Wanna buy a Parrot?

Bob, having rented a '94 for a couple of day's vacation a few weeks back, I'm considering buying one. Then I discovered this Q&A forum; I still may buy one. Thanks for providing more humor than re-runs of Monty Python - and thanks for designing a nice car!

David Jenkins, Oakville, Ont Canada

Thanks for the compliments, but I can't take full credit for whatever might tickle your funnybone. But I do get some exceptionally inspiring material to work with from time-to-time. Ditto the car.

bwob

I thimk frenpt wish, OK?

i think my son is 16 and has a liscnes. taking my Miata'99 on secret rides around the placeand having fun. what do u tihnk i should do?

jay, guam

Well, a couple of things. First, you'd better see if you can't figure out how old your son is. Secondly, you ought to invest in a spell-checker or - at the very least - a dictionary.

bwob

When you're done, we'll send you instructions on setting up a web server.

Bob, Can you help me to find out how I can fit this 5.0 V8 into my Miata? I know it can be done, but I have yet to find any directions that can tell me step by step how to do this. Pleez, I beg you to help me. Is there anywhere on the internet I can find this???  Please help me. Thanx for your time.

Brice, Mendenhall/MS/USA

First off, you've made one really serious mistake You can't put this V8 into a Miata. You see, this V8 won't fit, but that one over there will. I can provide step-by-step instructions on the guaranteed easiest way of putting a V8 in a Miata for $12,475 postpaid. And this method requires no tools other than a flat screwdriver or letter opener and a telephone. Order now.

And don't beg. It's quite demeaning.

bwob

Glad you're back!  I was afraid all the "what's wrong with my car" questions had driven you away.  My reverse lights don't work, and I've checked the fuse and bulbs...

Here's my abstract debate.  Can a significant redesign of the Miata still be considered a Miata, or will it become something different?   (This statement assumes that the M2 and 2001 redesigns are evolutions or enhancements of the original platform.)

For example, it seems to me that the 1963-1999 aircooled Porsche platform is distinctly different from its watercooled successor.  They're both still 911s, and unmistakably Porsche, yet the new version traded "raw-ness" for sophisticated competence.  If the current Miata is akin to a TR-6 (I'm REALLY reaching here), doesn't a major redesign correlate to a TR-7?

Chris, Dallas, TX

An excellent question Chris. Not the one about the backup lights. Inasmuch as you raised the subject of the 911, let's start with it. The new 911 is in fact the Porsche 996. But there's so much brand equity tied up in the 911 nameplate, the marketing guys figured it'd be suicide to dump the badge. But as the 996, the car shares it's basic drive layout with the original 911 (and the 993 which took over in 1994) and little else beyond the badge.

Rear-engined, flat-six, air-cooled Porsches from the original 901 (which is whet the 911 really is - Peugeot raised a fuss over the X0X naming so it was hastily re-christened 911) to the very last 993 all shared common architecture of the body structure. While most bits were changed at some point in time, the basic structure more-or-less went together the same way. Suspension geometry was (up until the 993 showed up with a rear end which really worked) even along similar lines. With an air-cooled flat six hung out the rear wheels, most people would probably agree that a late 993 deserved to be a 911. After all, it still had the 'charm' of a 1960s cabin with haphazard ergonomics and substandard ventilation. Just like a real 911.

The 996 has brought the 911 into the 21st century, with performance and chassis dynamics along the lines of cars far more modern - and competitive - than the 911. As for loosing it's raw edge, that's a matter of perspective. The 996/911 is just as fast - if not more so - as the 993/991 (which was faster than any 901/911/930 variant which preceded it). The car has traded the diabolical dynamics of the 911 for something far more forgiving than any rear-engined car made. If the fact is you're less likely to kill yourself in a 996/911 that you would have been in, say, a 930/911 means the rawness is removed, I can't see what's wrong with that.

The M2 gets ballyhooed as an all new car, but it still maintains much of the M1's primary architecture. It goes together the same way in the plant, the suspension geometry is basically the same and neither the mechanical layout and basic package have changed greatly. So in my book, it's as much a Miata as a Mariner Blue one built in May, 1989.

Now from my point of view, if you throw a rotary in the car, stretch the wheelbase a few millimeters and raise the price three grand it's not a Miata anymore. Mind you it'd make a helluva start for a new RX-7.

