Trouble Maker Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 We will be using this for some driver training at work. What year is good? We are looking at used ones, but want lowish mileage and clean. It seems like there was a change at 1999, so that's what I was looking at. Seems like you can get these for $6-7k? What all should we do to it when we get it? Of course all of the usual maintenance stuff. Replace all of the brakes and pads with this, suspension with this, put this cage in it. What about rim size, should we just get good tires for the 14" wheels if it still has those, or just ditch them right away and get 15" wheels and tires? Anything I'm missing, or another place I should look for parts (that was the only Miata parts website I knew about). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berto Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Lesson 1: Fail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Get in touch with Miles, bro. He knows all about these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tripleskate Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 1.) What year is good? We are looking at used ones, but want lowish mileage and clean. It seems like there was a change at 1999, so that's what I was looking at. Seems like you can get these for $6-7k? 2.)What about rim size, should we just get good tires for the 14" wheels if it still has those, or just ditch them right away and get 15" wheels and tires? 3.)Anything I'm missing, or another place I should look for parts (that was the only Miata parts website I knew about). 1.)My buddy has a '99 aka the NB, Miata's have simple chassis codes NA is the 1st gen, NB is the 2nd, and the NC is the current car. check for rust inside fenders, and under side skirts. Other than typical maintainence his car seems bulletproof. According to him, the NA's 1.6l motor feels a bit more lively than his 1.8l but I don't think it matters too greatly. 2.) He (and just about everyone else competitive) tends to run 15's, less sidewall to flex, and depending on the tires you're looking for, more selection. Are you going to run street tires or race tires? You can find all the big time street tires, Direzza Star Specs, Bridgestone RE11, etc in 15's. 3.) Miata.net, Goodwin Racing, and Corksport (they do every kind of Mazda) are a few I can name off the top of my head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGU Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Ill fill you in with more info later when i have some more time. Ive owned probably 5-6 of the miatas and know quite a bit about them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farkas Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Biggest thing you want to be aware of is the crank keyway problem on the on the NAs. Not all of them have this problem, but my brother can fill you in on which ones are different than the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rally Pat Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Good cheap sporty performance, made fun of by stupid people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BloodRed Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Miata drivers are f'n crazy. But they can be made into a sporty and fun little car for cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 One of the best set-up cars I ever raced was a spec miata, granted the owner had an open check book it seems, but it was fantastic. Oh, and my Grandmother has one lol. I would have one in a heart beat, just too many other things going on to worry about one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coltboostin Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Biggest thing you want to be aware of is the crank keyway problem on the on the NAs. Not all of them have this problem, but my brother can fill you in on which ones are different than the others. Short vs. Long Nose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyin Miata Posted February 16, 2011 Report Share Posted February 16, 2011 Aside from the crank issue, the motor is fucking indestructible. Biggest rust area on mine is in front of the rear wheel well on each side, but it's been through quite a few winters. For pretty good deals on used parts, I usually go to http://www.planet-miata.com . It's a Miata only junkyard in PA so the parts usually ship quick. Just make sure you double check that they have the right part number down that you want, they do all ordering over the phone and I've had some issues before. Nothing that they haven't made right though. If you've got any specific questions send me a PM. If I don't know I can probably find out. Definitely check out http://www.miata.net and the forum there, it's a bunch of old people who don't have a sense of humor but there is a shitload of information there, especially in the "garage" section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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