Westfield Miata forum

mhristic · Westfield enthusiast Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 31

Hey everyone.

Started the build a month ago or so, and finally decided to put up a diary.

http://tnwestfield7.blogspot.com

This site has been a great resource so far, so I hope I can share a little bit as we make our way (hopefully) to a complete Westie.

Thanks,

Matthew

mhristic · Westfield enthusiast Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 31

We're on a bit of a hold for some parts and work that needs to be outsourced (welding on the frame to move the steering column supports), so I started tackling the wiring. It's not fun, but the factory wiring diagram sure comes in handy. Thanks Ebay.

turboeric · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 2:26 pm Post subject:

Did you buy one of the CDs of wiring diagrams on EBay? Was it any good? I'll need to buy a diagram, but of course the dealer wants an arm and a leg for them, and I'll need all my limbs to build the car!
_________________
Happiness isn't around the corner. Happiness is the corner.

mhristic · Westfield enthusiast Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 31

After looking at the Haynes manual and scratching my head because nothing matched up, I checked some sites selling factory wiring diagrams for something crazy like $100. So I looked on ebay and got incredibly lucky as there was one auction for a used 1996 (my year) Miata wiring diagram from a dealership in TX going out of business.

The factory diagram is spot on - haven't found a single mistake so far (knock on wood). I'd be glad to lend it out once all the electricals get figured out with this car.

Right now, I'm trying to piece together the RAC bar just to get some of the extra parts floating around together. My build manual doesn't mention it at all - as far as I can tell, its the two single bars with eyebolts on both ends (and a locknut on the threads?), but I don't know the arrangement or size of the bolts/washers/nuts going through the upright. Anyone have any insight?

f_devocht · Nutbar Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 272 Location: Belgium

Eric,
what year diagram do you need?
_________________
my Westfield
my Miata
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional

turboeric · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:24 am Post subject:

My donor is a 99. I have the factory wiring diagrams for the NA cars, but the NB looks quite different. For such a simple car, there sure is a lot of wiring! The wiring diagrams for the old British stuff I used to play with barely filled one page. Of course, the wiring barely worked....
_________________
Happiness isn't around the corner. Happiness is the corner.

f_devocht · Nutbar Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 272 Location: Belgium

you have pm.
_________________
my Westfield
my Miata
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional

mhristic · Westfield enthusiast Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 31

Found a good resource on fitting the RAC roll bar, for those interested.

http://home.btconnect.com/astro-site/installing_rac_roll_bar.htm

mhristic · Westfield enthusiast Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 31

Engine in!

As I've seen in a few other builds, the engine mounting points were a bit off, but by moving the LH mount up about an inch, everything lined up nicely. The transmission is centered in the tunnel quite well. Went to install the propshaft and realized that we don't have any of the four diff mounting bolts. I've been searching everywhere to find the correct size bolt - does anyone know? I'd really appreciate it.

Big Cheese Dog · Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:23 pm Post subject:

I hate to say it, Matthew, but you probably won't find the right bolts outside of the dealership or I think we stock a set. There are two different sizes, depending on 1.8 or 1.6 diff.

mhristic · Westfield enthusiast Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 31

Radiator went on yesterday, fan will go in as soon as the proper rivnuts are procured. Right now I'm trying to figure out the intake. Since our donor came with a K&N filter instead of the airbox, the current configuration has the intake sitting right next to the exhaust manifold - not exactly a prime location, methinks. I've found one or two interesting workarounds, but does anyone have any suggestions? As we've the FW nose, I'd like to use the intake ducts on the sides.

Big Cheese Dog · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 9:11 pm Post subject:

Have any pics of your intake setup?

mhristic · Westfield enthusiast Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 31

so here is the stock setup:

no airbox, but instead a k&n style cone intake.

any ideas?

f_devocht · Nutbar Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 272 Location: Belgium

Here's what I did

_________________
my Westfield
my Miata
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional

turboeric · Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:28 am Post subject:

Matthew, your setup looks optimally designed to suck up hot air from the exhaust manifold - not good. Frank's setup looks much better.
_________________
Happiness isn't around the corner. Happiness is the corner.