Help a noob out.
 

Hey guys.
I sold my 06' STi with lots of mods to try and pay off debt(which I did...minus stupid student loans), and got a new 12' Impreza. It's slow and it's nearly paid off ($2000)

I have been really getting interested in getting a Miata but was worried about the low stock power...which is why I'm here.

I found a few $4000 turbo'ed Miatas in my area with some decent mods, and was wondering if I was on the right path.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2907472849.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2884605770.html

I'm looking for a weekend/autocross/maybe trackday car, that I can spend less than $4000 (to start) on. I figured this might be a good place to start, and add more power/mods as I like?

What say you?

Dane

First one appears that the dude doesn't know much I especially find the lack of o2 sensor disturbing. The 2nd post appears that the dude made it as a fun weekend toy. Out of those 2 I wouldn't get either for that price.

Welcome, DaneTrain!

Thanks Tripple. And Brain.

Would it be easier to buy a stock Miata and turbo it myself? (I can find some around here for $2000).

depends. I'd like to find a car with the suspension sorted first, before I went turbo. Then you can slap a starter kit on and go from there.

Yeah. That was my plan, but I cant find any here in Colorado that are like that.

I used to see Miatas all over the place...am I not looking in the right places? (Craigslist SCCA forums, etc.)

Of course seeing that you've done turboing before thats definitely a +. You can do a DIY turbo as well and piece stuff together.

True. I just dont want to get into a cheap project and have it backfire on me.

So that second one isn't worth it? He dropped it to $4000.

Seeing the way the car was built i'd expect it was made for autocross/track.. seller says he doesnt autocross it so its really up to you what you believe. Long story short the bottom one looks like its built good but one does not know how much it was abused. If you decide to check it out look at the crank pulley.