TimR

Hey guys, i am indeed a noob to miatas from Lancaster, PA. However I often browse a lot of message boards.
I currently own a 94 accord ex with minor mods like suspension, tires, intake, hids, etc..
I am looking to buying a miata in around the next month or so, then boosting with in the next 5.
I really am not sure if i want a 1.6L(90-93) or a 1.8L(94-95) sorry i dont know engine codes yet...
well anyones would be appreciated. Thanks this looks like a very solid helpful forum.

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

In my opinion just buy the cleanest example you can get for your money. Swapping in a different motor down the road will be a lot easier than doing body work. I personally would rather have a minty 90-93 than an average 94-97.

Having said that, a 1.8 will make more power and spool faster than a 1.8.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

94-97 has bigger brakes, the bigger engine, and some additional bracing if that helps you decide. Or you can buy all of that stuff and put it on yourself if you get an older model. Either way...

Saml01

iTrader: (9)

Make me some friendship bread first, then we'll talk.

Welcome to the forums.

TimR

.... I changed my name to sharon for the split second you look at that post

thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

Welcome to the forum. Lancaster is like 1 hour from me. So what made you want to own a miata? Have you ever ridden in a turbo'd miata before?

TimR

Im not really sure i had strong thoughts on buying a wrx, but i figure for a decent downpayment i could just boost an older miata.
Not to mention they handle like a go kart so i hear.
and who wouldnt want a 2 door "sports car convertible" for that cheap.
Oh, and i have to beat my friends s2k.

viperormiata

iTrader: (24)

That won't be a problem

samnavy

iTrader: (7)

^If the S2000 is stock or close to it, you'll be surprised how little work it will take to a Miata to absolutely embrarrass it.

You definitely want to look at 94-95... the benefits are many and they're no more expensive than earlier years.

If you have even the slightest amount of garage skillz and a decent set of metric tools, you can do all the work wrt installing stuff yourself. If you're going uber-budget and aren't on any kind of timeline, you can piece together a decent streetable kit in the $2500 range. If the thing has to spend any time at all on the track, budget $5k and keep going.

You've registered... spend a couple weeks here about an hour a day, reading every new thread in every forum (even if you don't think it applies to your needs) and you'll be up to speed on the basics and vocabulary to the point where you're ready to spreadsheet yourself a build list and start asking questions.

Set a goal, set a budget, realize your abilites, do homework... start buying.

TimR

$2500 is my budget atleast till the end of this year lol.
This seems like a very knowledgable forum,
As for the s2k my accord can almost hang its an ap2 all stock.
S2000's are sick cars but wayyyy overated.

deff

if you can find nice 1.8 then take it and you will not regret that

TimR

I never have even rode in a miata lol
ill take your word for it.

The only thing is with a 1.8 ive been reading quite a bit isnt that going to make a really tight build... I wanna make around 175whp for now with in my budget of 2500. I also have full access to a garage and tools, my father used to be a mechanic and he doesnt mind if i use his stuff.
Sorry for kind of double posting.

miatalover

Get the biggest displacment engine you can for your money. I would recommend to stay away from the first year of new model builds. They have the most quality issues from the factory '90 and '94. Other than that look for a solid body vehicle.

TimR

thanks for the tip that might of saved me a little trouble and money.