Well it's about time I started a readers thread on this one.
Due to recently becoming a member of the father club, time is now limited, so this may become a long term project...
It's all BstardChild's fault! It was he who introduced me to the addictive world of track days. I've built loads of cars with modified suspension, but never one with the intention of going around corners efficiently, so this project should be a learning curve (hairpin?)
First off, massive thanks to Bodie&Doyle for sorting out the crashed MX5. It must have been a very loved car before the crash as it had all manner of expensive aftermarket parts on it. I sold off everything I knew I didn't need, so have effectively got this car for free. Bargain!
I plan to use as much of the running gear as possible. The MX5 has a subframe front and rear linked by a spine.
It has double wishbone suspension front and rear all linked into the subframes, so I don't have to worry about suspension/steering geometry at all.
So will it fit? Well surprisingly, the wheelbase is actually about 2 inches longer on the 323, so I think a little tweak on the front subframe engine mounts should see to that (the engine is effectively bolted to the rear axle via the central spine). And the track of the MX5 is approx 3 inches wider. Seeing how far in the wheels sit on the 323, I think I have just about enough room to tuck the wheels under. Apart from sitting fairly low, I want the 323 to look as stock as possible, so would prefer not to have to put arches on it.
Anyway, enough rambling for now, here are some photos of where we are right now.
As it came off the trailer
Close up of the important bit. As you can see, the front of the cam-cover is broken, along with the thermostat housing and alternator, but everything else seems OK. Cam-belt didn't come off, and it turns over fine.
Interior was mint, and went along way to recouping the cost of the car!
Right, let get this in the barn and start the stripping!
A few days later...
Engine ready for a re-fresh. Oh, it's a 1.8, which apparently produce around 130bhp. Just about enough to have some fun!
Front sub-frame
Got bits everywhere!
Plan now is to tidy up a little, then get the remains of the shell on it side down the other end of the barn, as I am sure bits of the floorpan will be required later. The there will be room to bring the 323 in and get that stripped down.
Will update again as and when...
Due to recently becoming a member of the father club, time is now limited, so this may become a long term project...
It's all BstardChild's fault! It was he who introduced me to the addictive world of track days. I've built loads of cars with modified suspension, but never one with the intention of going around corners efficiently, so this project should be a learning curve (hairpin?)
The plan:
Take one 1977 Mazda 323
and add one Mazda MX5
Shake vigorously and see what happens...
Take one 1977 Mazda 323
and add one Mazda MX5
Shake vigorously and see what happens...
First off, massive thanks to Bodie&Doyle for sorting out the crashed MX5. It must have been a very loved car before the crash as it had all manner of expensive aftermarket parts on it. I sold off everything I knew I didn't need, so have effectively got this car for free. Bargain!
I plan to use as much of the running gear as possible. The MX5 has a subframe front and rear linked by a spine.
It has double wishbone suspension front and rear all linked into the subframes, so I don't have to worry about suspension/steering geometry at all.
So will it fit? Well surprisingly, the wheelbase is actually about 2 inches longer on the 323, so I think a little tweak on the front subframe engine mounts should see to that (the engine is effectively bolted to the rear axle via the central spine). And the track of the MX5 is approx 3 inches wider. Seeing how far in the wheels sit on the 323, I think I have just about enough room to tuck the wheels under. Apart from sitting fairly low, I want the 323 to look as stock as possible, so would prefer not to have to put arches on it.
Anyway, enough rambling for now, here are some photos of where we are right now.
As it came off the trailer
Close up of the important bit. As you can see, the front of the cam-cover is broken, along with the thermostat housing and alternator, but everything else seems OK. Cam-belt didn't come off, and it turns over fine.
Interior was mint, and went along way to recouping the cost of the car!
Right, let get this in the barn and start the stripping!
A few days later...
Engine ready for a re-fresh. Oh, it's a 1.8, which apparently produce around 130bhp. Just about enough to have some fun!
Front sub-frame
Got bits everywhere!
Plan now is to tidy up a little, then get the remains of the shell on it side down the other end of the barn, as I am sure bits of the floorpan will be required later. The there will be room to bring the 323 in and get that stripped down.
Will update again as and when...
Had a think about MX5 as donors a while ago and they look ideal.
