HOW TO BUILD AN MX-5 MIATA FOR TRACK RACING

[@Bbeavis]

Subscribe or next time you drive your car the clutch slave cylinder will fail leaving you stranded with a pool of brake fluid under the car.

[@kyushamx5114]

That's cold man, real cold

[@garagecedric]

Felt like it went from stage 2 to stage 6 pretty quickly :)

[@Bbeavis]

Yeah there's a kind of a point where the tuning/modding opportunities branch out to so many different ways it's hard to categorise them all into one happy little bundle... but you get the idea :)

[@garagecedric]

@@Bbeavis yup, tricky to do, would probably need an hour minimum to go through it fully :)

[@waterfalls4540]

Just like my sister

[@UnsponsoredBuilds]

This is not just one of my favorite videos on KZbin but it’s one of the most informative videos every new miata owners with plans to modify there cars should watch! I have watched it atleast 5 times now. And I have tripled my horsepower since the first time I watched this video! Love the channel man. Keep up the awesome content.

[@Bbeavis]

Glad you enjoyed it, but you are far too complimentary. I'm really just a dude with some MX-5's. Thank you :-)

[@Archi2g]

for a casual the best and most perceptible change (imo) is suspension tuning and wheel alignment, shoutout to Road2Race

[@Bbeavis]

Certainly agree a proper suspension setup and alignment make for a car that drives well. Thanks for watching Archi.

[@Christian-nl4cl]

Crazy i went straight to stage 3 keeping it as a everyday/ weekend warrior fully furnished and all, finishing up my suspension setup with added chassis rigidity right now then going standalone with a vvt turbo swap😂

[@Bbeavis]

The great thing about cars, and the MX-5 Miata in particular, is you can do it they way you like... as long as it puts a smile on your face.

[@brenton_yt]

This was an excellent video Brennan! It amazes me how much work you have put into your car!

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks a ton!

[@roadsterdream]

Defently made my 1.6 nb2 to a stage 1 car. Just love it since 2017

[@Bbeavis]

Awesome :-)

[@theboat9311]

I like the idea of stage 1, im also looking to upgrade sway bars and seats, already did lights and tyres for highway drives

[@Bbeavis]

Cool, good luck with your car :-)

[@Floatacious]

Very well put together video, thanks for the inspiration for my miata build!

[@Bbeavis]

Glad you liked it!

[@erictol]

Moving towards stage 2 in the next couple of months! Thanks for these insights Brendan, stay safe

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for watching mate, good luck with your upgrades :)

[@shauncampbell969]

Second G'Day Mate I can't wait to see this great, vid. I shared this vid on Facebook, Twitter and Indeed & Instagram All the best Shaun of NYC

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you very much as always Shaun :-)

[@JagerRacing]

Everyone wants the track monster until they build it and have to deal with it. Great video.

[@Bbeavis]

"Deal with it" - haha, a perfect summary of the pains of a more intense track car.

[@nosabo3444]

Underrated video but very good 👍

[@Bbeavis]

Appreciate it mate.

[@Slo_Nano]

which setup is best for backroads and canyons and also roadtrips

[@Bbeavis]

That's kinda two different scenarios, fun twisty driving vs long cruisy driving.... It's an opinion but I think you'd be better with the mildest build you can muster - some softer spec coilovers so you get a bit more spice without being too harsh and maybe keep the OEM seats. Stock intake/exhaust so you don't drone yourself to death while cruising.

[@CliveWebbAustralia]

This is a great video, really helpful for anyone thinking about the track. Thank you...

[@Bbeavis]

Glad you think so! Thanks Clive :-)

[@crukawb5092]

A properly tuned miata wide tires turbo charged with a good intercooler is a solid stage 2

[@Bbeavis]

Turbo charged setups add a lot of cost and complexity, I always suggest trying to delay going that route as long as a person can hold off.

[@ohboyotero]

Ayyyyy, there he is. Awesome video. Great info as always. Man the gap between #2 and #3 is so massive...I've been finding out the hard way 🤣 Basically have to become a baseline mechanical engineer just to keep the car working...

