Yes, no, no, Yes, no, no

I have a 95 automatic Miata and I saw an add for a tornado fuel saver. It is advertised as a device that will force more air into the motor and add more horsepower as well as save you on gas mileage. I would like to know if you have heard of the product, and if you think it will help or hurt my car.

John Mack, California

Yes I have heard of it. No, it won't help your car. No, it won't hurt your car. Yes it will hurt your bank balance.

No, I wouldn't put one on any car I owned.

No, not even on a bet.

bwob

Proof? Don't confuse me with proof

In the June 2002 edition of Ask Bob! you stated that you have, "gone to great lengths to avoid roll/sport bars, glass rear windows on NA Series Miatas..." I must admit to be a bit perplexed by this.

Given the obvious safety benefits, why the aversion to a rollbar? Don't plan on rolling your Miata, huh?
As for the glass rear window, I'm quite surprised you aren't cursing the lack of an OEM unit. It sure would help to reduce the barrage of "how do I get the scratches out" questions.

Eddie Versace, Philadelphia, PA USA

I'm sorry Eddie, but I don't seen any more 'obvious' benefits in an aftermarket roll bar than do in, say, an Electromagnetic Typhoon FuelSaver. While most rollbars don't carry the sort of absurd claims some of the 'free mpg' gizmos do, the benefits of an aftermarket rollbar (obvious or otherwise) haven't been tested using the same criteria a car with a factory-installed roll bar would have to meet. Implied proof isn't proof in my book.

Recently this subject came up in the Miata.net Forum, and I posted some comments upon which the following paragraphs are based. If you're a Forum 'regular' and the following seems familiar, I am merely plagiarizing myself...

There's a single assumption serving as the basis of the entire roll bar/sports bar/style bar issue with roll bar proponents; that is that they [aftermarket roll bars] will, in fact, protect the occupant(s) in the case of a rollover. Aftermarket suppliers are not required to perform any of the rollover testing a manufacturer would if a roll bar were a factory item, a point these people seem unable or unwilling to grasp.

So without performance criteria to meet and testing procedures to verify the performance minimums are being met, to me an aftermarket rollbar is as safe as a 1934 Terraplane. After all, the Terraplane people never said it wasn't safe and they didn't have to test it.

Additionally style bars (and indeed some roll bars) can 'mousetrap' on a car's occupants initiating or increasing injury. Testing in accordance with regulatory procedures would determine whether this is a likelihood or not in short order.

Of course the standard argument which comes up again and again is that 'any roll bar is better than no roll bar'. This is again based upon an implication of protection and could be proven or disproved if an aftermarket supplier providing implied protection came under the same guidelines and carried similar responsibility as vehicle manufacturers.

If, for example, you built a roll cage in a Miata constructed of muffler tubing, but painted and presented it well, would the average punter look at it and think 'Yup, roll cage...safe' without realizing it would offer virtually no protection whatsoever in a rollover? If the customer believes he's being protected, you'd think that they'd want some sort of verification that the thing actually will protect. Well, I'd think they'd want such verification.

If I were predisposed to produce an aftermarket roll bar which provided real or implied protection, I'd bite the bullet and run it through the same testing procedures as a car manufacturer would. To my mind anyone believing that a roll bar can protect them should be deserving of the sort of proof generated by documentary evidence collected through repeatable procedures. As well as compliance with regulations any car manufacturer must meet.

As regards the plastic vs. glass backlight issue, I've always unzipped the rear window (and protected same when it was unzipped) of every Miata I've owned and so the scratching issue is a non issue with me. And the information on how to properly care for the plastic backlight is hardly what could be considered "TOP SECRET". One 'benefit' of having been raised in convertibles, I look upon the top and backlight as consumables like fuel, oil and tires, so replacement is not something to be afraid of. Anyway, I prefer the more generous dimensions of the plastic backlight vis-à-vis a glass one.

bwob

Seek and ye shall find

Where can I find a decent 1990-93 Miata in good condition for the right price???

Evin Smith, kentville/nova scotia/canada

Classified ads and some travel, checking with local Miata clubs, perhaps placing a 'wanted to buy' ad and then checking out the responses you get. As with any purchase, where you find them depends upon where you look. And how much effort you are willing to expend to do same.

bwob

Three into J58G won't go

Is it possible to put a third seat in the Miata, even if it is just a small jump-seat?

Will, Great Falls/ VA/ USA

Define 'small'. If you mean something which will accommodate a Malibu Barbie doll, yup. If you're talking about a full-blooded terrestrial Human, nope.

bwob

Pay now or pay later. But you will pay.

Bob, I recently had a run in with a Dodge Neon. After an intense battle the score was Neon 1... Miata 0. Anyway, I must now replace the front bumper, bumper support and hood. My question two part, First,is the Miata hood aluminum?, and are the replacements available from most companies aluminum? I don't want to put a cheap hood on it.

