to get to the manifold. Easier to simply clean out the cat.

[socal pat]

So is there any "special" technique or tools to this cat cleanout? It it just as easy as disconnecting the midpipe and using a piece of 1/2" rebar as a pipe cleaner?

[chuckerants]

So is there any "special" technique or tools to this cat cleanout? It it just as easy as disconnecting the midpipe and using a piece of 1/2" rebar as a pipe cleaner?

That's about it. :D

[99mx5]

So is there any "special" technique or tools to this cat cleanout? It it just as easy as disconnecting the midpipe and using a piece of 1/2" rebar as a pipe cleaner?

Sounds about right, just disconnect the head pipe from the manifold and jam the bar in there to disintegrate the catalyst, then start the engine to blow the debris out then reconnect the head pipe. No need to remove the blower or manifold.

[Mathrips]

With no main cat, and the precat disabled, how will your ecu monitor air/fuel?

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

The ECU monitors A/F with the front O2 sensor. The second O2 is strictly a measure of whether the cat is working. The cat has no effect on A/F other than to reduce the richness but that is why the ECU monitors it pre-cat for control.

[chuckerants]

With no main cat, and the precat disabled, how will your ecu monitor air/fuel?

The question is, how will I fool the 02 sensors into not displaying the CEL?

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Details, details. :) Which is more important? That light or POWER? :)

[Banshee]

With no main cat, and the precat disabled, how will your ecu monitor air/fuel?

The question is, how will I fool the 02 sensors into not displaying the CEL?

I find that black electrical tape over the light works well.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

When I had my hotside, Brant just cut the wire to the light.

[Wayne-n-Fla]

If i'm not mistaken, the front moniters A/F and as long as the back one is pluged in ;connected to the electronics there won't be a CEL, just be carefull when removing the back one NOT to strip the threads , they get rusted, ect. from the exhaust and sometimes dammaged when removed.

[chuckerants]

When I had my hotside, Brant just cut the wire to the light.

[Is there a slapping one's forhead emoticon?] Oy Vey.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

The front one monitors the A/F whether the back one is pluged in or not. I have had my back one in and out and the only difference was an inconsequential CEL. I have no cat in the 99 and once in awhile I get a CEL because the front and rear sensors are too close together in value and it thinks there is a bad cat. Typically happens if I get on it when the engine is cold and the morning air is cool (under 80F). it will not be a problem to get around.

[Dr Evol]

In my Evo, I installed an O2 emulator. It sends a signal to the ecu saying all is well no matter what. I would think you could find one to work with your Miata.

[Dr Evol]

Try this site to see if they have what you need: http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=179

[chuckerants]

I was thinking of one of these.

https://www.casperselectronics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=104051&Category_Code=

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7erz1/id13.html#99mazdamiata

[Dr Evol]

But isn't that for off road use only :roll:

[99mx5]

But isn't that for off road use only :roll:

I think they would work just fine on the road too. :lol:

BTW, congrats on you autox :D

[chuckerants]

I couldn't get to the mid pipe.

I got the car lifted and on jackstands, but I could only get a wrench on one out the three bolts and I couldn't even turn that bolt.

I'll see if I can find someone to do this for me.

BTW, I found a 01+ OEM header for $250 + shipping, but this is more than I want to spend right now. :(

[raceskier]

Chuck,

The Liquid Wrench soak on those nuts did the trick for me. I believe I used a long extension on a 1/2 drive breaker bar to get the three nuts.
I also was able to find an 01 mani here in La La land.

[chuckerants]

Chuck,

The Liquid Wrench soak on those nuts did the trick for me. I believe I used a long extension on a 1/2 drive breaker bar to get the three nuts.
I also was able to find an 01 mani here in La La land.

I sprayed PB Blaster on it. Hopefully by the time I get it to a lift tmorrow, it should be easier to break loose.

How much is your header source?

[raceskier]

I found 2 in Cali for $250 ea and one out of state for $275. After I have mine in hand and verify it's the correct one I'll post the info on the others.

[Kyp J]

OOPs! I deleted this post because I found it was already addressed.

[Kyp J]

I couldn't get to the mid pipe.

I got the car lifted and on jackstands, but I could only get a wrench on one out the three bolts and I couldn't even turn that bolt.

I'll see if I can find someone to do this for me.

BTW, I found a 01+ OEM header for $250 + shipping, but this is more than I want to spend right now. :(

What I did: :idea:

Take out the engine first, then you can pull the pipe, manifold and all out the front to get to those nuts. I got taller nuts to put on for the next time.

[chuckerants]

That's a little beyond my skillset not to mention my toolset. :D

I couldn't get to the mid pipe.

I got the car lifted and on jackstands, but I could only get a wrench on one out the three bolts and I couldn't even turn that bolt.

I'll see if I can find someone to do this for me.

BTW, I found a 01+ OEM header for $250 + shipping, but this is more than I want to spend right now. :(

What I did: :idea:

Take out the engine first, then you can pull the pipe, manifold and all out the front to get to those nuts. I got taller nuts to put on for the next time.

[raceskier]

Chuck,

I just picked up an 01 manifold. I posted some other sources for one in the WTB section. Should be much less restrictive than two cats and a LOT lighter.

[chuckerants]

Chuck,

I just picked up an 01 manifold. I posted some other sources for one in the WTB section. Should be much less restrictive than two cats and a LOT lighter.

Thanks. I'll keep them in mind. In the meantime, I have "fixed" my pre-cat and have a straight through muffler in place of the main cat. My butt dyno tells me it is noticabily stronger. Let's see what the dyno says next week.

[chuckerants]

Dyno day tomorrow. :D

[Mathrips]

We want to see those dyno runs.