First time miata build ideas
 

I am looking for ideas on a build i will be starting in approx. 3 months.
I will have a budget of $8000 after my 2004 XB sells.

1. Buy a 1994-98 miata for $1500
-160,000 miles or less
-5 speed transmission
-white or black preferred
-good interior and body

2. This one i am really stuck on
-Autokonexion fast back top $2400
OR
-OEM hard top used $800

3. Megan EZ-coilovers new $600

4. 16" XXR 513's, and used tires $500

5. Used 1.8L complete engine $500

6. I already have a Nardi 330mm classic black on black wheel so ill get a NRG quick release for security $160

7. Sparco bucket seat w/bracket and harness $450

8. Radiator, Fans and Shroud, Coolant Re-Route $450

9. Oil cooler and relocation kit $120

10. Voltage Stabilizer and Ground kit $35

11. 1.8L engine build $1300
-God speed rods $200
-ARP rod bolts $65
-Supertech 8.6:1 pistons and pins $390
-Piston ring kit $45
-ACL rod and main bearings, BA thrust washers $85
-EPWI engine gasket kit $90
-Oil and Water pump kit $90
-ARP Head and Main studs $170
-Megan Motor mounts $90
-Serp. Belts $20
-NGK Plugs and Wires $40

This comes to $8,800 a little more then budget but well worth it


-------------------I am looking for-----------------

ideas on things i missed that would help prep it for boost

any cheaper prices

cheap interior suggestion

and a good place to get a paint job near Orange County California


Thank for looking and any help you can provide

Rollbar? Youd need one for your harness.

Also skip the crap 16" wheels. Much better tire options in 15", cheaper too. Search for the wheels shown in my sig. 15x8 wideopens, can be had for $99 now. That's saves you $100 right there.
I like the oil cooler, but skip the relocation kit. No need. Same with the ground kit and voltage stabilization kit.

The coilovers are an unknown for me, forget if that particular setup is considered rice or not
Search for the "suspension hierarchy" thread, and research FM. You can save on shopping by getting their oil cooler anyways.

Edit: oops, research vmaxx at fm, not just fm.

Well I like the look of the 513's but your right about the size I will prolly go with 15's, thoe they are the same price. As for the stabilizer and ground kit ur right that would be a little bit of a waste. And I can prolly get a FC oil cooler for 15 bucks @ the junkyard. What would be a streetable and trackable coilover? The megans are 8k Front and 6k Rear

brake pads, clutch, coolant reroute, radiator

What are good aggressive street and track brakepads that don't wear out to fast? Also where is a cheap place to buy a good quality clutch?

He mentioned the radiator and reroute. He does need a clutch though. OP, look into FM's clutch. It's one of their more reasonably priced products and easily holds enough torque (318ft/lbs)

Hawk HP+. They're decent on track for the first few track days. See above for clutch.

As for the RX-7 oil cooler: first of all, it doesn't need any ducting. Put it anywhere without any air and the size alone is enough for the track. It might be too much cooling for the street, however it does have a thermostat.

Remember good tires, they are the most important part of your car.

Aren't they like 400 for the clutch? I know spec has one that will do fine n it's 350 I think. Thanks for the pad Rec. Do u know where I can get a good paintjob for a good price near orange county? Around $1000 with no body work?

FMs clutch is $350.

I'll save up for a good set of tires when I'm ready for the track haha but that won't be for a while so I have some time to save for some thanks. Sweet and they are local to Cali so I can pick it up right?

FM? They're in Colorado. They ship world wide though, you won't get better customer service.

Do u know how much shipping is... N what are a good set of tires for track for around $200? Ones that last and grip for a while?

I'm guessing from your poor grammar and abbreviations you're on a phone? Please wait until you get on a computer to check out FM's site, I'm not going to check everything for you.

There are a number of $50-70 all season tires that are decent on track. Proxxes 4, 512s, Neo Gens, Ecsta, DZ101s, etc. Check out tirerack, onlinetires, etc. for 205/50-15 sizes.

Good guess haha thanks for the info.

You should totally get the 98!

98's are super rare. I highly doubt you'll find one for $1500.
Definitely worth the money if you do find one!

Dude, I see 98 Miata for under a grand all day long...they're easy to find and since there are so many, they are always in great condition.


Always expect to pay double your budget to do things right....unless you are going Gran Turismo style...but very few people can do that.

98 FTW. More plentiful than 90s even.

The NB was sold as a 98 outside of north america, and could be bought with a 1.6 or 1.8.

@OP: Oil cooler is worthless, as is the voltage regulater and the grounding kit and the relocation. If it's not a track car, new fans/radiator/etc. is pointless. A street car isn't going to be making that much heat, a good quality intercooler would be important and a good flush of the radiator. As is the overpriced fastback, just buy a used hardtop. Megan products are usually considered "ricey", check out Tein or FM.

And spend more money on the car. This is something you're investing time/money on. Do you really want a crummy shell that looks like crap or will need repainted?

Thanks for ruining the fun, ass.