Im a newbie from FL im in the coast guard and got stationed up here in VA and never thought I would see myself interested in miatas. Then I rode in my buddies boosted one and that changed my mind it was like a go cart that was just fun as hell. So now I am back in FL training then leave until may 15 but when I get back to virginia I think Im gonna dive into a miata and start learning and definitely boost either a 1.6 or a 1.8 and do a build for some autox and just some fun. Thanks and I know I'll learn a lot

 

Welcome. I'd go for a 1.8 ('94+) for sure, '94-'95 are the best NA (NA is first gen) cars because they're easier to pass emissions with and they weigh less then the '96-'97 cars. The second gen (NB) started in '99. They look different inside and out, and make a bit more power. In '01 they got VVT engines and made a bit more power. Be sure and get one that you like, don't just buy the first rust free car you see like I did. You'll want one with a Torsen LSD, no rust and the options you want.

 

Emissions is no problem for me because I'm a resident of FL but thanks for clearing up some data. Right now I am just studying each of them because I know I want boost while keeping costs down for the purchase price of the car. The 90-93's have the 1.6 and the 94+ have the 1.8's correct? I have a lot of research to do and definitely am not rushing into buying something that isnt what I'm looking for. Thanks for explaining the names of them and giving some info.

 

Yep, '90-'93 have a 1.6 and '94 and up have a 1.8. Bell engineering (BEGI) and Flyin Miata both make turbo kits.

 

So im gonna go ahead and assume the 1.8's are much better motors than the 1.6's everything ive read about the 1.8's seems that people like those much more than the 1.6's. So I'll be on the look for a 94-95

 

I kinda regret not getting an NB myself, but make sure you get one with a Torsen LSD in either case.

 

I just love the looks of the NA Miatas now that I know the difference I used to say the old ones now I know. Ive been browsing both the DIY turbo section and the prefabbed kits and it looks as though a good made diy system can be had for a good price but at the same time I know I will not buy junk.

 

Where in va?

 

I'm stationed in Portsmouth about 5 minutes from Norfolk

 

welcome

 

where else does someone get stationed?

 

Im reading up on megasquirt because I know I want to understand the program before I go boost. So ill probably get my suspension mods and other stuff done before boost. Can anyone guide me into how hard it is to use? Ive never used any tuning software before but def want to learn