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 shit 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.

V8nb.

Heh, that's after my next one... Really want an LSx miata.

01+ ls swap. the rest is pretty much the same as what i have now.

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.

doesn't that depend on budget?

My next miata will be a C5 LOL. or a LS1 Swap.

Fixed
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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.

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It could, but that's part of my plan. I'll know what I'm doing a little better next time so I'll be able to plan my money accordingly.

What is it? Front says NB, Door handle says NA, and wheels say NC. The rear sort of looks a little bit NCish also, but it's hard to tell.

I'd rebuild another one like mine.

Only thing I'd toy with is a v8 swap... but honestly... I'd make my car again.

It is an NB.... the limited/test production of the NB coupes in Japan.

buy a 1.6, gut the hell out of the interior, turbo it, and add the best paintjob I could possible do. And add an autokonexion WB with some nice wheels.

most stuff is a one day project. suspension, brakes, etc. only the motor and turbo stuff are long-term projects.

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.

Bought my '91 new. If mine died in a fire, I don't think I'd replace it with another Miata. Never getting rid of it though, and I'll be modding it until I can't turn a wrench anymore.

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.

I would buy a low mileage nb with a hardtop...and then a fire extenguisher for next time :-/

No more miatas for me, one is enough.

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.