One of the local dealers has five ND's in stock so I stopped by this evening for a test drive. Most of them are clubs, but a grand touring was the easiest to get out so I drove that. Overall, I'd say that Mazda did a good job with this one. The exterior looks hold up in person, still great, and the interior is comfortable and well laid out. The electric power steering isn't quite as good as the manual rack on my 94, but is still communicative. I thought one of the best parts was the new six speed, it's very, very smooth with a nice short throw. The new top is also just as easy to operate as everyone says. The only real negative for me was the engine. It's definitely stronger than an NA or NB, but I found it to be a little lackluster. The torque delivery was smooth and started down low resulting in a very drivable car, but I didn't find it very exciting. I will caveat that assessment with the fact that since it was a test drive with a salesman and the roads were damp I didn't flog it to wring out every last bit of power, and that I'm used to turbo power at this point. I do think that it has enough power to be fun and I'd like to try another drive in better conditions. All in all, I would, and in fact am, considering buying one, but it leave a bit to be desired.

 

So I think I definitely understand where you're coming from now.

I've been the main perpetrator of reposting insane diatribes from mnet for the past year or so, and while I appreciated you trying to keep this thread mostly clean and positive, I initially disagreed because I'm like 1 out of 3 ND owners on this forum and daily status reports about how siqqq my commute was this morning isn't terribly exciting.

And then I saw that thread about canyon driving and wheels and realized that I might have been triggering something similar to PTSD.

I'm so sorry, Emilio. I apologize deeply and sincerely.

 

 

When are you going to throw an ELECTRIC SUPER CHARGER on there?

Talk about data channels for days.

 

I would think that if Emilio is building a hardtop, Mazda has told him they are not idk

 

That's a pretty grand assumption that I do not believe to be safe, though it certainly could be the case.

 

One thing I notice is a lack of location for the Frankenstein bolts of the NA, NB and I assume the NC (according to Google image search). I know not many people have taken apart the inside, but are there locations in interior for rear/side mounting points?

 

Go back through the thread. It has been discussed more than once that there are hardtop mounting points.

 

Sorry, I don't live my life here. I'll just take your word for it.

 

Shame on you

I'm sure someone will link it. They are hidden behind some covers or something.

 

Not to doubt turbofan knowing where he works, but that is the only mention of interior hardtop mounts I see in this thread using the search function.

 

You're right. Turbofan has mentioned the mounting points twice. I though emilio had too.

 

I'm looking at the pictures of 949 Racing's car w/ GT3 bar and I see a few holes that maybe able to be used for side latches, but I can't see anything for the rear.

 

I just texted Turbofan asking for pictures.

 

Hee hee. I don't even have a Miata here right now. I can dig into it next time we get one in.

There's a chance I misunderstood/misread something, in which case it appears I started a fun rumor

Cannot currently confirm or deny, will do some more digging.

 

 

That's the diagram I was looking for.

 

SHAZAM! Love you newb.

 

Looks like AVO showed off a ND turbo setup at SEMA for the 1.5 engine. Here is a link to the thread about it on m.net.

 

That looks really solid, and a decent price too.

That sure didn't take long.