FITT Miata Tuning Challenge

4,803
United States
Dearborn, MI
MotorCtyHamilton
FITT Miata Tuner Challenge
Hosted by Keith “Motor City” Hamilton

12647839414_956deab419.jpg


I have to say thank you to my friends in FITT for allowing me the honor of hosting this Miata tuner challenge. I spent an hour looking through six years of photos from racing in the SCCA Spec Miata series and a flood of really great memories came over me. I cannot wait for all of this snow to melt and for the 2014 racing season to start. I have two sets of new tires just waiting to be abused.

12647487343_e537a6af61.jpg


First, I had a mission in mind when I picked the cars and the four classes. Mazda has been very active in the United States at trying to develop a ladder system from beginner to pro for road racing. Most of the professional racing drivers in the U.S., well, at least the ones who can actually make a good living from it, all drive in circles. Yep, NASCAR, with a large audience made up of beer bellied hillbillies that drive large television ratings because, well, who watches a lot of TV.

Road racing fans who once called Speed Channel home on Sunday afternoons are now left to hunt the internet to find any legal or illegal stream of road racing, just to get our fix since Speed became the Ultimate Fighting Championship network. That was the day I cancelled cable, but I digress.

So, I built this tuning challenge to somewhat mirror the spirit of Mazda’s ladder program. Beginners start out in Spec Miata and work their way up through faster cars to finally reach the ranks of pro road racing. Tuners may pick any two of the four classes, but Spec Miata is reserved for beginners. FITT tuner challenge podium finishers from the past may only pick from the top three groups.

SCCA Spec Miata

12647119693_947619f7d1.jpg


Spec Miata is designed to give the average Joe the opportunity to go road racing on a budget. It is possible to find a donor car (maybe dead in your work parking lot) and give it a second life as a race car. I like to think that my Miata is enjoying its second life way better than its first.

12646883333_26c5911a4c.jpg


If you have even basic skills with wrenches, a Spec Miata can be built in one's home garage.

12646900833_eb3f31e6d7.jpg


12646898533_e90d500c80.jpg


12647276604_6af93f2b01.jpg


12647235095_cf63c33d2c.jpg


12647345384_b23a41694c.jpg


It is as much about family as it is about the racing.

12647318325_04632b705c.jpg


12647305843_4167a64257.jpg


The racing is real. With fields of 25, 35, 45 and even up to 80 cars, we line up, wheel to wheel, driver against driver and somehow, usually, all make it through turn one.

8863416876_4d79904df1.jpg


12647426543_c2bb5fdfd1.jpg


Road racing was a dream of mine since I was a small child. I have raced slot cars, BMX, go karts, remote controlled, video games, autocross and then finally, at the age of 35, I realized that childhood dream and went road racing.

12647638074_7078d83ac2.jpg


It is a ton of work...

12647043195_8c0b836f85.jpg


but it is ohhhh soooo worth it.

12647527704_de9f1a52a9.jpg
 
Last edited:
SCCA Spec Miata Specs

8862758391_40b28893c6.jpg


Beginners only, no FITT podium finishers from GT5 or GT6

Streets of Willow Springs 1.66 miles

135 maximum horsepower
950 kg minimum weight
No Oil Changes
No Body Rigidity
No Engine Overhaul
Front Aero Kit allowed
No Wings or Flat Floors
Inch Up: 1 Rim Change required
Comfort Soft Tires
Fully Customizable Suspension
Racing Brakes not allowed
Five-Speed Transmission only
Fully Customizable LSD allowed
Standard Clutch & Flywheel only
Standard Drive Shaft only
No Turbo Kits, Superchargers or Nitrous Oxide
Power limiting 90% or above
Weight Reduction allowed
Full Ballast allowed

Lap time and driver’s choice as separate podiums.

