Daily driver to custom build!
 

Hi everyone! Just wanted to officially say hello since I've been lurking from NC for awhile now. I bought an 03 for a daily driver, because my lifted Jeep on 35's is killing me in gas as my daily driver. I went from just buying the Miata just to save on gas, to falling in love with the overall handling and just the fun factor of the car. I've been lurking, because I'm trying to learn all I can about adding a turbo to pick up some additional hp. That's my only complaint with the car is it seems to be unpowered and I can only imagine how much more fun this car would be with around 220-250 rwhp. At any rate, appreciate all the great information I've been able to locate so far on the site. I've been able to go from basically no knowledge of turbo systems to knowing just enough to be dangerous now. :) Hopefully by the time I can surf the classifieds I'll know enough to piece together a rock solid system. I'm currently working on the cosmetics (installing a full body kit) while I continue to learn about the turbo installs. I'll post some pics as I begin the install for anyone interested. That is of course if it turns out ok. I've mainly only built ATV, Motorcycle, and Jetski engines. This is my first custom car build so looking forward to learning as I go and again I appreciate all the great information located here.

Save yourself the ridicule, skip the body kit.

The only good looking body kit bits are oem small side skirts, and mazdaspeed front and rear bumper valances.

Aftermarket body kits are all fugly.

and useless. So buy use-less parts, or use-full parts. unless your rich, there is only one logical answer on this site. srry bro.

Welcome! There's definitely heaps of information on the site. I'd echo the above. Focus on quality parts you'd rather have funds for before sinking them into "assets" like a body kit, You're going to need a lot more than you think to finish off a stable turbo build (Unless you're Kmo25, check out his thread). Looking forward to some photos.

Welcome! Where in NC are you located?

Thanks, but ridicule doesn't bother me. I do things because I like them, not whether someone else does or not.

Thanks, to be honest the body kit started out as an unexpected expense. Unfortunately I forgot the Miata was parked on my side of the garage so when I backed the Jeep out I would have monster truck'd completely over it had it not been for my trailer hitch going through the front bumper and catching on the hood as it bent it back. :( When I was pricing a replacement bumper and hood I found it was just as cheap buying the aftermarket bumper along with the rest of the body kit and picking up the OEM hood from another member on here. I realize it's probably going to be a bit of work from the reviews I read before buying, but I'm not afraid of a good challenge. Worse case scenario if it turns out like crap I'll just keep looking for an OEM bumper and replace it. Personally I liked the look of the kit I ordered though, but will know more once I get it on the car.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...27666cd924.jpg

"Welcome! Where in NC are you located?
Thanks, I'm right down the street from you in WS. My wife and I lived in Mocksville for many years (off 64 near Cartner's), but moved to WS to be closer to work when she got pregnant. I was out there not long ago and couldn't believe how developed it is now off 601!

This is the exact thing we're trying to save you from. Repeating things only draws out how long it takes to complete the car and get it functional. We all have our priorities, however, some like to look at their cars, and some like to actually drive them. It's your project in the end so ultimately your prerogative.