Bottom-up, Then Back-to-Front

I have a 99 10th Anniversary. My first Miata, and the first one that passed the wife acceptance factor. My mechanic is as impressed as I am with the suspension upgrades and overall balance of the car. My question, oh great one, it what would you do in terms of performance upgrades if you wanted to "fine-tune" the car. I can't imagine great improvements to the suspension, but would you recommend any specific intake or exhaust mods? Horsepower is fine, thank you. I am a 4 cylinder guy in a V8 state (and country). Brand recommendations would be appreciated. All I can think of doing is "improving" the exhaust note ever so slightly. Thanks for putting up with us fellow fanatics.

Robert Coker, Houston, TX, USA

My normal upgrade path for the sort of cats I like is to do suspension (springs, shocks and bushings) along with wheels and tires first. In the case of things like the Miata and my R32 Skyline GTS-t, I don't consider these cars underpowered, so engine work can wait.

When I do start to address the driveline, it's from the back to the front. Cat-back exhaust first, then header and low-restriction intake (done as a set so as to ensure that they two work together). In a few cases, there have been years between doing the exhaust and getting to the intake and header, so I am not adverse to stretching things out. It sort of regenerates one's interest in the car after the work's been done and it's a lot more budget-friendly.

bwob

Testosterone Treatment Needed?

Couple of questions here.....I am strongly thinking of buying a 1994 Miata but I am becoming the butt of jokes from my friends with them saying it is a girls car. Must admit it is small but does the Miata have that reputation?? Also I live out in the UAE so how does the car act in very hot conditions. Any other tips observations would be greatly appreciated.

Gary Haslam, England

Yup, it is a 'girls car', since women love it. It collects 'em like honey does flies.

Personally, I like that. I've spent my post-pubescent life - to varying degrees of success - trying to attract women.

However, I'll readily accept the fact that some guys don't want to do that. They want cars which are attractive to other guys. If that's what your friends want from a car, I suppose that's their choice. Mind you, course I was under the impression that such activity is frowned upon in the Gulf States.

Of course I am not really in a financial position where I can afford to buy a car to please other people, even if I were presupposed to do so. Strictly speaking, I don't give a rat's arse if somebody else likes what I'm driving or not, just as long as I like it.

The Miata/MX-5/Eunos or Mazda Roadster was developed to live with a pretty diverse set of climatic conditions, including the American Southwest. Other than a disparity in humidity, the climatic conditions in the Gulf are not too awfully different to those of Phoenix and Yuma, places the Miata was 'made for' (since they are hotseats - if you'll excuse the pun - of sports car activity in America's Southwest).

If you're buying a used one, make sure the radiator's clear and the cooling system's in tip-top shape. Just to be on the safe side.

bwob

No, no! A thousand times no!

Can I transplant the front clip of a m2 onto an m1?

Tom V., Florida

With enough money and/or sufficient metalworking skills, anything is possible.

It's not an easy job, even if you're an artisan in sheetmetal, however. Disregarding the fact the front door parting lines between the door panel of an NA And the front fender of an NB don't line up, the body sections are completely different between the door of the NA and the NB Fender.

Met one person in Japan who pulled it off, who even went to the effort to resolve the swage line across the NA door by cutting the NB fender across the upper highlight line and welding (then leading) the seam between the front fender lower of the NA and the fender upper from the NB. As I recall, he said he had about 85 hours in the metalwork for each front fender.

So can you? Your bank balance and/or knowledge of (and aptitude with) things like an English Wheel will answer the question far better than I can.

The fact you had to ask it in the first place gives me reason to believe the answer in this case is a resounding 'no'.

bwob

No Problem. No Benefit Either

I have a 2000 Miata LS 5 spd. Is it OK to replace the factory spark plugs with BOSCH platinum 4 electrodes type spark plugs? Any downside? Any benefits? Many thanks for your advise

Vincent, Wilmington / DE/USA

Sure it's okeh. Benefits? None which jump to mind.

The downside is that they aren't NGKs. That's enough to keep 'em off any car I'd own.

bwob

Where to Start?

