New to FI MX5s, but not FI
 

Well I am Tanro, I've owned enough dsms to be committed to a substance abuse program. I've owned FWD and AWD, automatic and manual in the AWD variant. I've had them bone stock, mild-bolt ons, and a ECM Link tuned, 20g powered ~380 horse build. So my questions will not be so much about forced induction stuff, but how it pretains to the MX5 specifically.

in 2013 I was going back to college, and I needed to get rid of my AWD gas guzzling nightmare of a daily. (~9 mpg on premium when I was behind the wheel on a nice road). So I traded my built DSM for a nearly stock 91 miata. After that I knew I'd never own another DSM.

I got an RX8 last year for a v8 swap, and that has been a good car (not really) so far, But the clutch is slipping and the ign coils are about shot, it smokes a lot on startup, so it time for norotors swap.

Now I need another miata.

TL;DR?
Was DSM owner
Then Miata Owner
Then RX8 Owner
Now I need another miata.

Looking at this MSM:
2004 Mazdaspeed Miata Turbo

So I am wary about the high mileage. But it looks to be in good nic. I am going to do a compression test, and check the turbo for shaftplay, as well as the other normal test for a used car. Then get under it and check for worn bushings, busted cvs, etc.

Here are some pics the owner texted me. As well as saying he bought it to teach his daughter to drive stick, and he hasn't had it long, no service records. And the previous owner was a toolbag who installed the wood grain crap and stupid yolo horn.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...51573601_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...70c3ac062523e4
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...63009253_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...57439357_o.jpg
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1421607492
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...62301513_o.jpg

Im gonna try and get the owner down a bit. But is it worth 4-5k? I know that mileage is high, but if it has been on stock boost levels most it's life I think It should still be a strong engine. Mazda builds these things conservatively.

More worried about the trans, gonna see how it rows, but I did fix a similar issue in my rx8 just by putting in some redline.

Decent price.

Do a compression test.
Make sure you COLD start it and hear how bad the HLA tick is. If there is a little but goes away and no smoke that is good. If none, even better.
MSM's are pretty good when just left alone but if you want more from what i've heard you gotta pretty much start over.
OEM tune / ECU is no good.
The 6 speed is what you want, it holds more power than the 5 speed.

What are your goals?

Do some research all your answers are on this site.

I basically want a fun Daily. A miata.

If I don't get a MSM Im not gonna boost it. That said I have good chunk to spend for a nicer miata. 5k is my budget, and I found a few good options.

The best 2 are this, and 10th AE miata with a few bolt-ons.

If I get the MSM I will probably figure out a tuning solution I can live with. Either Haltek, Megasquirt, or ECM(DSM) Link as I pondered putting my DSM link setup in my last miata when I noticed the thing (spark/timing signals) was running off Mitsubishi electronics.

I've tuned Megasquirt before, and I love DSM link. I've worked on haltek cars.

Tanro, congrats on signing up at the best site on the web!

There is always hope! Haha, I suffered from the dsm addiction too. My favorite was shooting flames out my front bumper exit exhaust. My dream is still a awd swapped spyder. But I like reliability. I love my nb. A msm would be awesome for sure.

welcome. love the horn.

Welcome! :skid: As long as you check out the car well as with any used car, a compression check is almost always done before I buy a used car, you should be fine. Just be willing/ready to do some maintenance right from the start, even if they "say" certain things have been done unless they have pics/documentation or it can be visually confirmed.

Well I pulled the trigger.

Went and looked at the 10th ae, what a piece of junk. Needed shocks, oil leak at pan, big ass dent, not pictured in craigslist add, seats, steering wheel, carpet, and boot where all pretty rough. I would be cheaper to paint my car the correct color and install all the 10th ae bits I actually want (boot, seats, wheel) than fix this one. (Almost)

So I bought the funky MSM. 1 small, almost un noticeable ding. Few small blemishes in paint. Great interior (aside from woodgrain).

FM Full Intake kit (bov, boost control, IC pipes, and intake/filter.
Stupid horn
2 sets if aftermarket wheels
Rest is stock
163/164/166/173 (front to back of motor 1-2-3-4) compression.

Pulls strong, doesnt over heat at idle, under boost or at 100 mpg on highway. Idles well.

Sloppy shifter, needs bushing. Grinds if you don't Double D clutch for 3rd. (Downshift).

Top needs window reglued, other than that very good condition.

Got it for a steal, 3575$.

Also... fuck the 4.10s in the rear.... That shit is getting swapped as soon as I can source a gear set. Afterthan Megasquirt PnP. Then racing beat or flying miata exhaust.

No HLAs in a MSM you NA scum :rofl:

That's the shiniest interior I've ever seen. This is also funny because I have all the silver shifter and stereo surrounds that guy replaced with wood.

Welcome to the forum! I recommend you look up the "Ti Curse" ;)

Yeah I knew they didnt have HLAs. I am very familar with them. Just google DSM Lifter Tick, or 4g63 lifter tick. Lifter tick doesn't bother me at all. A quiet engine with HLAs scares me. I've 4 zero mile 4g63 heads that all developed lifter tick within 2-3 weeks of engine break-in/head install.

My NA6 had it bad, oil change it got quiet for 2-3 days, then came right back. HLAs are noisy.

As far as the curse.... Internet hearsay, and superstitious mumbo jumbo. Cars get hit, cars dont get hit. But people don't post up to say that every week no one ran into their car.

I had a red talon and a white miata that were both hit multiple times when parked. Also had a dark metallic grey talon that never got hit.

You would never think i currently own an 01.

:rofl::rofl:

You're absolutely right. I'm a noob.