Now What? (updated with less bitching)

   Consider this the beginning of the end of this STR Miata drama.  I do not feel like continuing with this build or advancing the car in any way, but I will continue to autox regionally until I figure out what my next big move is.

   My decision is mostly based on the level of preparation required and cost involved to be at the pointy end of the field.  The biggest major improvement needed is more power with a properly built first overbore engine tuned for E85. The Wootton car I drove at Solo Nationals had a fresh engine on pump gas and was noticeably more peppy than my car.  Second improvement would be some fancy multi-adjustable race shocks because the more I learn and drive I am starting to see and feel the limitations of my Koni yellows.  Having driven a Delrin bushing equipped STS Miata I know how well that works and want to make those improvements too.  Still trying to keep the car streetable and a daily driver while creeping down the path to CSP is more than I can handle at this time.

  Some of my results have been encouraging and I think I have learned what I needed to know and proved to myself and others what has been believed and said all along; the NB Miata in Street Touring Roadster can be somewhat competitive in the right hands.

  Knowing what I now know and if I had a bigger budget, I would start an NB Miata build with a 2003 ClubSport or clone mostly because the VVT engine.  Just an FYI for anyone that may be following along or interested in their own build....

   I would hate to get rid of my 99 because it makes a good daily driver and should remain very reliable especially considering how many new parts have been replaced since I bought it eleven months ago.  For daily driving and commuting comfort, my current idea is to re-install the air conditioning system, raise the ride height a little, and install my larger muffler.

 Although officially not for sale (yet), I am open to offers and would be specifically interested in trading for an 87-88 Mustang Coupe V8 5 Speed, preferably clean and unmolested or with easily reversible modifications.

 

Oh Hail No

   The week long 2012 Tire Rack SCCA Solo Nationals and Pro Finale has come and gone. I am very disappointed that my car broke down and I ultimately left the car in Utah with a final diagnosis being the fuel pump, specifically low pressure under load when hot.  Fortunately, the Woottons graciously offered their STR 1999 Miata for me to drive at both the Pro and Nationals, even though neither of them was entered in the Pro. Too bad my car was absent because Wootton and I had already planned to swap cars at the Test and Tune to compare setups and try to advance the competitiveness of the NB Miata.

 











   Without any practice time and a very slim chance for the overall Pro victory, I used the Finale to get familiar with the new car and offer my impressions of the setup as the car owner made a big spring and swaybar change just prior to this weekend.  On Hankooks and nine inch wheels the launches were good and the car sweeps exceptionally well but can be a handfull transitionally and a light throttle touch was required to put power down upon corner exit. Hot weather and a unique course design may have affected the results but I thought I drove well. Pro Finale Results

  Overall I thought the car was too loose at the Pro, so I was able to get a couple practice laps on the TnT course during the weekend and the car felt great. All three of our times were right there with the other STR cars and the balance was neutral. I figured that the nature of the Pro course design, car familiarity, and some over-aggressive driving on my part was to blame for the looseness and shifted my focus to the upcoming National's courses.

 










   Tuesday's East course walked narrow and was visually deceptive but ended up being my favorite course of the week and the car performed excellent.  I was relatively quick on my first run but knew there was more time out there.  Second run was perfect until a braking issue before the Ring of Fire caused me to nearly come to a stop while punting two cones, but I was feeling good because I knew the leading times were within reach if I fix my mistake.  As I exit my grid spot for my third and final run rain and hail begin to fall from the sky but the hot concrete (102F ambient) is basically dry.  I arrive at the start line and held there for several minutes because the hail is triggering false trips for both timing lights while the rain briefly intensifies. The course is now damp, the thundercloud quickly passes, the bright sun re-appears, and then the starter waves the green flag.  Ugh.  The course fully dried in less than ten cars. 15th position after day one.

   With over a second deficit from the East course, my goal for day two's West course was to simply maintain my position or move up into the trophies. Again just like at the Pro, the car's balance shifts slightly and the car does not behave as I expect but I manage to get within six tenths or so of the leader and I was happy with my driving.  I move up several positions and land in the 11th trophy position.  Solo Nationals Results


   For the trip home, I hitched a ride West from a fellow competitor and picked up my stranded car first thing Monday morning from the St. George Mazda dealer.  A new aftermarket fuel pump was sourced from a local parts store and I completed the install in about an hour at the hotel parking lot.  The car ran flawlessly all the way home to San Diego.

I found some shade in Barstow.