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I am looking to snag one up in the wintertime (specifically a 95-97 model
with the pop up lights)
Any things about this car I should know? Problems, mod restrictions,
etc.etc.
Thanks guys and gals
newyorker
The motors don't have much potential. Don't know if that is a surprise or
something you care about, just know my roomate complained about that.
Going from a turbo eclipse to the miata he said it was a world of
difference for power potential.
rudypoochris
what did he try to do to it?
windsonian
well there is always the jackson racing m45 supercharger
and if not that route basic intake header exhaust timing bump and im sure
there is other stuff for em...they seem like great little cars i wana find
out more before i buy
newyorker
your kidding right?
these are strong little engines, i've seen them take something of the order
of 30 psi...but you want it NA right?
They're light, compact, rwds that make great track cars, ofcourse keeping
it NA you're not gona get that much power out of them as you would a
turbocharged one.
GreekWarrior
well NA is the body code for the first gen miata, has nothing to do with
the motor really...sorry if I confused ya
newyorker
oh right haha, well then yeah, what i said, pretty strong engines.
GreekWarrior
Taking 30 psi in one instant from a certain turbocharger does not mean it
is necessarily a robust engine. I am not saying it is doomed to weakness, I
am just saying that it won't ever be a power house. IF you do turbo the
snot out of it your going to be breaking your bank. Also 30 psi doesn't
mean it is making tons of power. Just saying it doesn't have that much
potential, which is true. 1.6 or 1.8L can only get you so far. Yes, you can
go bananas and make 1200hp out of a 1.4L, but it won't be streetable, same
goes for 500 out of a 1.6/1.8, 400, ~300 is a reasonable number.
My roomate tried heads, cams, intake, etc. The miata engine just doesn't
have that much potential, thats all. The car is very light though so it
works out.
rudypoochris
well id be satisfied with 175whp...dont forget its only 2300lbs
newyorker
Ya, 175whp shouldn't be too big of a deal. The output curves probably won't
be too hot, but thats what most 100+hp/liter engines will look like. I was
just saying it doesn't have too much potential engine wise, I am very aware
of the weight of the Miata, my project comes in under 2200lbs so its not
unknown to me. :)
Talked to my roomate last night about the subject, he used to be into
racing miatas, he said he didn't know of anyone who consistently was making
over 300hp on the stock block, maybe 350hp. Including turbocharged
versions. So take it for what you will. Thats what he said, and I believe
him. Granted 300hp is pretty decent in a light car, if you were seeking
good curves at that power or more power though, then it is an issue, which
is why I mentioned that...
Going out on a limb and guessing that the rear diff is a week point
considering Monster Miatas use Thunderbird IRS + Diff. I know with 225hp
and 300lbft of torque those 5.0 swaps they do come in at 0-60 in 4.8 with
12.8 in the 1/4. Just as a reference point for performance.
rudypoochris
I hears 94/95 have a stronger diff and still run obd1
newyorker
Your roommate doesn't know what hes talking about. And you're an idiot.
PontiacFan27
Hows that? Elaborate?
rudypoochris
lol stop the pissfest. Im not looking for a fast car, I want a quick car
thats fun to drive, hence my choice of the miata
newyorker
I have a 96 running a Begi turbo at 22 psi. the car has 98k on the od.
I drive the car very hard. I never get in it that I don't slam the rev
limit six or eight times. I get a thrill every time I throw back to second
at seventy mph and put the big whoa on. For me, quick stops are as much
fun as fast starts.
The only maintenance I have done to my car is religious fluid changes, one
set of shocks, one set brake shoes, one set plug wires and couple of sets
of plugs.
The Miata drives like an old pair of shoes. It just feels right.
Around here there are lots of Stang GT's, some with heavy mods in the 600
hp range. None have beaten my little girly car. NONE.
My upgrade recs for 94 thru 97:
Big brake kit -- $800
Begi turbo 12psi--- $4500
Sticky tires 15inch -- $200
Then drive the dog crapola out of it.
jcutsh
I had a 92 that I kinda made a weekend car out of. I loved it, but It was
pretty weak.
Those M45s really dont help much, had a buddy with an M45 91 and it was
still REALLY slow, Ive got some vids of it at the track if you want to see,
It was running slightly faster than a I/E auto scion tC (which made
132whp).
My buddy is now right at 200whp if not more on a M62 though.
If you want decent power Id recommend a 1.8 swap and DIY turbo setup, with
water injection for ease and simplicity (FMIC just complicates things).
And if you are worried about the diff check out
http://www.geocities.com/Crash41301/
He does an RX-7 rear, I started the project and collected all the parts but
sold the car before I finished.
Enthusiast