Eligible Car List (all of these should have special liveries when painted):
Mazda MX-5 (NA) '89
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) '89
Mazda MX-5 J-Limited (NA, J) '91
Mazda MX-5 Miata J-Limited (NA, J) '91
Mazda MX-5 J-Limited II (NA, J) '93
Mazda MX-5 Miata J-Limited II (NA, J) '93
Mazda MX-5 V-Special Type II (NA, J) '93
Mazda MX-5 Miata V-Special Type II (NA, J) '93
Mazda MX-5 S-Special Type I (NA, J) '95
Mazda MX-5 Miata S-Special Type I (NA, J) '95
Mazda MX-5 VR-Limited (NA, J) '95
Mazda MX-5 Miata VR-Limited (NA, J) '95
Mazda MX-5 SR-Limited (NA, J) '97
Mazda MX-5 Miata SR-Limited (NA, J) '97

Livery thread -->https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/hidden-stripes-on-standard-cars-post-yours-here.292722/


SCCA Improved Touring Class

9282147690_51d599a5e5.jpg


Apricot Hill 2.40 miles

200 maximum horsepower
925 kg minimum weight
No Oil Changes
No Body Rigidity
No Engine Overhaul
Front Aero Kit allowed
Wings allowed
No Flat Floors
Inch Up: 1 Rim Change required
Sport Hard Tires
Fully Customizable Suspension
Racing Brakes allowed
Fully Customizable Transmission allowed
Fully Customizable LSD allowed
Triple-Plate Clutch Kit allowed
Carbon Drive Shaft allowed
No Nitrous Oxide
Power limiting 90% or above
Weight Reduction allowed
Full Ballast allowed
Lap time and driver’s choice as separate podiums.

Eligible Car List:
Mazda MX-5 Miata 1.8 RS (NB, J) '98
Mazda MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '00
Mazda MX-5 Miata 1600 NR-A (NB, J) '04
Mazda MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04


Street Touring Class

8718719147_6fc7e282e9.jpg


Matterhorn Rotenboden 2.2 miles

450PP
No Oil Changes
Body Rigidity allowed
No Engine Overhaul
Front Aero Kit allowed
Wings allowed
Flat Floors allowed
Any Rims allowed
Sport Medium Tires
Fully Customizable Suspension
Racing Brakes allowed
Fully Customizable Transmission allowed
Fully Customizable LSD allowed
Triple-Plate Clutch Kit allowed
Carbon Drive Shaft allowed
No Nitrous Oxide
Power limiting 80% or above
Weight Reduction allowed
Full Ballast allowed

Lap time and driver’s choice as separate podiums.

Eligible Car List:
Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07


Roadster Touring Car

6300946101_26c2870b5a.jpg


Silverstone Grand Prix 3.66 miles

500PP
No Oil Changes
Body Rigidity allowed
No Engine Overhaul
Wings allowed
Any Rims allowed
Racing Hard Tires
Carbon Drive Shaft allowed
Power limiting 50% or above
Weight Reduction allowed
Full Ballast allowed

Lap time and driver’s choice as separate podiums.

Eligible Car List:
Mazda Roadster Touring Car
 
Last edited:
Tuners

SCCA Spec Miata Tuners
DaBomm4 MX-5 (NA) '89

Chipmonk77 MX-5 Miata (NA) '89

bread82 MX-5 J-Limited (NA, J) '91
killerjimbag MX-5 J-Limited (NA, J) '91

backnfourth MX-5 S-Special Type I (NA, J) '95
JackWilson MX-5 S-Special Type I (NA, J) '95

Bowtie-muscle MX-5 SR-Limited (NA, J) '97
HTR Tuning MX-5 SR-Limited (NA, J) '97
Harsk100 MX-5 SR-Limited (NA, J) '97

DozUK MX-5 Miata SR-Limited (NA, J) '97
Ridox2JZGTE MX-5 Miata SR-Limited (NA, J) '97



SCCA Improved Touring Miata Tuners
Ridox2JZGTE MX-5 Miata 1.8 RS (NB, J) '98

DolHaus MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '00
krenkme MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '00