I am ready to do some performance upgrades to my 2000 SE and am looking to do some simple mid-cost things to be more competitive with S2000s and Z3s.

What would be the 3-4 best low cost changes to beef up my Miata? I am looking at Intake, Exhaust, and a new Chip.

BTW the Forum was not all that helpful.

Stephen, San Mateo CA

Intake and exhaust are good starting points as far as I am concerned. The benefits can very, but the two usually bring improved driveability, especially more vivid throttle response. For me that is of considerably greater benefit that paring seconds off.

I kinda like the R-Speed intake of the ones available in the US, along with the original Jackson Racing setup. JR's current one isn't a pimple on the arse of the original and is a pretty cynical marketing exercise as far as I am concerned.

My favorite exhaust is the center outlet dual catback from Pit Crew Racing. Sounds great and is a delightfully free-breather.

My experiences with replacement chips hasn't be positive. Given the prices sometimes asked, the actual (as opposed to claimed) performance benefits they provide can be of the phantom variety.

Perhaps in lieu of a chip, I'd opt for a header.

Once I gave up on chips , I started saving for a MoTeC unit and haven't had any regrets. The one from my last Miata even worked in my Skyline (but that's partly because of my own cleverness in selecting one which works in both fours and sixes).

bwob

While Norm's holding that ceiling beam up, I'll talk to the painters

How come you sign your name "Bwob"? Would you share that story? Apologies if you've responded to this before and I missed it.

Sam , Albuquerque, NM

A nickname I got from a friend who has a monstrously thick Bostonian accent. Sort of like the way Norm of This Old House used to refer to Bob Villa.

My Japanese coworkers at the time loved the sound of it and iconized the name.

bwob

(Editor's note: We've been waiting three years for someone to ask this one. )

A Bargain at Twice the Price

Bob, this is not a put-on, a friends father-in-law has a stored 1990 Miata, 517 actual miles,
mint condition, asking $14,000. What do you think?

Ron Hillary, Grand Rapids, Michigan USA

I think it's overpriced.

bwob

Not the Same Company, Not the Same Car

Bob , do you feel Mazda is going to retain some of the individual characteritics of their cars, or will future Mazdas be basically reclothed Volvos/Fords that have been mass produced for 'reps/fleet cars' ( i.e dull especially if it ends up something like a V40... ) .

Do you like the current range of Mazdas and what would you change generally?

I worry because I don't want Mazda heading down a downward spiral akin to the early '90s where you had many different brands of the same car. Some of the best designs of production cars came from Mazda during this period, but the end products were badly handled.

Hopefully someone like Richard Parry-Jones will have a strong influence on the development of the next Miata and for the management of Ford listen carefully to the people behind the NA & NB Miata.

Arun Thangarajan, South Australia

In a word, no.

The C1 component set which serves as the base for the Mazda 3, new Volvo S40 and next-generation Focus (due mid 2004 for most of the world, save North America) has more Mazda DNA at its core than any other. Factor in that Ford's Parry-Jones headed the team which set most of the parameters for dynamics of all three C1-derived cars and the formula's in place for potentially an outstanding small car.

Where the cars differ most noticably - other than exterior styling - is in engines (the S40 for Australia will have 5-cylinder engines, 'our' Mazda 3 will use 1.8 and 2.3 litre fours and the Focus will have 1.8 and 2.0 fours in Australian spec) and interiors.

As for the current Mazda range, the only physical aspect I of it am not especially enamoured with is the five-point grille. Disregarding the fact Honda staked that territory out before Mazda did, I don't think it looks very good.

Though it's been a non-issue as far as owners are concerned in most places, the misreporting of RX-8 engine output is a real disappointment, especially after the similar situation with the 2001 NBs in North American spec. I genuinely don't believe that there was any intent to mislead the public, despite what conspiracy theorists or the paranoid may believe. The power shortfall is the sort of situation which is far, far more likely to manifest itself through laziness and/or sloppiness at a corporate level than anything else.

bwob

Another Yahoo User, of Course

Have you the instruction manual for the Pioneer DEH-P3000R car cd player please?

