Project Trackday

A few more items off the checklist and a first chance to test out the new shocks this weekend.  Changed the diff oil with some Mobil1 75W90 GL5 diff fluid ($7) and flushed the brake system.  Fresh ATE Super Blue (extra inventory from 2009) in to get ready for the trackday in less than 1 month.

Sunday was IndySCCA’s first solo event of the year, starting out with a ‘fun event’ (i.e. no points awarded) at 16th Street/Bush Stadium in Indianapolis.  Was extra cautious in the first run because I did not know what to expect, but the car felt quite well balanced right off the bat (35psi front, 36psi rear with all shocks set to full stiff), just some minor oversteer.  Turned the rear shocks back a half turn and the car settled to be very nice to drive.  For the first time today I also ran in the STS class although the car still needs a lot of work in order to be competitive in the class.  Beats not having anyone to run against at least.

…and of course, here’s the video of the final run (now available in 720p HD!).  Clocked in at 0:40.505, which put me in 2nd place for STS:

As I am keeping track of event entry costs, this one is the first of the season and costs $20.

As far as I can tell the Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on the NA Miata was an option (is this correct?).  Obviously with a lightweight and low-power car the goal is to maintain momentum and put down the power early, so I just want to open up discussion on how important people think this is for the project.  If the car has one already that’s definitely a plus, but is it a deal breaker if it doesn’t include one?

If the car doesn’t come with a LSD then buying one to install will probably be infeasible as the kits run roughly $1000…

P.S. Just an update, I’ve been looking around and it seems the 1st gen Miata is the way to go forward.