DaBomm4 MX-5 Miata 1600 NR-A (NB, J) '04
jtqmopar MX-5 Miata 1600 NR-A (NB, J) '04
Onboy123 MX-5 Miata 1600 NR-A (NB, J) '04

ACSR421 MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
Bowtie-muscle MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
Chipmonk77 MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
HTR Tuning MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
Lionheart2113 MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
NEWDRIVER123 MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
shaunm80 MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
ugabugaz MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04



Street Touring Roadster Tuners
ACSR421 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
DolHaus Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
donpost Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
JackWilson TBD Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
jtqmopar Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
NEWDRIVER123 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
Otaliema Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
Onboy123 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
praiano63 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
Ronald6 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
ugabugaz Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
xande1959 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
With Improved Body Rigidity
Motor City Hamilton Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07
PKS 80 Mazda Roadster RS (NC) '07



Roadster Touring Car Tuners
donpost Mazda Roadster Touring Car
iainoflo85 Mazda Roadster Touring Car
kapnk006 Mazda Roadster Touring Car
krenkme Mazda Roadster Touring Car
Otaliema Mazda Roadster Touring Car
praiano63 Mazda Roadster Touring Car
xande1959 Mazda Roadster Touring Car
With Improved Body Rigidity
Motor City Hamilton Mazda Roadster Touring Car
shaunm80 Mazda Roadster Touring Car



DigitalBaka's Tuning Database
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
Results

FITT Miata Tuner Challenge Wrap Up

I would have to say, mission accomplished. With this FITT tuner challenge, we set out to emulate racing with the Miata from the amateur level and up the ranks to pro racing. The Spec Miata class, open only to new tuners, finished with seven drivers all separated by only 0.7 seconds on average lap time. That is so close to the way it is in the real world. Compare that to the Roadster Touring Car group where we had one tuner find a trick that allowed for him to own the top spot on the podium by a full second. This is also very real world in the way one team finds something that provides an advantage until his competitors study it and quickly catch up.

Trust me when I tell you that I had as much fun as everyone who has posted comments in the thread. I am honored that so many tuners and testers entered this event. Sincere thanks from me to all of you.

And now, on to the final official results. Congratulations to all of the winners.

SCCA Spec Miata

Lap Time Winners

1st @@Bowtie-muscle
2nd @@backnfourth
3rd @@DaBomm4

Honorable mention to:
@@DozUk only 0.013 seconds behind 3rd place
@@JackWilson only 0.022 seconds behind 3rd place
@@bread82 only 0.041 seconds behind 3rd place
@@HTR Tuning only 0.041 seconds behind 3rd place

Drivers Choice Winners
1st @@backnfourth
2nd @@Bowtie-muscle
3rd @@DaBomm4

Fastest tester lap was done by @@DigitalBaka in the HTRtuning entry at 1:26.672

SCCA Improved Touring

Lap Time Winners
1st @@Onboy123
2nd @@DaBomm4
3rd @@Lionheart2113

Drivers Choice Winners
1st @@Onboy123
2nd @@DaBomm4
3rd @@Lionheart2113

Fastest tester lap was done by @@seb15000 0 in the Onboy123 entry at 1:32.308

Street Touring Roadster

Lap Time Winners
1st @@Motor City Hami
2nd @@Onboy123
3rd @@JackWilson

Drivers Choice Winners
1st @@Motor City Hami
2nd @@Onboy123
3rd @@Ronald6

Fastest tester lap was done by @@seb15000 in the MotorCityHami entry at 1:41.733

Roadster Touring Car

Lap Time Winners
1st @@praiano63
2nd @@iainoflo85
3rd @@Motor City Hami

Drivers Choice Winners
1st @@praiano63
2nd @@Motor City Hami
3rd @@iainoflo85

Fastest tester lap was done by @@kapnk006 in the praiano63 entry at 2:05.859



SCCA Spec Miata
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akr4MBOtjOcqdEV4V3ctXzUwZUR1WWpGQlpzTFUwdnc&usp=sharing


