Turboless Noob Seeks More Track Time
 

Hello MiataTurbo.net. I needed to stop lurking and start posting, so here goes. I bought this 97 Miata two years ago with the intention of 1) teaching myself manual and 2) learning to drive on the track and at autocross. This was my first manual and sports car. It's since turned into a full blown addiction. I've swapped in a Torsen, put on 225 Hankook RS3s, added hood vents and brake ducts. I've upgraded to a Sparco Evo, Momo steering wheel, Schroth harneses and a Necksgen 2. My plan is to Megasquirt next year and then turbo the year after once my track times start stabilizing. The car as-is has a lot of time left in it, so I'm sticking with stock power until I get better at driving. I've mostly gone to Buttonwillow and Thunderhill West, but I'm looking forward to finally hitting up Laguna now that I've some experience under my belt. I'm focusing on keeping the car reliable and fun to drive.
Here are some pics:


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...17d50e19e1.jpg97 Miata.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0a9d539144.jpgMockup + Parts for brake Ducts. 2.5" Aluminum coupler.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...827017aea6.jpgTest Fitting Cardboard in the existing vent hole
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e62a732eaf.jpgRB Bumper + Final ABS Brake Duct. I bent the ABS with a heat gun after trimming it to size with a band saw. Painted the coupler back and attached to the bumper with a few screws.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...9a05a3b945.jpgRoommate's cat Babbi stealing my seat

Why hello there! Do you have a roll bar and hard top? How much for your roommate's cat?

Ooooooo what a pretty kitty!

Nice! Love the RB bumpers... Reminds me of the early FD. Distinctly 90s charm without even a hint of tacky.
brake ducts look awesome!
How did you do your hood? Or is it an aftermarket hood.

Welcome! There are a few of us track guys in the Bay Area. Where abouts are you?

Hood was here: Singular Motorsports Hood Louvers: NA Miata | Singular Motorsports. The template goes on the top of the hood, and you cut from above first, then go in the bottom and trim everything off. They've got a good info video on how to do it on their site.

No hard top, just a Hard Dog Roll Bar. I want to get a hard top eventually but they are $$$ here in the bay. Cat not for sale (yet) :likecat:

I'm in Fremont. I plan on going to more Golden Gate Lotus Club autocrosses next year and track days at Buttonwillow, Thunderhill, and Laguna. I'm avoiding Sonoma due to the number of accidents I've seen there until I get better.

That's awesome... Thanks for the link! I will have to go that route!

Small world, I'm in Union City. I am always looking for more track day friends. I am planning on going to Buttonwillow December 2nd, if you want to come along. Sonoma isn't all that scary, and is really a fun track.