New Member

Hi,

I'm new here. I'm thinking of picking up a used miata to compete in autocross events this year. I'm still in the planning stages. Since I'm a novice, I would probably like to start in the unmodified division.

I could really use some tips on how to get started. Is there a particular year or model/package on the miatas that's the best for someone starting from scratch? I don't have a car yet, but I'm looking at used ones online.

Anyways, I look forward to hearing opinions on that. And thanks for setting this up. Looks like a great resource.

Michael

Welcome....I am sure the autocross kids will chime in shortly.

Welcome...for just starting out in autocross, it's hard to go wrong with an NA (1st generation). I'd look for the cleanest '94-'97 (has the 1.8 liter engine) model I could find...a good service history is a bonus. Some of the 'M' editions came standard with 15" wheels and ABS - both are autocross pluses! Like most things, you will get what you pay for.

I second what sammm said. Look for the best 1994-1997 model you can find. These are know as NA Miatas, the VIN will start JM1NA.......... In autocross, it is much more the driver than the car. Any Miata will be fun to compete with. Any Miata can win locally, with the right driver. All IMHO. YMMV.

Welcome to the forum. Ask questions when you need to.

http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html

This link will help.

Awesome info guys. So the idea basically is save money on the car, and put money into after market parts?

^Save money on the car, put money into seat time and being a better driver.

Welcome!

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Originally Posted by p4R4d0x

^Save money on the car, put money into seat time and being a better driver.

Welcome!

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Ahh, right. Good point. :)

If you give an idea of your budget, that will help us give you suggestions. The miata world runs the gamut from $1000 beater fun cars to $20k+ new 3rd gen NC miatas ( and way up from there with purpose built racers), but the vast majority of weekend autocross miatas fall into the $4-8K range, once you factor in extra wheels and tires, and various handling and engine upgrades.

If you are trying to keep the budget really small, try to find an early NA that has already had some upgrades added, then pick up some fresh performance tires/wheels and have a ball. With a little more budget, the suggestions Sammm gave are pretty ideal. If you've got over $10k to spend, an 06-07 NC can be had, and they are fast and comfy ( that's my ride, so I'm biased).

The second gen NB miatas offer more power and goodies than the NA, but less than the NC and are priced in the middle. They also made a factory turbo Mazdaspeed NB in 04-05 which are pretty cool.

So, decide your budget and goals, invest in a good starter car and tires, then get lots of seat time and learn! More upgrades can be done down the road once you have a clearer idea of the direction you want to take the car. Too many new owners jump right into upgrades that later put them into a class they don't want to be in.
good luck!

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Originally Posted by OZMDD

If you've got over $10k to spend, an 06-07 NC can be had, and they are fast and comfy ( that's my ride, so I'm biased).

So, decide your budget and goals, invest in a good starter car and tires, then get lots of seat time and learn! More upgrades can be done down the road once you have a clearer idea of the direction you want to take the car. Too many new owners jump right into upgrades that later put them into a class they don't want to be in.
good luck!

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Something like this?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

Mmmm, daddy like. Yeah, I know I need the seat time. I've done a lot of racing virtually. And I used to drive an S2000. But I've got zero time on the track. Doing it for real ... well that's a whole other story. Thanks for the info guys. You've given me a lot to think about.

Michael

Welcome aboard!!! +1 to all the advice that you've already been given.

Autocross season is getting ready to startup pretty soon and a few of the clubs will be having autocross schools. Here's the link for the one BMW is having in March http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/2187...March-3rd-2012. For a novice I'd highly recommend going to one if it works out. you'll get good instruction, lots of seat time and it's very inexpensive.

Just out of curiousity what part of the metromess are you located in?

Keith

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Originally Posted by Keifersmith

Welcome aboard!!! +1 to all the advice that you've already been given.

Autocross season is getting ready to startup pretty soon and a few of the clubs will be having autocross schools. Here's the link for the one BMW is having in March http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/2187...March-3rd-2012. For a novice I'd highly recommend going to one if it works out. you'll get good instruction, lots of seat time and it's very inexpensive.

Just out of curiousity what part of the metromess are you located in?

Keith

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I'm in Addison currently.

MS

Strathound? You, uh, dink around on the guitar? I've got a crappy old cheap Strat in my office that I haven't played in a few years... I need to get back on that... :)

Welcome! Get ready to be addicted,

Don't forget to drop by dfwautocross.com.

If you see a 94 - 97 black with tan top and tan leather seats jump on it. Run the vin to make sure, but it more than likely has a torsen diff(C-package). You can get rid of the ugly tan pieces later.

That's what I did and couldn't be happier with it.

strathound - the link you posted is an LE (limited edition) that's a very cool car, and yes, its an excellent platform for autox. That will have the 6-speed, which I like, but some National-level guys prefer the 5-speed found on the base models. The paint color and features on that LE are unique and really nice, as well as having a unique wheel and a number plate on the console.

If you can get that for $11K, you'd be very happy.

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Originally Posted by trickyrix

Strathound? You, uh, dink around on the guitar? I've got a crappy old cheap Strat in my office that I haven't played in a few years... I need to get back on that... :)

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That was a name I came up with when I was going through a divorce. I told my wife, "you can have everything, I just want my guitar and the dog." Loved that dog. Still have the guitar, and I get a chance to play it out now and then here and there. I've picked up a few more since then too. :)

Looking forward to meeting all you nice folks.

Michael

Found my car. Ok, I'm joking, but WTH?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Pros and cons of the Mazdaspeed for AutoX? I'm thinking ... in the unmodified division, that this might be a good option:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

NB. Turbocharged. Thoughts?