The relationship of M2 to M1 is more like that of, say, 1993-7 626 to the current model. The newer generation is built on the basic platform of the previous car. So in Triumph terms it'd be like the differences between TR-5/TR-250 and TR-6. Mazda can't build anything like a TR-7. Nobody can.

bwob

Tell me where it hurts

hi I own the first white Miata sold in Michigan.. since last year it has had a strange ticking noise under the hood. my add told me that last year when he drove it, he had a big problem with the spark plugs, I guess one of them had actually shot out or something, we got new plugs and wires so we figure it is corrected. but for the most part we are not sure what is wrong. so if you could' please help =) and do you know were I can find a cheap pain job? and some replacement speakers?

eric, birmingham/michigan/unitedstates

Last first; John Newell Mazda in Surrey Hills has the best deals of MX-5 replacement parts for members of the club. They aren't too bad for non-members   well.

The only place I'd take an MX-5 for a respray is Clayton's Smash Repairs in Woolloomooloo. The owner of the place has three MX-5s, is a club member and, most importantly, a supporter. He's got a killer price on repaints (original color only) for club members. Something like $1450 or thereabouts compared with $2700 to $3100 elsewhere around town.

As for helping you with the car, I am going to do no better at diagnosing your problem via e-mail than a doctor would at using e-mail to accurately diagnose possible internal injuries for someone who's been in a severe accident. The alternatives are pretty straightforward. Listed in terms of decreasing cost you could:

1) ship the car down here for me to take a look at it. That's going to run about $26,000 if you put it in the belly of a 747, roughly $4700 if it comes by sea.

2) Fly me to Michigan to look at the car. The air fare would be about $2900 round trip. Don't worry about accommodation, I can stay with my brother in Franklin.

3) Take the car to a good mechanic in your area and have him see what's wrong and make suggestions as to how it can best be fixed. I have no idea whatsoever as to what wrenches are charging per hour nowadays, but my guess is the amount comes to way less than Sydney to Detroit airfare. One-way.

bwob

But let us know if you can fit the wisdom of a 94 year old to the body of a 19 year old.

have you ever tried, or think its possible (worthwhile possible) to fit the nose of a 99 Miata to the body of a 94?

bob kraszewski, chester,ct USA

No and no.

bwob

We heard it was a girl's car.

What do you feel is the age range of the typical Miata owner? I have heard that they are an "old man's car" Can you comment on this.

Paul Baehr, Seattle, Wa

Paul, they are an old man's car if the person espousing such an opinion is, say, nine years old. The Miata was designed to appeal to a mindset, not an age. Mazda's current specification and positioning of the car (along with inflationary considerations over which the company has no control) makes it a car for older buyers than had been originally intended. But does that make it a car for old people? Strictly speaking no, at least from my point of view.

When you say "I have heard", let me ask; from who? And another query to go along with that one; does it matter to you what people think about what you drive? If it does, BMW probably has just the car for you. If it doesn't, what difference does it make?

As for the specific age of current Miata buyers, I'll be jiggered if I know where the car's shaking out in the US marketplace. Given the inexplicable popularity of Starbucks alleged coffee and the fact most Americans prefer trucks to cars, I question the ability of the typical American buyer - regardless of age - to tell good from bad.

Unlike so many cars focused at a particular buyer of a given age, the Miata was was conceived to appeal to buyers aged from eight to eighty who love driving. That's an age spread which covers a lot of ground. However I'd wager the car's success has far more to do with that than it does what people on the outside of the Miata experience (sniping from the sidelines, so to speak) have to say.

bwob

Rev, don't worry

I've just read your November column and noticed a few letters from people concerned about driving at 70+ MPH on the freeway due to the higher RPMs.  This seems to be a common worry among Miata folk who don't want to prematurely burn out their cars.  Well, if it helps to ease anyone's mind, I've got exactly 210,000 miles on my Silver '91 and that's at speeds usually over 80!  I also drive the car hard, shift at the red line and corner like a banshee.  Aside from the usual wear and tear, it has had few problems and still runs like a dream all due to the fact that this car was made to take it.  There's no miracle to achieving this kind of longevity - all I do is take it in for regular oil changes (every 3-5,000 miles) and as soon as something seems to be acting up, I have it looked at.  That's all!  So have fun driving it, don't worry about your RPMs as long as they're not dipping into the red line regularly and just follow regular maintenance.  Maybe you'll be the next 200,000 mile story!

Mojo, Sherman Oaks, CA

Stated far better than I could have. Miata.netheads worried about such things please take note!

bwob

They must get pretty bored in Center Moriches

What questions are appropriate?  I think reading about how much you like Miatas is kind of redundant.  Thanks for nothing!!

