Best Miata of All Time

[Darin]

Which Miata is your favourite?

[pluto316]

I don't know that much about Miatas.

[jred321]

i think we need some pics/stats to compare, as many of us don't know much about miatas.
p.s. - darin, you should get some of your miata friends to come on here :)

[Darin]

lol...:) Search GOOGLE for them :) I was assuming ppl would know them. :D

Just vote for the 93LE...they are AMAZING :D

[Natey]

I think the coupe looks killer.
Here's a website to look over if you want...
http://www.miata.net/news/editions.html

[jred321]

Originally posted by Darin
lol...:) Search GOOGLE for them :) I was assuming ppl would know them. :D

Just vote for the 93LE...they are AMAZING :D
but you didn't even vote for it!:p
i went with the turbo though because i like turbos.

[Darin]

Originally posted by jred321
but you didn't even vote for it!:p
i went with the turbo though because i like turbos.

lol :)

Only because in 99 they started the best flowing head design...there's something about a FMII turbo on a 10th Anniversary Edition miata that is wonderful. :)

the 93LE is my favourite 90-97 Miata. :D

[njaremka]

10AE ALL THE WAY, BABY!!!

I would go for the Aussie turbo, but it isn't a world wide car. The 10AE was a world car, AND it's the fastest stock US Miata in Fedral emmissions trim.

And they look DAMN sweet!!

http://www.mx5-germany.de/Ubersicht/MX-5_NB_1998-200_/MX-5_10th_Anniversary/aa10ae.jpg

http://www.mx5-germany.de/Ubersicht/MX-5_NB_1998-200_/MX-5_10th_Anniversary/a13.jpg

http://www.mx5-germany.de/Ubersicht/MX-5_NB_1998-200_/MX-5_10th_Anniversary/a23.jpg

[Darin]

How were they the fastest?

[redwagon02]

You can guess my answer.:D

[FC3s Boy]

10 AE baby give me the 6-speed, the 93's are nice also my dad has the black one with red int.

[dolphin]

10 AE since the turbo was not offered in the US. I also have a 10 AE so I am hardly unbiased.

Cielo, 10AE # 511

[njaremka]

Originally posted by Darin
How were they the fastest?

power, weight, gearing...

[mctoone]

Well - I'm partial to the 1990 classic red...I don't know why! Have a look at my website and you will see why! But I would really like a new triple black one. Oh well...now I have my P5 too!

[jred321]

i see the 1993 le is doing well :p :)

[Darin]

Originally posted by njaremka
power, weight, gearing...

I don't think Power or Gearing has changed since 99...not in any way that would matter. Weight? You may be right on target there. :)

[njaremka]

The 99 fedral cars only had one cat, while the 2000 and CA emissions vehicles got 2. Plus, I belive the 2000 models got a little more bracing. And the 10AE has the 6-speed with closer gearing to keep the engine in the sweet spot. In comparison with the other 6-speed equipped models, the 10AE had mch more going for it.

And it just looks damn good!

[Darin]

Originally posted by njaremka


And it just looks damn good!

yes...yes it does :)

[redwagon02]

Originally posted by njaremka

And it just looks damn good!

Here Here (first)

[redwagon02]

Oh yeah, and mine looks, handles even better w/ H&R race springs.

[CruzinAltitude]

I was tempted to vote for the 1993 L E simply becuase it looks so sad in the poll with no votes, but I dont want to mess with the figures of your poll.

[Ljspeed]

The Minimonster is my favorite:p :D

[rx7gslse]

Hey what about the 94 R models?

[Keith@FP]

Originally posted by njaremka
The 99 fedral cars only had one cat, while the 2000 and CA emissions vehicles got 2. Plus, I belive the 2000 models got a little more bracing. And the 10AE has the 6-speed with closer gearing to keep the engine in the sweet spot. In comparison with the other 6-speed equipped models, the 10AE had mch more going for it.

And it just looks damn good!

1999 and 2000 models are identical. The CA cars got two cats, while the federal models got one.

In 2001, the Sport package came with bigger brakes and a fantastic (and heavy) underbody ladder brace. This was made standard in 2003.

The 10AE was no quicker than any other 6-speed car. The 2000 SE was mechanically identical and a lot less blue :)

We've got a 10AE in the shop right now, getting a small horsepower injection. We're gonna double it.

Keith

[Darin]

Originally posted by rx7gslse
Hey what about the 94 R models?

yuk...Manual Steering makes a miata feel heavy with any tire wider than, say, 185. :(

[Keith@FP]

Opinions are divided in the shop here about manual steering. I like the fast ratio of the power steering especially for autox. On the track, however, the manual rack works nicely even with 205 race rubber. Our race car actually has a power rack (fast ratio) with the power assist removed, and runs 10" slicks.

Keith

[njaremka]

Hey Keith, when are you going to update the Flyin' Protege site?

[Keith@FP]

When I've got something to put up there.

