Hello from Milwaukee!
 

HELLO EVERYONE!!

I'm a huge car nut and a gigantic nerd so this forum is right up my alley.
I have actually been lurking for quite some time and have been very intrigued by some of the really cool builds and the potential locked away in the Miata. I have to admit... I don't even have a miata but I'm looking around and I may have found one on craigslist that has some promise. Right now i'm in a crapalier that gets me from A to B and I keep it working, but I need something else... anything else. I'm in planning stages at this point, I am aiming for a cheap (obviously, is there any other way?) build with a goal of 200 hp at the rear wheels. I was very inspired by dvcn's build (https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...results-11402/), and Mighty Car Mods turbo mx-5 on youtube. At this time I'm still doing lots of research (instead of working). With all of the knowledge in this forum and others out there this build will be no problem at all. I will say there is so much information it can be a little daunting to know where to start.

-Josh

If you don't have one yet, do yourself a favor and don't even look at anything that isn't '94 and up. The 1.8 is better and the diff is stronger. inb4 1.6 h8ters

Welcome, stanja28!

Is there anyone in this forum from the milwaukee area? maybe to do some collaborative work in the future, Idk

Im from west bend, but am frequently in the milwaukee area. Blew up my 1.8 with mazdaspeed6 k04 turbo this weekend. fully forged to come.

I just bought a 1994 miata!

Congrats on the miata. Im in the madison area but grew up towards milwaukee.

I will post pics when I get it home, I still have to pick it up *crosses fingers* Hopefully there won't be any major surprises since I'm flying out to nebraska to pick it up

welcome to the forum. Im just south of you about an hour at the IL/Wis border.

This is my roommate
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

This is the engine bay, clearly. I was absolutely amazed at how easy this car is to work on (compared to VW and even GM). Since this picture I've thoroughly backflushed the old coolant, ordered new hoses, and a new radiator because I cracked the inlet neck >:( , replace the radiator cap, new thermostat for the hell of it. Also, I found that the previous owner had allowed the coolant to turn to a muddy brown which deeply concerns me. I am VERY happy to report that the rust situation is very very low!
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

Here is the top that came with the car... OMG is it awful... anyone have suggestions on which top to choose? I see that there are many choices ranging from $150-800.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

Side shot:
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

left rear quarter panel shot. I do like the ats cup wheels, they came with some very nice rubber, of which I cannot remember. The car has fm vmax coilovers, which in Milwaukee is very crashy
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

rear shot, I still haven't registered or title :( but it has nebraska in-transits, so I should be fine
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

right Rear quarter panel:
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

front left quarter panel shot, I was pinned against the house so this is the best I could get from this angle
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1400852747

Front right Quarter panel shot
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...d5cf48c1673486

Sorry it took so long to get the pictures up.

I'd be glad to help if you have any questions about FM's stuff. So far I am very happy with my FM2. They won't really meet your "cheap" goal, but their stuff is good.

How did you manage to do that??? lol i bet it was from ALLOFIT... hahaha


Anywho, Welcome OP! great Buy, AND a 1.8, you are already off to a good start. And if im correct in my thinking, The 94 1.8 has the oil and water feed ports already in the Exhaust side of the block with a couple plugs screwed in place, just like the 1.6. Makes for an easier build-up. Very cool.... How much are you willing to spend on a top? Ebay has vinyl tops for about $130 if you dont mind replacing it again in a few years.
Hard top is the way to go if you can, That with maybe a $130 soft top folded underneath in case it rains, and your top is at home in the garage. But they are few and far between, especially for a good price.
My advice would be to get a Canvas top, with a Glass rear window. That will last you YEARS with no problems.

And those wheels.... just..... those wheels.... hahaha jk

Awesome buy! Congratulations! and Welcome to the Site! Read around, and read some more... theres nothing that you wont be able to find on here to get you on the right track