Miata Mailing List: June 1992, Message #42
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re:  spark plug wires and K&
   Date: (none)

        Reply to:   RE> spark plug wires and K&N Filters

>  1.  Replace plugs with Split Fire plugs - Source: Checker Auto $5.95 each

I am very interested in some real life experience with these.

>  2.  K&N FilterCharger air filter - Heard nothing but good about this
product.

Ditto. (I used these in my old Alfa with little discernable difference.)
 
> 3.  Replace transmission fluid with Red Line MTL

This is a GL-4 rated oil, which I suppose is OK for Miata. Again, I used it
in my 67 Alfa Spider, and while it improves cold weather shifting, when
the oil gets hot, I felt the viscosity is just too low, I called Red Line and
described the problem to them and they recommended MT-90, a similar product to
MTL but with higher viscosity (90 vs 80). The important thing being this is
still a GL-4 and thus has no EP (extra pressure) additive, most of which often
contain sulfur, which slowly disolves the brass syncro rings, the only tranny
that used steel rings I know is the Porsche
911.  A side reminder, don't put MTL in hypoid gears, which the Miata is not, 
(they require GL-5 or better), I know many people who destroy their tranny, and
tranxles.

  >1.  Replace plug wires with 8 mm solid core wires from Racing Beat
>67.28 + sh&h (4.00)

Again, my old Alfa had solid core wires, and this was the source of all the
grounding hums in my stereo, it all went away when I changed the wires. 
 
> 2.  Replace tires with Yokohama AVS Intermediates or the Dunlop D40
>M2 195/55VR-14 
 >    (This tire is available locally or through the "Tire Rack".)
  
I always assumed Tire Rack to have the lowest prices, but I was surprised to
see that for Yoko A509, Fastire (or is it Euro Tire) prices are lower, shop
around.

I had the old Dunlop M2 on my ex-911 (sigh!) and they wore out in about 5K 
miles (this is no typo). I heard that the compound has been improved.

The OEM Bridgestones have to be the worst tires I have ever encountered in my
life. I am wearing out the second set with 25K miles on the odometer, I guess
kicking the tail out on dry tarmac didn't help. These things are scary in the
rain and snow. I feel little traction at 70 mph in the rain; for comparison, I
drive my old Alfa with Michelin XZX at 105 mph
once in the down pour when felt OK. On the other hand, the Bridgestone RE-71
are just awesome.

Sorry for the ramblings...

- steve.