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?

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Originally Posted by strathound

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?

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I think you would be much happier with the 2006 you posted earlier.

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Originally Posted by Titus

I think you would be much happier with the 2006 you posted earlier.

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Ok. Why?

The Mazdaspeed has never really had much success in autocrossing. IIRC, it is partly due to classing. It also has issues with the fact that the redline in lower than other Miatas, it has a 6-speed, and the turbo needs to spool up to take advantage of the power. This all adds up to a lot of shifting to get through a course. I do love the Mazdaspeed, but wouldn't buy one for autocross and would take an NC (2006+) over it. Especially when a 2006 Limited is available for about the same price. Bottom line, the NCs are nationally competitive in multiple SCCA classes and the Mazdaspeeds are not.

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Originally Posted by Titus

The Mazdaspeed has never really had much success in autocrossing. IIRC, it is partly due to classing. It also has issues with the fact that the redline in lower than other Miatas, it has a 6-speed, and the turbo needs to spool up to take advantage of the power. This all adds up to a lot of shifting to get through a course. I do love the Mazdaspeed, but wouldn't buy one for autocross and would take an NC (2006+) over it. Especially when a 2006 Limited is available for about the same price.

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Wow. Ok. That makes a lot of sense. I was thinking that if I kept the rpm's up, this thing would pull like a champ. But I can see how the low redline would be an issue. With my S2000, I had a 9K redline, but blew one engine. Mazda was smart, in some ways to prevent that.

MS

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Originally Posted by strathound

Wow. Ok. That makes a lot of sense. I was thinking that if I kept the rpm's up, this thing would pull like a champ. But I can see how the low redline would be an issue. With my S2000, I had a 9K redline, but blew one engine. Mazda was smart, in some ways to prevent that.

MS

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Yep... From 1990-2005, the Miata rev limiter kicks in at 7200 rpm... except the Mazdaspeed which has it set to 6500 rpms. IIRC, the 06-08 is 6850 and the 09-12 is 7180.

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Originally Posted by Titus

Yep... From 1990-2005, the Miata rev limiter kicks in at 7200 rpm... except the Mazdaspeed which has it set to 6500 rpms. IIRC, the 06-08 is 6850 and the 09-12 is 7180.

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Hopefully someone was fired over this, lol. What would I do without you guys?

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Originally Posted by Titus

Yep... From 1990-2005, the Miata rev limiter kicks in at 7200 rpm... except the Mazdaspeed which has it set to 6500 rpms. IIRC, the 06-08 is 6850 and the 09-12 is 7180.

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Any idea why the 06-08 rev limit is lower than the 09-12? Is there a difference in the motors, intake, exhaust?

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Originally Posted by slates

Any idea why the 06-08 rev limit is lower than the 09-12? Is there a difference in the motors, intake, exhaust?

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http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/2009-mx-5

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On manual transmission models, the MZR 2.0-liter engine's redline has been bumped up 500 rpm, to 7200, giving drivers more flexibility as they dive from corner to corner on their favorite back road. Making this higher redline possible is a new forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods with floating wrist pins, revised pistons with stronger wrist pin bosses, stiffer valve springs, and an engine oil cooler.

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Titus got it. They beefed up the motor after the Cup guys kept blowing them. Same power, no valve float.

Strathound - even though the Mazdaspeed is in the same stock class as the regular NB (CS), it is not a competitive autox car. In addition to all that was mentioned, the power is peaky and weak down low. You have to shift a ton, which kills your time in autox, and you can't get enough tire under the fenders, compared to the NC. It is a really fun street car, and beautiful. They are also rare-ish, so they tend to be priced about the same as an early NC.

I'm actually kinda jealous that you found that LE for that price. If it checks out mechanically, it's a peach. I'll still have to put the smack down on you, but I'll compliment your ride.:)

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Originally Posted by OZMDD

the Mazdaspeed is in the same stock class as the regular NB (CS)

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That says it all. Not sure if any other same-year car has both the turbo and non-turbo in the same class. Maybe the early 930 Turbos, but I did not look.

Go with 06 or newer if you can afford it. And make sure it has the diff. If the stock shocks are yellow bilsteins it likely has the factory torsen diff. My only regret on my 06 is that I didn't know about the diff when I bought it.

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Originally Posted by OZMDD

I'm actually kinda jealous that you found that LE for that price. If it checks out mechanically, it's a peach. I'll still have to put the smack down on you, but I'll compliment your ride.:)

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Well, don't be too jealous. I'm not ready to pull the trigger financially at this moment. So it may slip out of my hands. But I'll keep an eye on that one. Thanks for the tip.

MS

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Originally Posted by Nails

Go with 06 or newer if you can afford it. And make sure it has the diff. If the stock shocks are yellow bilsteins it likely has the factory torsen diff. My only regret on my 06 is that I didn't know about the diff when I bought it.

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Other than the yellow bilsteins, how can I check to see if it has the diff? Is there a certain model number? Does the limited have the diff?

Thanks,

MS

Call Mazda North America Customer Assistance Center at 800-222-5500 with the vin number.

I did this before I bought my '07 to verify that it had a LSD even though it had the yellow Bilsteins. It did.

Jim H.

Is there anything you guys DON'T know?

No. Next question.

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Originally Posted by strathound

Is there anything you guys DON'T know?

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How do you beat a black NC that once had a Firebird on the hood? That one seems to elude most of us...

Avoid the MSM (mazdaspeed) if you plan to autocross in stock class. As mentioned before, the lower redline and 4.10/6spd combo makes it slower than a standard NB or NC on most courses do the constant 2nd to 3rd gear shifting required (top speed in 2nd is 48.8mph). They also take a hard bump into BSP instead of CSP like all other miata's do. This is from an MSM owner, who could care less about classing and will be uncompetitive in SSM. :)

Welcome aboard.