[@Bbeavis]

Awesome thank you! There's a kind of a point where going from #2 to #3, the tuning/modding opportunities branch out to so many different ways it's hard to categorise them all into one happy little bundle... but you get the idea :)

[@donfinch862]

Very good post sir. Short but informative

[@Bbeavis]

Glad you liked it

[@tankingwithtigers136]

Currently building a stage 2.5 car. Full Forged bottom end(~400hp capable) stage 2 clutch. Have not decided on t3 or t4 or a hybrid(t3 hot side t4 compressor) want to go with a surge build for less lost boost between shifting. Any problems with this?

[@Bbeavis]

I'm not that privvy to turbo conflagrations sorry mate, hopefully some other viewer can pipe in and share advice.

[@Germaingazm]

I'm in Vic too and wanting to buy one to track, currently tracking my 2018 STI which isn't really safe (given its my daily). Definitely going to hit you up when I'm buying one for tips or even if you could help me in person :D GREAT VID!

[@Bbeavis]

An MX-5 will feel slow in a straight line compared to your STI but is a very rewarding track toy. I have this guide which might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5jJdYWDnsZ2bas Good luck in your search :-)

[@heavychevy383]

im just struggling to get my 99 to tier 1 (haha!) great video as always, thanx & god bless dude

[@Bbeavis]

Good luck with your car, I'm sure you'll get to that tier 1 someday!

[@morgstar1]

I always look forward to your informative videos! What about racing bucket seat for stage 3?

[@Bbeavis]

Thank you. I think by that level proper safety gear/seat/harness etc is implied.

[@AnthonySVarela]

My dad passed recently and left a (pretty janky) Miata. It's an automatic trans. Is it even worth taking to the track and putting the minimum work into it as mentioned in stages 1 - 1.5? Thanks. Mostly interested because it was my dads car and I have a mild interest in playing with a track car. I wouldn't be thinking about this at all if the car wasn't left to me and my brothers.

[@Bbeavis]

Sorry to hear of your loss Anthony. An early generation (NA/NB) Miata is not the most engaging driving experience, their automatic gearboxes of that era take a lot away from what made the Miata at that time. Nonetheless, driving anything as a track car, even if its a lawmower or a tractor, is still great fun. There's no reason you couldn't put a little work into the car, I hope that whatever path you choose for the car, it would be something that would make your father proud.

[@AnthonySVarela]

@@Bbeavis Thanks for the reply! And thanks for the video. I think for me it's mostly about the latter, having fun with a toy dad left behind. Being new to the track scene, I just wondered if I'd get laughed out of the place. But, I'm thick-skinned enough to not let that bother me, too much!

[@NGWrenchin]

How has your DIY oil pan baffle been at keeping your pressure up on track? I'm about to start building a turbo motor for my car and am debating going the DIY route like you did, or getting a Kazespec baffle that has trap doors. Would like to save the money if I can, but obviously not trying to save $150 at the risk of losing a $3k engine

[@Bbeavis]

I was actually reviewing the oil pressure from the logs just the other day, it holds steady PSI, even in the high G's that my track car sees. I never seem to see any pressure drops under sudden braking/acceleration or steering moments.

[@NGWrenchin]

@@Bbeavis Awesome, thanks for the reply! Also, if you're still sim racing, check out Cosy Racing, its an Assetto Corsa league I'm in based in Europe (I'm in the US) and its been a blast without the cost or stressing about SR of iRacing

[@panchocoyote3608]

What stage do I have with just a Jackson Racing cold air intake and Hot dog roll bar?

[@Bbeavis]

It's really just theoretical, so, there's no rules here. The number doesn't matter, it's about choosing the right path for what you want out of the car.

[@CarObsession]

Helpful video, thank you

[@Bbeavis]

No worries!