Ben Cotton, Kentucky

The OE Miata hood is aluminum and always has been. From what I gather, most of the third-party replacement hoods are steel. Disregarding the difference of material, some of the no-name rip-off replacement body panes are of shabby quality, with poor grade steel frequently used and sub-standard rust-proofing all-too-often the norm in the few cases where the panels are rust-proofed. I'd steer well clear of 'em.

bwob

How Green Was My Valley, How Brown is My Window

I have never owned a car with a soft top. What can I do to fix the back window. It has turned brown from the sun and what do I put on the top to protect it. I waited a long time to own a car like this(93 Red Miata) and wish to keep it looking good.

Terry Anderson, Sacramento, Ca USA

Once they start to go brown, it's difficult to bring them back to transparency. Given the car's age (and if it's the original top and rear window) replacement of both may be in order. Once that's done, if you take care of the window you can postpone its aging. Alternatively, there are aftermarket tops for NA Series Miatas which use a glass rear window as the current NB Series cars do with no worries about discoloration.

But once they go brown, revival is usually out of the question.

Regarding top treatments, while there are a number of potions available which people can and do put on convertible tops to help preserve the top material, many of these can actually have a deteriorating effect on the stitching holding the top together. As a result I've cleaned the tops on my convertibles with mild detergent and plenty of warm water, but haven't used any additional top treatments. Just my experience.

bwob

Stop! Stop, I say!

I am thinking about getting some brake pads call the "green stuff" to get more stopping power. What is your take? Any suggestion for better brake system? Thanks

steve, san francisco,ca,usa

I've tried 'em and was unimpressed. My own choice of brake pads for the Miata includes (in order of preference)
1) Project-mu HC TITAN-kai
2) Endless CC-M
3) Project-mu HC
4) Winmax Zger Spec R

As for suggestions to upgrade the Miata's brake system, where do you want to stop? You could go whole hog and replace rotors and calipers, or just swap rotors. After a swap of pads, I like to start saving money and go for a serious one-time upgrade (new rotors and four-piston calipers). But usually a bankroll of considerable dimensions is required if you go this route.

bwob

Kudos for a great job resulting in a great car. My question concerns whether the development team gave any consideration to providing some type of rustproofing for the Miata body such as zinc coating/or galvanizing? Can't seem to find any info on this on MiataNet. My 95M has no rust that I know of and rust doesn't seem to be a pervasive issue with older Miatas as it was/is with the British marques. Am leery of having the car treated (Ziebart,etc) due to added weight and general mess this makes. Any info would be most appreciated.

Gordon Stafford, Springboro,OH USA

There's a good deal of HSLA Steel in the Miata's body structure, primarily in - though not limited to - the cowl panel, toeboard, floor and sills. Some galvanized components are used in the sills and frame rails as well. Mazda also was an early (1969-70) proponent of cathodic body coating, though the early efforts suffered from the poor material technology of the day. The process has been refined and greatly improved through subsequent development and has been part and parcel of every Miata from Day One.

bwob

More chromatic bang for your buck

Love your column. Thanks for all the great advice.
After 12 years of production, Mazda has finally produced a black leather interior Miata. I love it and assume many others do also. Why do you think Mazda has only included an ugly (personal opinion) beige interior in normal Miatas? Why is black the standard for cloth but not available for leather? If it's deemed to be the best color for cloth, why not for leather? Seems like poor marketing to me. I love all the features in the leather package but just can't buy it because of the interior. How can I, and other potential owners, influence Mazda to include black as a standard color for the leather package. Black leather seems to be a big aftermarket seller (I bought it). I'm praying they make it standard before I buy my next Miata in a couple years.

Morley Gill, Fort Smith, NT, Canada

Mazda's production system at the time the Miata was introduced had severe limitations on the number of variations per car to keep component and assembly complexity under control. In order to get the most bang-for-your-buck, Mazda decided that the leather color should be different to the fabric color, so beige (which was proposed as the second fabric color if a second fabric was to be placed into the system) got the nod for the leather to maximize its differentiation to the standard fabric interior.

Mazda's product range has been cut way back from the days when the Miata was placed into production, so the opportunity to add black leather as an ongoing item is now in the cards.

Anyway, I don't think the beige is as ugly an interior color as red is one for the exterior.

bwob

We've a 91 M1 with a zillion or so miles on it. Love the car, but it's time for a graceful retirement (of the car, not me). Some starving student deserves a chance to discover Miata fun.

The only rational replacement is, of course, an M2. I do have a couple questions about options.

Thinking seriously about sticking with the 5 speed rather than the six speed trans. Even though lower cruising revs sound attractive, I've always loved the super precision feel of the 5 speed. Don't want to give it up. In your opinion does the six speed retain the same crispness?

