Reply With QuoteOk. Why?Originally Posted by Titus
I think you would be much happier with the 2006 you posted earlier.
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.
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
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.
Hopefully someone was fired over this, lol. What would I do without you guys?
Any idea why the 06-08 rev limit is lower than the 09-12? Is there a difference in the motors, intake, exhaust?
http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/2009-mx-5
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.
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.:)
Polished Turd Racing
Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."
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.
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
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.
Maybe 4 wheels aren't so bad after all... wickett.org
It only goes to show when people can no longer discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, or sexual orientation, they can improvise and still find someone to hate. - Dave Moulton
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. :)
2013 Mazda2 slushbox daily
1993 Miata (future exocet donor)
Welcome aboard.
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