SCCA Improved Touring
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akr4MBOtjOcqdGFacGZLN3lxLWxnc0UxZEJPeGZXYVE&usp=sharing


Street Touring Roadster
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akr4MBOtjOcqdHAyWmc4Q3NRYzljZk94WGlOTF9VOUE&usp=sharing


Roadster Touring Car
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akr4MBOtjOcqdDRoZ0RsVWpIOE9XZGFVbDA2QlBDTkE&usp=sharing
 
Last edited:
FITT Rules

General FITT rules: https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/thre...-tuners-and-test-drivers.291311/#post-9017285

Deadlines:
Tunes are due Sunday, March 2nd at midnight, wherever midnight is in your part of the planet. I tend to wake up around 6:30 am Eastern Standard Time so pretty much have your tune posted before I get to the computer on Monday morning.

Test driver results are due Sunday, March 16th at midnight, wherever midnight is in your part of the planet. Testing is to be done in time trial mode using ABS1 and grip reduction set to real. Please post your results and feedback within this forum.

Scoring:
Fastest lap calculations - A maximum of 10 points can be earned from lap times. The tune with the fastest average lap time across all testers will earn 10 points. All other tunes will earn their score based upon how close their average lap time is to the fastest tune. For example, if the fastest tune earned the average lap time of 1:21.688 and the 2nd fastest tune equates to 1:21.832, the 2nd place tune receives 9.982 points (1:21.688 converted to seconds is 81.688 divided by 1:21.832 converted to seconds is 81.832 *10 = 9.982). Another example, if the fastest tune earned the average lap time of 1:21.688 and the slowest tune equates to 1:27.271, the slowest tune receives 9.360 points (121.688 converted to seconds is 81.688 divided by 127.271 converted to seconds is 87.271 *10 = 9.360). This method of scoring rewards tunes for being very close to the front and will keep the lap time portion of the competition very close.

Driver's choice - Each tester will score each tune on the scale listed below. Driver's choice scores will then be averaged across all testers. The maximum number of DC points that can be earned is ten points. Please choose driver's choice on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0.

Driver's choice scale:
10.0 among the best tunes you have driven in GT6
7 to 9 a great tune that could be a little faster if...
4 to 6 a good tune that needs a few adjustments to become a contender
Under 4 a tune that needs work (please be specific with feedback with any tunes listed here)



Photo mode competition to be announced soon. All photos need to be sent to me either in-game or through GT Planet PM. I will post all photo entries into a voting poll thread and we will ask the full GT Planet community to pick their favorite. I recommend that we all vote on someone else's photo and not our own. Let's show appreciation to our fellow GT Planet friends by letting them know which we like best past our own.
 
Last edited:
Not sure if I'm eligible for the spec miata class or not?
Did you finish in the top 3 for any previous FITT shootout? If yes, get out, it's not for you! :P You came 2nd in that Monaco shootout with the Stratos though, right? If you did, then you're not eligible. :P

Edit: I'll sign up for Improved Touring and Street Touring, kthxbai.
 
Count me in for Spec Miata and Improved Touring Class, already got both cars done ( spec miata and turbo NB replicas ), will adapt to the rules :D and post them soon.
 
Did you finish in the top 3 for any previous FITT shootout? If yes, get out, it's not for you! :P You came 2nd in that Monaco shootout with the Stratos though, right? If you did, then you're not eligible. :P .
Just checked through a lot of the results in the GT5 FITT Shootouts and I haven't had a podium finish. There's a couple 4ths and 5ths but that's the best I've had. The only event I couldn't find was the FF tuner challenge on Cape ring. I used the Eagle Talon and I remember that finishing quite well but not sure wheater podium or not :/

Anyway I will enter the spec miata class and street touring roadster groups then please unless anyone says otherwise.
 
