Horn- for 07 Mx5

[pylon]

The horn on my 07 Miata is pathetic. Does anyone know of a LOUD substitue that fits the crowded engine compartment? I have a couple of Italian airhorns, but there's no room as far as I can see. I am tired of being ignored. Suggestions?

[m1ataman]

I have a set of Hella dual air horns on my '06. The horns went in behind the grill on the drivers side and so did the compressor. It's been almost 3 years since I put mine in but I think the hardest part was just removing the bottom tray to get in there. Lordco sells them.

[coho]

I have the Nautilis Air Horn and works great.
Verrrrryyyyyy loud

[pylon]

Thanks, Coho! Did you install it yourself, if not, who did it, and what was the fee. If you did it, have you any hints or directions: if so either phone me at 250 386-2428 or let me know via this Forum how to contact you. Maybe this will at last enable the louts in huge RVs to be aware of my presence! Ciao, "Pylon" (Ian).

[HB_96]

Purchased the Stebel Nautilus air horn (compact version) Saturday, here locally in Victoria (more on this below). Have not yet installed it and, Coho, I too would be curious as to installation, hints etc.

I did investigate this item on the web and, initially, came across two sources in the U.S. that, in addition to the horn itself, also supply mounting hardware specific to the Miata.
The first: <http://www.3rdstrategy.com/3rdMillennium%20Air%20Horn%20Kit.htm> helpfully posted instructions, including detailed pictures of the mounting hardware, <http://www.3rdstrategy.com/horn_installation_guide.htm>, which gives you a good idea of what is required (essentially a grounding wire about 6” in length with appropriate connectors and a bracket, a short piece of aluminum bar about 2” in length with two holes drilled in it). This particular kit is specific to the NA (‘90-07) only. Cost for the horn with the additional Miata specific hardware is $58 plus about $8.50 shipping from the U.S. all in U.S. currency.

The other source, also in the U.S., is <http://www.thompson-automotive.com/Air_Horn.html> The cost is lower ($41.50 U.S.) plus $10 shipping to Canada and also includes an installation kit, in this case separate ones for each of the three Miata models. As well, their kit apparently includes a 20 amp fuse that you exchange for the 15 amp one in your fuse box. No instructions are posted on their website but the kit is supposed to come with instructions. I suspect that other than the addition of the 20 amp fuse the kit is probably similar to the 3rd strategy one.

I decided to check to see if the horn was available in Canada, perhaps even locally. Lo and behold through Google I discovered that it was available through Scooter Underground <http://scooterunderground.ca/index.htm> here in Victoria (click on parts and accessories and then “horns” under “stuff for your scooter”) for $43 (Cdn). They are located on the north-west corner of Yates and Cook in the basement area of, coincidently, Pacific Mazda. Anyways, went down there and asked if they would offer a discount to VI Club Miata members and, after checking with the manager (name of John I believe) they said, yes – 10%. Furthermore, the discount applies to all their scooter accessories, including clothing. (Actually, some of the goggles look pretty neat, perfect for those who are really into top down motoring – thinking here of those brave souls who participated top down in the Xmas lights cruise in the middle of that snow storm Dec 20!) After my purchase ($43.35 including all taxes) I went upstairs to the Pacific Mazda parts department and picked up a 20 amp fuse (free – “my present for the day”).

If I have time on Sunday I may go to Home Depot to see if they have something that can be used as or fashioned into a bracket. The ground wire looks straightforward enough. But if anyone else has suggestions as to what can be used as a suitable bracket…

Finally, there is a fairly good discussion of the horn and experiences in installing it (but no detailed instructions unfortunately) on Miata.net

http://www.miata.net/products/pmisc/stebel.html

[HB_96]

Follow-up on the above. Just completed the installation of the Stebel Nautilus air horn (compact version). The instructions as outlined on http://www.3rdstrategy.com/horn_installation_guide.htm worked fairly well. I fashioned my own bracket out of a piece of steel strapping obtained at Home Depot ($0.99) and a ground wire out of 14 gauge wire and the appropriate connectors. Overall the installation went quite smoothly. The air horn was inserted through the nose. I also found it easier to insert the washer and bolt holding the bracket to the car by going through the nose and using needle nose pliers. The only PITA was tightening this bolt. I had to work an 11 mm wrench from below through the nose into this area to hold the bolt in place and then have someone tighten the nut from above. After that I replaced the 15 amp fuse for the horn and stop light (they’re on the same circuit) with a 20 amp one. Note that all these instructions apply to the NA model only. I gather the NB and NC are a different kettle of fish in terms of brackets, finding an appropriate location etc. The horn works fine, though not quite as loud as I thought it would be (but still much louder than the standard horn), and I have a sense that there is just a bit of a lag upon hitting the horn button compared to the regular horn. I’ll be participating in the brunch run to Duncan next Sunday if anyone would like to inspect my handiwork. Also, I have more than 24’ of 14 gauge wire left if anyone would like a piece for making a ground wire, as well as a few surplus connectors.

Cheers,

Herman
’93 LE

[coho]

Have been away .
No trouble installing it -takes a bit of time and dexterity in rigt arm.
One thing get a socket with about 18 inch extension to screw bolt on.
Cheers

Chris

[stimo]

I installed an extra horn, a 1935 Austin Ruby Klaxon via a separate relay and push-button. Sure moves off leash dogs in a hurry! AGARRRAH!