1993z32

What's up everybody, I'm Greg, I'm 25, and I live in San Diego. I've been building and racing 300ZX's for about 7 years and usually about every couple years I'll try out a new chassis to see if I like it or not. Well in December 2012 I bought a Miata and I like it! I've been autocrossing since 2008 and it's cool to see what all the hype is about.

I picked up a 93' Miata (I think it's referred to as an LE? Power windows, mirrors, etc) In December last year for $2600. 167k, 5spd, drove okay but definitely had been beat on and had some mechanical issues. It looked like this:



Around April it was looking something like this:





It was all good, although it rode like absolute garbage. After trying 3 different suspension setups and 2 wheel/tire setups I decided either it was a problem with the car, or all Miata's rode like this. It also had no back window, a dying clutch and trans, and a few other problems that needed attention. Then a few weeks ago I found a clean 1992 base model with a hard top, 159k (compared to my 181k) and completely sorted; for $3000. I went up and drove it, and despite the cheap Megan coilovers being set to 32/32 stiffness (which I found out later) it still drove and rode worlds better than mine. AND IT HAD A HARD TOP! So Here it is:




Two weeks later I'm still working on getting everything swapped over, just need to get the rollbar, coilovers, and brakes swapped and I'll be back up to par.




So my next step is this:



I know a decent amount about turbo systems from working with several 300ZX Twin Turbos and being familiar with pretty much every setup anyone has ever tried to run on their Z, as well as being fairly keen on the physics of turbocharging cars (reading compressor maps blah blah blah) but I am definitely new to Miata turbo setups. I've been doing a ton of reading and it seems like the FMII kit with a 2560R and MS PnP is what I want. I'd love to see 200rwhp eventually (after a clutch of course) and still have enough responsiveness for autocross. Well Nice to meet y'all, this seems like a really good community.

TheCrazySwede

iTrader: (1)

Very nice intro! I've actually always wanted a 300zxTT. They were one of my personal favorites for the majority of my teen years before I bought my first Miata. It sounds like you already have the majority of your ducks in a row, but hopefully this forum can help you answer any questions you might have.... On that note, just to save yourself, I wouldn't post a question unless you have done a THOROUGH search. Lol. I'm still fairly new to the FI Miata field (I used to have an MR2T, so I'm not new to FI, just to FI Miatas....), but I can say that a lot of these folks are extremely knowledgable. Brutal at times, but knowledgable. Good luck with your plans for the car and keep us posted!

-Justin

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

You will probably wish you had Xidas from 949Racing before you went turbo. Miatas are only going to ride like *** if you are doing it wrong.

krissetsfire

iTrader: (1)

Keep in mind these earlier models are 20+ years old now and most of the bushings are shot. If you haven't refreshed them they will make you pay. I replaced a lot of mine and noticed a huge difference without even touching my suspension. I have tein flex though which isn't xida but are still pretty comfortable.

1993z32

Thanks man. I've been on 300ZXCLUB.COM for many years and they are the same way so my fingers will bleed from typing before I ask any questions. If you ever decide to start shopping around for a 300ZX definitely shoot me a PM! I can probably tell you everything you need to know. I still have a project 300ZX and work on them on a regular basis.

As far as ride quality I'm very satisfied with the new car, it seems very well maintained. It's riding on coilovers from a company called Powertrix, they're based in San Diego and offer coils for 300ZXs, 370Zs, S13s, G37s and other Nissans/Infinitis, and I've always run them on my Z32s so I inquired about having a set made for the Miata. I'm still in the processing of selecting spring rates as I'm trying to find a balance between stance and still being able to push the car hard. My original thought of 7k/5k seem pretty soft so I have a set of 9k/6k on the way. I've got an NB front anti-sway bay I'm going to try out as well. I'll try to keep somewhat of an update thread going!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

Welcome, 1993z32!

NW253

Straight to business: I like it! Welcome sir!

slidewaysdreamin

Where @ in SD are you? im in Mission Valley, and im looking for some buddies to cruise with, canyon runs and stuff. LMK if there's any local meets you have checked out!

1993z32

Haha I spend a lot of time in Mission Valley since my girlfriend lives there. Not sure of any Miata specific meets but I go to the Car Meats sometimes. And autocross at Qualcomm.

slidewaysdreamin

I went to one under the freeway by Qualcomm once, but I don't know the schedule. Txt me next time you go, and ill head out I live 3 min from Qualcomm by Fashion Valley mall.
775-220-3084
Eric

StaySideways

Good intro and nice cars! Your 300zx history is pretty damn awesome, I'm new to this forum too, just came over from clubroadster, welcome, and good luck with your turbo set up!

NW253

Are you in Burbank frequently? I swear I've seen your car aound here- either that or you've got a twin.

1993z32

Only been there once or twice to pick up parts. Red on white wheels/roll bar is definitely a popular combo.

NW253

For sure - It looks good tho! I've always liked the combo - Taking some inspiration from the 500, maybe some white stripes are in order?

http://www.bloomberg.com/image/inYAWM2b5Cs8.jpg

1993z32

Thanks! Never been much for the fancy paint jobs but that would look pretty good, maybe I could have "Track day bro" in the stripe.

NW253

Right on - I think you're on to something there. Maybe a "get low" for the club roadster crowd...