Last edited:
Very much a beginner tuner but would love the opportunity to try out at the Spec Miata event if possible? It's all experience and any sort feedback can only help, can't it?

I'm just venturing into the tuning aspect and this event will be ideal for me to 'Have a go' and learn a few things.
 
@Motor City Hami those pics look epic - so jealous!

I'd like to enter to Street Touring Roadster and Touring Roadster Car class please, purely because they both have only one car to choose from and I'm lazy!

@DozUk - you'll learn tonnes, that's the best thing about these events :gtpflag:
 
I have a question:

If i tune my car using Skid Recovery Force and ABS, will the test driver use those aids, or will they change it to their liking?
 
I have a question:

If i tune my car using Skid Recovery Force and ABS, will the test driver use those aids, or will they change it to their liking?
Skid recovery force isn't allowed because it would give your setup an advantage over everyone else's.
 
I have a question:

If i tune my car using Skid Recovery Force and ABS, will the test driver use those aids, or will they change it to their liking?

Jack is correct. I have a few more things to post in the rules section. The standard for test driving with the FITT challenges is ABS1, all other aids off and grip reduction real. My experience with SRF is that the cars tend to have the same front/rear grip balance but it acts like driving on one or two levels of softer tire.

I actually like to tune on harder tires than listed in the competition then switch to the spec tire for fine tuning. This really helps to zero in on LSD settings.
 
I am retuning my spec miata replica for ABS 1, got a co driver helping me :P, the new spring rate, damper and ARB made it faster by almost a second, but the car is wilder to drive ( loose ) than the replica :( The retuned version able to easily post 39s 2nd sector ( flat out exiting fish bowl ) at Street of Willow ... but I like the feel of the replica :grumpy: At least both can lap below 1:30s.

This will be my tune, and I will update the tune soon after I can make up my mind :lol: I made the appearance similar to your 51 ' 94 car @Motor City Hami, hope it drives just as good :embarrassed:

SPEC MIATA Replica ( FITT MIATA TUNING Challenge by MCH version )
Tuned to replicate Spec Miata MX5 - FITT Tuning Challenge version
Comfort Soft





CAR : Mazda MX-5 Miata SR-Limited (NA,J) '97
Tire : Comfort Soft


Specs
Horsepower: 135 HP at 6400 RPM
Torque: 131.1 ft-lb at 4600 RPM
Power Limiter at : 90%
Weight: 950 kg
Ballast : 93 kg
Ballast Position : 40
Weight Distribution : 51/49 - rough spec based on real life spec miata car.
Performance Points: 371


GT AUTO
NO Oil change
Front Aero Type A
Improve Body Rigidity ( NOT INSTALLED )
Wheels : +1 Inch Up - Enkei SC03 painted in silver/grey
Car Paint : Sublime


Tuning Parts Installed :
Engine Tuning Stage 1
Isometric Exhaust Manifold
Suspension Fully Customizable Kit
Adjustable LSD
Five Speed Transmission
Weight Reduction Stage 3
Carbon Hood ( Body Color )
Window Weight Reduction



LSD 1.5 way
Initial Torque : 15
Acceleration Sensitivity: 20
Braking Sensitivity: 5



Suspension - Bilstein Spec Miata
Front, Rear

Ride Height: 107 113
Spring Rate: 12.50 5.80
Dampers (Compression): 8 3
Dampers (Extension): 7 3
Anti-Roll Bars: 1 3
Camber Angle: 0.3 0.2
Toe Angle: -0.04 0.09


Brake Balance:
8/8 ( personal BB) or for ABS 0 wheel : 8/8, for ABS 1 8/8 or feel free to use your preferred brake balance.


Recommended setting for DS3 user :

Steering sensitivity at +1 or +2, all aids off, except ABS 1 ( if not comfortable with ABS 0 ) with 8/8 brake balance as starting point.


