Rocketeer Build Videos

Jono said:

First one down and nothing skipped. Next two for lunch. :thumbsup:

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Bradders said:

Enjoyed watching those three teasers.....waiting for the real stuff to start

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Jono said:

Ok, I'm all caught up with the vids and looking forward to the next.

The explanation as to why this engine was so suitable was excellent.

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Flood said:

Glad some are enjoying

Looks like he will run through every step of the kit steps...

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Kev5 said:

Excellent! This chap is far more watchable than that awful 'Car Throttle' individual (wouldn't you like to 'throttle' him?!!) and the second video contained a fascinating insight into the Jaguar engine and it's heritage.

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MJL said:

Thank you, Flood. :thumbsup:

That really is getting interesting.

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Just created an account here. I'm Dave, the guy creating these videos.

Thank you so much for the kind words!

If you have any feedback on things you'd like to see, things you like/don't like, I'd love to hear them. I'm not going to be making a penny from these videos, so it's all just about documenting the project, as I plan to keep this car for many years to come!

The latest video went live a couple of days ago

Flood said:

Music is beginning to annoy!

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Interesting you say that - I had a comment on that video on YouTube from someone who reckons the music is "killing the videos".

Seems like it's hard to gauge the right amount of music - B is for Build use lots of music, and Urchfab uses minimal music and lots of silence (during the timelapses).

Is it the amount of music, or the style of music that is putting you off?

I had shot this next video before your comments about the audio volume, but I'll bear it in mind for the next one.

My car will be off the road now until the Rocketeer conversion is done!

Settle in for a 25 min step-by-step on how to drop the engine, gearbox, subframe and suspension out the bottom of your MX5. Time consuming, but soooooooo satisfying when you roll it out on the front wheels!


Note: I took on board the comments about the music being too loud, so let me know what you think of the music on this, and the format of adding a voiceover

Stripping the MX5 front subframe

Removing parts that I'll need for the Rocketeer engine conversion (Jaguar V6 in a Miata)
1. Removing the gearbox from the engine
2. Removing the engine from the subframe
3. Removing the uprights from the wishbones
4. Removing the steering rack

Fitting the updated lower inlet manifold, re-sealing the sump, and bolting on the new exhaust manifolds. The Rocketeer build continues.

Warning: this video is all timelapses and getting sh1t done. I don't do any talking to the camera, so chill out and enjoy the music!

No plans to paint them for the moment, just want to get it up and running first. A lot of the rocker covers are covered up by the inlet manifolds anyway.

Rocketeer V6 build nearly ready to go back in! Contains a riveting section about steering rack boots - unmissable

The V6 is now in! Bolting up the Rocketeer subframe and anti roll bar. Guest appearance from Bubbles.

The Rocketeer kit comes with a dual exhaust, so you need to cut a second hole in the rear bumper. As I have a UK bumper with fog light at not-quite centre, it looked weird, so I removed the rear fog light and did a bumper cut from one exhaust hole across to the other.

Out with the rusty rear subframe & wishbones and in with the new shiny ones! Extensive how-to if you need to remove and reinstall your rear subframe.

No music. No talking. Just exhaust fitting.

I paint the Jaguar V6 valve covers in an Alfa Romeo colour (for added reliability) and install a new aluminium radiator and slimline fan. V6 MX5 Rocketeer kit.

Hubs shmubs
Definitely not touching those

Another riveting video! This time it's about hoses. Exciting, I know!

Getting air into the engine. Inlet manifolds, throttle bodies, air filters, throttle position sensor.

Controlled explosions have occurred within 6 cylinders

Final tweaks, declaring the engine change, getting it dyno'd, and an unexpected kick in the nads.

Follow my adventure as a blindly wade through learning about VVT solenoids, tappet shims, timing chain tensioners, welding for the first time and generally treading water without making any progress. The replacement engine is in, but all is not well (yet).