Mondo

I think this S1 would be the best car for you, it's the most civilized. http://usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?t=6298 As far as 7s go, keep in mind, there's no real dealer type service on these. Basically have to find a good mechanic or have good mechanical skills. The "direct feel" we all talk about comes at the expense of cup holders, radio, insulation, rattles etc.. (3:30 in) You really need to drive a few before you commit to making it a daily driver. Most likely, you'll love driving it... but not in traffic, on hot days, or really cold days etc.. You don't want to put yourself in a position that you dread driving what is really such a fun car. Besides the S1, Birkin and Caterham probably have the best weather kits.... but think old jeep rather than miata when it comes to tops/doors. I bought a weather kit with my Ultralite but never put it on... I like the full windshield & want to put on a shade top (bikini) instead. Also want some side protection (adding to the roll bar) and this will eliminate the use of the weather kit. I'm not trying to disuade you... just want to give you some things to think about. A corvette is like a cadillac as far as comfort & convienance in comparison (and handling!) Hey, I was going to put A/C in my car (it is an option). But when you truly see what a 7 is about, it would almost be sacraligious. Loren does have a kit available and his experience building/racing S2ks could certainly give you a car that's dependable & fast (can't beat a honda drivetrain for that)... But I doubt you'd be driving it to work most of the time (any 7 really).

Well I had a blast out on the track... I think they may have aged a bit. They did ok, and they gave good progessive feedback as far as letting go (had fun on the skid pad too). Ran them at 16lbs cold (they got to 20-22lbs when returning to the pits) so I don't know if less pressure would of made them stickier.

That looks fantastic! I'm really interested in your seats too. Mine is too wide... look forward to how you feel about them after a couple hours in the car. You might think about a some padding on the top of the tunnel for your forearm/elbow. I like the trim I have on my side sills (check my album), they're kind of spongy/soft. Nice feel when getting in/out. Don't know where he got the stuff though. So how close are you to having it on the road?

If you really want a thrill, try to hook up with 7evin... 380hp in a 1400lb car is pretty wild.

I have them on mine... but don't really have anything to compare them to as that's what came with the car. Going to the track this weekend though... should have more to say about it later. They have 8000 miles and are almost 3 years old so might have to take that into consideration.

Skip, Your car is one of my favorites.

Man, I would of hated to buy one of them new... have you seen the resale? The reviews were good, guess people just had a hard time spending that kind of money on a "Volkswagen".

Flying Miata has a good reputation for hop ups. There's a few guys here that have some awesome 7s with their set up. Here's a price list on their turbos to give you an idea of costs. http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?dept=35 If you want to throw in a V8 a stalker is your best bet I imagine.

The Apexi will work on a 2004 motor... you won't get much more horsepower but you can get a more linear torque curve by adjusting the VTEC and fuel ratios (probably just as good as mine if the tuner knows what he's doing). You'll also have the satisfaction of knowing your motor is running it's best. It'll probably be a third of the cost of an AEM but if your not going to mod much it's a good way to go... I don't have a picture but it fit nicely right in front of the shift lever in that part of the dash that come down to the tunnel. Apexi Neo http://www.racingworks.com/apexi_afc_neo_vtec_controller.htm To make for easier assembly http://www.redlinemotive.com/part-number/boomslang-fabrication/bf05004.asp

My all time favorite...

When she turns up missing.... no body, no murder is what I say

You could probably swap in a new Duratec pretty easy and get close to 300hp stock... doubt you could plop in a V8. Don't know how close you are for a test drive but you'll likely be surprised by how quick these cars are with so little power. I really like the S1s, probably the most civilized of the bunch.

Doh! Just saw I-5 and skipped over the "WA and Vancouver" part.... nevermind

I tried an Apexi piggyback but my problem was the stock ECU... couldn't get it to read the speedo from the tranny, along with some other errors, and it affected the VTEC. If your stock ECU works fine then just get an Apexi. Your right, it just tricks the stock ECU, he can adjust the VTEC to come in earlier and make a smoother powerband. It's got a little screen that can show other parameters too, at least at night (can't see in daylight). I was trying to avoid the cost of the AEM Series 2 Plug & Play ECU (plus in line windband UEGO Controller) but now wish I would of just bit the bullet a lot sooner. There are so many options with this aftermarket unit... timing, traction control etc... The AEM is pretty much the first step in getting the most out of engine preformance mods (and necessary for blower/turbo). I probably should of gotten the wideband fuel/air gauge but didn't want to add a gauge to my dash (that's what I pay a tuner for and I wouldn't know what I was looking at anyway). You could go with Hondata (basically an unlocked Acura RSX ECU) if you don't plan a lot of mods (and want DMV to think its all stock) but you have to change some minor engine parts so the cost actually might be higher than AEM. With a 2006 or later motor, you don't need to replace the ECU. Hondata makes a controller that you can plug in and make changes to the stock ECU. http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/engine_performance_products/S2000/Hondata/FlashPro/

I'm 10 minutes off I-5, in Bakersfield. I have an Ultralite (album on here), so if your not a purists... PM me if interested.

He smoothed out the VTEC surge (which I'm sure the tune he adds does as well).

first it was the Hitler movie clip... http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6465342/twin-baby-talk-translated

I'm sure you all could use these as well http://www.iparklikeanidiot.com/

My fenders are kind of similar... had to decide how high I wanted the rocks to fly up vs how far forward the top of the fender could go.

I'm thinking about taking the 7... if not, than the mini. I know it's just a small jaunt for Slomove, but I don't like that drive in a regular car (even with climate control & music). Not a big fan of freeway driving in the 7. My daughter and I have gone to the motogp races there since their return... she'll be 19 this year and I don't know if she's up for the trip in the 7 (wouldn't be surprised if she's more for it than me truth be told...). Mainly want to go to the historic races so just the weekend. ,

I passed up the motogp this year to try and attend. I don't know that much about the festivities/event... looking forward to more info & hoping a good crowd of 7s goes.

Very well spec'd and nice looking! Enjoy

The thing I liked about tuning with a turbo (and AEM) is you can dial in the power based on speed as well as rpm. I think that would be nice as you don't need all that power in 1st gear but more boost in higher gears/speed. I too am worried about heat as it gets hot here. But, in reality, it's going to be a while before funds materialize and I need to learn the car more before taking it up a step.

Jim, I would go with the advise of those here regarding finding a good tuner. I'm sure there's one in the Bay Area. I had a lot of issues getting my stock ECU to work (tried the apexi) and finally got an AEM from Bisimoto Engineering. One of the top tuners in the LA area. http://www.bisimoto.net/ Had him dynotune the car as well. I'm really happy with the results and will probably do a turbo option when funds allow with him (there's more flexibility in tuning with a turbo compared to blower). He offers an AEM ECU with a custom tune for the S2000 already installed... would get you off to a good start.

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