This thing handles like a Cadillac!

[CosmosMpower]

So slowchildmiata was nice enough to drive my butt down to BFE East TX yesterday after work to pick up a 97 Miata. On the way we saw some very interesting things like a building that house both a bowling alley and gun shop/range together. I was just waiting to see the local skating rink/titty bar combination...ken o would love it.

The car has 158K miles and in overall decent shape. It needs the normal TLC but runs fine, didn't break down/overheat on the way back or anything. However...it handles like a river barge. Any higher speed sweepers make it feel very floaty like the steering wheel is not connected to the front wheels. You can yank the steering wheel back and forth a good amount before it responds.

What are the usual suspects? We are pretty sure the shocks are blown, probably needs new bushings, tie rod ends. Any thing else that is obvious on old NA's to replace when the steering is loose?

[POS Racing]

I'd bet is has 158,000 miles on all the original worn out suspension.

Throw some money at it and it will get better!

[jrj512]

Replacing the lower front ball joints should be on your list, too.

[CosmosMpower]

Yes I realize everything is probably shot to hell. My 93LE had 178K when I bought it and didn't feel like this. I suspect the Bilstein shocks may have been a bit sturdier than the standard ones.

Thanks Jerret, will check out the ball joints.

[sammm]

Suspension/bushings (maybe springs) are worn out and/or crunchy. Start with the suspension bits and you'll be good to go.

What's your goal for the car? Track toy?

[jrj512]

What's your goal for the car? Track toy?

He's looking for something that will beat this mean Asian kid in a GT-R at autocrosses.

[CosmosMpower]

Suspension/bushings (maybe springs) are worn out and/or crunchy. Start with the suspension bits and you'll be good to go.

What's your goal for the car? Track toy?

Right now probably just a daily beater to keep miles off the GT-R and really I missed having a convertible. Eventually might do some track days but it's so freaking slowwwww. But it's also so freaking cheap to track, I like being cheap but I hate being slow.

[CosmosMpower]

He's looking for something that will beat this mean Asian kid in a GT-R at autocrosses.

Pshh, anything can beat a GT-R at an autocross. It's pretty fun on a road course though.

[Flyin96M]

Right now probably just a daily beater to keep miles off the GT-R and really I missed having a convertible. Eventually might do some track days but it's so freaking slowwwww. But it's also so freaking cheap to track, I like being cheap but I hate being slow.

You should ask yourself "How fast do you want to spend?"

[CosmosMpower]

You should ask yourself "How fast do you want to spend?"

The obvious answer would be....as little as possible which is why I'm in this predicament to begin with LOL.

What's the best retailers to get TCB parts these days?

[SirHustlerEsq]

Inner and outter tie-rods first. I take those parts very seriously.

[sammm]

I like being cheap but I hate being slow.

• Fast
• Reliable
• Cheap

Pick 2.

[CosmosMpower]

• Fast
• Reliable
• Cheap

Pick 2.

I'll go with cheap and reliable. Looks like shocks and tie rod ends are the first culprits I'll address.

Where can I find some cheap shocks? Anyone have stock shocks laying around they want to sell?

[jrj512]

Stay away from major engine mods and it will remain reliable. Throw on a header, exhaust, intake, and maybe a lightweight underdrive pulley.

Add a good suspension and some wheels/tires.

With that, you will have a car that is reliable, relatively cheap, and fun to drive on the track or an autocross. The fun/value factor of an STS/STR NA/NB is hard to beat.

[johnwag]

I'll go with cheap and reliable. Looks like shocks and tie rod ends are the first culprits I'll address.

Where can I find some cheap shocks? Anyone have stock shocks laying around they want to sell?

Like mr brg said, replace the inner tie rods as well. Trey's had some crazy stuff happen on track with old inner tie rods.

[CosmosMpower]

Yeah no plans to do anything crazy doubt I'll even do an intake or exhaust. Probably just replace all the tired worn parts and get it up to spec maintenance wise maybe a wider set of wheels/tires and a rollbar and call it a day.

Thanks for the reccomendations. Now I just need to know where to buy parts, it's been a few years since I've owned a miata.

[apex2apex]

OBX coilover kit off Ebay, used Bilsteins, NB tophats, and Honda bumpstops make great TCB suspension.

[CosmosMpower]

OBX coilover kit off Ebay, used Bilsteins, NB tophats, and Honda bumpstops make great TCB suspension.

How does the OBX coilover ride? I always thought OBX=cheap parts that aren't very good. Where can I find used Bilsteins?

[slowchildmiata]

Stay away from major engine mods and it will remain reliable.

Really? Wait.... Yeah

[slowchildmiata]

How does the OBX coilover ride? I always thought OBX=cheap parts that aren't very good. Where can I find used Bilsteins?

Told you he would know what to get cheap.

OBX coilover are just sleeves and basic springs. The shock will determine the ride.