[@camdcam]

Thanks for the great tips. I have a 2016 ND, is your advice the same (for Stage 1)? I’ve done a couple of track days and get various track side opinions. Brakes seem a little weak, thinking DBA rotors and new pads, braided brake lines and possibly going from 205 to 215 tyres at next change. Also curious on your long term opinion on the lowering springs you put in your ND or if you would go straight to coil overs. If coilovers, do you think sway bars too? My local supplier (Sydney) is mx5 mania and they have the white line kit and also MCA’s or Yellowspeed. Cheers!

[@Bbeavis]

Hey Cam, personally if you haven't already replaced your brake pads from what came out of the showroom, that's going to be a huge improvement. I wouldn't bother with brake rotors, until they are due for replacement - OEM work great. Brake lines are a good idea, and cheap enough, I like the ones from here: www.mx5performance.com.au/search?q=HEL If you are still running the factory tyres (bridgestone pontenza from memory) then you may want to try something like a Yokohama AD08 for a good grip street/track balance. If the car is still used mostly on the street, you may want to just go the springs route, they work well on our ND, really nice balance between performance and everyday comfort. I'm not a fan of the whiteline setups, and feel they are more of a 'show' thing than offer actual performance benefit, high cost for minimal return. However, if you are fairly committed to the track driving then coilovers are a good path to take, can highly suggest Shockworks coilovers in Melbourne, rather than Yellowspeed which are just an imported overseas product. Cheers!

[@camdcam]

@@Bbeavis thanks for the reply. Regarding the spring only route - is there a brand that you recommend? Thanks again for the comprehensive reply. I'll start with Pads, brake lines & tyres. Cheers, Cam.

[@Bbeavis]

@@camdcam I went with Eibach springs, they suited our street only everyday car nicely. And fairly cheap for the improvement in ride height and cornering feel.

[@camdcam]

@@Bbeavis excellent, thanks!

[@XtremeCookiez]

@@Bbeavis Man didn't realize the whiteline bars were so expensive. The flyin miata sway bars cost literally 1/2 the price

[@rainyrtrudinger-smith9700]

Hey, love the video. Do you have a link to where I can find the Torsen OEM 4.30:1 i've been looking and I can't seem to find it for purchase anywhere.

[@Bbeavis]

You will need to search used parts sellers, facebook/ebay/etc for them, I cant really help you with a "link".

[@Beardchanics]

Nice video with all the various stages, also not sure many people battle with Alfa Romeos nowadays do they?

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks mate. Depends where you go I suppose, we often see Alfas at the track where I live.

[@theCRAZykRab]

Where did you find those fastback miata hardtops for you miata? Everytime I try to search for one I don't get a lot of results. It only looks like one company makes them and idk if they are still even in business.

[@Bbeavis]

Hey, they are made by "Lightyear" in Australia. Not many roofs available anymore though.

[@wardieleppan8443]

What of baffles in the sump?

[@Bbeavis]

I have a DIY baffle in my track car. Its a good idea for higher-g tack cars. the more grip you have the more important it is.

[@jeremystone6613]

Great info! Thanks for sharing.

[@Bbeavis]

My pleasure!

[@noncog1]

How do you feel about xidas? Never see you mention this

[@Bbeavis]

Hey, I've never seen a set personally so I cannot say. We don't get them where I live. But 949racing have proven experience in the community so you can safely assume they know what they are doing.

[@noncog1]

@@Bbeavis you're running their radiator, right? Do you have any intrest in trying them out?

[@Bbeavis]

@@noncog1 Sure I certainly would love to try a set on my car, but they are an expensive item to buy and ship internationally, so just try "try them out" would be very costly to my car funds.

[@noncog1]

@@Bbeavis helping the gf get some aces in the next few months, I'll see if supermiata would wanna help in getting them to you, and if you could help with shipping as well, I'll try to convince her to wait a little longer as long as there's no damage during install or use, which I'm sure shouldn't be an issue Maybe I'll try to get them to throw in springs better suited to your usage than what we're buying

[@Bbeavis]

@@noncog1 That is very thoughtful of you but certainly I don't expect any freebies or handouts. Particularly at the moment with the world struggling because of this virus situation, no track days at all here where I live for almost all of 2020 :-(

[@str3tchr]

Any advise for price range and how to find a decent mx5 to start autocross with?

