jase71

Picked it up yesterday... a '90 Miata.



Now the work begins, first going over the mechanicals to get everything up to par... and then starting the modifications.

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Merlin

Nice pick up. So I guess we finally got you to move away from the world of SUVs and into the world of sporty cars.

What are you planning to do with it in terms of the mods you alluded to?

Up in your cold part of the world, how much top down time do you figure you still have this year? And keep in mind that top down with a jacket on and the heater blowing is still a fun way to drive.

congrats. New cars are the most fun of toys.

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jase71

Well, it's going to get parked for most of the winter. But I can probably squeeze another month of top-down driving out of it if I pick and choose my days carefully. But starting about now, my top-down time is dependant entirely on luck.

For mods, I'm not going all out. First it needs a new paint job, and a new top. Then I'd like to do a roll bar behind the seats, which will also stiffen things up a little. Some lighter wheels, and better brakes. Probably new springs and shocks. And cosmetically, a set of low profile headlights.

Not too much in the way of hp. It's quick enough for my tastes. I'm not a stoplight or 1/4 mile kinda driver, I'd rather carve a twisty road. So I might do a cold air kit, but probably not too much beyond that under the hood. I'd rather focus on handling.

Can't give up the SUV up here, it'll be the winter vehicle, and the utility machine. It's practical, and the Miata isn't. But the Miata will be more fun.

Kim

It looks fun!

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SnowSurfer

looks good..how much hp does it have?

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jase71

116 when it was new, if I remember right. weighs about 2100 pounds, so it'll motor pretty well with only that much hp. Won't challenge any serious muscle cars, though... until the
first turn.

It's a roadster in the old style, moderate hp, but fantastic handling.

Though the 7000rpm redline is kinda fun.

SnowSurfer

sweet man manual or automatic?

jase71

Manual... the ONLY way to drive a sports car.

I passed on a couple of automatics that were better deals. I couldn't haved lived with myself if I'd brought home an auto tranny roadster... that's sacreligious!

Gotta have the stick...

SnowSurfer

ive seen people driving automatic sports cars...its kinda pathetic...stick isnt hard... (my car is a stick btw)

palayah8ta

I second that opinion. stick shifts are for fun, and automatics are for people that want to shave, drink coffe, and talk on the cell while driving to work. (stupid LA)
O you should buy a new steering wheel, and one racing seat. that will make ur drive more fun. Later on down the road if u feel the car is too slow, u can drop in a 13b(second gen rx7 engine). or u can just play with the twisties with ur new suspension.

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CynJon

Looks like fun. There's Miata's all over the place here in Hawaii. The older ones are really coming down in price so they are the perfect little car to pick up cheap, put a little $$$ into in upgrades, and have fun with on a Sunday... By the way, to make the car a little more liveable in the winter time, you should see if you can pick up a hard top for it. Not as practical in the summer time, but in the winter months, when you're not likely to remove it very often, it provides a much more "user friendly" environment (quieter and warmer...). Have fun with your new toy!

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SonyGuy

Yeah from the photo it looks like the surface is a little dull maybe? Maybe some rubbing compound would help unless it is scratched or chipped in places. I dunno. I gotta get my car painted too

Tommy Boomfiger

in the pic you posted, the post doesnt look that bad, maybe you could have it wet sanded. if its a possibility i suggest getting it professionally done as wet sanding can destroy your paint job in seconds.

SonyGuy

You mean paint?lol

jase71

The paint isn't as dull as it looks in the pic... that's just my crappy digital camera. The paint actually not in bad shape for a '90, and would be salvageable with some elbow grease...

...Except for the large numbers of chips that the camera doesn't pick up. There are a pretty good number of deep chips, and they're evenly scattered all over the car. And about a quarter of them are touched up with the wrong color of red. So I'll need to have it properly prepped and painted.

whitak24

oooohhhhh! nice!

/me likey

i'm sure you will have fun with that puppy