Need some Miata help

[KAILUAZ]

Ok so I'm thinking of getting a Miata for track use. Maybe a early 90's model? Looking around the early 90's are fairly cheap. I don't really care how the car looks etc. I'm looking at doing a low-buck, just have fun kinda deal, without going overboard on mods and money.
Since I live near SPC I figure a Miata would be the best "fun factor" car to buy.
Anyway, since I have no clue about Miata's where can I get some info? Ive been surfing the web but haven't found anything that really helps, like what year body styles/parts are the same. If I should steer clear of any particular year/model etc.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks,
Eric S

[Native]

http://www.miata.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has a huge FAQ/garage section, in addition to the largest archived forum you could imagine. It will have answers to all the questions you posted above.

http://www.clubroadster.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is another wonderfully informative site, and locally run (Tim Allen).

http://www.tampabaymiatas.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is also full of information and helpful people.
they have a weekly meet on Wed. nite in Tampa, and would undoubtedly talk to you there.

I don't know any particular website, but there is a wealth of information out there about the Spec Miata racing series, and how to set up a car.

Talk to almost any of the miata guys at a FAST event, in particular Loren, Dan, Tim, to name just a few.

[rippin mazda]

Generally you want to stay away from 90-91.5 becasue of the short-nose cranks. They arent terrible but you have to be careful when doing a TB and water pump.

All of those sites above are good starts. I'd be more than happy to talk miatas with you on sunday as I'm sure alot of other people would too.

ryan

[KAILUAZ]

Need an opinion on this car? I spoke to him yesterday, he builds and races Porsche's. All the work he did is in the description, he kept up with the maintenance etc. He has the reserve set at 2500.00 which I think is too steep, considering the cosmetic work it needs.
Thoughts?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-MAZ ... dZViewItem

[rippin mazda]

I think you can do alot better for $2500.

The car itself sounds like it is in tough shape. They must have really pissed someone off for it to be damaged like that. The new top is nice as is the boss frog rollbar which is like $400 new (edit $435 on gomiata.com) which is pretty much inline with other roll bars so I call bs on "very expensive roll bar". The shocks and springs are nothing special and I wonder why the exhaust was replaced? OEM miata exhausts are stainless and pretty much dont rust. My miata lived in NJ for 15 years and it's exhaust pipe is very clean.

Checking the VIN, it doesnt have a short nose crank so there is a plus.

If you check out craiglist you can find many examples of a solid car for relatively cheap. If your not in a hurry to buy usually you can find an early car with a hardtop for around $1000 - $1500, then sell the hardtop and basically have a car for free. Usually those need some maintence but hey, it was a free car.

ryan

[KAILUAZ]

They must have really pissed someone off for it to be damaged like that.

No doubt. High school antics from what the dad was saying, guess his daughter made someone mad!