[@Bbeavis]

So many variables, location/condition/model/year etc that I cannot say... Plus prices right now are very eclectic, changing by $1000's over the space of a few months. Around my area, hard to find any MX-5's for under $10,000AUD nowadays.

[@djewemms]

Hi mate, thanks for the videos from southwest France ! Timing is perfect, I go to a trackday on sunday with newly installed BC BR coilovers, GC Fabrications rollbar, braided brake lines with RBF 700 and EBC Greenstuff pads, and this week I put on some semi slicks : Nankang NS2R (195/50r15 on Rota Grid 15x7). Do you have any opinion on those tires ? I hear/read good and bad things about them. Thanks a lot.

[@Bbeavis]

Hello! Sounds like you have all the right ideas and the car is going in a good direction for a reliable but fun track day car. I haven't used the NS2R before, but Nankang are starting to come out with some great value track oriented tyres, I'd be willing to bet they will be a good match for the MX-5. Stay safe, I know France is doing it tough at the moment with the virus situation :)

[@djewemms]

@@Bbeavis Thanks a lot :)

[@paco30mc]

Whats your opinion on the vlsd? On the 1.6

[@Bbeavis]

A lovely ornament for the shed, but not so useful as an LSD anymore given they are all near 30yrs old now.

[@vinh32y]

Good video. However, one thing is that a high majority of the miata community would recommend a Bilstein shock DIY Coilover mod over all of the mentioned coils.

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for the tip mate.

[@aygwm]

Lot of work for very little savings.

[@theimprovementsguy8871]

Very good informative video

[@Bbeavis]

Glad you liked it, thanks mate.

[@pauljohnson7382]

AyyyYo Brendan...Glad to see a post again! It's sad when (based on the 3 tiers you profiled) my '92 is easily a 2.5...yet I'm...maybe on a good day...a Rock Solid 1.25! 👊 Great Update Mate! (Rhymes-Ha!)

[@Bbeavis]

Haha, I like your thinking Paul :-P Sometimes our cars are a 10 but our skillset is a 1, just means we need to practice more right!?!

[@PASSPORT29]

what was that heat shield?

[@Bbeavis]

It made it, see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3XWe556mZiAq8k

[@romans6788]

Amazing video.

[@Bbeavis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@boosted38]

I reckon im at 2.5.. winter in uk soon...mmm take it all apart again.🤣🏁💪

[@Bbeavis]

Yep many of us do that, build it to pull it apart again.

[@alexjohn5086]

Nice video ...unless the LSD came with the car ,not really worth it for a stage one car - spend the money on fixing up the brakes (lines and master reinforcement) On stage one getting the cooling sorted is a good idea because your going to drive at 6k most of the time. Learning to alignment(string is fine) and adjustments is a good thing to do before spending big on coil overs....Hope your video gets the kids off the sims an tracking real car....;-)

[@Bbeavis]

In my experience, even for a basic setup 1.6L car, I've found I would suffer from wheelspin through corners which really robs the car of it's already limited power delivery and drive on exit. I wouldn't say much needs to be done for cooling, as long as proper maintenance has been performed then OEM setup is more than sufficient, factory radiator will do fine even on a hot day at the track. Of course, if its shitty old coolant, leaky water pump, fragile 20yr old rubber hoses, well that's just bad car ownership and isn't related to track driving per se.

[@alexjohn5086]

@@Bbeavis ...agree 100% ,but used LSD's are hard to find these days an not cheap to purchase anymore . A little wheel spin 90 to 120hp an learning how to handle that is a good thing. Yes proper maintenance is key ,if the struts are 15 years old maybe new set of Tein's (on sale for $500) is a good idea ....;-)

[@Trevor2458Italia]

