[Flyin'] MS Miata: First Track Test Impressions

Track: Streets of Willow Springs (CCW)
Date: 12/14/2007

After getting time to sort out settings after a rushed first session, it was time for the real track test for the second session of the day for my "new" MSM, powered by Flyin' Miata. This session is the only real good session I had to test my MSM because an intercooler pipe popped out during the third session, disabling my car and thus ending the test day.

Featured here are short battles of against an Evo and a 911 RS (both DOT-R tire clad and caged). Also, I set my car's benchmark time of around 1:30 (3/10 off if I didn't lift on the final straight during the checkered flag).

__________________________

Testing for items of interest:
1. Custom-built BP4W motor w/ FM2 turbo kit
2. Falken Azenis RT-615 tires
3. FM frame rails

Conclusions:

1. OMG, so much faster and more responsive relative to a stock-ECU MSM. But obviously, as seen on the film, I'm still no match against power cars on the straights. Note that I'm not running full boost right now because I still getting some knocking issues sorted out. As soon as that's done, I can finally turn up my boost to full power.

2. I can see what people have been on about with these tires. These have great response, awesome dry grip and warm up quickly (only took a half a lap). However, after about 5 minutes of hard driving, the tires started to get a bit greasy, but not uncontrollable. To me, this verifies the auto-x reputation, but for the track, I still think my old BFG KDW2s still come out on top on the track because they take heat better and grip better overall through long track sessions.

3. In short, even the old suspension benefited from the chassis stiffening and added to the responsiveness and stability in the corners. As a bonus, they also help the chassis cope with the bumps on the track compared to my last visit.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• NB8C
• roadster
• CCW
• counterclockwise
• mazda
• mazdaspeed
• miata
• mx-5
• turbo
• chase
• drift
• oversteer
• battle

[pantablo]

Haha, I know the owner of the RS. This was with Speedventures, wasn't it? Nice driving.

[VagaXt]

@pantablo

Actually, it was in 2007 with Redline Track Events.

[hacklikethis]

I would say that seeing as they have enough power to spin the rear wheels no trouble in first gear, that they have enough power for a "good take off", you need to be good on the clutch of course as you'll be departing at about 4500 RPM. There are plenty of people who say it doesn't have enough power, I think it has the right power to weight ratio for the grip provided on the stock chassis/wheels/tires to be fun on the street.

[wheelmanvw]

Yeah, they take off pretty good.

They aren't fast cars, but are still pretty quick. Stock they're in the 15 second range as far as the 1/4 mile goes which is pretty decent or a non-turbo 4cyl (obviously the one in the vid has an aftermarket turbo). Of course they are build more for taking on the corners than straight line speed.

[accordv6er]

@CrazyKiwi65 Absolutely. I used to build air cooled cars. 2.7 RS from 73, 74, with MFI is my favorite porsche... Check out my video. We got 240whp out of a 2.0l vintage certified N/A. and the 2.7s will make 240 stock, if they're MFI cars, and setup well with a good exhaust/ignition.

[CrazyKiwi65]

@accordv6er The Porsche is a 911 Carrera RS from the early 70's... Trust me, those cars are powerful (2.7L engine 210 hp 6 cylinders) and do not need to be modified to beat a miata! Love the Porsches... BTW, I have got a miata (2004) and the handling is amazing.

[wajalama]

My god, that GTI sounded like my grandfather after he ate a burrito!

[Shuffleboy435]

nice going from porsche driver at 0:55

[accordv6er]

really nice... good driving too, but You still gotta love the porsche lol. amazing a 1960s car (probably very highly modified granted,) tearing it up with some of the best handling new cars built.... its unbelievable, and I do wish miatas sound like old porsches lol, such an awesome sound. but sweet setup, love your exhaust note for a miata, and amazing driving.

[ansonchappell]

Looks slow, is fast.

[turotufas]

nice job. good lines too.

[Sidewaymx5]

I've always liked the MSM. Did you ever do the RTA at Buttonwillow.? Good driving & at least your not like the other 2Calif.clowns 1 running slicks hyping their time or running with no dash.