Spec Miata?
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From: Snowwhitepillowformybigfathead
Re: Spec Miata? (Victor Penner)
Victor,
Come on now!
Casting about for the thoughts of others. Really.
You must seek out your own DESTINY.
Rent an SM. Slip into the Kirkey. Pull the sub-belt REALLY tight. And search your feelings.
Scott, who reminds you that you did say "anyone"...
Come on now!
Casting about for the thoughts of others. Really.
You must seek out your own DESTINY.
Rent an SM. Slip into the Kirkey. Pull the sub-belt REALLY tight. And search your feelings.
Scott, who reminds you that you did say "anyone"...
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From: Houston, TX
Re: Spec Miata? (Victor Penner)
I'd like to know which one is the better buy...the 1.6 or 1.8. I'm swayed towards the 1.8 just for the displacement, but I'd love to see some dyno charts between SM prepared 1.8s with the restrictor plate and lack of intake vs. an unrestricted 1.6. I've heard that the driver's body weight should be a factor in deciding, but which way will this go when the 1.8's weight is lowered next season?
In my opinion, this is one of my very few choices if I were to go racing anytime soon. The cars are plentiful, reliable, and extremely easy on consumables. There is some good racing to be had (from what I've witnessed) AND you're able to race in ITA if you feel the need for some variety.
A CRX Si would be another choice of mine, as there isn't much else out there that doesn't end up outclassed in ITS that I'd like/be-able-to-afford to drive.
In my opinion, this is one of my very few choices if I were to go racing anytime soon. The cars are plentiful, reliable, and extremely easy on consumables. There is some good racing to be had (from what I've witnessed) AND you're able to race in ITA if you feel the need for some variety.
A CRX Si would be another choice of mine, as there isn't much else out there that doesn't end up outclassed in ITS that I'd like/be-able-to-afford to drive.
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From: Chesapeake, VA
Re: Spec Miata? (Mike P.)
Seems like everybodys jumping on the SM bandwagon. 
Fields will be 100+ by the time I can get mine build 
Give http://www.specmiata.com (offical SM website) a look
Fields will be 100+ by the time I can get mine build Give http://www.specmiata.com (offical SM website) a look
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Re: Spec Miata? (DSC240sx)
I think that the 1.6's popularity comes from the age of the car and hence the price. I believe that the Spec for the the 1.6 and 1.8 balance out, because if there was an advantage to running the 1.8 you could count on most of the field running it.
Rinde, except the deevil!
Victor Penner
Rinde, except the deevil!
Victor Penner
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From: Murphy, Tx, USA
Re: Spec Miata? (Mike P.)
I think 1.8's have to run a restrictor plate or something.
http://www.specmiata.com
check the rules.
D. Intake System
1. All air entering the intake tract shall pass through the fuel injection air inlet.
2. 1600cc cars may replace the stock air box with a cone style air filter assembly. The air filter element is unrestricted. 1800cc cars must use the stock air box, but the air filter element is unrestricted.
3. 1800cc cars shall use a restrictor in the fuel injection system. The throttle restrictor shall be placed between the throttle body and plenum and shall be a 0.060" flat steel or Aluminum plate with the specified orifice. No air shall bypass the throttle restrictor.
1994 - 1995 47mm restrictor
1996 - 1997 45mm restrictor
http://www.specmiata.com
check the rules.
D. Intake System
1. All air entering the intake tract shall pass through the fuel injection air inlet.
2. 1600cc cars may replace the stock air box with a cone style air filter assembly. The air filter element is unrestricted. 1800cc cars must use the stock air box, but the air filter element is unrestricted.
3. 1800cc cars shall use a restrictor in the fuel injection system. The throttle restrictor shall be placed between the throttle body and plenum and shall be a 0.060" flat steel or Aluminum plate with the specified orifice. No air shall bypass the throttle restrictor.
