Author Archives: Toby White

About Toby White

I'm a doer!

Running a Mazda MX-5 with TunerStudio

I was about to name the title of this as “tuning a Mazda” but as mine currently sits being worked on by Track Tek I renamed the post to “running a Mazda…”.

This is going to be an ongoing piece to try and help others with getting their car up and running with an aftermarket ECU (in my case a Megasquirt PnP), and wideband AFR, (in my case Innovate LC-2).

I am going to try and list my “not to do, don’t skimp, you are better paying some money” list but can’t guarantee how quickly I will get this post done as it’s going to be a matter of starting from the beginning for me too.

Only until recently have I enlisted professional help in getting the car properly sorted. The initial build I did on my parent’s drive with the help of my Dad but it has gotten progressively more extreme to the point where I can’t use it as a daily driven vehicle. Hopefully when it is back up and working I’ll be able to work on it to the point I can drive it to work once a week at least ๐Ÿ˜‰

Mantra – if it’s turbocharged, and modified, especially where it doesn’t come from the factory as such be prepared to spend some money!

To be continued…

mazda-back

Scruffy back, with rudimentary boot lock (looking to fit drift spec latches). Custom 3″ downpipe back catless exhaust with 4″ tip)

Ten reasons to get a cat!

I don’t really have this many reasons, other than it’s a catchy title and works to get the views… ๐Ÿ˜‰

I had always wanted to get a cat since I’d moved and owned my own house and it was on the ‘list’. I have lots of lists and I always feel satisfied when ticking something off.

So, a cat was on the cards, but it wasn’t until I met my girlfriend that she got the ball rolling. We couldn’t have a dog as we’re both working during the day and it’s cruel to leave it and not good for the psyche of the dog.

A cat on the other hand is fairly independent, you provide it with food and water and a place to sleep and it will be content and provide you with satisfaction through purring and being soft and cuddly and something to talk to without sounding like you’re going crazy!!

So if anyone asks, gets a cat! Ours is faulty though as it squeaks and doesn’t meow so I may need to file an RMA for it to be replaced soon.

Now if you want 14 reasons to get a cat check this linkย LifeHack – 14 reasons to get a catย ๐Ÿ™‚

Visiting Amsterdam for the first timeย 

Red Light District

Canal Tour

Amsterdam Museum

I visited Amsterdam for the first time with my girlfriend in February over the Valentines weekend. If you’re looking to go expect it to be busy then (and expensive) but that’s to be expected anywhere. We went for 3 days flying out early on the Friday so we got a full day out of it.

We flew with easyJet from Stanstead with my Dad doing taxi duties. My parents kindly let us stay the night before as we were closer.

Flight is so short that you spend more time at airport security and departure lounge than in the air ๐Ÿ™‚

Once we landed we got the train from the airport to the main train station where we got off to buy tickets for the tram network. Trams are great in that you pay for a day ticket and you just get on and off swiping on the machine when you get in which checks you in/out. Very civilised! Our hotel was the Best Western (just outside of town, link to TripAdvisor review to be added).

We visited the Sex Museum, Red Light District, main museum (check name) and ate a lot of good food including crepes which they do really well with fruit and cream etc!

My parents also gave us tickets to get a river tour which was a good way of seeing lots of sights and history in a short amount of time so would definitely recommend that if you are planning on going!

The rest of the time it rained a lot and was freezing cold! We got wet and a bit moody having to lug heavy rucksacks around so would definitely recommend paying the extra and taking a suitcase… This will allow you to enjoy your trip more. I could write more but I’m running out of time so will add the links to reviews and fact check later.

The general consensus is that we would definitely like to go back and maybe spend some time in a coffee shop ๐Ÿ˜‰

Hope you enjoyed the read.