Miata to BRZ

[JSube]

Originally Posted by Lantanafrs2

The only way to improve it is with tune/header/e85. Those mods can be done for a grand with smart shopping. Fix the torque curve and things change substantially. F.i.offers big gains for a really big price.

While a tune/header/e85 nets significant gains, you won't get a whiff of that from spending $1K, even used. And I've seen some pretty unimpressive dyno graphs from well known brand name headers. I haven't dynoed my car since the ACE A350 & Delicious tune install, mostly because the difference is night and day from stock and I don't need a number to tell me that (although I'm pretty curious and now that Spring is starting to show up I'll probably buy some pulls.)

For just over $2K with the ACE header, OP, FP & tune (if you do the install yourself) you'll get linear power delivery, much more torque and what feels like a new car. If you want you can add an exhaust for a better sound later (but no more power and no need for a revised tune) and e85 down the road if you think you need it.

I had a season of track days last year with the car stock and really had a great time in the turns, but the power is a shortcoming; not as severe as Baruth makes it out to be in the R&T article*, but it's not up to the chassis. Went to an early track day already this year and the car was very sweet indeed.

*Here's a differing view from a top level journo/hot shoe-
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUhLXvxlQR4&t=338s"]Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S v Nissan 370Z v Used Porsche Cayman S - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - YouTube[/ame]

[JSube]

Originally Posted by NCtoBRZ

I doubt that it would make much difference if those small garnish pieces were vented... it’s really a non-issue, just don’t take a nap on your hood while it’s hot.

There's a lot written on the engine compartment heat issue, and the first bit of advice I got when I bought the car was "add an oil cooler if you're going to the track." CSG has posted a lot about this and found significant results from hood vents on Mike's track car, look for those posts. I'm glad the 17s come with a factory oil temp gauge. I'd have installed one otherwise.

[NCtoBRZ]

Originally Posted by JSube

There's a lot written on the engine compartment heat issue, and the first bit of advice I got when I bought the car was "add an oil cooler if you're going to the track." CSG has posted a lot about this and found significant results from hood vents on Mike's track car, look for those posts. I'm glad the 17s come with a factory oil temp gauge. I'd have installed one otherwise.

Yes, oil temps are a known area to address with an oil cooler for those that track their car or push it really hard for extended stretches on the road. My comment about "non-issue" is in reference to the heat felt by touching the hood... it's going to be pretty warm to the touch whether or not you have added vents. Hood vents would likely be more effective than turning the "garnishes" into vents as previously mentioned.

[SCQTT]

I have an NC and an 86, both effectively stock.

The Mazda engine makes more user friendly power, but the power lacks the interesting character of the H4 Subaru mill.

I like the seating position of the 86 better.

The low CG of the 86 makes it feel better in my opinion, especially in short S turns when quickly transferring weight. It is more satisfying to drive the 86.

The top comes down on a NC.

The NC looks like a girls car.

The NC looks like a bar of soap.

The NC looks like a poor white trash Audi TT.

The 86 is a fairly attractive sport coupe.

[Coachrhino11]

Originally Posted by SCQTT

I have an NC and an 86, both effectively stock.

The Mazda engine makes more user friendly power, but the power lacks the interesting character of the H4 Subaru mill.

I like the seating position of the 86 better.

The low CG of the 86 makes it feel better in my opinion, especially in short S turns when quickly transferring weight. It is more satisfying to drive the 86.

The top comes down on a NC.

The NC looks like a girls car.

The NC looks like a bar of soap.

The NC looks like a poor white trash Audi TT.

The 86 is a fairly attractive sport coupe.

ND looks much better, especially in black

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by SCQTT

I have an NC and an 86, both effectively stock.

The Mazda engine makes more user friendly power, but the power lacks the interesting character of the H4 Subaru mill.

I like the seating position of the 86 better.

The low CG of the 86 makes it feel better in my opinion, especially in short S turns when quickly transferring weight. It is more satisfying to drive the 86.

The top comes down on a NC.

The NC looks like a girls car.

The NC looks like a bar of soap.

The NC looks like a poor white trash Audi TT.

The 86 is a fairly attractive sport coupe.

I'm not so certain that the 86 has a lower cog than the NC or any other miata for that matter.

[SCQTT]

Originally Posted by fatoni

I'm not so certain that the 86 has a lower cog than the NC or any other miata for that matter.

Maybe not, but it feels that way to me. Sure the roof adds weight up high, but that part is worth it in stiffness. Again not certain but with most of the engine below is below the top of the front tires I think the engine in the 86 is more than a little lower, maybe I am wrong.

I like how boxers feel. I have several BMW boxer twins and there is certainly something about spinning engines parts and their gyroscopic forces that add to a vehicle's "feel"

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by SCQTT

Maybe not, but it feels that way to me. Sure the roof adds weight up high, but that part is worth it in stiffness. Again not certain but with most of the engine below is below the top of the front tires I think the engine in the 86 is more than a little lower, maybe I am wrong.

I like how boxers feel. I have several BMW boxer twins and there is certainly something about spinning engines parts and their gyroscopic forces that add to a vehicle's "feel"

I'd probably just attribute it to suspension tune. I don't think boxers really contribute to the feel of the 86 compared to other sports cars.

[Adam_L]

Originally Posted by Coachrhino11

ND looks much better, especially in black

No matter what topic you're talking about, black can hide a lot of fuglyness .... under multiple perspectives, blind or 20/20 vision

[Adam_L]

Originally Posted by fatoni

I'm not so certain that the 86 has a lower cog than the NC or any other miata for that matter.

As of 2014... or was it 2015 data, the 86/FRS/BRZ had the third lowest COG of all production cars up to that point. First was the LFA , second place was a Ferrari ( possibly 455 model). Ferrari beat it by about 20mm. So if you do a 0.8 to 1" mild spring lowering on the 86 , you're effectively right at Ferrari COG , if I understand correctly.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Adam_L

As of 2014... or was it 2015 data, the 86/FRS/BRZ had the third lowest COG of all production cars up to that point. First was the LFA , second place was a Ferrari ( possibly 455 model). Ferrari beat it by about 20mm. So if you do a 0.8 to 1" mild spring lowering on the 86 , you're effectively right at Ferrari COG , if I understand correctly.

Yeah I don't think that's true because I know for a fact miatas and corvettes have had lower cogs. Most companies don't talk about it since it really doesn't mean a whole lot.

[Adam_L]

Lowest in terms of where the engine placement is, or lowest in terms of .... what ( engine + Driver + gas tank + + )?

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Adam_L

Lowest in terms of where the engine placement is, or lowest in terms of .... what ( engine + Driver + gas tank + + )?

I don't understand the question.

[SCQTT]

Originally Posted by fatoni

Yeah I don't think that's true because I know for a fact miatas and corvettes have had lower cogs. Most companies don't talk about it since it really doesn't mean a whole lot.

Huh? Please explain your work?