Rich Ruhs, Center Moriches, NY, USA

But you have so much time filling the form in isn't redundant, eh? Thanks for providing a fine example to every one else here at Miata.net. It's amazing the redundancy around here with all the folks who like the Miata. Next time you're bored Rich, visit DelSol.org. You'll fit right in.

bwob

A pretty good question from someone who doesn't read

I am seriously thinking about a Miata hardtop, do you know if it provides roll over protection like a roll bar would provide.  I am purchasing the hardtop for safety reasons, for its clear back window, and for the quieter environment it provides.  What do you think Mr Miata?

daniel, LA/CA/USA

The hardtop provides no more roll-over protection than the soft top does when erected. Early hardtops had no foam pad on the inside, and are in fact somewhat louder than the erected soft top. This is due to structural resonance bouncing off the roof inner surface rather than being partially absorbed by the soft top. The foam liner was added as a running change to help reduce this problem.

This inquisitor has raised a worthy question, good enough to be shared with the rest of you Miata.netHeads. However, Daniel is either terribly lazy/forgetful or has poor reading ability, as he left hie e-mail address out, depriving him of  a direct (and reasonably speedy) reply. So months later here's his question. But the next time somebody sends in a question without a return e-mail address - regardless as to how worthy it may be - I'll just get binned.

grumpy bwob

I want to ruin my Miata - please tell me how

this week at work I saw a Miata that looked like a BMW z? how can I make one like that

brian ratcliff, dumfries,va.usa

Step one is to take your Miata and reverse it into a concrete barrier at 25mph...

bwob

Bwob's gone mad - he want's a diesel Miata!

Bob, in November's "Ask Bob" you answered a question about putting various engines in a Miata by saying, "Anything can be _made_ to fit." In the next letter, you say, "The power... would be even more... count on... replacing the Mazda four with a Pratt & Whitney R-2800." Bob, I don't see the Miata with a P&W R-2800. Putting aside the obvious problem that would be caused by adverse weight distribution, I believe that there would be severe problems with controlling torque, as well as cooling and visibility. I also doubt that there are transmissions available that would mate well with the R-2800; perhaps the Subaru ECVT might be acceptable, approximating a constant velocity aircraft propeller, but otherwise I can't think of anything else. Do you think maybe the Allison or Merlin V12 might be a better choice? Would you like to reconsider your statements?

Tom Brenholts, Mountain Top, PA

Well, yes, I certainly would.

Upon recollection, I'm willing to accept the fact the choice of an R2800 was moronic in the extreme. But let's be honest, -  a V1710's no better. It's a damn GM boat anchor for Christ's sakes which not even the Miata could save. After all, I'm no Bob Woods!

No, the Miata is just crying out for something embodying the British character which so many classic sports machines have embodied. In that spirit, my preference for powerplants featuring oddball valvegear of course causes me to lean towards the either the Bristol Centaurus (notably the Centaurus XX), Napier Sabre V or Napier Nomad 7.

Hell, let's go with the Nomad 7. The appeal of such a fiendishly complex compression-ignition engine capable of running or either Avgas or 47 cetane diesel (turbo-compounded to boot) cannot be denied by anyone devoid of sanity. And it's such a delightful counterpoint to the inherent simplicity of the Miata! Why even the most power and torque -crazed V8 fan couldn't fail to be impressed by the Monad's specs - 12 cylinders (horizontally-opposed for maximum smoothness), 41.1 litre displacement and a comfortable 3067hp on tap.

Mind you, I think the comment of the R2800 upsetting the weight bias was totally spurious, since it doesn't requite the cooling system demanded by both the Allison and Merlin, relying on the Corvair-proven benefits of air-cooling.

Airacobras forever! After the Airacuda and Airabonita, that is.

bwob

Noisy tappets caused by...fuses?!?

Now, Bob, you shouldn't have been so hard on poor Dave Simpson from British Columbia.  His question concerning fuses blowing all the time is well warranted, ESPECIALLY since Miata can't make an engine with decent lifters.   And, they make no bones about it!  Miata quirk, my foot!  They should have made a better engine design!  So, is it any wonder you get a question like his asking about blowing fuses just being another quirk???  I've driven my Grape ('95 Merlot Edition) 123,000 miles, and I've loved every mile of it.  But, "quirks" just don't cut it when there's a design problem.

Thomas L. Fee, Lenexa, KS

Well, perhaps not. But I won't any pull any punches with your letter then, okeh?

