Hotside

Started off the day with a couple goals… Number one was find and uncap the coolant return line for the turbo as well as get a new line. Number two was to get studs and nuts for the backside of the turbo to the downpipe. Headed out to my local hardware store and was able to secure the nuts but their studs were a little wonky and I decided to pass in favor of checking another store. TJ was going to meet me at Autozone so I headed there next and waited for him in the parking lot. While waiting I learned that the SR was originally equipped with 2 studs and 3 bolts for the downpipe section. Previous to this info seeing my turbo with only 2 studs I figured the other 3 had backed out during removal. I kept the bolts info in the back of my head while looking for studs at Autozone. The Dorman help wall in the back corner of the store was in fact no help to me as they didn’t have the right studs for me. Grabbed myself way too much of the right hose for the coolant return, some clamps for that, and some spark plugs for the Miata and I was headed home with TJ following me. Got home and started getting to work, TJ was also working on installing his new AFR gauge so that he can get the car to a tuner soon. Took me forever to get the cap and hose clamp off the tiny water neck for the return line. They really leave you with no room back there and on top of that the clamp was installed in the worst orientation possible. Once that was off I fitted the new coolant line and started bolting up the turbo manifold.

Got that all bolted up in a fairly short amount of time. Also discovered in the hoard of SR parts that I’ve acquired that I already had a exhaust manifold gasket. Was kinda bummed as I could have been assembling the hotside sooner but it was used so I’m glad I got an OEM replacement one from Enjuku. With the manifold and turbo all bolted up as well as the coolant and oil lines I was ready to slide on the downpipe.

Very happy that my buddy went with a Parts Shop Max Cobra downpipe as it’s such a nice piece. Ended up finding a SR 02 sensor in my parts as well so popped that on and in the downpipe went. Found some spare bolts from a Tomei turbo I had lying around as a replacement for the downpipe studs that I couldn’t find. Very thankful that it ended up working out like that so I didn’t need to wait a week for studs. Need to acquire the front pipe bracket that attaches to the transmission cross member so that the downpipe sits proper but I think I can find one on the auctions. Didn’t get a photo of it in the car but mocked up the radiator with the GKTech brackets, looks good but need to drill out the driver side bolt as someone prior has snapped it. Just waiting on the lower bushings and then I’ll get that snapped bolt out and fully mount the radiator.

Wanted to get more done on the car today but as it always happens the day fly’s by when I’m out in the garage. Helped TJ with his car as well and he got the new AFR gauge mounted up as well as properly wired in the boost gauge that was there. If you’ve read this far thank you it means the world to me that you are here! Going to be cracking away at the 240 some more during the week so I’ll update with anything significant.