08/29/2026
We have been checking and rebuilding the turbo system. The mounting stud failures are a big concern and we have been looking closely at that.
The used studs are around .25mm longer than new ones. This proves that they are creeping as they get hot for prolonged periods of time. This is bad since we race for prolonged periods of time! Everytime we check the torque and retorque them they stretch more till they break. This clearly will not do.
We have sourced some super trick inconel studs from Flyin Miata. This is their solution to the exact issue we are having. These are good for much higher temps and should solve the problem. They also come with some killer hardware with these locking flags. This prevents the nuts from backing off. Super stoked to get these track tested and hopefully solve this issue once and for all.
We also discovered a few manifold bolts were less tight than they should be. Removal of the manifold didn’t show any issues and there does not appear to have been any leakage. We put it all back together with new gaskets and everything torqued up with no issue. Not sure what the issue was, but these do not get nearly as hot as the turbo studs and we are not anticipating any future issues.
We also rerouted a couple wires and have been trying to protect things from heat as much as possible. The new silicone turbo boost control hoses are on and we will add a small heat shield to the one closest to the exhaust manifold to provide added heat protection.
Turbo is back together, just gotta fill the coolant and the engine should be ready for track testing and verification.
Just gotta get the front suspension/brakes put back together and we will be testing the whole system in a couple weeks.
Then once the weather turns we can dig in on prep for next season. It’s not set in stone yet, but we may be traveling to a new track and want to make sure the car is dialed and ready to race. It’s nerve wracking to get too far from home!
