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I have owned dozens of cars previously. Mostly into time trials, DEs, Champ/LeMons, etc. and subsequently a slew of track cars (GT3/911/944 turbos, various M3s, Corvette etc).

Since building a relatively quick 944 turbo back in college many years ago, I have wanted to build a custom turbo and most importantly tuning the thing. Started looking into Miatas on a whim, liked the availability of parts and cars, love the design philosophy of simple and light. Decided to build a turbo NA. Recently bought a parts car that hadn't run in many years. Couldn't help but be charmed by this little 1994 Miata and started a small restoration project and have driven it more since getting it running than any of my other cars. It is so fun and the community feels lovely as well. I'm surprised and quite happy to have stumbled upon these cars and people!

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

Welcome. Do you plan to track the Miata?

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I would love to track a Miata. It's a lot of fun to play with this car at it's limits. Short wheelbase reminds me of a Z3 M car. I don't find the steering ratio slow though it is a bit numb. Nevertheless it is a charming car. Even a completely stock car is fun on the street!

I am looking at buying another one to turbo and tune, or buy one already turboed and modify it further. I looked at your build thread, looks like you've been through quite a bit with yours...

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

Ah, but the build goes on, and the car is a joy to drive.

DNM

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Many of us depower the steering rack and adjust the caster for better feel, simplicity, space for the turbo, etc.

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An update to this thread, sold the car I had mentioned after getting it roadworthy and enjoying it for a few months. This week bought another project, definitely have my work cut out for me!

Some of you may recognize this pic I noticed the downpipe is starting to crack (there is no flex pipe), the radiator bleed nipple is broken and missing. Car is very difficult to drive (throttle feels like an on off switch, stalls at stop lights, boost spikes to 17, settles back to 15), also very difficult to take off without stalling and jerky. Almost completely open exhaust, that and the coolant issue are the first things to take care of. Noticed a couple of wires had been melting against the downpipe, and the coil wires are melting against the valve cover, and overheating. Ooo boy. I will work on this...

A lot of power, a lot of lag, such a wild ride and quite different than all other turbo cars I have had. Should start a new thread
Cheers!

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

That's a mess

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It really is... I've considered making a thread of the stuff I have been doing to it. At least a before and after or something.

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

You should.

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Which sub forum would be appropriate for a new owner, sort of re-build?

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

Build threads are under media. I presume because they tend to be full of pictures.

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Right on, will do. Thanks.