Cost - Wouldnt it be nice

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by trimer

2 words: Ab So Lute Ly Not

The funny thing is that if you did nothing but visit track days and autocross events where ever one was being held, from Watkins Glen to Laguna Seca, the car that is without a doubt the one you are most likely to see raced at everyone of those events is the little Miata.

The NA/NB Miatas are by far the best combination of nimble, light weight, inexepnsive, with a responsive throttle, just enough power to learn how to drive for real without so much power that a newbie ends up in the trees, and insanely inexpensive to upgrade for best performance. The engine is near bullet proof and makes a terrific sound. The gear box is perfectly suited for constant shifting.

I should have had my head examined for selling my triple black Miata with BBS RK wheels. You will never learn more about high performance driving without spending so little. Given that most Porsches only see the odd burn out in the Starbucks parking lot because the driver was distracted by his pannini falling to the floorboard, it's really the most backward car culture thing I can think of.

[The Radium King]

been daydreaming about a Miata with a rx8 renesis engine. you can get a motor for under $2k. bellhousing bolts right up. 280 easy hp in a 2300 lb car. most miatas have torsen rear ends ($3.5k touch in a boxster). wanna be competitive at the track? the engine is only 1.3 litres so you'll be classed with all the other under 2L cars, even with wankel/rotary displacement modifiers (rules vary, of course).

[trimer]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

The funny thing is that if you did nothing but visit track days and autocross events where ever one was being held, from Watkins Glen to Laguna Seca, the car that is without a doubt the one you are most likely to see raced at everyone of those events is the little Miata.

The NA/NB Miatas are by far the best combination of nimble, light weight, inexepnsive, with a responsive throttle, just enough power to learn how to drive for real without so much power that a newbie ends up in the trees, and insanely inexpensive to upgrade for best performance. The engine is near bullet proof and makes a terrific sound. The gear box is perfectly suited for constant shifting.

I should have had my head examined for selling my triple black Miata with BBS RK wheels. You will never learn more about high performance driving without spending so little. Given that most Porsches only see the odd burn out in the Starbucks parking lot because the driver was distracted by his pannini falling to the floorboard, it's really the most backward car culture thing I can think of.

Let me clarify something. I have owned two red miatas. One was a 1990 and the other a 1991. Picked my wife up on our first date in one that had 100000 miles on it. We bought a second ine when i sold my first company. That was in 1997 and it was the 91 with 12,000 miles on it. Perfect car. Really fun. My wife said it looked like a tic tac. I have owned two but will never see a third. I am not knocking them at all....

[Steve Tinker]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I should have had my head examined for selling my triple black Miata with BBS RK wheels. You will never learn more about high performance driving without spending so little. Given that most Porsches only see the odd burn out in the Starbucks parking lot because the driver was distracted by his pannini falling to the floorboard, it's really the most backward car culture thing I can think of.

You are absolutely correct - I bought a very early 1989 MX-5 (chassis # 1165) which was the best bang for the buck of any vehicle I've ever owned. It even had the notorious short nose crank, but it never gave any problem.......

After fitting Ohlins shocks with Eibach springs coupled to Michelin Pilot tyres on lightweight 15" wheels, very few cars can get past you in the twisties. Day in, day out the thing never let me down - 110% reliable.
I wish I had never sold it but I just hadn't the space for 4 cars and a motorcycle .......