SW2 Modification History
KYB GR-2 Front struts (#234055)
Date: Aug 18 02
Miles: 65760
I was so pleased with the rear struts, I just had to do a front pair. I bought them from tirerack.com for what seemed like a fair price. I still had the borrowed spring compressor, 2 hours later, success. The struts look very much like the rear units. There was not a difference in length when compared to the OEM's like I saw on the rear. After driving these for a week or so I can say that these front struts are about 35% stiffer than the OEM's. Still not objectionable, in fact they have a very nice road feel. Well worth the easy upgrade. We are now getting closer to that wheel alignment....
Konig Helium wheels
15X6.5 40mm offset
Date: Aug 24 02
Miles 65995
At 11lbs each I figure I can increase the tires size and still weigh in less than the original wheels and tires. So I felt inspired to get the wheels and tires before doing a wheel alignment. My mother told my wife shortly after we got married to not buy really good furniture because if it doesn't wear out you'll never get a chance to replace it. Interesting story you say.... The point, I have been waiting for 30K miles now for my tires to wear out. I am tired of waiting. Wheels and tires here I come. I should point out that I purchased these wheels online for a pinch over $100 each (with freight). I went to my local Americas Tire Company to have them mounted, they said they would have beat my good deal, at least by a few bucks. Should have asked I guess.
Kumho Ecsta 712 Supra
205/55/15 tires
Date: Aug 24 02
Miles 65995
My choice of tires drove me crazy. I finally came down to The Kumho 712's or the Toyo T1-S's. The Toyo's were going to cost about $200 more than the Kumho's. I suspect the Toyo's are a bit better, but I am unwilling to spend the money this time around. I purchased the Kumho's from a local Americas Tire Company , mounted and balanced. I was trying to stay in a $1000 budget for wheels, tires, mounting and balancing. I came in right at $900 with road hazard warranty. I'll keep you posted on what I think.
Wheel alignment
Date Aug 27 02
Miles 66095
This really needed to get done. After changing the struts, the car was all over the road. Now that the wheels and tires are on I can finish this. I made a request to have all wheels set to factory specs except for -1.0° of Camber. Because of strut slot limitations we were get to -0.7° +/- 0.1° all the way around. The car is back to following a straight line. I am happy again.
Optima Battery
Date Sept 14 02
Miles 67200
So the last time I waas under the hood I noticed this oozing corrosive material covering the top of my transmission. Not good.... About a week later the car would not start. After closer inspection I noticed that the positive batter post was no longer connected to the battery. So I started my battery quest. I was looking for something lighter. I found out that Miata's use a version of a gell cell that weighs about 18lbs, but the cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating was much smaller than the Saturn. In my travels I dicovered that the newer AGM batteries last longer and are a bit lighter. I selected the Optima because is was avaialable locally and priced right. For just under $100 I have 720CCA (stock is about 500). It weighs about 33lbs, about the same as the stock unit, but much less than conventional batteries of similair capacity. The hold down bracket requires modification because this battery has top posts in addition to side posts. I guess I won't be saving much wieght here......