more questions

[saffikeagan]

I'm now commuting long distances (N.Dallas to S.Arlington): anything special I need to consider with the Miata in the daily wear and tear beyond keeping the oil changed?

Is Miata Solutions reasonably priced (I'm monitarily challenged)?

I've got a really bad shimmy that a few weeks ago seemed like it was limited to the 60-65mph range (ie semi normal), but now seems to be growing (59-70 range)...can this wait for Saturday or could I do major damage?

[black roadster]

Miata Solutions is actually Rogue on this forum and he is a good guy.

Keep your oil changed and other basic maintenance in check. I'm sure Rogue can do that during the oil changes.

The 65 mph shimmy is a common problem in Miatas.

Get your wheels balanced by a competent technician. It won't cause any damage though. It's just annoying.

[MiataMike]

Get your wheels balanced by a competent technician. It won't cause any damage though. It's just annoying.

thats not entirely true.

Cupping can be caused by an unbalanced tire condition, faulty wheel bearings, loose parts, fatigued springs or weak shock absorbers. Check the condition of the shock by forcefully bouncing the front end of the car several times and releasing it on the down stroke. Failure of the vehicle to settle after two strokes suggests worn shocks or struts.

[black roadster]

thats not entirely true.

...can this wait for Saturday or could I do major damage?

I think he would be fine until Saturday.

[Rogue]

thats not entirely true.

Check the condition of the shock by forcefully bouncing the front end of the car several times and releasing it on the down stroke. Failure of the vehicle to settle after two strokes suggests worn shocks or struts.

That works on a LTD, not a Miata.

PM or shoot me a email, we'll get you taken care of.

[redmenace]

I'm now commuting long distances (N.Dallas to S.Arlington): anything special I need to consider with the Miata in the daily wear and tear beyond keeping the oil changed?

Nothing special, just follow the maintenance intervals as you would with any other Japanese econo-box. Some preventive stuff (belts & hoses) would be cheap insurance against a roadside breakdown, especially if you don't know when they were last done. A conservative 4-wheel alignment will maximize tire life.

I've got a really bad shimmy that a few weeks ago seemed like it was limited to the 60-65mph range (ie semi normal), but now seems to be growing (59-70 range)...can this wait for Saturday or could I do major damage?

Can probably wait. Without perfectly balanced tires, some shimmy is normal, but if the range is growing I'd check it out.

Is Miata Solutions reasonably priced (I'm monitarily challenged)?

Just my opinion, but HELL FREAKIN' YES. Considering the quality of work he did on my car, I was surprised it was so affordable.

[trickyrix]

I've got a really bad shimmy that seems to be growing (59-70 range)...

Drive faster!!!

[saffikeagan]

Drive faster!!!

80 and drinking that gas. YUM!

*looking around for cops* err...5 miles under the speed limit in the right lane nice and safely.

[Mingle]

well for daily use you should look into a turbo. :)
as for the shimmy, i had all my stuff balanced and all that junk, still didnt help mine. check your front end. balljoints are cheap and worth the money, get a nice alignment (i think AJ is the man to see) and buy some braces. the front lower helps quite a bit with that.