Keith

[Darin]

Originally posted by Keith@FP
Opinions are divided in the shop here about manual steering. I like the fast ratio of the power steering especially for autox. On the track, however, the manual rack works nicely even with 205 race rubber. Our race car actually has a power rack (fast ratio) with the power assist removed, and runs 10" slicks.

Keith

My statement is based from driving a 94 R w/ an FM or EARLY FMII system. The power was nice, but with his bit fat tires, at least 205 variety, the whole car felt 'heavier' to me. Unless I had a devoted track car, I just don't think I could enjoy the same light feeling as my PS-assisted Miata gives. :D

[rx7gslse]

hmm... the couple of track miatas (mostly Spec cars) I've tooled around in didn't have the PS system, and I actually prefer it that way.. Gives a much more direct feel... Now if I had to parallel park the thing all the time I'd think differently..

In fact I yoinked the PS out of my old 7 too, so maybe I'm a bit nutty..

Someday I will build a turbo miata... can't decide what year just yet.. At least I have great connetions for miata stuff ;) http://www.rx7-miata.com/

[Keith@FP]

Darin, I do agree with you. It does make the car feel a lot more massive. My own Miata is a stripped 1990 with PS and a really fun 11:1 engine and 215/40-16 tires. One of my coworkers had a 1992 250 hp+ FM II car with the same size tires and manual steering. His car just felt massive - very fast, but bigger. Mine felt lighter and more nimble.

Keith

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

10 AE baby!

Miatas I have owned: 1999 red sport package with all the appearance add-ons, an emerald green 2001, 99 10 AE miata. NEVER have I gotten more looks than in the 10 AE. He's just sex-ahhh!!!

[Darin]

Originally posted by Keith@FP
Darin, I do agree with you. It does make the car feel a lot more massive. My own Miata is a stripped 1990 with PS and a really fun 11:1 engine and 215/40-16 tires. One of my coworkers had a 1992 250 hp+ FM II car with the same size tires and manual steering. His car just felt massive - very fast, but bigger. Mine felt lighter and more nimble.

Keith

You hit the nail on the head, Keith. Funny you mention 11:1, I was at Todaracing.com today, day dreaming. :)

Maybe FlyinMiata should hire me to do some free-lance graphic/photo/poster work, and pay me in a BEGI kit instead? :D

heheh!

:beer:

[GOTZOOM?]

Originally posted by mctoone
Well - I'm partial to the 1990 classic red...I don't know why! Have a look at my website and you will see why! But I would really like a new triple black one. Oh well...now I have my P5 too!

Same here, I also own a 1990 classic red, and a silver P5. How weird!

[Keith@FP]

Originally posted by Darin
You hit the nail on the head, Keith. Funny you mention 11:1, I was at Todaracing.com today, day dreaming. :)

Maybe FlyinMiata should hire me to do some free-lance graphic/photo/poster work, and pay me in a BEGI kit instead? :D

heheh!

:beer:

Toda? These are our Wiseco pistons, right off the FM shelf :P

Since I'm the FM graphic designer and photographer, I don't think you're gonna get hired freelance...

Keith

[20ESGUY]

the cars i would pick aren't even listed..... it's a tie between the 93 suburst yellow / 2003 SE blazing yellow. as for the ones listed gotta go with the 93 black and tan. just something about that color on the miata thats refined yet still says eat my dust.

[OceanPark]

Any pic or spec of the Australian Market Turbo Miata?

[mctoone]

Originally posted by 20ESGUY
the cars i would pick aren't even listed..... it's a tie between the 93 suburst yellow / 2003 SE blazing yellow. as for the ones listed gotta go with the 93 black and tan. just something about that color on the miata thats refined yet still says eat my dust.

I thought the sunburst yellow only came out in 1992...don't forget...I own a miata!

[Keith@FP]

1992 only for North America. It was used on a special edition in the UK a few years later, and it's the same yellow that was used on the 2002 "Internet" cars under a different name. It's also Protege5 yellow.

Keith

[Darin]

Originally posted by OceanPark
Any pic or spec of the Australian Market Turbo Miata?

It looks just like any other miata. :)

[OceanPark]

Originally posted by Darin
It looks just like any other miata. :)

I have heard about read about it before. but they stopped making them now? Just 1 year limited edition???

[20ESGUY]

I thought the sunburst yellow only came out in 1992...don't forget...I own a miata!

ok so i was off a year.....with school starting this week i'm lucky if i can remember my name..lol! i've actually owned two miatas, a '90 and a '91 classic red both with B packages. wish i had the cash for another but school's taking more than it's fair share.

[Pitlab77]

You guys forgot to put one of the nices and most limited packages. The 1993 LE miata. Black with Red interior

[StuttersC]

I like the 10th AE, mostly the color...

My fav is the Track Dog...