Anyone (which of course includes Dave, or you or even Pauline Hanson) who's having a health problem with a car or the human body which doesn't go away despite repeated efforts to cure the difficulty who doesn't visit a professional for some sort of consultation is a moron. Is that clear enough? Replacing fuses  which continually go 'pop' in the night (or day) is a great way of ensuring a ringside seat for an amusing electrical fire.

I'm certainly glad I got your letter, as I haven't laughed so much since I saw the last Presidential debate. While I've heard some underdone theories relating to cars in my time, I was utterly blown away by your connecting an electrical problem to valve actuation. It sounds like you're unhappy with your Miata's loud tappets and therefore attribute any (and every) problem the car has to that. Jee, if only the world were so simple. That or you were the guy at the Mercury dealer who tried to tell my wife that the only way to keep her air conditioner fuse from blowing was to fit a new compressor. (Professional consultation revealed it was a bad switch.)

Thomas, I think you and Dave need to sit down, take a stress pill and think things over. I'll close the pod bay doors now.

bwob

Ask the man who owns one

I think people lose site of what is great about the Miata - it's all about a great car for the dollar. The aftermarket goodies make it possible for people to make their car a personal statement, what other car can you have so many different choices? That's one of the reasons the Miata is so much different than others such as the Z3 and new MR2.

In the case of my Miata, I wanted additional power so I added a FM2 turbo with dual exhaust on a 10AE. Granted this isn't for everyone, but it made me a happy camper and that's what - for me - makes this such a great little car.

I hope Mazda and everyone never looses site of what a good concept this car is. Thanks for your help in bringing the Miata to car lovers.

Mike Adamescu, Charlotte, NC, USA

Well stated Mike. Mazda has produced a fine canvas that's right for many(dare I say most?) buyers, However, there's still plenty of unpainted area that owners can choose to finish themselves.

Some folks seem well up to the creative challenge, other aren't so keen. But in the case of the Miata, the fact it's appeal has been so broad-based is a prime factor in the depth of the aftermarket for the car. If Mazda had built a larger, more powerful Miata with a launch price of $20,000, the car's potential market would have narrowed to such a point the aftermarket wouldn't have developed the way it has. I also suspect a Miata off to a $20,000 start in 1989 wouldn't have lasted much longer in the North American market than the RX-7 did.

The Miata could have been better at launch, and it can still be better today. But with 500,000+ cars out there, it's easier to fix the minor niggles/deletions with an M1 or M2 than it is, say, a Honda DelSol. Thanks to Mazda - NOT me - for knowing where to start connecting dots as well as having the wisdom of knowing when to lift the pen.

bwob

Didja try a box of baking soda in the glove box?

This may seem minor, but this car is beginning to smell. The back window of my 1995 Miata became brittle and cracked, I need to have it replaced but I cannot find a good/reasonable place in Dallas. Can you help because the local dealers don't seem to want to be bothered?

Chris, Dallas

Here's a prime example of why membership in the your local Miata club is a great idea. While I know a lot of the people in the Lone Star chapter (and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better bunch of bipeds who just happen to be Miata enthusiasts), my depth of knowledge as to where to take a Miata for getting something fixed in the Dallas is probably on a par with yours for, say, Buenos Aires.

The members of the local Miata club chapter are certain to know who's the best/cheapest/most reliable person of shop for fixing, trimming or generally keeping a Miata in tip-top condition. Plus most chapters have arrangements with local dealers/merchants for discounts on parts and services. There are links here at Miata.net to local chapters, including Lone Star. Joining will probably be the best value benefit you can get for your Miata, so you really ought to consider it.

bwob

A rose by any other name...

I have a 1990 Miata but have heard some folks refer to the earliest ones as '89s. Is there such an animal? On the inside of the driver's door a sticker reveals that my Miata's birthday was 10/89. The registration says 1990. What is it? Can I find out by the VIN?

Al Cilurso, Albuqueruqe, NM, USA

For purposes of emissions and safety compliance, the first North America-bound Miatas were built as 1990 model year cars, even though production started in the first half of 1989. Most US licensing authorities have the new car model year starting sometime in October, but if a manufacturer wants to sell a car earlier than that, he can certify the car as a 1990 model and launch the thing as early as 1 January 1989 in some states.

Some countries apply the date sold to a car as the year, others use when the car was built. In the US and Canada, the state or provincial licensing authorities allow the manufacturer to nominate the car's vintage, as long as it is in compliance with any and all statutory regulations for the nominated model year.

bwob