Setup technicalities

[Dan Shaw]

Ok, so from reading the rules of stock class setup, I'm supposed to bring my car up to speed with the configuration offered in a specific model year. I have a 2000 Miata which offered a sport package. That option kit included a Torsen rear diff, 15x6 wheels, an optional front air dam and rear lip spoiler (I think it was?), Bilstein sport shocks and springs, and a front strut tower brace.

I only discovered the strut tower brace as being part of the package recently and on my car I could really use the rigidity. However, I've been digging around and I cannot find the OEM brace used by Mazda. I'm going to contact Mazda Motorsports within the week about it but...

if I bought an aftermarket strut tower brace, would that be considered legal since technically the package included it but it's just not the OEM part? I think the Albins might know best on this one if they'd like to chime in on it...

Thanks!

[George Schilling]

Ok, so from reading the rules of stock class setup, I'm supposed to bring my car up to speed with the configuration offered in a specific model year. I have a 2000 Miata which offered a sport package. That option kit included a Torsen rear diff, 15x6 wheels, an optional front air dam and rear lip spoiler (I think it was?), Bilstein sport shocks and springs, and a front strut tower brace.

I only discovered the strut tower brace as being part of the package recently and on my car I could really use the rigidity. However, I've been digging around and I cannot find the OEM brace used by Mazda. I'm going to contact Mazda Motorsports within the week about it but...

if I bought an aftermarket strut tower brace, would that be considered legal since technically the package included it but it's just not the OEM part? I think the Albins might know best on this one if they'd like to chime in on it...

Thanks!

The front air dam, the rear lip spoiler, the springs, the torsen rear diff, and the front tower brace. all must be oem. If I recall, you might have another issue with electric vs. manual windows. A case could be made that this is a comfort and convenience item.

If your intention is to compete in national tours or nationals, you probably will be protested if you finish in the trophies. Locally, we're here to have fun. We rarely have protests as long as an aftermarket part doesn't give you a competitive advantage. In the end, it's up to the competitors in your class to give their blessing.

[Dan Shaw]

Got it. I figured as much. Looks like I'll be giving Mazda a call! Thanks.

[KJ Christopher]

Got it. I figured as much. Looks like I'll be giving Mazda a call! Thanks.

Keep in mind you don't get to pick and choose which of the option's features you want to have. You either have the option or you don't.

[Dan Shaw]

Got it. I figured as much. Looks like I'll be giving Mazda a call! Thanks.

Keep in mind you don't get to pick and choose which of the option's features you want to have. You either have the option or you don't.

::nods:: precisely why I asked. I wanted to make sure I was getting the car on the right foot. Lately running SK I haven't had to think about it that much but the Pro is coming and the car needs to be ready. In a twisted way I'm glad I found out about it because it gives me another excuse for a mod. }:) Much as I love stock there are times I want to spruce the car up a bit.

The tricky part is going to be finding the front lip and rear lip spoilers...called Mazda and they're getting a quote together for me on the strut tower bar but the front lip is discontinued (they're looking at having someone make them, mazda japan doesn't want to anymore). Dunno yet about the rear lip spoiler.

[Kurt Rahn]

If I recall, you might have another issue with electric vs. manual windows. A case could be made that this is a comfort and convenience item.

Given the weight savings, I think that might be a tough sell.

[Mako Koiwai]

electric being lighter now-a-days

[KJ Christopher]

The tricky part is going to be finding the front lip and rear lip spoilers...called Mazda and they're getting a quote together for me on the strut tower bar but the front lip is discontinued (they're looking at having someone make them, mazda japan doesn't want to anymore). Dunno yet about the rear lip spoiler.

If you haven't already - http://mazdamotorsports.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not that they have access to unobtainium. But what they do have is cheaper.

[Dan Shaw]

That's who I"ve been talking to. Been with their racer setup when I found out back in 05. f'n awesome program!

[Leonard Cachola]

You may have to go outside of Mazda Motorsports to source the lip and spoiler - I've had to do that a couple of times to get the correct OEM part.

Front Lip:
http://www.gomiata.com/gemafrairdam.html
Rear Spoiler:
http://www.gomiata.com/99rearspoilp.html

[Dan Shaw]

Expensivo! 250 each + paint and you're around 750 in the hole at least. I hope the VFR sells soon. The quote for the front tower brace alone was 450.

Good show on the sites though. Thanks Leonard. I hope when I'm ready they'll have them still.

[Leonard Cachola]

Yes, package conversions are a real pain in the pocketbook. Here's another site.

You can use the parts numbers you got from Mazda Motorsports and find the part you need over at

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ ... eid=214264

[Dan Shaw]

Thanks again Leonard.

when I talked with M.M. they had the last OEM front lip in their office attempting to source up a vendor to remake it since Mazda stopped production. Those are great sources though. I need to really get on the ball with the motorcycle and sell it off. Once I do that I"ll have what I need to finish it off. Worst case is a nice b-day present. I like the LSD and 15" wheels I already put on too much to not finish the package correctly.

BTW Leonard, did you already put the front tower brace on yours? Did it help much? Been getting reports it really chills out the chassis but a first hand autoXer impression would be nice.

--Dan

[Leonard Cachola]

BTW Leonard, did you already put the front tower brace on yours? Did it help much? Been getting reports it really chills out the chassis but a first hand autoXer impression would be nice.

--Dan

Mine came stock with the front tower brace (2001-2005), so I've never known what the car is like without it. I *can* tell you what it's like with the base springs, base sway bars, and open diff, though!