Notes :
I built the spec Miata replica long ago, it's still work in progress with some settings/specs still need to be work on. This replica is fine tuned to fit the rules for tuning challenge.
The car uses Spec Miata suspension setup as close as possible to real life, the balance is good with stable rear end and pretty agile front. Care need to be taken when exiting corners, the rear can wiggle a bit, but it should pose no problem :)

I tested the car at Streets of Willow together with a friend, the car can do 1:27s lap with ease, a good run would see sub 40s 2nd sector ( at fish bowl ). Tune is sill not final :)
 
Last edited:
would like to attend this event as a tuner with my (Mazda Roadster Touring Car:tup: and

Street Touring Class ok
 
Last edited:
@Motor City Hami, great job putting this together and AWESOME pics my friend!👍 Glad to see your living the dream. I noticed you have me listed at the top, think you have that upside down:lol:.... NOTE TO TESTERS, It'll be my first time so please be gentle. :nervous:
 
@Motor City Hami, great job putting this together and AWESOME pics my friend!👍 Glad to see your living the dream. I noticed you have me listed at the top, think you have that upside down:lol:.... NOTE TO TESTERS, It'll be my first time so please be gentle. :nervous:

:lol:

You'll be fine. Use it to learn and have fun with the community. FITT is a pretty good group of people.
 
I made the appearance similar to your 51 ' 94 car @Motor City Hami, hope it drives just as good :embarrassed:


Awesome! It is a known fact in racing that obnoxiously bright green paint is worth at least 2 tenths of a second at most racing circuits. ;)

So are you building a replica to be close to the real life Spec Miata settings, to the stock Miata settings or simply using one of those as a starting point and building something custom? If you are building one to real life Spec Miata, I can help you out with the popular set up.
 
Put me down for SCCA Improved Touring and Street Touring Roadster class as a tuner
Looking forward to this, should be a fun and close competition.
Thanks in advance
 
Awesome! It is a known fact in racing that obnoxiously bright green paint is worth at least 2 tenths of a second at most racing circuits. ;)

So are you building a replica to be close to the real life Spec Miata settings, to the stock Miata settings or simply using one of those as a starting point and building something custom? If you are building one to real life Spec Miata, I can help you out with the popular set up.

I have 2 setups, one with spec miata spring rate ( 700 lb/in / 325 lb/in or 12.5 kg/mm / 5.8 kg/mm ) and the other one with different spring rate, arb, and damper, both drives well, the spec miata spring rate setup is a bit slower, I used base setup from real life spec miata car.

Something like this :
Front Suspension:
Camber: max negative
Caster: max negative (top of shock tilted back towards firewall), or whatever setting will allow the most negative camber
Toe: zero toe, or 1/16th" to 1/8th" toe out
Sway bar: full soft setting
Rear Suspension:
Camber: 2.5 degrees negative
Toe: 1/16th toe in
Sway bar: full stiff or medium setting (dependant on track. Stiff for a looser car, medium for a tighter car. Loose is fast by the way)

Of course, the camber can't be adapted like that :) I use little camber front and back. I'll be happy if you can give me some infos on real life popular setup :)

I read that most SM uses higher rear rake, and about 4.75 inch ride height, with some camber, front from 2 to 4 and rear around 2 to 3. Zero toe or slight toe out front, and toe in rear. Some suggested soft roll bar front and very stiff rear :) These works quite well in GT6 so far, except the camber :(

I will post my final tune above in a few minutes :)
 
Awesome! It is a known fact in racing that obnoxiously bright green paint is worth at least 2 tenths of a second at most racing circuits. ;)

So are you building a replica to be close to the real life Spec Miata settings, to the stock Miata settings or simply using one of those as a starting point and building something custom? If you are building one to real life Spec Miata, I can help you out with the popular set up.
racing stripes improve drag coefficient by a huge amount as well, that paint job alone should ensure a sub 7 minute lap at the Nurburgring!
 
Back