1994 - 1995 47mm restrictor
1996 - 1997 45mm restrictor
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From: Future Site of the Runoffs, USA
Re: Spec Miata? (Victor Penner)
1.6's are faster.
at least in Midwestern Council, 1.6's hold the lap record for SM and have been champion the last few years. i expect it is the same in SCCA, NASA, and others; which is what is bringing about the change in rules for the 1.8. miata's are great, i really like mine, even though it's not even close to being done. tires and brake pads can last entire seasons, and the car can cost as little as $8g's to build, depending on if you run a hardtop and initial purchase price of the car. i'm hoping to have mine done for 9g's.
at least in Midwestern Council, 1.6's hold the lap record for SM and have been champion the last few years. i expect it is the same in SCCA, NASA, and others; which is what is bringing about the change in rules for the 1.8. miata's are great, i really like mine, even though it's not even close to being done. tires and brake pads can last entire seasons, and the car can cost as little as $8g's to build, depending on if you run a hardtop and initial purchase price of the car. i'm hoping to have mine done for 9g's.
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From: RVA FLA VIR
Re: Spec Miata? (DSC240sx)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DSC240sx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Seems like everybodys jumping on the SM bandwagon. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Not me, I'm out, my Miata is for sale cheap, not even close to finished. The cost to be competitive in SM around here is outrageous. I'm going another way... faster and cheaper
Jon
</TD></TR></TABLE>Not me, I'm out, my Miata is for sale cheap, not even close to finished. The cost to be competitive in SM around here is outrageous. I'm going another way... faster and cheaper
Jon
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From: Arlington, VA
Re: Spec Miata? (Victor Penner)
I'm on the bandwagon with a slow building process. It is no lie that it takes lots of money to be on the podium, but not so to do some good racing. I understand that most of the guys winning events have in excess of $15k in the car (15-20 seems to be the range).
As for 1.8 vs. 1.6, I chose a 1.8 as my platform. One big consideration is that I am over 180lbs -- the line in the sand for weight. I think most of the 1.6's being faster is b/c it is cheaper to get a pro-built 1.6 -- and most of the fast guys (i.e., plenty of experience and a larger budget) are running pro motors. For someone with a goal of being mid-pack, I think the 1.8 is a better value: more likely to be in good shape, comes w/ a Torsen (rather than the replacement prone comp diff), and has a tq advantage (which I think helps less experienced drivers). When I went shopping for my Miata, I found that there was only $1K price difference b/n the 1.8 and 1.6. That is the cost of the extra bracing and a comp diff. Newer car w/ less miles was just gravy.
If Mazda lowers the price of a 1.8 motor in line w/ that of the 1.6, I'd wager there would instantly be more 1.8's out there -- especially with the adjustments they're making.
As for 1.8 vs. 1.6, I chose a 1.8 as my platform. One big consideration is that I am over 180lbs -- the line in the sand for weight. I think most of the 1.6's being faster is b/c it is cheaper to get a pro-built 1.6 -- and most of the fast guys (i.e., plenty of experience and a larger budget) are running pro motors. For someone with a goal of being mid-pack, I think the 1.8 is a better value: more likely to be in good shape, comes w/ a Torsen (rather than the replacement prone comp diff), and has a tq advantage (which I think helps less experienced drivers). When I went shopping for my Miata, I found that there was only $1K price difference b/n the 1.8 and 1.6. That is the cost of the extra bracing and a comp diff. Newer car w/ less miles was just gravy.
If Mazda lowers the price of a 1.8 motor in line w/ that of the 1.6, I'd wager there would instantly be more 1.8's out there -- especially with the adjustments they're making.
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From: Future Site of the Runoffs, USA
Re: Spec Miata? (HippoSleek)
hey mark.........why don't we take your 180lb frame with your car and my 220lb frame with my car and settle this debate once and for all.
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From: West Des Moines, IA, USA
A few thoughts:
I bought my '91 donor for $2k. 165k miles, ran it for an entire season before buying a crate motor from Mazda for just under $1600 delivered, before the price increase. I think the 1.6 engine is now up to $2k. 94-95 1.8L motors are still $1600; 96-97 motors are more like $2200-$2400 (I think - been a few months since I looked).
