Hello friends,

I have decided to take on a new project to occupy my time during the winter doldrums here in Western MA. My plan is to purchase an unmolested 1.8 NA and slowly build a turbo kit. I plan on being as cheap as possible where I can (intercooler/piping), and shelling out some dough when necessary (MS, injectors, etc).

This will not be my daily, but a fun street car for the spring & summer.

I am brand spanking new to the world of Miatas, so much so that I haven't even pulled the trigger on a vehicle yet. Based on my research, it appears that a well-treated '94 1.8 is a solid choice based on the oil pressure gauge, LSD, and OBD1 - so that's what I've been checking out.

I am quite excited to get into the megasquirt stuff - I've purchased OTS tunes for my cars in the past, but never got into actually tuning myself. Megasquirt and a wideband will be the first purchase I make after acquiring a car.

What do you guys think is a reasonable price for a clean 94-97 with around ~100,000 miles? Good condition Miatas in the northeast are tough to find and carry a premium!!

 

Seems like you're on the right path

My #1 to look out for would be rust

Megasquirt is quite a learning curve but it can be done. Getting a WB+MS as one of your first upgrades is perfect. Learn now while not boosted.

Post some photos when you purchase! Or even put up some 'for sale' ads that you come across if you want some opinions

Welcome!

 

Welcome Harry.

I was planning almost exactly the same thing but I have to postpone it for at least a year if not cancel it all together.

I am not familiar with your area but generally it seems that prices on first generation Miata in good shape are rising. First models of second generation might be a better bet.

 

Welcome, hdizzle. Check out the Miata Gallery and post up some pics!

 

Thanks guys..

I checked out a very clean '94 B package yesterday. No funky/mildewy smell inside, 74,000 miles, immaculate paint, no rust, everything works very well, and it drove very smoothly as well.. Engine bay was spotless. All stock except for an Alpine head unit.

The top was in very good shape, but the only issue was the rear plastic window, which had turned a bit yellow. Does this mean the entire top must be replaced? Can this be polished out?

The owner is a small mechanic shop that is rather well known in my area for being a Miata fanatic. I'm confident he'll take $4,750. The car was in shockingly good condition. Do you guys think that's a fair deal?

Pic attached.





94 B package

 

For a car in immaculate condition this seems like a fair price but on the other hand it is a lot for a 20 year old car. It would depend on what you plan to do with the car. If you plan to completely rebuild the engine, replace all suspension components with a lowering kit, get new seats and so on it's a bit much. If you want to do as little work as you can apart from just installing the turbo and ECU it seems a very good buy.

 

That's a really good point. Besides the turbo/ecu stuff, the only thing I would change is perhaps the suspension. I found the stock suspension on this car to be a bit floaty and loose, with noticeable body roll around the corners.

The 2001 NB sport package I drove felt more athletic in the corners, but that's because of the bilsteins. I liked the rawness of the NAs that I drove more than the refinement of the NB.

Besides that, it's going to be a total sleeper with as few mods as possible. Easy to say now haha.

 

OK I pulled the trigger. I'm very happy with this purchase... a '94 C package with tan leather interior. 94,000 miles, every maintenance receipt, Mobil 1 always used, heated storage for winters..

It's in phenomenal condition - pics attached. My very first mod is going to be a new shift ****, I don't like the nardi wood **** currently installed.

Following that, I see a wideband and MS in my future.

 

Looks like a good purchase.