first off, I currently drive an 01 New Beetle 5 spd 1.8t with ecu tune. It has about 180hp and 200 trq. I am looking to get a miata and I want to make it go fast. I have questions about what year to get. I want to be able to pull at least 200 hp out of this thing. I already know that a turbo is required. I am mechanically inclined, so I can do it myself. I have read some people say get a 91 and put 99 heads on it but I am looking for info before I buy. Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

i'd like to see a 99 head put onto a 91 motor...

(hint, search and read all the stickys)

 

oh. intake ports have changed. so done some more research and it looks like a 99 to 01 is a great choice. Mainly due to the fact that it has a beefier motor and an 01 has abs option. any thoughts or suggestions on this

 

read

 

Yeah. Time and time again--search function is your best friend.

 

You can get 200hp out of a Naturally Aspirated 1.8. Just not cheaply or any fun to drive on the street. Go sit in some. Pick the cockpit you like the best. Decide if you want more creature comforts (NB) or lighter weight (NA).

 

Spend the extra money and get a rust free one.

 

K-swap.

 

T-swap

 

With the questions your asking it sounds like you need to do some significant time on The Miata FAQ they have tons of information on basic specs, available options, features, and special editions that you need to sift through to figure out what you want out of the car before you start worrying about forced induction.

+1. 94-97 if you want a racecar, 99-05 if you want a daily.

 

90-93 if you want to save a few bucks and plan on forced induction anyway.

 

You have some very basic information mixed up. Read more, then ask questions. Learn the differences between the model years, and THEN decide what to buy, and what to do to it.

 

No.

 

lol 1.6 failsaus
what shocks me the most is that they go for almost as much money as the 1.8's

 

I got mine for under 2k with a hardtop. Pulled a torsen swap out the junk yard for 100 bucks.

 

I just looked on the Maine craigslist to compare prices, and there seems to be no standard price. Everything from 1997 for $2500 to some idiot asking nearly $8k for a base model 1990. There was a '90 for $1500, a lot of '94 - '96 for ~$3500. It seems like maybe the 1.8 is worth an extra couple hundred around here, but most people don't seem bothered by the difference, so get the 1.8 and save the trouble of swapping everything and then living with the shame of your decision.

 

If it were me, I'd look for a any post '93 that already had a Torsen. I'd pay extra for rust-free.

But, honestly dude, you're driving a Beetle. Doesn't really matter which Miata you buy, you'll be ahead.

 

ABS...... lol

ABS was available on ALL years. MSM has ABS standard. There is a TON of interchangability and you'll spend weeks reading up on it. Simply stating that you want 200hp is like walking into a bar and asking for a beer. You have to be specific about what your goals are. From there you'll pick your year and options that you'd like to have.

Personally, I'd go for a 01-03 non-ABS sport package with a 6spd. You get all the "good" stuff...bigger brakes, stiffer chasis, more power...among other things. Big thing to me, is that the 2004/2005 6spd cars got a 4.1 rear gear which is WAY too short for the 6spd ratios. I'd say go for a car with a clean body and the color you want...everything else can be changed out....but those two are the most expensive things to ever fix/change.

 

^^yep, my 94 M has ABS.

 

just buy the first one you see. it'll save time in the long run. you're just going to waste tons of time and money on it anyway.