I weighed 207 this morning in my skivvies. I make minimum weight (2255) in my '91. If the proposed rules for next year go into effect, my minimum weight will be 2300. I'll likely add the additional items required by Pro Racing, then see how the weight comes out.
SMs are momentum cars. There's no better way to learn to drive a momentum car than to drive one down on power - like mine was. We've doubled the competition here in the Midwest Division over the past year. Last year my best finish was 3rd, early in the season; this year, with the new crate motor plus some experience, I've got a win, a handful of seconds, and a worst finish of (I think) 5th out of 9. Second through 5th place in that race were nose-to-tail; I stepped on a vital part of my anatomy while leading that group.
As was evidenced by the Pro Miata race at Road America this past weekend, top-drawer prep is key to winning. If you will accept no less than first place, it's going to cost you $20k to build, prep and race your SM - particularly if you start playing in a big pond.
Regionally, you can be racing for well under that. I have just a hair under $10k in my car right now; bushings and the Comp LSD are the two big-ticket items left to do with my car. Then it's just tweak tweak tweak....and DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE.
Heck, if ya can't drive, it doesn't matter HOW much you spend on the car.
Mike: how soon you looking for a CRX? I might know of one....new final drive and Quaiffe, plus lotsa other goodies (Stack, etc).
Jon: details on the Miata for sale?
Jarrod
I bought my '91 donor for $2k. 165k miles, ran it for an entire season before buying a crate motor from Mazda for just under $1600 delivered, before the price increase. I think the 1.6 engine is now up to $2k. 94-95 1.8L motors are still $1600; 96-97 motors are more like $2200-$2400 (I think - been a few months since I looked).
I weighed 207 this morning in my skivvies. I make minimum weight (2255) in my '91. If the proposed rules for next year go into effect, my minimum weight will be 2300. I'll likely add the additional items required by Pro Racing, then see how the weight comes out.
SMs are momentum cars. There's no better way to learn to drive a momentum car than to drive one down on power - like mine was. We've doubled the competition here in the Midwest Division over the past year. Last year my best finish was 3rd, early in the season; this year, with the new crate motor plus some experience, I've got a win, a handful of seconds, and a worst finish of (I think) 5th out of 9. Second through 5th place in that race were nose-to-tail; I stepped on a vital part of my anatomy while leading that group.
As was evidenced by the Pro Miata race at Road America this past weekend, top-drawer prep is key to winning. If you will accept no less than first place, it's going to cost you $20k to build, prep and race your SM - particularly if you start playing in a big pond.
Regionally, you can be racing for well under that. I have just a hair under $10k in my car right now; bushings and the Comp LSD are the two big-ticket items left to do with my car. Then it's just tweak tweak tweak....and DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE.
Heck, if ya can't drive, it doesn't matter HOW much you spend on the car.
Mike: how soon you looking for a CRX? I might know of one....new final drive and Quaiffe, plus lotsa other goodies (Stack, etc).
Jon: details on the Miata for sale?
Jarrod
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From: Houston, TX
Re: (bluegsr)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bluegsr »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Mike: how soon you looking for a CRX? I might know of one....new final drive and Quaiffe, plus lotsa other goodies (Stack, etc).
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh, I'm not even close, and I might still be looking for a Miata, too. Thanks for the heads up...hopefully someone here will snag it.
Mike: how soon you looking for a CRX? I might know of one....new final drive and Quaiffe, plus lotsa other goodies (Stack, etc).
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh, I'm not even close, and I might still be looking for a Miata, too.
