After some underhood detailing

Now it looks worlds better. I used a mild auto body scotchbrite pad on the valve cover and the exhaust manifold heat shield, with some Wenol metal polish on it. I then followed that up with #0000 steel wool, also with Wenol on it.

Before taking this picture, I’d preemptively replaced a bunch of stuff.

• Plugs and wires: NGK
• Radiator and hoses: Advance Auto stuff
• Coolant: Zerex G-05, because I had it
• Brake and clutch fluid: Valvoline
• Windshield washer fluid: Einszett
• Air filter: Purolator paper
• Engine oil: Pennzoil 5W40 fancy pants Euro blend, because I had some
• Trans fluid: Redline MTL, at the recommendation of a Spec Miata site
• Diff fluid: Redline gear oil, same recommendation

I’d also cleaned out the gunk from the unibody and polished, as best I could, the frame rails, shock towers, the back of the firewall, and the underside of the hood. It doesn’t look like a car I bought from a small time used car lot anymore - not it looks like it’s loved.