Miata Mailing List: July 1993, Message #143
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   From: "Stephen H. An" 
Subject: Re: NGK Plugs, ABS, etc..
   Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1993 14:50:06 -0400



Regarding ABS, I don't see it as a substitute for good driving as everyone
seems to point out. ABS allows you to maintain better control (e.g. steering),
but the driver still has to avoid the accident, there is just no substitute
for good driving. I was living in Germany when the AUDI Quattros first became
popular and affordable in the mid-80's,the ADAC actually recorded a rise
in accidents caused by Audi drivers in bad weather because they became too
complacent. On a more personal experience, I was driving an Audi Quattro one
day on the A5 towards Heidelberg, it was a typical rainy day in Germany, when
the BMW next to me just spun out, I just slammed on the brakes, looked in my
rear view mirror to see which way the guy behind me was going and proceeded
to go around the spinning car on the right. ABS saved me by maintaining
my steering control, but I would still run into the Bimmer if I weren't so
conditioned to look into my rearview mirror when braking. I learned many
good habits driving there including threshold braking (which is especially
hard to do in a 911 in wet weather) but I am not sure that I can threshold
brake dependably all the time, one tends to get complacement at times on the
street. Unless you are Alain Prost or Ayrton, I'll take the ABS. With regard
to its relative cost vs worth, that's a personal choice.

About NGK Platinum plugs... I have the NGK in my car, which I am pretty sure
are platinum, they came with my BBR turbo kit and are a must with the turbo
installation since the stock spec. plugs detonated the engine severely. The
BBR after 10K miles, I must say is as flawless as I could hope for.
I used to complain alot about various vibrations which I had previously
thought came from the motor but finanlly turned out to be loosen linkages in
the clutch assemblies, and that whining slave cylinder. The vibration I
previously felt in the clutch pedal is mostly gone. THe motor is still
sensitive to gas brands, but it seems to like Texaco alot which I mostly
attributed to "Techcron" (by Chevron). A major complaint from me is how flimsy
everything is on this car, every nuts and bolts came loose, perhaps I am just
spoiled after many years of owning Zuffenhausen's finest. I am now awaiting
for the BBR stage 2 turbo upgrade, which should bring the performance down to
the low 5's (0-60 mph).

I also installed the complete BBR suspension kit which includes 4 progressive
springs, 4 adjustable Konis and a front sway bar. The car is now 1.5 inch lower
and rides a thousand times better than the stock stuff. I can take fast bends
at 85 mph without lifting. I use the softest setting and it is just about as
comfortable as the stock car, the hardest settings was fantastic but a bit
tough on the old wrist watch (not to mention brain cells) on the street of
Boston. BBR is offering the spring and shocks for $395, which I think is the
bargain of the century, but I think you can only get this with the purchase
of the turbo kit. BTW, no installation problem, and no interference with the
TrackBar, I also have 15x7 Panasport on 195-50VR15 A509 with no clearnace
problem, with the front shocks at the highest slot (height adjustable).
The car looks great lowered.

As the result, I need an alignment, any recommendation? I am getting too
much toe out currently, great for cornering but not directional stability.

- Steve.

P.s. Herb - Have you not installed your turbo yet? it does no good off the car!



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