Thanks for the heads up...hopefully someone here will snag it.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spec Miata? (Victor Penner)
I think Spec Miata is just about the best road racing value going right now. After taking a break from racing following two Valvoline Runoffs in my Spec Racer, I spent quite a bit of time researching the alternatives for my return to competition. For me, the kicker for Spec Miata was events like the Miata Challenge races at Laguna Seca w/ CART and ALMS, and the Mazdaspeed Miata Cup. It's great knowing that I can take my car to SCCA Regionals, NASA Pro Spec Miata races, SCCA Pro races, and even Grand-Am Cup races, without making significant changes to the car.
I learned at Road America this weekend just how important it is to have a car that handles well on the straights, and that bump-drafting at 120 mph can be fun and scary at the same time. I spent too much money there, but what a great event.
For those who seek competition on a more regional level, you can get away with a lot less than the $20K some of the pro guys have in their cars. There is always someone to race with, no matter what level your car preparation or driving abilities, and that's a big plus for me. In some classes, you may as well be driving a time trial event, cars get spread out so quickly.
Miatas are just plain fun to drive, too. I've driven some great-handling FWD cars, but it's hard to beat the feel of a well balanced RWD car in a corner like "The Kink" at Road America. Add reliability to the mix, and the Miata looks even better.
Just don't expect to impress the women with one...
I learned at Road America this weekend just how important it is to have a car that handles well on the straights, and that bump-drafting at 120 mph can be fun and scary at the same time. I spent too much money there, but what a great event.
For those who seek competition on a more regional level, you can get away with a lot less than the $20K some of the pro guys have in their cars. There is always someone to race with, no matter what level your car preparation or driving abilities, and that's a big plus for me. In some classes, you may as well be driving a time trial event, cars get spread out so quickly.
Miatas are just plain fun to drive, too. I've driven some great-handling FWD cars, but it's hard to beat the feel of a well balanced RWD car in a corner like "The Kink" at Road America. Add reliability to the mix, and the Miata looks even better.
Just don't expect to impress the women with one...
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From: RVA FLA VIR
Re: Spec Miata? (Victor Penner)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Victor Penner »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Jon, how are the costs escalating in your Region? What are your plans?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I blame myself. I simply jumped the gun & bought my car before I had done enough research. It takes more $$$ to put together a midpack-or-better SM around here than I can spend on a car that doesn't really "do it for me." Maybe I'm a fool for passing up a good opportunity but I refuse to be nickle-and-dimed into spending $10k+ preparing a car that doesn't make me drool. The car is hilariously fun to drive in that "momentum" kind of way, but so are the 9hp machines at my local indoor kart track.
As for what I'm going to do instead... I'm reluctant to say until it's in my garage
Jon
I blame myself. I simply jumped the gun & bought my car before I had done enough research. It takes more $$$ to put together a midpack-or-better SM around here than I can spend on a car that doesn't really "do it for me." Maybe I'm a fool for passing up a good opportunity but I refuse to be nickle-and-dimed into spending $10k+ preparing a car that doesn't make me drool. The car is hilariously fun to drive in that "momentum" kind of way, but so are the 9hp machines at my local indoor kart track.
As for what I'm going to do instead... I'm reluctant to say until it's in my garage
Jon
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From: RIP Craig Jones
Re: Spec Miata? (George Knighton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Honda. Honda. Honda. Honda.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Axles. Dizzy. Hubs. Engine.
Honda. Honda. Honda. Honda.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Axles. Dizzy. Hubs. Engine.
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From: RVA FLA VIR
Re: Spec Miata? (George Knighton)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Honda. Honda. Honda. Honda.</TD></TR></TABLE>
LOL George, sure, I'd play with any Honda that was 6-cyl, RWD, and had torque.
Jon
who almost let the cat outta the bag
LOL George, sure, I'd play with any Honda that was 6-cyl, RWD, and had torque.
Jon
who almost let the cat outta the bag
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From: Greensboro, NC, USA
Re: Spec Miata? (getfast)
Thanks, Jon - someone who finally agrees with me that Me-otters just don't do it. The "pro" aspect of the deal isn't enough in my mind: Any $ out there to be won is offset by the nutso (bigger) $$ that people are willing to spend to win it.
