Chiburbian

iTrader: (1)

I know I am doing this somewhat backwards as I have like 40 posts or so already. I somehow managed to NOT get anally raped my first go around, so I figured I would go ahead and give it another whirl, as my feelings towards certain matters have changed.

Though, looking back on my initial posts my END result is pretty much the same. In the end, I want a daily driver that gets mid to high 20mpg when really babying it (I get 19mpg combined on my Jeep Liberty 4x4), is fun to drive both in the twisties and on the highway, and can give me a bit of butt pucker when going full bore from a stop (or roll). While I don't want to set it up for the drag strip, I am thinking somewhere near the low 13's in the quarter mile should be about right. However, that is the future. I am here to learn from the mistakes of you all while I put my master plan together. I plan on buying used when it makes sense. I plan on starting N/A with a MegaSquirt. I plan on researching everything and doing it on my own and buying high quality parts (Absurdflow!) as I can afford them.

In the near term I plan on buying my first Miata, and thats why I am posting in the noob section. I need to meet with people that have them in my area. I need to sit in the drivers seat (though not necessarily drive). I need to feel what a 180hp Miata feels like. I need to feel what a 240hp Miata feels like. I need to find a group of people I can trust that will for the price of a alcoholic drink or good burger follow me out to look at some low priced 94-96 model year cars and let me know if it is a good deal and help me to see what needs to be looked at. Maybe they can also keep an eye out for good candidates for me. If they have a hot sister/(Mom?) that is a plus. I figure I will be ready to buy by next summer. I have a rule that I don't finance toys anymore and while this will save me gas money in the warmer months, I can't see it as a "transportation only" option.

So thats where I stand. I will be lurking on the boards, checking out deals in the for sale section. Matter of fact if a good candidate that has already been turbo'd but needs finesse comes for sale I would be interested at the right price in that as well. I don't need a daily driver. (... I don't need/want a track only car either)

My initial budget for car only (candidate) is $4,000. The lower I can go the sooner I can make my purchase. I prefer the NB body style but realistically I know that I won't be able to buy and "finish" the car for a long time if I have to save the money it will take to buy a NB.

Thank you for your hospitality.

ps- I go by Chiburbian on some other boards, and if you can tell me how to change it on here I will do the same.

Chiburbian

iTrader: (1)

I figured I would give you a few pictures of some of my past cars...

1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Convertible. Poly 318 engine and 3 on the tree manual trans. Upgraded to cop wheels painted body color with modern rubber. All suspension parts were upgraded with polygraphite and sway bars were added front and rear. Future uprades were to be front and rear disk brakes, a 451 stroker motor and a Keisler 5 speed manual conversion. Oh, and I was gonna fuel inject it with a MS.






1967 Plmouth Belvedere II Wagon. This was a project that never got off the ground. I wish I had never sold it though. It was a 318 LA motor (if I recall? It was NOT a poly) and again a 3 on the tree. The end goal was to make the wagon version of the 1967 GTX "Silver Bullet" (look it up) but paint it bronze/brass and call it "Full Metal Jacket."


The convertible unfortunately lost its life in a trailer accident when I was taking it down to my winter storage facility to finish the front disks. I will post some pics of the car in a bit...

Chiburbian

iTrader: (1)

From the scene of the crime:




Some daylight pictures.





This last pic is to show you how far the front got slammed when it hit the guardrail. What you are looking for is the steering column/coupler. It is supposed to be sticking straight out the firewall (ok, not 90° but pretty darn close).

Aricjm15

If you want to meet a few guys from the Chicago area we are meeting up this Thursday. I think the lot of us have some reasonably quick cars so you should be able to get an idea of things.

https://www.miataturbo.net/local-meets-events-tech-days-41/21st-october-chicago-burb-meet-up-52507/

Chiburbian

iTrader: (1)

How does this look for a doner car?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/2009723654.html

saedrin

iTrader: (2)

Welcome.. there's going to be a rather large local gathering in the next couple weeks (I think when Tom gets back from texas or something). Should be plenty of cars to ride around in, I can give you a ride in mine (180-190 whp) and Tom's pushing somewhere near 250whp, so you can tell the difference.

Also, register for Clubroadster.. Even if the site isn't your cup of tea (millions of useless socal slamburgling hardparkers) the midwest section is pretty busy.

arctct

iTrader: (1)

Hi, I am this "Tom" saedrin speaks of... I will be back from Texas soon and yes there will be a large meet at starved rock on November 7th. My car pushes about 235 whp and 215 ft-lbs (converted from a mustang dyno) and I would be happy to give you a ride and help look for a Miata.... for some Guiness and your sister. lol

I agree on the Clubroadster site... it is a great place for meet-ups; not so much for tech LOL

Chiburbian

iTrader: (1)

Registered at clubroadster. Thanks for input guys, I will try and make the starved rock thing. Would I be better of driving my DD Jeep or a borrowed Mustang GT? Would I get too much crap for that?

arctct

iTrader: (1)

if the mustang is the new 5.0 that would be more than ok! no shame in the jeep; just try to get out and meet some chi town miata guys!

Chiburbian

iTrader: (1)

No, it's just a 99 with the 4.6L. The thing that bothers me the most about that car is that it is an auto. Belongs to my mom... One of my goals with the future Miata is to teach her how to drive stick and break her of that bad habit.

It's not that I am ashamed of the Jeep, I just miss driving a car and I would get a tiny bit better fuel economy for the trip.