The Miata SP (Aussie turbo version) wasn't as popular as Mazda thought it would be. Not very many of them made and then went for a lot of dough. The lady quoted me $60,000 "on road" new.

She told me used I could get a clean now-a-days for around $40,000...That is in aussie dollars.

[Darin]

Originally posted by Pitlab77
You guys forgot to put one of the nices and most limited packages. The 1993 LE miata. Black with Red interior

It's an option - AND the miata I drive :)

[Sdrotary2]

Limited, How about a 2003 Club Sports Miata, only 100 made on 2 colors, 15k brand new! beat that, leaves $$ to go for the FM 2 kit. Thats limited, and you have to order them for customers mainly for Spec Miata.

[Keith@FP]

Actually, we've got a Club Sport in the shop right now. We've already built the motor and it's getting an FM IV turbo system. Should be good for 300 whp easily. He put in a radio, the wimp :)

I also know of another CS getting a supercharger, and another one I saw this weekend is going to get A/C (shock!). Even though they're stripped, they're still pretty heavy. 2365 lbs full of gas. Mazda can't get rid of them and is having to discount them pretty heavily.

Keith

[1sty]

Originally posted by Keith@FP
He put in a radio, the wimp :)



Keith

HEY! (no)

What else has to be done to the car to hold the 300 whp?

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by Keith@FP
Actually, we've got a Club Sport in the shop right now. We've already built the motor and it's getting an FM IV turbo system. Should be good for 300 whp easily. He put in a radio, the wimp :)

I also know of another CS getting a supercharger, and another one I saw this weekend is going to get A/C (shock!). Even though they're stripped, they're still pretty heavy. 2365 lbs full of gas. Mazda can't get rid of them and is having to discount them pretty heavily.

Keith


I thought the Club Sports were gonna fly out the door...I guess not.:(

[Keith@FP]

Yeah, you're a wimp to put a radio in a CS. It's supposed to be a race car!

It's getting a better clutch (obviously) and forged pistons/rods. We're changing to a totally different ECU. Lots of attention to cooling. Since it's a road racer, it shouldn't need much to the diff. I will be interested to see what happens with the tranny...

As we've seen over and over, what the enthusiasts say they want and what sells are two different things. The R1 RX-7, the Australian SP - even the R package only sold 47 cars in 1997. The 1992 yellow Miatas were deeply discounted to get them off the lot, as were the 10AEs.

Keith

[1sty]

Originally posted by Keith@FP
Yeah, you're a wimp to put a radio in a CS. It's supposed to be a race car!

It's getting a better clutch (obviously) and forged pistons/rods. We're changing to a totally different ECU. Lots of attention to cooling. Since it's a road racer, it shouldn't need much to the diff. I will be interested to see what happens with the tranny...

As we've seen over and over, what the enthusiasts say they want and what sells are two different things. The R1 RX-7, the Australian SP - even the R package only sold 47 cars in 1997. The 1992 yellow Miatas were deeply discounted to get them off the lot, as were the 10AEs.

Keith

Nothing like racing while blasting, "Another One Bites the Dust"

[Keith@FP]

True story - an aquaintance who's a fantastic endurance racer once crashed while changing radio stations in the middle of a race.

Keith

[1sty]

Originally posted by Keith@FP
True story - an aquaintance who's a fantastic endurance racer once crashed while changing radio stations in the middle of a race.

Keith


(rofl)

That man needs a remote. Or a CD changer:D

What makes the car iffy with 300 whp, the power or the fact that it will be an endurance racer?

[Keith@FP]

I'm not sure I understand your question. It's not going to be an enduro car, but a track day toy. The tranny should be fine with that. If he was drag racing, I'd recommend he pack a spare tranny when going to the track.

Keith

[1sty]

Originally posted by Keith@FP


It's getting a better clutch (obviously) and forged pistons/rods. We're changing to a totally different ECU. Lots of attention to cooling. Since it's a road racer, it shouldn't need much to the diff. I will be interested to see what happens with the tranny...



Keith

This was the quote I was refering to. I thought the tranny in the maita could hold on its own that much power.

[Keith@FP]

Depends on how you use the car. Ken, one of my co-workers, had a 270 rwhp Miata as a daily driver. He sold the car to someone else - and the tranny blew within a week. Drag racing is probably the most destructive thing you can do to a car. Road racing is far less abusive on the transmission if you keep the temperatures under control. However, a rough driver will still shatter it with 300 rwhp.

Keith

[1sty]

Originally posted by Keith@FP
However, a rough driver will still shatter it with 300 rwhp.

Keith

So your saying I should stay away from the maita with 300 hp :D

Damn I was thinking about replacing my MP3 with one too.

[Keith@FP]

Despite what you read on the internet, 300 rwhp Miatas are extremely rare beasts and they cost a LOT more than the fairly common 240 rwhp variety.

Keith

[1sty]

Ah thats where your wrong, I haven't read it anywhere :D.
Good to know its not common, cheap or easy though.