Kirk
Kirk
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From: West Des Moines, IA, USA
Re: Spec Miata? (WebbRacing.com)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WebbRacing.com »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Just don't expect to impress the women with one...</TD></TR></TABLE>
BUT.....BUT......what about the wing Greenisen was running???
(http://racing.raquet.net/images/miata_spoiler.jpg for those not acquainted)
Sounds like Pro really wants to add this thing.....
(By the way, I think there's a little adjustment needed on the one in the picture....)
Jarrod
(Edit to make the link work. Duh.)
Just don't expect to impress the women with one...</TD></TR></TABLE>
BUT.....BUT......what about the wing Greenisen was running???
(http://racing.raquet.net/images/miata_spoiler.jpg for those not acquainted)
Sounds like Pro really wants to add this thing.....
(By the way, I think there's a little adjustment needed on the one in the picture....)
Jarrod
(Edit to make the link work. Duh.)
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From: Merrimack,, NH, USA
Re: Spec Miata? (WebbRacing.com)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WebbRacing.com »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just don't expect to impress the women with one...</TD></TR></TABLE>
*Whew!* What a relief! I sure as hell don't want to be out there impressing women. How about guys though... will I impress them with my Miatas?
edit - I my SM car and wouldn't trade it in for anything... even a honda, sorry gang
*Whew!* What a relief! I sure as hell don't want to be out there impressing women. How about guys though... will I impress them with my Miatas?
edit - I
my SM car and wouldn't trade it in for anything... even a honda, sorry gang
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Spec Miata? (Knestis)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knestis »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks, Jon - someone who finally agrees with me that Me-otters just don't do it. The "pro" aspect of the deal isn't enough in my mind: Any $ out there to be won is offset by the nutso (bigger) $$ that people are willing to spend to win it.
Kirk</TD></TR></TABLE>
You're right - when the stakes are higher, people will spend more. For me, however, the benefit of the Pro series is being able to run with CART at three events and ALMS at one this year alone. The SCCA Pro announcer spent a considerable amount of time on the PA talking up my sponsor this weekend at Road America, and that type of exposure has made it possible to keep my sponsor in the program. The money that SCCA, Mazda, Hankook and Sunoco pays, and the publicity they do on behalf of the series, just makes it that much better.
Besides, have you seen what some people will spend to win a plastic trophy?!
What would you prefer, Spec Neon?
Kirk</TD></TR></TABLE>
You're right - when the stakes are higher, people will spend more. For me, however, the benefit of the Pro series is being able to run with CART at three events and ALMS at one this year alone. The SCCA Pro announcer spent a considerable amount of time on the PA talking up my sponsor this weekend at Road America, and that type of exposure has made it possible to keep my sponsor in the program. The money that SCCA, Mazda, Hankook and Sunoco pays, and the publicity they do on behalf of the series, just makes it that much better.
Besides, have you seen what some people will spend to win a plastic trophy?!
What would you prefer, Spec Neon?
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From: Arlington, VA
Re: Spec Miata? (WebbRacing.com)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just don't expect to impress the women with one...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah - because nothing says S-E-X like a Civic!
At least Miatas are lumped in with "mid-life crises" cars!
Mark- who thinks it easier to say "I want to race a Miata," than "I want to race a Civic - the most popular economy car in the nation!"
Yeah - because nothing says S-E-X like a Civic!
At least Miatas are lumped in with "mid-life crises" cars!
Mark- who thinks it easier to say "I want to race a Miata," than "I want to race a Civic - the most popular economy car in the nation!"
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From: Houston, TX
Re: Spec Miata? (HippoSleek)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HippoSleek »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yeah - because nothing says S-E-X like a Civic! </TD></TR></TABLE>
Oh, a Miata says S-E-X, for sure. The only question remaining is what type of S-E-X does it say?
"I sawwww that!"
</TD></TR></TABLE>Oh, a Miata says S-E-X, for sure. The only question remaining is what type of S-E-X does it say?
"I sawwww that!"