A, Britain

Yes I do. And it's a pretty good one as instruction manuals go.

bwob

Not Popped-up

I vaguely remember reading that the flip-up headlights on the 1st generation Miata were not the initial choice for headlights. How true is that, and how did the design team decide on such matters? Thanks.

Greg, Chicago, IL (USA)

That's right Greg, a few of us wanted the car to have fixed lamps. The issues we had concerns over were weight, mechanical complexity and appearance. Like any project within a large company, there was also a faction in favor of pop-ups. As it shook out, true democracy wasn't a factor in the final decision, but as the result of mutual agreement between the head of the Design Division and the original Miata's Program Manager.

The lamps which a few of us favored were not too dissimilar to those of the first-generation Dodge/Plymouth Neon. However, back in those days the idea of circular(ish) conformal headlamps was very left field and may have come off more than a little too strong for some people up the food chain. But hey, you can't make an omlette without breaking a few eggs. Maybe some people were on a cholesterol-free diet.

bwob

If You Can Breathe Unassisted, so Should Your Car

Hi Bob, As always, enjoy your insights and comments replying to questions. I just read of the Mazda "Refresh" program. I also recently saw a comment in Autoweek regarding the MazdaSpeed-tuned Miata with turbo. I am interested in your thoughts on both of these developments. I know you don't like force-fed engines and I'm guessing you probably don't care to go backwards on the car. Thanks for your thoughts.

Joe Baranek, Atascadero, CA USA

The cars in the 'refresh' program back in Japan are a hoot. I have a friend (not with Mazda) who bought one as a replacement for his Alfa Romeo Spider and absolutely loves it. He opted for the Level 2 car with some engine work and upgraded suspension. It's an absolute blast.

The Mazdaspeed Turbo is a knee-jerk reaction, but if it keeps the sales volume up I suppose it may serve some purpose beyond the obvious one of showing the whiners who complained that the Miata "needed" 180hp will find some reason to complain that 180hp isn't enough when they have to back up their words with money.

bwob

Closed Cars are a Crime Against Nature

I'm a car fan who's just discovered Miata.net, and I'm surprised to see someone involved/knowledgeable about the planning stages of a model stick around all these years to answer questions like you do. Here's mine:

Was there ever any consideration by product planners at any point to do a closed coupe version of the Miata? I've talked with people who say that they'd buy one at the drop of a hat if one was ever produced. I've seen pictures on websites (which I'm almost sure weren't PhotoShopped) of a yellow closed coupe NA model. If I recall right, it had a flowing rear hatch design reminiscent of the last RX-7. Did Mazda ever sanction a prototype MX-5 coupe? I've also heard rumors that it might actually happen with the next (NC?) model. I'd like to hear your opinions on it, if such a coupe were to come forth.

Again, I'm new to Miata.net, and I'm aware that this question might have been addressed before. If you've answered it already, please refer me to your reply. I've checked the FAQ already, and can't find a Search page for your reply section. Thanks in advance.

John Lee, Ohio/USA

As far as the idea of a coupe percolating up from the planning/engineering/design side, in the early days of product development there was no idea or intention to promote a closed version. Rather the opposite, in fact. If the coupe card had been produced, management in some divisions and groups would have been likely to have pushed the closed car to the exclusion of a convertible. We knew that an open car would be a real uphill battle, if only because Mazda had never built a convertible and wasn't predisposed to throw a potential question mark into the development and manufacturing processes.

Shortly after the car got a green light from management, the export and Japanese domestic sales departments - in a very rare example of unity - both expressed concerns over the potential for an open car to meet the sales targets set for it. So a program to study a coupe pulled off the convertible was initiated. This was a paper study, with no work beyond basic manufacturing and marketing feasibility. A sketch program was done in the US studio, since most of the actual design work on the open car had been wrapped-up. Concurrent with this, the Pasadena design clinic took place. When the results of the Pasadena clinic came back, the worries held by the export people vaporized. A similar clinic held afterwards had a similar effect on the Japanese sales group and the idea of a coupe was forgotten.

