Non-Tech Noob
 

I am looking to buy a Miata, but I have two worries. First, I am worried that a non-turbo Miata is going to be a bit too slow...even just running to the beer/milk store. Second, I am not technical at all and do not plan on working on my own car. Am I best off getting a stock Mazdaspeed version instead of running the risk of buying an aftermarket turbo.

The car is going to be a 3rd car in the family. I have one son who drives and another that will in 2 years. My other cars are a Tahoe and my wife's company car, so you can see the need for the roadster. We live in Western North Carolina. I have looked at other cars, but keep coming back to the Miata.

Please let me know your opinions. If anyone knows anyone who can work on my car in WNC, it would be great too!

A stock mazdaspeed is a good option, just find one that is stock.
Then if you feel the need to boogie, there are some VERY simple mods that will help power, I think youll be surprised how easy they are, but if you really feel that you cant handle them any shop should be able to without any difficulty.

Agreed go ahead and get a MSM

If you're non-technical and you want a quicker car, the MSM is probably your best bet. I'd also cross shop an s2000 and a couple other newer roadsters (z4, Sky Redline, etc.) depending on your price range. They're all slightly different and I prefer the s2000 to the MSM personally.

I don't feel that my non-turbo 1.6L is that slow but it certainly isn't setting the world on fire while daily driving. It really depends on your intended use though and if you're only using it as a street car you won't really see where the earlier Miatas make up for their lackluster acceleration.

After a full weekend of forum surfing, I am leaning to an NB stock or MSM. I can boost the NB later. The MSM is too high of a price point from what I have seen so far. Once I have the car and have sat behind the wheel, I can/will get the fever to make the adjustments. The s2000 is nice, but I like the feel of the gocart on steroids that I get from the Miata. I also like to hang my arm out the window!

Thanks for all the notes!

NB and FM2? I mean FM's business model is built mostly around the kind of guy who needs complete instructions anyway, and there's plenty of support and it's more plug-n-play than a DIY kit.

The MSM has a kinda crappy turbo factory anyway, and it's not like it's even much of a different engine to the base NB..

Go with a standard NB and turbo from there. You'll want to replace most of the factory MSM equipment anyways, so there is no point paying the premium. You can always find a MSM turbo setup for ~$300 and piece together your own MSM for a fraction of the cost. :)

I have found several 1999 and 2000 options. I have been looking for low miles and most plain exterior. Weighing paying more for 50k fewer miles. Mostly green cars with cloth seats. Waiting for a few responses, but finding that the forum is a great place to buy so far. Should be buying into a car in a week. Can't wait. Thanks, again, for the notes.

6 speeds seem pretty hard to find. What is the story?

thats the story.
they didn't make that many of them to begin with. every other serious turbo setup on here is rocking a 6 speed so you can see how demand exceeds supply

Try to get an LS or SE, as they come with the Torsen LSD. LS models can be found as they all have leather seats and bose audio.

Location of said MSM turbo setup for ~$300? Ebay and MT have turned up empty.

Is the only way to get a Torsen LSD (in the car) with an SE or LS model?

Running into a lot of cloth seats. I like the basic look without added body gear, so I can add what I want, but really want the LSD. I will not race this car. Most sellers don't know how to tell or it has been too long for them to still have sticker. Getting closer! Actually looking at all NBs and 06 NCs.

Thanks again to all!

Just keep in mind that the NC, while a great car in its own right, is a completely different beast. Much smaller aftermarket support (though it seems to be rapidly growing), and a lot smaller online community. Possibly because it's a newer, more refined, and more expensive car, the typical NC owner doesn't seem to be much of a DIYer, so there's not as many people available with answers and experience when/if you have questions.

That said, it shouldn't necessarily dissuade you from getting an NC -- you'll just be closer to the cutting edge of development instead of having a couple decades worth of information at your fingertips.

sounds like a sport package also has LSD?

Mazda-speed forums are good. I got mine off clubroadster for $300, manifold, turbo outlet, turbo, and OEM lines included. I ran my own lines, FMIC, ECU, etc though.

Yeah, I didn't think it would be the whole package...but if I could get the manifold, turbo, downpipe it would be a good start.

https://www.miataturbo.net/miata-parts-sale-trade-5/oem-msm-turbo-parts-51551/

Bam. ;)

Is this a problem? The leather seats are very slippery, and more for your Sunday driver rather than an aggressive canyon carver. Or did I miss somewhere your reasoning behind requiring leather?

Think it's because cloth seats usually indicate open diff, though the sport model might be different, I know the SE and LS had leather.