Also, what are your thoughts on the "sports suspension" (16 inch wheels and unknown other goodies) option on the M2? I'm generally biased towards suspension upgrades, but am a bit worried about extra unsprung weight and uneven or rough road response. Assume that the intended use is almost daily driver, with some occasional serious weekend assaults of back country roads.
Yes, I do plan to test drive, but likely won't find a dealer that will let me REALLY test drive. Something about not wanting to turn their new car into a used one.....

Rich, San Diego, CA

Well, I prefer the feel of the five-speed to the six-cog box in an NB Series Miata. Considering the fact the overall ratios aren't dramatically different (as regards cruising speed and rpm at same), I don't consider the six-speed all that great.

Similarly, I'd much rather buy a car with the base suspension and do the upgrades myself if I were in the market for an NB, especially one that's going to replace an NA. In my experience Bilsteins as shock absorbers are almost as overrated as Bose gear is when it comes to audio gear, so I wouldn't be wasting my own money on something which would be removed. If it were my car, Koni's would go in almost straight away, and I'd give serious consideration to opting for a set of kg/mm Series 21 springs and a pair of the 'soft' Mazdaspeed anti-roll/stabilizer/sway bars. Ditto for replacement of wheels and tires, since I can do better in the aftermarket with rubber more to my liking than the sort which has to match an accountant's bottom line. So if I were living in the 'States and shopping for an NB, I'd happy as a clam with a base car with a few modifications. Best of all, no poxy appearance package to pry off.

But please bear in mind that I also have no liking for red cars, gold badges and three-spoke wheels on anything while I like blonde Asian women who wear Barbie pink microskirts with matching thigh-high boots (somehow I found the available one to marry), 1930s black & white movies and anchovies on pizza. So I'll be the first one to admit that my tastes are not universal by any means.

bwob

N-E news on NC?

when do you think that the Miata will get a serious face lift

bob, lake worth florida

The NB Miata has had one facelift already, with the introduction of the 2001 model year version. As for when it will get a redesign, that's a ways off in the future.

But while a mild facelift may be in the cards for the not too distant future, you'll have to wait somewhat longer for an all-new Miata. Mazda will certainly let everybody know at an opportune time.

bwob

My Miata's a little too large. Do you have one smaller?

Has anyone ever seen a child's model Miata (size approx. the Barbie Jeep $300) for children ages 3 yrs+? My granddaughter LOVES Grandma's little Miata!

Mary E. Rasmussen, Beverly Hills, Michigan, USA

The only one I am aware of is of an NA Series car, complete with pop-up headlamps, made by KM Corporation in Japan (telephone: +81 3 5479-5673). I've only seen the car from across a room, but it was certainly an eye-catcher, but I suspect it isn't cheap.

bwob

Let's put a stop to this

I have a '92 Miata and want to upgrade my brake system. Can I use the stock front brakes Caliper and Rotor from a '99 Miata?

phillip, san mateo, ca, usa

Yes, they can be used, though it's probably a good idea to bring the rears and proportioning valve over from the NB as well.

bwob

Too much free time in Atlanta

Dear Bob: When you mean to imply that some course of action is clearly or excessively the right choice for a desired outcome, why do you say it is "by far and away" the best or brightest or stupidest, etc.? Should it not be either "by far" the best, Esc, or "far and away" the best? Please answer, as I am nipping at the bud to know.

Matt Alley, Atlanta, GA

Your question is better posed to the people who were running the primary and secondary school systems and the State University system in California during the 1960s and early 1970s. I'm afraid I haven't got any of their addresses, but maybe a good search engine can help.

Good luck.

bwob

Tilt-less column

I'm a Miata newbie and I must say that driving my new '01 LS is the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on. I have a question, though. I'm just an average-sized guy but I find that my clutch leg sometimes rubs against the bottom of the steering wheel. No big deal, but I was wondering why the Miata isn't available with an adjustable steering column?
Thanks for your time. Love your column (web page? site? whatever)

Paul Richardson, Virginia Beach, VA

At the time the NA Series Miata was being developed (it was Mazda's first car with an airbag), the research data Mazda had did not support the idea that an airbag would provide proper protection for all occupants if the wheel's position and angle were varied, so Mazda engineering guidelines did not allow the combination of airbags and a tilt column till more research had been done. Which was after the Miata design had been locked in. By the time data supporting the fact that an airbag on a tilt column could protect the driver was collected, the Miata had been tooled and certified. Modifying the instrument panel structure and the car's black metal (the stuff out of sight) was uneconomic once the car had been tooled,in production and was selling well.

The current NB Series car is based on the architecture of the original NA Series car. Development budget of the NB didn't include a surfeit of funds to allow a new steering column to be tooled and to completely redesign the behind black metal the dash to accommodate a new adjustable column (remember that Mazda was in gawdawful financial shape when the NB was being done), so it carried over the old non-adjustable one.

If the NC Miata appears without some sort of steering column adjustment, I'll certainly be hornswaggled.

bwob