More recently, a subsidiary company of Mazda - Mazda E and T - has done a trio of NB coupes as cars in the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2002 and this year. They'll build a handful of them for the Japanese marketplace, but given the lame duck status of the NB, Mazda E and T's limited production capacity and a real minefield of regulations to deal with, there will be no export of the coupe.

As far as the NC is concerned, a coupe is not part of the package as far as launch time is concerned. If the pick-up rate on the RS Coupes (what the Mazda E and T cars are called), there might be an encore. I'm not sure I'd be holding out for anything similar for the 'States, however.

bwob

(Editor's note: A one-off concept coupe was produced in the mid '90s. Photo.)

Winning isn't everything

I don't know how to ask this without sounding ignorant (and perhaps said ignorance is inevitable) but here it goes. Do people (smart, reputable people) ever humor the notion of rallying a Miata? I used to think of the Miata as a small, fragile little sports car with great handling. After reading some articles about people crashing into things in excess of 60 miles per hour and tumbling down cliff sides with little more than a few bruises and a totaled car, my view of the Miata changed. This makes me wonder if the prospect of rallying a Miata (safely) is indeed a plausible one. Personally, I couldn't fathom doing the aforementioned rallying either because I lack balls or possess too great a will to live.

Kebikun, Anahiem CA USA

While there are precedents for sportscars in rallies (in the 1960s factory Austin Healeys and Porsche 911s competed quite successfully in the predecessor of todays WRC), they've pretty much been displaced by four-wheel-drive cars in recent time. The nature of international rallying favors front- or all-wheel-drive cars, since many events have a lot of unsealed stages. At the highest level, a rear-drive (or even front drive) car would have a tough time against the likes of a WRC Peugeot 206, Citroen Xsara or Subie WRX on any event which had a high percentage of unsealed surfaces.

Given the fact that the performance envelope of a late 1960s Ford Escort Twin-Cam and NA Series Miata are quite similar, I don't see where running a Miata in a current rally would be that dangerous or unlikely. An overall win may be out of the question, but it's about going out and having fun as much as it is winning, at least in my book. So why wouldn't you rally a Miata?

bwob

How'd that get here?

I have owned my '92 left hand drive MX5 for 2 years now and I am very happy driving and maintainng it.
What has been puzzling me is why my car is badged as a Miata (suffixed Mazda MX5). Was there a brief redirection of US models to Europe (I doubt it) or did some European Mazda dealers for some reason add Miata badges onto MX5s ? Or was there some short-term confusion in Mazda's marketing/naming concept for the car in Europe ?. My research sofar is contradictory and inconclusive.

The car originally seems to have been registered by a Mazda dealer in Bruxelles, Belguim.
The warrantee book just refers to the VIN and neither mentions MX5 nor Miata.
The owners manual refers to MX5.
The fact that my VIN starts JMZ leads me to believe my car was built for the European market and the car is not a private import from the US to Europe.
So why the Miata badge on the european numberplate panel ? I thought Miatas were only marketed in US and US territories and Canada ?
Did a previous owner (can't get in touch anymore) just stick a Miata badge on the back ?

Also, living in the UK I am aware of the large amounts of Eunos Roadsters that have made it to the UK over time. Are you aware of any estimates of how many US Miatas have migrated to mainland Europe ? I seem to recall seeing a few Miata badged cars in Germany from time to time. I'm unsure how many of these were private imports or just MX5s originally sold in mainland Europe with a Miata badge ?

Many thanks in advance for helping me understand my car that little bit more.

Erl Timmermann
Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom

Erl, I strongly suspect that your supposition that a previous owner did a badge swap is on the money. Cars bound for the EC never carried Miata badges and the rear garnish panel for the EC market with the wider numberplate recess was not designed to accept the Miata badge used on North American cars.

Nobody I've been able to chat with at Mazda in Japan, the 'States or Europe has any accurate idea as to the number of genuine Miatas which may have migrated across the pond. However there is a very strong consensus that it's small beer alongside the numbers of Japanese-spec Eunos Roadsters which are in the British Isles, however.

bwob