Today is just a quick update to let you know that I’m currently in the process of getting some new equipment and will be working on some videos very soon. Both driving videos which will show the beautiful island I live on, and some install videos as well. I won’t yet say what the equipment is as I will do a complete review once I get it. But if it is as good as I am hoping, then I think everyone will be interested in it.

As far as the roadster goes, I will shortly be installing a CAI with Apexi intake, an oil catch can, and a few other things as well. More soon!

I have basically been getting bad gas mileage since I bought my Miata almost a year ago. I wasn’t expecting to be driving a hybrid, but 18 mpg just seemed a bit too low for a 1.8l, even if it is a “little” sporty. I set about trying to make it run better and more efficient.

I basically did all the maintenance stuff (plugs, air filter, pcv valve, gas filter, plug wires, oil change, and transmission change. I also replaced a bad 02 sensor. The car felt much better, but I didn’t see much of an increase in MPG.
I had all but given up.
However, a couple of weeks a go I replaced my worn out engine mounts with Mazda Comp Mounts (the biggest pain in the butt job I have done so far). Not only did I have better shifts, the car seems to maintain speed much better when I let off the gas. Before, it would slow down like I was slightly hitting the brakes anytime I let off the gas. I think it had to do with the engine not lining up well with the transmission because of weak/ripped engine mounts.

So if you are getting low mileage, first do all the regular maintenance stuff. But if that doesn’t fix it, and you have a loose motor (shifter moves when you hit the gas) then you might consider replacing your motor mounts. It made a big difference for me.

Cleaning the drains

Living in a sub-tropical environment, we get a lot of rain. Without the proper maintenance that rain will get inside the Miata’s convertible top. As I recently found out during one of our latest downpours. These instructions are for a 99 JDM Miata Mx-5 NB, but should work on other models too.

There are four drains that need to be cleaned. Two are at the top of the pillers on the windshield near where the top latches. They run all the way down the pillars and come out just below where the speaker would normally sit. The other two are located just behind where the seat belts are attached. They come out underneath the car.

Top Drain

Pillar Drain

Rear Drain

Miata Rear Drain

To clean the drains you will need something to stick through. I used a piece of small cable with ducktape at the end to make sure it didn’t puncture the rubber.

Cleaning Device

Stick the cable in the top and slowly push it down. Any gunk should get pushed out the bottom. I then used a syringe/squirter to force water down the holes and make sure it was clear. Also make sure there is nothing else near the drain holes that could get washed in and cause it to clog again.

The whole process should only take about 5 minutes or so and then you are all done.

Adjusting the hot/cold temperature on a JDM Miata.

If you find that the air coming out of your vents is not as cool or hot as you would like, you can actually adjust it. Use this link http://www.miata.net/garage/heater_cable.html. However, if you own a JDM engine  (or any right hand Miata). Make sure you look on the drivers side, not on the passenger side!!

1993 Subaru Impreza Oil Change

Part 1

Part 2

2006-2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Oil Change