Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

it really hasn't been bad, past 1.5 years to get to this point slowly. I buy 90% of my parts used. Although you guys do have a point where I'm sort of at the tipping point of joining the cult of built blocks, running into 100 different issues along the way.

it is possible the smartest decision here is just to stay simple.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

more than half of the people that run into 100 different issues along the way are the people that don't keep it simple. keep the parts list short, stick to known brands, measure everything 60 billion times, have a reputable machine shop do the block/head machining, then re-measure 60 billion times and be really ocd with tolerances, and you'll be fine.

It's simple and not so simple at the same time. Key is being really thorough. No slapping stuff together and calling it good.

miataman04

iTrader: (1)

This is why most folks under 30 don't own homes. Student loans are sick. You can check a box a borrow an additional $5k per semester for fun money. I'm bashing it but I also did it myself. I have no self control.

Sorry to thread jack a little there, thanks for posting a part list. I see you like to do spreadsheets. I'm addicted to em too.

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

I feel bad for anyone dealing with the scam of student loans. Short story is I work hard and I study software engineering. I live frugally and enjoy my cars because of budgeting.

Having a girlfriend of a few years that's into cars, albeit 1950's trucks, helps a lot too. We plan to move in a few years, so no house buying.

Back to what is important, still considering building the block when it is out. I have rods, I would hopefully only need pistons and normal rebuild stuff with help from a machinist friend. Assembly I want to do. We will see, might be smart just to enjoy it as a daily and not make the car a to-do list. Thanks for the thoughts!

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

The only reason I have gotten this far is my daddy gave me a small loan of a million dollars

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

So I have been daily driving the NA for the past couple weeks and I have come to the conclusion it is a terrible daily. Am I just an old man? After like 20mins, I am deaf and my back hurts from having to subconsciously bend over (6'2"). I really don't think I will ever compete on a track or spend much if any time going around a track but it seems like I accidentally built a track car.

TL;DR, I am having cold feet furthering this NA, as I wanted it as a daily..and I got a track car.

Been thinking of selling the NA... and getting a NB2, but I would have to go with a TSE manifold as the artech doesn't fit AC/PS..new DP...exhaust..ECU.

Also been looking at e36 m3 for a fun street car.

Someone tell me what to do.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

I agree with everything but the silly e36 idea. It's slow, it sounds like a fart, it's outdated and would need lotsa work to make fun, and I would never get one.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

There's also Kraken for an EFR setup that's compatible with AC/PS.

If you're feeling this way about the car right now... it's not going to get any better. You can always build a motor on the side and install it when you get a new car. Or just install it when it's done and then swap the motor over, but why bother if you're going to end up with an NB2 which will come with the VVT ready to go.

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

Get an NC. Bigger in every interior dimension, getting cheaper by the day, 2.5 swaps with an EFR turbo kit, a superior engine and transmission, etc. Get an NC with the PRHT that can't be taken on the track because of the lack of roll bar and you won't mind making it a quiet DD.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

Or just give up on the idea of a miata as a daily, enjoy your daily, and enjoy the miata for the weekend toy that it is.

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

If I didn't read the first sentence, I would have thought you were talking about a miata.

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

I get your point, but to me, if I am going to spend all this money, I want to drive it everyday, with as little sacrifice as possible.

I may just be naive.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

There's certainly a balance. A project car is exactly that..ie a project. As well as it runs, there are likely times where you'll need a more reliable form of transportation because **** happens.

The BRZ/FRS/86's now have decent kits for the stock motor as well and their prices are decent as well. Depends on what you're after at the end of the day.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

Double post

18psi

iTrader: (76)

I've literally been where you are in 08-10
Now my opinion changed drastically. So yeah...

Lexzar

iTrader: (2)

Why? Through age or experience? What's your opinion now on all us kids trying to figure this **** out?

18psi

iTrader: (76)

Age and life. I'll type up the coolstorybro novel later lol
Like I have absolutely no desire to turbo my own miata anymore. Even though I can. Even though I have every means for it. I'd rather buy another z06 or coyote mustang, or just keep driving my 400whp sti, and not wrench on my own cars anymore.

(I still wrench, A LOT, and still tune, A LOT, but that's turned into a side job at this point. A side job that I enjoy and have passion for, because outside of wrenching and tuning and driving fast, I have ZERO hobbies or interests. like, none. ever. never before, and not now)

Enjoy your car, right now, while it's still enjoyable. Get it to where it needs to be and ENJOY. Don't have a neverending project. Those suck. If I had a turbo miata right now, I'd drive the crap out of it and not really change things, but I would probably never actually start another project with one anymore. I just don't have the desire for it.

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

I have tried, over and over again, buying "normal" cars to DD and keep my miatas for just fun driving, but I always end up selling them after a year or two. I like small cars and the miata (now a 124 Spider) fits the bill, gets great mpg, is super cheap to insure, and I can put the top down anytime I want. I am about to turn 30 and I have had a miata or two for 10 years straight now.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

Oh I'm sure there are plenty of people like you, and I might even be in the minority with my views, so don't get me wrong I'm not judging. I still have a fast car. But it does everything, and can comfortably fit 4 people, and luggage, and go to the snow, etc.

If we didn't have kids (and we do, and we love them, and never regret it ever) I'd probably have a 2 seater as well. But it would be a vette or nicer. Just feel too old to daily a miata. Again, just an opinion.

*edit: I just realized that it also depends a lot on where you live. Round here you gotta drive 1+ hours for any sort of twisties. If I lived in the mountains I'd probably feel completely different being able to actually put a miata to use every day.

But the bottom line is this: build the car you really want. and enjoy it. now. or you might not ever