Our Miata left the track early during this weekend’s ChumpCar RVA Graphics endurance race at Daytona International Speedway. Tail between our legs, after not even 10 laps we crawled to the pits in a cloud of steam, oil and despair. What exactly happened? We’re not 100-percent sure.
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Really, this photo needs more smoke, steam and sadness. 
The best way to discover problems in a motor is to run it wide open under full load for almost 100% of every lap. Or shift it into second instead of fourth when you panic brake too late diving into the infield :)
David S. Wallens wrote: Really, this photo needs more smoke, steam and sadness.
I got you.
In reply to Huckleberry:
So lessee: You crushed the last one into a ball. This one you grenaded. Maybe yellow just isn't your color.
Ed Higginbotham wrote:David S. Wallens wrote: Really, this photo needs more smoke, steam and sadness.I got you.
That's definitely sad.
FlightService wrote: In reply to Huckleberry:
And that's not supposed to do that, right?
In reply to David S. Wallens:
that does deviate from the design intent, yes.
FlightService wrote: In reply to David S. Wallens: that does deviate from the design intent, yes.
That's what I thought.
Any chance you can postpone the start until 4PM? I have a better chance of getting home in time to join. No chance at 3PM.
David S. Wallens wrote:FlightService wrote: In reply to Huckleberry:And that's not supposed to do that, right?
The best part about that GIF is the sad little tear of oil that drips off the impeller at the end.
Ian F wrote: Any chance you can postpone the start until 4PM? I have a better chance of getting home in time to join. No chance at 3PM.
Sadly (well, for you) we have already announced the starting time. We've been mixing up the starting times--afternoon versus evening--in effort to accommodate everyone. You can always go back and watch them afterwards but, yeah, you'll miss out on the real-time interaction. If need be, I can totally write you a note.
I'm surprised JG hasn't been blamed yet.
If JG is the one who's choosing the hose supplier, maybe he should be...
In reply to FlightService: Do you have a link to that wonderful gif of destruction?
Another reason to watch our Facebook Lives:
JG now has a green screen.
And check it out, his bird has a cloaking device:
No word on whether the donkey is so equipped.
Recon1342 wrote: In reply to FlightService: Do you have a link to that wonderful gif of destruction?
http://i.imgur.com/2IMGmBP.gif
JG probably has a rubber hose supplier, but not automotive.
From the photos it appears the issue is you've been shopping for drivers at the big and tall store. The poor little car couldn't take it.
In the future I'd suggest places like Pimlico, Belmont Park and the like.
You're friend "ten stone" Tom
So they say that "Miata" is the answer to every question. . . Well I'd say when your talking engines for a Miata the answer should only be two letters long. . . ummmm. . . LS, or maybe SR. There that should fix your blown engine problems.
bigben wrote: So they say that "Miata" is the answer to every question. . . Well I'd say when your talking engines for a Miata the answer should only be two letters long. . . ummmm. . . LS, or maybe SR. There that should fix your blown engine problems.
Thing is that neither of these failures (from what I've been told) are problems with the engine. First was a lack of oil due to a busted (aftermarket) hose. Second was a lack of coolant due to a busted (aftermarket) hose. No engine would deal well with either of those.
The astounding thing is that the turbo is still together. If you'd seen what that turbo looked like when they installed it, you'd probably fall off your chair laughing. It was scrap.
Yep, Keith is correct on all counts. And calling that turbo scrap is generous–it wouldn't even pass as clean metal!
Shoutout to Flyin' Miata, by the way, for sending us what we needed to rig up a proper low oil pressure warning system. If only they made something similar for coolant....
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