Just bought an unfinished kit from one of the forum members.

[blacksweeper]

I just bought an unfinished kit from one of the forum members. Its a race kit, its a roller with the Miata Donor parts attached but unfinished. I will have a lot of questions for you veteran builders. I built and raced a Spec Miata. Sold it in Dec 2017, currently doing track days with a Spec Boxster, so I think I know what I am doing. I also know enough to seek advise. 


First newbie question is what coil over setup and spring rates are builders using? There are a lot of nice coil over kits for the Miata but since the Exocet is lighter than a Miata it seems the spring rate should be less than what would come with a coil over it designed for a Miata. My home track is Sebring which is very ruff, you need soft springs for it. The Spec Miata springs are a little stiff but work well at Sebring. 

Thanks for your help I look forward to being a part of the forum.

[blacksweeper]

The kit/donor arrived today. Monday I will inventory everything to see what i have.

thanks

[garman]

Congratulations!!

[jon]

Welcome.

You will get a lot of opinions about which coilovers are best. For an all around setup I think the Vmaxx sports are nice, but I don't have a lot to compare it with. That might not be the fastest track setup. Will also depend on tire. R compounds will demand more spring.

[blacksweeper]

Status update, Ok I am well into the Exocet build now, this is race chassis # 58 which is powder coated “Playboy Blue”. I bought the kit along with the skate board from a 2000 89k mile donor. Turns out I am the third person to own this kit. I guarantee the kit will be completed this time. I am over $20K into this so far. This will be a top-level build. It will be forced induction, turbo or supercharged, currently leaning towards the Track Dog Supercharger. The goal is 270 HP at the wheels. The car will be used for time trails, track days and autocross, I do not plan to use it on the street. I am in Vero Beach Florida (midway up the state on the Atlantic coast). You also have Gary currently building his on the west coast of Fl.
So far, I have stripped the skate board completely down, blasted all the parts, powder coated the front + rear subframes and painted or powder coated all the other parts. Into reassembly and selection of parts now. I have both subframes rear assembled. Sent the Dif out for installation and setup of a OS Giken LSD, ordered ACT Prolite light weight fly wheel along with an ACT competition clutch kit. Using FM solid stainless steel dif bushings. The suspension has all new high durometer bushings. Depowered the steering rack per the FM procedure including welding the hydraulic actuator to remove the rotational slack, painted the rack and installed it with new high durometer bushings. Also installed new tie rod and rod ends. Prepped the tranny by painting it, installed new throw out bearing and rebuilt the shifter. Installed all new front and rear hubs with new bearings. Replaced the wheel studs with ARP racing studs (longer + stringer). Replaced the brake pads with Hawk Blue pads. New
The kit did not come with the body work so I ordered the body kit in Shy Blue from Exomotive 2 weeks ago. Still need to spec and purchase a lot of gear.
What coil overs and spring rates are everyone using for a track Exocet? Anyone have experience with the Track Dog Supercharger?
What radiator are the forced induction guys using?
Thanks for the help I will try to put up some pictures soon

[garman]

Awesome! Looks like you are knee deep in it now. Are you doing anything to the engine to get it ready for 270 hp?

We might end up completing these things around the same time.

[speedcircuit]

I haven't looked at spring rates recently, but the number 450 for the front spring rate rings a bell.

I'm considering FOX shocks, and here's what FM has to say about that when it comes to installing them in a Miata:

"The standard spring set is 550 lb/in front and 375 lb/in rear. This is suitable for street use and track use, and it's what we use on the V8 cars we build for customers. On the V8 track car, we used 750/500, and the standard valving can deal with up to 900 lb front springs. There is a $50 surcharge for non-standard rates. If you have a collection of 2.5" springs already, you can order the suspension without springs for $100 less. If you would like alternate spring rates, please contact us by phone."