Beavis obviously knows about tracking Miatas, but frankly I think his lists are off the mark. There is zero mention of any safety equipment, and there are several things not mentioned that are more important that anything else on the list. High temp brake fluid is absolutely necessary, and negates the need for upgraded brake lines most of the time. An upgraded radiator is a requirement on these cars if you want to drive hard for any length of time. Even addressing the common issue of a lack of camber (with extended LBJ's and other ways) to properly use and wear these high grip tires is never mentioned. Don't even get me started on the intake and exhaust upgrades, because in what way do they actually help you go around the track? If you're trying to help people build a reliable and fun track car without breaking the bank, then focus on what actually matters: Addressing the main reliability issues of the platform that prevent it from turning lap after lap, and making sure you're safe when things go wrong. Skip the wheels, budget coilovers, breather mods, etc that wont help you when your head gasket pops from overheating, your brakes cook and you fly off the track straight into a wall.

[@Bbeavis]

Problem with KZbin is people watch what they want to hear, not facts. If I made a video that told them really what they should be doing, I'd get no views and be completely wasting my time. This video is a compromise between fact and entertainment.

[@Bbeavis]

Also, safety is implicit. And, thank you for your comment, you raise excellent and very valid points. The difficult thing for me is consolidating all the various information that exists and then being barraged with a variety of opinions from others as a result. Always a fun experience.

[@Trevor2458Italia]

@@Bbeavis I understand what KZbin wants to see, and what the average person wants to see. However, I think that if you're going to make a video pertaining to teaching people what is important about building one of these cars out for track use, I think some honesty and truth is more important than entertainment, unless that is the sole goal of video, in which case it should be stated at the start. I appreciate your honesty in stating these things, but I don't think you hit the ideal solution. If you want to make an entertainment channel, that's fine. But there are plenty of other channels that do exactly the same thing. There are plenty of videos that will tell you the same things that you said in this video. You're not breaking any new ground. If you truly want to help out the Miata community, I think making a video that is detailed and honest about all of the things that are needed to track these cars on a regular basis (which we both know is quite a lot) should be a priority of yours. If you're not interested in making a video like that on this channel, maybe make a new channel! What I can tell you is that in-depth, detailed information on this topic is somewhat hard to come by unless you go out of your way to look for it. You could be doing a great service by making a video that addresses this issue, you clearly know your stuff so I think you could do it! I know plenty of channels that put honesty above all else and still do very well! (Savagegeese, Speed Academy, TheCarPassionChannel to name a few)

[@Bbeavis]

I think you misinterpret my previous comment slightly. I have a plethora of exceptionally detailed videos that show how I have built my car including information such as weight of components, engine specs and build process, details on how to correctly cool/protect/maintain everything on the car. Those videos can EACH be some 10-20 minutes long. If there is a specific subject of interest, the video is already there. To imply that this channel is for entertainment is false. However, THIS particular video is a summary/generalisation of some of those items. If this is the only video of mine you have watched, then I can understand your perspective, but I have many others - mostly MX5 related - that are far more indepth.

[@Trevor2458Italia]

