Gorby's NB8A

[gorby]

Thought I'd better introduce myself. I've been lurking about for the last week, since broady sent me the link on JDMST.com

I've had the my car for just over a week now, traded in my sx4 for it, due to some unfortunate issues, which Suzuki didn't want to fix.

So took the opportunity to get another MX5, I used to own one years ago back in the UK and sold it to my parent before coming over. They still have it. My dad is still throwing it around as if he were a kid again.

This was my old NA6 Eunos Roadster:



Loving the car so far, and remembering how to drive a RWD car after so many years driving FWD's. Surprising how quickly it comes back though. When I got it it was completely standard with full mazda service history and only 80,000kms on the clock.



I also think I've re-discovered the obsession too. After covering about 500km's in the first week, I put my first mods on. Fitted the K&N Apollo that I had on the SX4. I've also ordered a few other bits too, which should be here next week.



I also upgraded the headlights with some Philips Extreme bulbs.

One thing I have noticed is that every now and again, when pulling away I get a slight squeal coming form the back. Now the car had been stood for a while before I got it and there is/was a lot of surface rust around the hubs etc, so not sure if it's related to this or something more serious. Only seems to do it after the brakes/handbrake has been on. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Okibi]

Welcome back to the obsession ... try lubricating the slider pins on your brakes and see if that fixes the slight squeal.

[gorby]

Cool thanks, will do.

[Okibi]

If it doesn't solve the problem at least you've been able to inspect your brakes and do some routine maintenance.

Anyone reading this who doesn't lube their slider pins make sure your mechanic does it at least every time they bleed the brakes or change the pads.

[gorby]

It seems to have mostly cleared itself now. But will keep an ear/eye out for it.

Took a couple more pics today at the eomm and after.



Grille fitted and plate relocated

Bars

Shiney

[RG.net]

Ahhhh, I was wondering who's car this was!

Looks good dude

[gorby]

Cheers mate. It's still early days with it, so pretty standard still. But damn good fun none the less.

[gorby]

Quick update:

The old radio was beginning to die so replaced it before the Breakfast run last week and at least this way I could listen to the Ipod during the day.

The run was good also as it really highlighted some of the weaker areas in the car (including me, I need to re-learn how to drive an MX5 relatively quickly, I think a track day is in order soon). The tyres that came with the car are not great although they improved as the day went on, so maybe they just needed scrubbing a bit to get all the tyre shine off them , the standard suspension although wearing did an alright job, so that can wait till the shock need doing, I may just upgrade the ARB's in the near future.

One problem did begin to show itself a bit more though. The squealing noise on take off is more apparent. So gave MX5mania a call and have booked it in for next week to have the clutch replaced, we think it's the thrust bearing on the way out. So after Wednesday it should all be sorted.

Also after looking at some of the other cars there, I realised I mounted the bar slightly wrong, so spent yesterday re doing that, and then re-positioning the wind blocker.

One plus I did discover why my top was not sitting straight, and was making a noise. One of the feed that it sits on (when folded) hadn't been put back in properly when it was changed, so the top was twisting a little. All fixed now and the top sit level and no more rattles.

[Guran]

Go on, do the next club trackday on 24th October. You'll have a ball.

What tyres do you have on there now? I think I can make out "Bob Jane" on the sidewalls. You can definitely do better than those! At the budget end, have a look at Bridgestone Adrenalin RE001. At the premium end, Michelin Pilot Sport 3 or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (if you can find them in the right size). But before you worry about tyres, it's worth getting a good wheel alignment. You could find it solves many of your handling concerns.

Good luck with sorting out that squealing noise.

[gorby]

Yep Bob Jane Xenon's

What can I say about them er um they're round. I had an alignment done at Goodspanner in Brookvale, took down the recommended specs from here and got them to do it. Handling is definately much better, but you can feel the tyres going off when being pushed hard for a while.

I was thinking about Federal 959's had them on my last car and found them good, especially for the money.

I'd love to come along, but we've just bought a house so may be moving around that time. So as a result most of October may be out as far as trips out are concerned, unless I can do them at very short notice. Although I'll see when I get the dates through.

[gorby]

Quick update:

House moved, and have the week off, so have ordered new suspension from the US, good old exchange rate.

Also just got some new tyres fitted Adrenalin RE001, which should make a huge difference compared to the old ones. Will hopefully find out on Friday.

[BadBong]

Haha... maybe this time I'll need to follow some other car then since you'll pull away!

[gorby]

Well it wasn't hard to improve on the Bob Jane no grips.

They were struggling in the wet big time, over the last week.

[gorby]

Had a parcel arrive today.

Looks like I'm going to busy this weekend.

[BadBong]

Woah... that was pretty fast given that they were 'on order' just last Friday?!

We can go for another Old Pac drive to run them in when you have them fitted ;)