Results 1 to 20 of 24

Thread: Converting a SM to a full ITA ride "build"

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Greensboro, NC
    Posts
    517

    Default Converting a SM to a full ITA ride "build"

    So the last few times I've been on track, I've ran the SM in ITA. I'm really happy being back in IT, and want to convert the car over to full ITA spec car (as budget and time allow). I know the 1.6 isn't ideal, but it is what I have.

    The car is a tiring crate 1.6, with a nice header on it. Other than that, it is full SM. I've finally got all the electrical bugs worked out, so that's not an issue, but I do need to go back and strip out the ABS wiring from the harness.

    It has one issue, that I need to figure out a fix for... under heavy straight line braking, it feels as if it "hops" in the front. I'm thinking the bilsteins are worn and causing the hop. If that's the case, can I use the SM coilovers with Koni's, or do I need a new setup? If so, what's a good spring rate to start with?

    As for the motor, does removing the emissions vacuum goodies do much, or should I even bother?

    Is there a good enough gain with a Megasquirt PNP? If so, from what I've read, it's possible to eliminate the AFM from intake. Is that something allowable, doable, worth it? If not, what cold air intake do I need to look for?

    Thanks!

    hoop
    hoop
    Greensboro, NC
    STL Newbie

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    newington, ct
    Posts
    4,182

    Default

    Is there a good enough gain with a Megasquirt PNP?
    Yes.

    As with most cars, you're going to hear a lot of different opinions. It also depends on your driving style. I'm sure Andy will chime in as he had one of the best built ITA Miatas out there.
    Dave Gran
    Real Roads, Real Car Guys – Real World Road Tests
    Go Ahead - Take the Wheel's Free Guide to Racing

  3. #3

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by iambhooper View Post
    It has one issue, that I need to figure out a fix for... under heavy straight line braking, it feels as if it "hops" in the front. I'm thinking the bilsteins are worn and causing the hop. If that's the case, can I use the SM coilovers with Koni's, or do I need a new setup? If so, what's a good spring rate to start with?

    Is there a good enough gain with a Megasquirt PNP? If so, from what I've read, it's possible to eliminate the AFM from intake. Is that something allowable, doable, worth it? If not, what cold air intake do I need to look for?

    Thanks!

    hoop
    I had Ohlins shocks in my old car, and I'm going to move back to them this winter. There's lots of options for spring rate.

    The Megasquirt is a good aftermarket ECU, and you will pick up power (and have the ability to adjust the redline, which helps, too).

    Keep in mind the rules regarding the AFM state:

    "On cars so equipped, the air metering/measuring device (i.e. air flow meter, air mass meter, MAF) must be operational and shall not be modified."

    -jeff
    Last edited by jwasilko; 11-10-2013 at 03:25 PM.
    #08 ITA/STL Miata

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Greensboro, NC
    Posts
    517

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jwasilko View Post
    I had Ohlins shocks in my old car, and I'm going to move back to them this winter. There's lots of options for spring rate.
    While I have no doubt they are nice, $3000 "may" be out of my budget for this car (or any). Hence, why I was aking about using the SM coilovers on Koni's.

    The Megasquirt is a good aftermarket ECU, and you will pick up power (and have the ability to adjust the redline, which helps, too).

    Keep in mind the rules regarding the AFM state:

    "On cars so equipped, the air metering/measuring device (i.e. air flow meter, air mass meter, MAF) must be operational and shall not be modified."

    -jeff
    I thought that was the case, but a fella can whish.
    hoop
    Greensboro, NC
    STL Newbie

  5. #5

    Default

    Might be worth looking at ISC's suggestions:

    http://iscracing.net/miatasuspension.html
    #08 ITA/STL Miata

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    7,381

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jwasilko View Post
    "On cars so equipped, the air metering/measuring device (i.e. air flow meter, air mass meter, MAF) must be operational and shall not be modified."
    Note that the intent of that rule is not that you have to use its signal, it's to keep you from modifying its mechanical "operation" -- and thus air restriction. Other regs allow you to install a MAP (if not already equipped) to properly work with the Megasquirt.

    We've debated this back and forth, but no one has yet to come up with a good verbiage to replace that, without allowing some level of intorturation of the MAF.

    - GA

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Greensboro, NC
    Posts
    517

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Greg Amy View Post
    We've debated this back and forth, but no one has yet to come up with a good verbiage to replace that, without allowing some level of intorturationof the MAF.

    - GA
    Googleing that word didn't provide me with a definition, instead it provided me with http://tgadrivel.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html

    For which I will need to find some time to read.

    Nonetheless, I believe I understand the idea behind the "word". Either way, if/when I do a Megasquirt, it would be a good idea to let someone who know's what they are doing do with it what they will.
    hoop
    Greensboro, NC
    STL Newbie

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Colchester, CT, USA
    Posts
    2,120

    Default

    A good portion of the guys run their ITA Miatas with the SM set up. That's probably the best/cheapest way to go. The biggest bang for your buck is getting more horse power. Magesquirt is a good start just make sure you know someone local who can tune it.
    Jeff L

    ITA Miata



    2010 NARRC Champion

    2007 NERRC Championship, 2nd place
    2008 NARRC Championship, 2nd place
    2009 NARRC Championship, 2nd place

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Raleigh NC
    Posts
    3,682

    Default

    Check with Ron M, he had his MS conversion done by Peter Florence as did Jeff Young.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •