jish's 2000 mazda miata weblog

What's this about???
my 2000 mazda miata This page on my site documents the modifications/ journeys/ installations related to my car - a 2000 Mazda Miata LS. It's not my intent to take the car to the race track, so most modifications are for cosmetic, safety, or "ooomph/vrooom" reasons.

Who am I???
I will always be a car nut. It all started when I was a child, one of the things I enjoyed most was playing with toy cars. I was constantly in trouble for bringing my 'Hot Wheels' cars to school. My pockets were bursting with them and I can recall my elementary school teachers confiscating them. And now, several years later, I am not a car "collector" anymore, I am more of an "enthusiast" or an "admirer". If you're interested, you can read more about me here.

August 29, 2002

Where to take a miata on a date.

[5:07 PM] []

Modifications Wishlist.
Here's my most recent "modifications wishlist" (yes, I can never make up my mind!). The prices are estimates, not including taxes, shipping, and installation:
Brakes:
- cross-drilled & slotted rotors ($300) (I might get Brembo rotors instead)
- red caliper paint ($42)

Wheels/tires:
- 16" Kosei K1 Racing wheels (silver) ($680) (I'd love to get Volk TE-37's or SSR Integrals, but I can't justify the cost)
- 205/45/16 Toyo Proxes T1-S tires or Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 tires ($312).

Handling/Suspension:
- shock tower brace ($89)
- KYB AGX adjustable front and rear shocks ($360)
- Flyin' Miata springs ($220)

Intake/Exhaust:
- Racing Beat intake ($190)
- Racing Beat dual exhaust ($375)

Misc.
- SRP racing pedals (alternate vendor) ($80)
- Trunk lid lift kit ($45)

The items I'll likely get first are the 16" rims and tires. Following that, I'm hoping to get the shock tower brace and air intake. Then, when I change my brake pads (I've got EBC "Greenstuff" kevlar brake pads sitting around, waiting to be installed), I'd love to get the cross-drilled/slotted rotors and paint my calipers. I'll get the dual exhaust, springs, and shocks when the OEM parts need replacing.

[4:50 PM] []

August 26, 2002

I keep flip-flopping on my decision on the type of rims to buy. This is based solely on the fact that I'm educating myself on the matter. I've now decided that 17" rims are not for me (or, more precisely, are not recommended for the Miata).

I've also been taking the weight of rims into serious consideration ... for this reason, I am leaning towards 16" Kosei K1's (15 lbs) or Enkei RS6's (19 lbs). As for rubber, I'm still trying to sort out which would be best for my needs ... I don't bring my car to the track, it's a daily driver. Though I'm leaning towards Toyo's, if you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them!

[7:53 PM] []

August 24, 2002

Got an oil change on August 22. It's weird, with most of my previous cars the ride seemed "smoother" after an oil change ... with the Miata, I don't get the same satisfaction. In fact, my ride feels virtually the same.

In other news, my tire tread is getting pretty low. I'm thinking about getting 17" rims the next time around. I'm told that the ride quality may be slighty sacrificed (which is relative, I suppose), but that I'll have a much more aggressive "stance". I'm hoping to get some 17" Enkei Suzuka's with some Toyo Proxes T1-S tires.

[12:34 PM] []

August 12, 2002

I keep track of many things with respect to my car ... such as my expenses, modifications, and gas mileage. I'd never thought to keep track of how many times I take down my convertible top like this guy does.

[10:34 AM] []

August 02, 2002

Did I mention that I finally bought a bra for my car? Well, I did. Pictures to follow...

[5:33 PM] []

Brief auto history (this'll be updated along with the weblog above):
Completed:
- Installed AEM Short Ram Intake - May.02.05.
- this list is not completely updated!!!
- Service: Oil change - May.??.04 [56,500 miles]
- Service: 45,000 mile service (used Redline fluids, fixed foglamp, adjusted convertible top) - Dec.4.03 [49,517 miles]
- Kenwood KDC-722 installed - Oct.20.03
- Service: Oil change/coolant flush - Jun.25.03 [43,727 miles]
- Service: Oil change - ??.02 [40,154 miles]
- Installed KYB AGX 4-way adjustable shocks - Dec.04.02 [36,828 miles]
- Service: Oil change - Nov.26.02 [36,613 miles]
- Changed wipers - Nov.19.02
- Installed Enkei RS5 wheels and Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 tires - Oct.15.02 [35,698 miles]
- Service: Oil change - Aug.22.02 [33,210 miles]
- Installed bra on front end - Jul.10.02.
- Service: 30k mile service at dealer - Jun.04 [29,617 miles]
- Service: Oil change - Apr.22.02 [27,451 miles]
- New polished brake handle and button - Apr.13.2002
- Changed windshield wipers.
- Service: Oil change - Feb.21.02 [24,048 miles]
- Service: Oil change - Nov.24.01 [20,351 miles]
- Installed CD caddy, Voodoo polished shift knob, airbag switch storage tray - Sep.22.01.
- Service: Magnecor wires & NGK spark plugs - Aug.19.01 [16,594 miles]
- Front diamond grill - Aug.2.01
- Kenwood KDC-716S installed - Jul.27.01
- K&N air filter installed - Jul.26.01
- Service: Oil change - Jul.17.01 [14,950 miles]
- Tan leather brake boot - Jul.13.01
- "Eject" chrome cigarette lighter - Jul.13.01
- "Miata Parking Only" sign - Jul.13.01
- Tan boot bag - Jul.13.01
- Twilight Blue Mica touch-up paint - Jul.13.01
- Bag for car cover - Jul.07.01
- Radiator baffle shroud - Jul.05.01
- Chrome valve stem caps (4) & keychain - Jul.05.01
- Chrome hvac rings (3) - Jul.03.01
- Chrome fuel lid - Jul.03.01
- Silver embroidered visor gloves (2) - Jul.03.01
- Chrome emergency flasher ring - Jul.03.01
- Chrome vent rings (4) - Jul.03.01
- Front grill - Jun.23.01
- Hard Dog Hard Bar - Jun.23.01
- Nardi wooden shift knob - Jun.22.01
- 'Saratoga' trunk saddlebag - Jun.12.01
- Service: Oil change, filter, tire rotation - Jun.08.01 [12,237 miles]
- Clear corner lenses - May.19.01
- Headlamp impact shields - May.18.01
- 'Wicked Loud' horn - May.18.01
- Flip-open cupholder - May.18.01
- Nokia holster for sun visor - May.16.01
- 'Noah' car cover - May.14.01
- Purchased car - Apr.27.01 [~10,100 miles]