Author Topic: Groovy Baby! 1973 Mazda 808 Coupe (Read 3828 times)

blur911 · « **Reply #60 on:** May 04, 2011, 09:54:10 pm »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on May 03, 2011, 11:43:54 am

I'd like too but Miata engine + gearbox + ECU gets pricey. If I can snag one at a good price that would be ideal but I'm not spending $2500+ for it.

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-auto-parts-tires-engine-engine-parts-99-Engine-Transmission-Subframe-ECU-Low-Mileage-W0QQAdIdZ271808915

$1,000.00

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #61 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:11:17 pm »

plus another $600 shipping to get it here ... The Miata is a rare car here. I did have a line on an engine and gearbox but the seller just ended up taking it for metal recycling - argh. Time is on my side as I'm hoping the stock motor gets me through the summer at least.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #62 on:** June 01, 2011, 01:35:53 pm »

It is insured and plated finally.

My wife took this with her iPhone. Apart from re-adjusting to arm strong steering and vintage brakes it went well. Went for a few kms so far.

I took each one of my kids for a quick ride around the block separately as I didn't realize there where no back seat belts. Then I went for a longer drive on some back roads. I definitely need to get a muffler and it needs an alignment but otherwise drives well.

Could definitely use a 5th gear as the engine gets rather busy at even sub highway speeds.

Flinter · « **Reply #63 on:** June 01, 2011, 05:46:42 pm »

Good to hear that the 808 is on the road. Very unique ride!!

I'm always amazed at how well cars hold up out west.

Weexy · « **Reply #64 on:** June 02, 2011, 10:08:07 am »

Awesome - nice to see the bumble bee on the road!!

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #65 on:** June 24, 2011, 10:55:38 am »

I took a couple shots of the 808 yesterday after dropping the kid's library books off. I think this is my favorite of the bunch.

and a few others

johngenx · « **Reply #66 on:** June 24, 2011, 11:05:47 am »

Lethbridge's Library is pretty spartan!

Seriously, awesome find, and thanks for the pics.

Erik · « **Reply #67 on:** June 24, 2011, 11:53:03 am »

What a cool little car. Love the colour.

Man, I miss colourful cars. Everything out on the roads today is either silver or grey....

blur911 · « **Reply #68 on:** June 24, 2011, 03:46:44 pm »

Very nice. Amazed how solid it looks.

BTW, found this potential transplant.

Quote

1.6 litre motor and trans. 165kms on motor when pulled from car. was running when pulled 2 1/2 years ago. $350 for everything.

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=22706

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #69 on:** June 24, 2011, 04:06:03 pm »

All the good Miata stuff is far away - this would be perfect - http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=12390

Mike · « **Reply #70 on:** June 24, 2011, 04:18:29 pm »

Quote from: Arthur Dent on June 24, 2011, 04:06:03 pm

All the good Miata stuff is far away - this would be perfect - http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=12390

You are right. you could make it a boxer Mazda for $300 US http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUBARU-98-MOTOR-2-5-DOHC-EJ25D-LOCAL-PICKUP-/230635318913?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b2efae81

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #71 on:** June 30, 2011, 04:54:58 pm »

I don't doubt there is enough room in the engine compartment for even a boxer engine.

Scaerio · « **Reply #72 on:** June 30, 2011, 05:27:06 pm »

Such a great little car!

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #73 on:** March 27, 2012, 07:17:59 pm »

Drove to work today.

Finally got a new muffler in - ah sounds so much better. I'd recommend Maxim Muffler & Brake in Lethbridge if anyone happens to need a muffler in Lethbridge.

Fobroader · « **Reply #74 on:** March 27, 2012, 09:30:06 pm »

Holy crap man, I just found this post. What an awesome car!!!! How about a Nissan 4 banger like a QR20DE or a KA24DE or a SR20DET from a Japanese Sylvia, you can find one fairly cheap, theyre very powerful and parts are not hard to find.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #75 on:** March 27, 2012, 10:35:06 pm »

Thanks - I rather like it. It might receive a more powerful engine at some point but I'm happy with it as is at least this summer. I need to upgrade the brakes first. What I'd love is a 5spd gearbox - revs like a madman on the highway.

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #76 on:** March 27, 2012, 10:52:45 pm »

Would a B2000 gearbox fit up to that 1.6? I'm just going to take old faithful to the crusher when the weather warms up enough to take the Weber off.

articsteve · « **Reply #77 on:** March 27, 2012, 11:40:53 pm »

Please, straighten the rear license plate.

Nice colour

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #78 on:** March 28, 2012, 12:32:47 am »

Quote from: PJungnitsch on March 27, 2012, 10:52:45 pm

Would a B2000 gearbox fit up to that 1.6? I'm just going to take old faithful to the crusher when the weather warms up enough to take the Weber off.

It might - I think I'd need to use the 808 bellhousing but Mazda only really had one gearbox so it seems likely. I'd love to give it a try.

Arthur Dent · « **Reply #79 on:** April 03, 2012, 08:08:10 pm »

Turns out my gearbox doesn't have a de-tachable bellhousing so tranny swap is a no go.

To use first generation Rx-7 wheels on my 808 I needed a thin spacer. Otherwise the wheel hits the caliper. Luckily I had one from my old Nissan Micra and it is 5/16" thick and I used lug bolts off a 70s BMW 320i. The back doesn't need a spacer. Or at least my didn't. Oddly the front uses lug bolts and the rear uses lug nuts.

So what do you like better the 70s slot mags or the Rx-7 rims? I think I like the white letter tires better but the slot mag rims. Car feels a bit more stable with the Rx-7 rims and its wider rubber though.