mk2tmr2's build

I owe this thread mad picture updates. I will get to that this weekend, weather permitting.

Got the Integral Kobe catback exhaust mounted last night. I had to have an O2 bung welded in and I had to cut off one of the hangers that I guess is used on the NA6 or an earlier NA8? Either way - it was hitting the underbody so it had to go.

I've read here and there on the web that people think the Integral is the best sounding exhaust on the Miata. I think that might be a bit of an overstatement...but I have to say that I love the way it sounds. I won't even try to describe it using words, because I'm not good at that sort of thing. I'll post up a sound clip when I get a chance to take my camera to the car this weekend.

One of the best things is the look - very understated and subtle. The only thing that would even hint at the fact that it's not stock (besides the wonderful noise) is the slight angle of the polished tip. No riceboy/aftermarket aesthetic to be found here.

The car feels noticeably peppier now, too. Definitely more mid and top range grunt over the stock-ish catback that was on there.

In other news - I just found out that the suspension that is currently on my car came from another forum member who I think is a super cool guy. I am still in a hurry to get it the hell off my car - but I like the fact that it reminds me of how tight the roadster enthusiast world is.

Speaking of getting the suspension off my car: the XIDA Club Sports are delayed another month. Probably won't see them until mid June. :-\

Ok. Promised photos but it was raining last weekend. So instead I'll post one of the goodies that is presently waiting shipment from the land of the rising sun to my doorstep.



Runabout V2 fuel lid that I *stole* from the Yahoo Japan seller. Thanks to Randy for alerting me to the bargain.

I also scored an authentic set of R2 Limited floor mats. They're a little dirty and will require some elbow grease to get cleaned up. I plan on using them for driving-around-town duties so the pristine set of '93LE mats that came with the car can stay pristine.

Got another box in the mail. This time it was JDM goods but from a USDM address. (Thanks, Stealth97)



After about a year of being separated, this 1996 "R2 Limited" and its Nakamae center console have been reunited! It took about 10 minutes to install and, unfortunately, I wasn't able to spend much time admiring it due to family obligations. I did manage to snap a photo to share.



It makes a huge difference to the look of the interior. I love it. But of course...the interior is nowhere near done. Lots more to come.

I did also take a sound clip of the exhaust. The only problem is that I suppose 10 feet away is too close for my camera's speaker. The sound was so blown out it was horrible to listen to. So I'll re-do that some time soon.

Next up....XIDAs?? It's the 1st and 949 was estimating that they'd ship them out around the 6th. I'll believe it when I have a tracking number. Stay tuned.

I was just digging through my memory card and found this one pic that I took just before putting the passenger side seat back in the car once it was complete. Thought I'd show it off because it really shows how nice the seat looks in the new leather - as well as a good look at the contrast between the red and the black hinge/knuckle covers.



Unfortunately, from this angle the front, bottom corner of the seat bottom looks a bit unfinished. That's just how the leatherseats.com covers came and it was the best I could do with assembling them. Fortunately, you can't see this when the seats are mounted in the car.

My springs and tophats should be arriving today. FedEx says they're "out for delivery". So last night I pulled the stock NB suspension off and the car is ready to receive its new legs tonight!