Your Next Miata
02-09-2009, 02:05 PM
#1
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Your Next Miata
If your car ever died in a fire, was stolen, or some other horrible injustice (like you sold it or something); what would you do for the next one?
I would:
Buy a nice, solid NB that runs ('01+, I like the front end better), and a spare engine. I would drive the stock one around while I built up the spare engine on a workbench with Rods, pistons, a ton of headwork, coolant rerouting (is that even necessary on an NB?), nice big turbo, and some paint.
While I'm driving it around, I'd work on the suspension. Not sure exactly what I would do, I'd figure that out while I drove it. But I'd make it sweet.
Then, all at once I would switch the engines, and then have my boost.
This is in comparison to what I've done so far: Already had a '94 with 150k miles, so I bought all the parts to boost it on Ebay, and built **** in a friend's garage. It works, but it's not pretty and I'm constantly worried about some aspect of something I couldn't see because the engine was in the car.
I would:
Buy a nice, solid NB that runs ('01+, I like the front end better), and a spare engine. I would drive the stock one around while I built up the spare engine on a workbench with Rods, pistons, a ton of headwork, coolant rerouting (is that even necessary on an NB?), nice big turbo, and some paint.
While I'm driving it around, I'd work on the suspension. Not sure exactly what I would do, I'd figure that out while I drove it. But I'd make it sweet.
Then, all at once I would switch the engines, and then have my boost.
This is in comparison to what I've done so far: Already had a '94 with 150k miles, so I bought all the parts to boost it on Ebay, and built **** in a friend's garage. It works, but it's not pretty and I'm constantly worried about some aspect of something I couldn't see because the engine was in the car.
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02-09-2009, 02:20 PM
#5
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I'm less interested in what you would do, since I think there are a bunch of threads on that already, and more in how you would do it... like all at once, or a little here and a little there, or a complete tear-down and rebuild, or a restoration of a sad neglected miata (think m.net).....
Feel free to share what you would do though, since that will keep me entertained as well.
Feel free to share what you would do though, since that will keep me entertained as well.
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02-09-2009, 02:53 PM
#8
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02-09-2009, 03:06 PM
#9
Depends. I have a spare 99 with a blown motor. I plan to do one of the following:
1) put in the spare 99 engine/trans that I have
2) Do an S2000 swap (if I can get it bought for $2000 or so like I plan to)
3) Do a lexus V8 swap, MS it and mild turbo
3a) LS1 swap
4) because it needs a bit of bodywork due to a dent in the rear quarter and a ding in the front fender, I'm thinking of fabbing my own coupe. I haven't started seriously looking yet, but I think that there would be something close to start with for a roof, like an opel GT or similar. Even a roached out one should have a good roof. As long as it is at least close, I could split and narrow or even add a strip down the center.
I just LOVE this car.
1) put in the spare 99 engine/trans that I have
2) Do an S2000 swap (if I can get it bought for $2000 or so like I plan to)
3) Do a lexus V8 swap, MS it and mild turbo
3a) LS1 swap
4) because it needs a bit of bodywork due to a dent in the rear quarter and a ding in the front fender, I'm thinking of fabbing my own coupe. I haven't started seriously looking yet, but I think that there would be something close to start with for a roof, like an opel GT or similar. Even a roached out one should have a good roof. As long as it is at least close, I could split and narrow or even add a strip down the center.
I just LOVE this car.
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02-09-2009, 03:53 PM
#15
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I'm less interested in what you would do, since I think there are a bunch of threads on that already, and more in how you would do it... like all at once, or a little here and a little there, or a complete tear-down and rebuild, or a restoration of a sad neglected miata (think m.net).....
Feel free to share what you would do though, since that will keep me entertained as well.
Feel free to share what you would do though, since that will keep me entertained as well.
here's how I did it this time around:
first: hardcore suspension, big brakes, stereo system, roll bar
second: gauges
third: LSD, clutch+flywheel
fourth: DIY turbo (all of it)
fifth: steering wheel
and a few random things thrown in somewhere in there, but that's the meat of it.
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02-09-2009, 04:01 PM
#17
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Buy a clean 99-00, make it identical parts wise to my 94, 01+ bumper/lights, and that would be all. I would do a few things over, little lessons learned here and there.
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02-09-2009, 05:09 PM
#20
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I would probably buy a perfect condition 99 10th AE, and buy an FMII Hydra kit, and do a bottom end build.
OR
I'd buy a bone stock MSM and do a full FM II conversion.
These would be built for dependable daily drivers of course...
In reality, I love my base model 99 and my current setup. A lot of learning by DIY, lightweight, fast, no A/C. My own personal statement through my standardized ways. It's all about being happy with what you have, and gaining knowledge while being unique.
OR
I'd buy a bone stock MSM and do a full FM II conversion.
These would be built for dependable daily drivers of course...
In reality, I love my base model 99 and my current setup. A lot of learning by DIY, lightweight, fast, no A/C. My own personal statement through my standardized ways. It's all about being happy with what you have, and gaining knowledge while being unique.
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