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Hello all. A customer of mine showed me his autocross Miata last week and got me excited. I've been into Mustangs for a long time and have always wanted to get into some entry level road racing. Having been "out" of Mustangs for a while, now may be a good time to see about getting a Miata.
What do ya'll recommend for a good starter car? The early Miata's? Or any advice on getting started?
Thanks!! Eric
What is your budget? You can get started and have fun on the autocross course and/or track with just about any Miata in good mechanical shape with only a set of good tires (most prefer Falken Azenis for double duty). After that, getting competitive in Stock class is only about a Grand in parts + an extra set of wheels with R compound tires.
I had to own a few before getting my personal preferences, but for starters (if it's for autocrossing) any of 'em. Just about any year can be made to what you want it to do. Lot's of folks will tell to get this year because of the heads, that year because of the rear end. Well, most of the parts are interchangeable, so it doesn't matter what year you get. As far as the 1.6 vs. 1.8, it's still preference. Both are good motors. 1.6's make sure it is a long crank. Worry about mods after you have owned it for a while and see what is out there. You really don't need boost to go fast, check out some CSP Miatas and especially #36 SM2. They are smokin' fast enough.
Welcome! Looking forward to seeing you at an AX. No matter what year you get, you'll have fun beating up on Mustang drivers when the course has turns and is longer than a 1/4 mile. The Mustang is a hoot in a drag race, though.
As for what to buy, it just depends on your budget and what you want to do with it. You really cannot go wrong. If pressed, I'd say the NA 1.8 is probably the best route, but there are pros and cons to each. If you want a daily driver, the NB might be a better choice. As they say, the NA is a better Miata, but the NB is a better car. I have no idea what we say about the NCs.
Welcome aboard!
Welcome, Whatever you buy will be a blast to drive! I bought one with the intention to sell, fell in love and won't give it up!
Enjoy, -Wes-
Welcome.
NA = '90-'97
NB = '99-'05
NC = '06- ?
Sometimes we forget that everyone doesn't do Miata-speak.
Welcome
Welcome aboard!
ha. you sound like me. I actually got rid of my mustang gt for a miata and i am happy every minute about the decision. Especially when i went to autocross for the first time and beat all the mustangs except my friends which has waaaay too much money in to it. Only mod is a racing beat front sway bar with brace and crappy tires. He only beat me by 2 seconds so it shows you what these cars can do. I should have him by the end of the year no doubt. All the years are great so just get what you can. Good luck with your search.
welcome
Hello.
All Miatas are great cars. Best thing to do is drive several examples and see what you like.
I prefer the first generation.
Welcome!
Thanks for the replies! And I appreciate the help with NA, NB & NC. I've been trying to figure out those little puzzles for a few days now.:rolleyes: What do they stand for? Or are they just Mazda production codes or something?
I'll definatly be in the NA range as far as budget. Have a baby on the way so it'll have to be low key for now. Im thinking around $2500 or so for a high mile car to get started. I don't want to burn all the funds on the car alone. Like ya'll said I'll need tires and other goodies Im sure. And a roll bar.
Will there be some Miata's at the BMW thing at TMS in Justin, Tx. on April 1st? I may come out and watch a bit.
Eric
It's a Mazda thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sidewayz
90-97 car's VIN starts as JM1NA...
99-05 car's VIN start as JM1NB...
06+ car's VIN start as JM1NC...
More info here.
Here is an automated VIN decoder.
There might be a couple ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sidewayz
Welcome! I think that based on your budget the NA is the choice for you. If you look around you should be able to get one at a good price.
Welcome to the board!
Come find me on Sunday for a ride. I'll be in the black #78, first gen Miata.
As far as which car to buy, there are way too many reasons to buy any of them.
Take for instance a '92 with a 1.6. You could build it into a locally competitive E-stock car like jrj512 or you could build a nationally competitive STS2 car (street tire class with bolt-on mods) or you could drop in a '99-'00 motor and build a very competitive C-street prepared car.
Then of course you can forget about all of these rule sets and build the car how you want to. Sometimes I really hate SCCA autocross rules. ::Rant::
Get what you want, they're all good, but in the price range you are thinking about you'll probably end up with a NA.