@@Bbeavis I'm not trying to be combative in any way, I'm simply just trying to offer some constructive criticism from my perspective, which we both agreed on, so I just want to clarify some things. I haven't watched many of your videos, but I was not implying that your whole channel was not educational. My comments are just pertaining to this video in particular. I know you do go in depth on a lot of these things, and that's what sparked my whole comment in the first place because that's what I love to see! I was simply trying to point out that this video specifically wasn't quite as informative as suggested to me by the title. If the video was titled "best value track mods for improving lap times" or "best modifications after you have made a reliable lap turning car", I would feel a lot differently. I know the vast majority of people (The ones you say that don't want to hear facts) would take this video more literally than you were maybe intending, and would get to the track with their new coilovers, wheels and tires and get frustrated that the car isn't actually ready for proper track thrashing. My own friend is that way! He gets mad at me when I tell him that he should be more concerned about simple things like making sure his newly acquired, unknown maintenance history Miata has fresh fluids in it before he even thinks about buying a set of coilovers. He's been brainwashed by information like this, and from other people that think they know what's important but don't have a clue. Obviously you're just trying to make entertaining videos on KZbin, but this video specifically feeds this growing problem. I get sick and tired of people that spend a bunch of money and show up to the track with cars that look like race cars, But end up slowing people up or driving dangerously because they think they're faster than they actually are. On top of that if the car has any issues on track, it takes away from other people's driving time and forces other people to clean up their messes. I think the sport is fantastic, and more people should get into it, but telling them to get coilovers is not going to help them. I know you have a lot of in-depth videos, however they're not useful to the person that's trying to build a Miata and don't know these issues even exist. If they're just getting into it, don't know much, and they watch this video and think that you've covered what's important, they won't watch a radiator ducting video until they find out the hard way that cooling is a major issue that needs to be addressed when you "build a Miata for track racing". Basically what I'm trying to say is that I think you're incorrect in saying that nobody wants to hear facts, and nobody wants to hear what they should actually be doing. Frankly that's just wrong. Everybody that's actually serious about prepping a Miata for the track, including myself, would really appreciate you putting out a video leaning more towards the educational side that summarizes this specific topic to the best of your knowledge. It would not be a waste of your time! P.S. Sorry for going off on a tangent. I don't normally comment on videos because I know I'll end up typing a lot. I struggled a lot myself with finding information on this topic to prep my own car, so I just wanted to try to give my perspective, and help out future people that watch this video. You're clearly a thoughtful person that cares about your content and it's viewers, so I applaud you for that! Keep putting out the great videos and I wish you luck with your channel and in your racing!

[@benfl9636]

you were't kidding when you said turning it into a "porsche beating monster"

[@Bbeavis]

:-)

[@tannerblackmore7773]

No subframe reinforcing

[@Bbeavis]

subframe reinforcing is good if you want to make your car heavier.

[@Athispointwhocares]

dude im so annoyed with myself I jumped the Gun and bought a widebody kit that adds 2.5 inches on the front and 3 inches on the rear, So now instead of my largest being 9in I can now support 11 and 12s but what miata would handle well with that

[@Bbeavis]

It might not be so bad, you will certainly turn heads with a car that wide.

[@Athispointwhocares]

@@Bbeavis lol definitely but I’ll think I’ll have two tire setups, one for track other for show.

[@claudiodiez55]

In the USA you need a Roll Bar for Track Days, You don't need one for autocross,

[@Bbeavis]

Thanks for sharing Claudio.

[@jordan7290]

“Do you really need air con” Yes

[@Bbeavis]

Drive faster and suddenly you forget about it.

[@abhirajkanwar5436]

Need another one...

[@Bbeavis]

Only person stopping you is yourself :-P

[@juno1725]

Hello there 👋

[@Bbeavis]

Good morning!

[@johnharkinii5309]

… so spend $15-20k and then get passed by a stock C5 Z06 on Michelins…😢 Torn b/w tearing apart my mint condition 91 Miata or just wait for the next car. To upgrade performance…😅

[@Bbeavis]

Think I'd rather the Corvette. :-)

[@jaredgarcia448]

Wasn't a fan. Vague as hell. Roll bars are usually a requirement seats and 6 point harness. Hans device. Missing a lot of I just missed it. Coolant reroute is the first mod for reliability.

[@Bbeavis]

Sorry you feel that way but happy to disagree. I don't understand what's vague about saying first things you should look at are coilovers and good tyres. In my view a coolant reroute isn't necessary unless you are really pushing a higher power engine.

[@nobreadracing]

This list doesn’t really add up to me. Wheels are stage 2 with coilovers at stage one? Makes no sense

[@Bbeavis]

This is just a guide, they aren't hard rules you HAVE to follow. Everyone will make their car their own, and can decide how they want to progress their car in their own way. This video is merely an opinion on how I might approach things.

[@jarentimmer9226]

Bought my NA with maxspeeding rods and 3 of 4 are blown after less than 3000 miles... Hot garbage

[@Bbeavis]

Haha, I'm sorry to hear that. Time for some quality coilovers perhaps? If tight on the budget, maybe try a used set.

[@KyleFerguson17]

No money left in your boyfriends purse😭🤣

[@Bbeavis]

I like to think this channel caters to all audience demographics.