Lettuce talk about Miatas

[gwoods]

I just bought a red 1992 when do we add a miata section?

[Kompresshun]

What is it with red Miata's around this place? Jesda just got rid of one, I have one, Ray(frapjap) has one, and now you too?

[gwoods]

Mine doesn't run but I only paid $400 and it's straight and all there so I have another project I will start a new thread

[Looneybomber]

Mine doesn't run but I only paid $400 and it's straight and all there so I have another project I will start a new thread

Drop in an F20c. Win!

[AZhitman]

Well done, brother.

There were a couple Miata motors F/S on CL this week, IIRC.

[frapjap]

What is it with red Miata's around this place? Jesda just got rid of one, I have one, Ray(frapjap) has one, and now you too?

Most common color made, if I had to guess? I didn't want a red car and actually kinda hate red cars, but this one has grown on me. It was also a pretty fair price when I bought it- not as good as G-woods up there, but then again, mine runs haha!

Welcome to the club!!

I just bought a red 1992 when do we add a miata section?

Could you add a Miata section in the "Others" forum, Greg?

[Kompresshun]

Most common color made, if I had to guess? I didn't want a red car and actually kinda hate red cars, but this one has grown on me. It was also a pretty fair price when I bought it- not as good as G-woods up there, but then again, mine runs haha!

I don't mind red, but I prefer darker reds with metallic or pearl finishes. I don't really care either though, because I got the thing for a damn steal too and it runs like a top. The body has a few minor issues, but i'd rather deal with body work than mechanical issues personally.

Mine doesn't run but I only paid $400 and it's straight and all there so I have another project I will start a new thread

Holy hell. You absolutely stole that thing then. If it needs a new motor, i'd try to go ahead and pick-up a 1.8L from a newer one if you can find one cheap enough. It's a fairly easy swap and gets you a few extra ponies.

[gwoods]

See thats where I'm at swap a 1.8 & 5spd all at once. That should run $500-$600 if I catch another deal on Craigslist. Then again I really just want to drive it so swapping in another 1.6 for $80 that I can pick up today looks really simple.

[Kompresshun]

If it's that cheap for the 1.6, i'd do that and fool with a swap down the line.

[AZhitman]

...or turbo the 1.6 later.

Miata forum? On the list.

[frapjap]

See thats where I'm at swap a 1.8 & 5spd all at once. That should run $500-$600 if I catch another deal on Craigslist. Then again I really just want to drive it so swapping in another 1.6 for $80 that I can pick up today looks really simple.

Pick up the $80 engine. When the hell else do you find a running engine for $80?! Hell, I bet that you spend WAY more than that trying to fix that seized engine currently in the car. Get on it!!! If you REALLY want a 1.8 later on, buy that one on a deal and build it on the side.

In the mean time, get the car moving as soon as possible and turbo the 1.6. The miataturbo.net guys are all about the 1.8 saying its a waste to boost a 1.6, but honestly, I don't really care. My car is PLENTY fun- ask Greg, James, Kevin, or anyone else who was at Carlisle this year. They all got the chance to use and abuse my car.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Hell for $80, you should pick up 2 engines. Slap one in, build the other for turbo.

[gwoods]

Turbo 1.6 stroker on the side I heard you can swap in a 1.8 crank?

[dre1507]

Building a turbo engine on the side is the most practical as it exponentially diminishes downtime.

Gwoods, I think you posted in the wrong thread.

[AZhitman]

Another pic or two of mine from last weekend... I need to get out and take some proper photos of the car.





BTW, I've been doing a lot of reading on this: http://www.v8roadsters.com/default.asp

[nissangirl74]

<----has a feeling I'm going to be writing a check to someone for a v8 motor in the near future

[dre1507]

I like your miata Greg. A V8 miata would be sweet.

[AZhitman]

Thx homey.

I really do enjoy driving it. Went out to Mesa today (about 100 miles R/T), and got to run most of the trip above 90mph. Nothing but smiles. I really don't know if there's another car out there, for the money, that I'd enjoy as much.

[Kompresshun]

I really don't know if there's another car out there, for the money, that I'd enjoy as much.

^This.

I pretty much just drive mine on the weekend right now, but every time I get behind the wheel it makes me smile. I really couldn't imagine wanting to put a V8 in mine. Boost would make me more than happy.

The only complaint I have about mine is the seats and the paint. Other than that, it's perfect.

[gwoods]

Wow silver looks good. I like red too but that silver is really understated. If you were going to do a v8 miata you should do what I did and get a excellent condition broken car and just ship that to flying miata after the paint shop

[AZhitman]

It's more of a gunmetal. I really almost passed on the MSM, because it only came in black intperior (and I prefer the lighter color interior).

However, if I swap anything, it'll be this one, since it's already got everything I want on it - Upgraded brakes, chassis bracing, interior, wheels, etc.

Plus, a swapped MSM will piss off the Mazda purists AND pretty much anyone stupid enough to come half-steppin' at a stoplight.

[gwoods]

Pissing off the purists is fun but your case would sell quick for 14 I and you could get a nice shell for $1,000. Leaving you with 13 I to put into the Vette engined miata

[AZhitman]

Possibly. I paid WAY less than $14k for mine. Plus, if I wanted to drive a raggedy Miata, I'd have bought one.

I'd spend way more than that to build one to my standards - This one is already almost 100% there.

[dre1507]

BOOOOOST!!! Mostly always the answer.

[gwoods]

Yep I forgot about your standards... I'm more of a good enough kind of guy your a perfectionist. I would be happy with my Miata and a vette engine you would want paint and a roof

[Jesda]

I'm making an offer on a 2001 SE with 126k down south. Anything on that model year I should look out for? It's a six-speed.

Also, check out the latest Automobile Magazine. Jean Jennings has her own special edition signed by the chief engineer!

[sx moneypit]

Checked it out last night.Great write up.

[AZhitman]

Yep I forgot about your standards... I'm more of a good enough kind of guy your a perfectionist.

Hahaha, we need to get together soon.... You gotta drive this thing.

(...plus, I wanna drive the JigWar. )

[PapaSmurf2k3]

FYI, if it hesitates while its cold until about 3k rpm, that's sorta normal.

Just ask if the timing belt has been done, and listen for bearing lash/chatter in low rpm/semi high load from the trans.

[gwoods]

Yep I forgot about your standards... I'm more of a good enough kind of guy your a perfectionist.

Hahaha, we need to get together soon.... You gotta drive this thing.

(...plus, I wanna drive the JigWar. )

Perhaps next week? Jag got new rubber last Sunday I'll let you defeat the e-nannies and see if you follow can get it to launch in first if you do the reward is a very low four seconds to sixty and then it really starts to move.