I cant believe it but I am now the owner of a 1997 Mazda Miata. Been looking for a convertible but not this. I was in the market for a '60's-70's ragtop Deville or even a Camaro/Mustang vert of any vintage. Anyway, my buddy calls me up and says he's at a dealership trading in his wifes Miata and wanted to give me first dibs. I asked how much they were giving and he said with taxes it would come out to $2200. I said yeah, I'll take it for that. Car was nasty dirty, lots of scratches and really dull paint, fithy interior, etc. I spent today buffing/waxing and detailing the car and am quite amazed at what a clean car was hiding under all that dirt!. The wheels and Alpine stereo were included. Top is in great shape as well. Car has 111k miles and runs great!. I cannot get over how great these cars handle. I'll probably re-sell it cause I cant fit the kids in it but I'll drive it around till I find that perfect Caddy/Mustang/Camaro. Its so un-Destroyer, kinda Destroyer lite but what the hell?. I actually am starting to like it. ;) What do think of it?

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03779.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03781.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03782.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03784.jpg

What, are you going gay or something? Haha, just kidding....it's a fun to drive little convert that'll never, ever leave you stranded. Apparently they're like some of the best handling "regular" cars ever.

As the previous owner of two street driven Miatas and current owner of a race-prepped '94, I can honestly say that the MX-5 is one of the great cars of our time, and maybe the greatest roadster ever.

Bulletproof engine, superb chassis and shifter, easy to use convertible top......the list goes on. Congrats and enjoy it! :thumbsup:

The original body style Miatas are the best. My wife had a 92 that we bought in Palm Springs on vacation, during the winter of 94, and drove home to Michigan. Her's was also white. It was a fun car to run around town in. With a set of winter tires and a hardtop, it was a good winter driver, too.

After her accident, I sold it. She really wants me to buy another, but the only Miata that fit her smallest wheelchair is the second generation - and I had to scrape paint to get it into the trunk. Then there's the low seating position.

What, are you going gay or something? Haha, just kidding....it's a fun to drive little convert that'll never, ever leave you stranded. Apparently they're like some of the best handling "regular" cars ever.
No I'm not going gay (my wife asked the same thing when I told her I was getting it). I just thought it was good buy (if you go by kbb) and I bought it to re-sell it but after driving it around a bit today and being pleasantly surprised at how well it cleaned up, I gotta say, its a lot of fun!. More fun than I've had in any car I've owned since my '95 Z28 vert (I like verts). I decided to register it and insure it till I find a more useful convertible. Besides, I'll more than double my money when I sell this one. I'm impressed by the car though. Its not as slow as I used to think Miatas were. It feels fairly quick but the handling is just amazing. I took turns at 70mph that I would never even think of negotiating most cars. :D

........... superb chassis and shifter, easy to use convertible top......the list goes on. Congrats and enjoy it! :thumbsup:By shifter I assume you meant the 5spd. This one is an automatic (wish it was a stick). Suprising the automatic still feels pretty quick. This is a bare bones car, no power windows/locks/steering/seats, etc. The wild thing is that the lack of all the luxury ammentities actually adds attraction (for me) to the car. Weird. :eek:

You and Jesda are about to become fast friends. But I suspect as similar as we are in car tastes it's not going to stick around long.

Nice car man! Sucks that it's an automatic though. But if I ever want to get into SCCA racing I will be going with a Miata. Awesome, awesome cars! Have fun with it man!

It looks pretty clean for 2200 bucks that is a good deal.
Why get rid of it? Just do this
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37539&d=1122049458
A nice LS1 T56 conversion...

Looks really clean for the $$. Congrats; nice looking car.

Car looks great and you do a great job detailing.

Hmm, I wanna drive it!

Car looks great and you do a great job detailing.Many years ago I was running several car dealership detail shops. At the time, I was considered the best at what I did. Still got the 'ole buffer and other equipment and when something like this comes up I really enjoy just spending a day with a car and seeing the end results. Thanks for the compliment. :cool:

It looks pretty clean for 2200 bucks that is a good deal.
Why get rid of it? Just do this
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37539&d=1122049458
A nice LS1 T56 conversion...Man, I wonder what is entailed in that swap. The car is pretty quick with the 110? or so hp its got. Triple it and its just madness. The kind of madness I like. :D

Hmm, I wanna drive it!It's definately unlike anything you (or I before this) is used to but its definately a nice change from the old Caddy's. Not a replacement but a fun daily transport while the old Caddy is resting. :cool:

Yeah, right now I have a '97 Sentra as a gas saver, lol.... you know your car is slow when you long for the speed of a Cadillac. But it is fun to buzz around in, especially in the city. It's givin me a previously nonexistent appreciation for smaller cars. And now I want to try something that actually moves.

My former boss has a red '93 Miata with the available hard top (the rear window needs to be replaced on the soft top so he only drives it topless in the summer). When it's cleaned up, it looks like a little red M&M. I even told him he should name the car Eminem.

I've driven it several times, and it's a lot of fun. Love the go-kart handling and slick shifter, 5-speed is definitely preferable on one of these. His has over 200,000 miles on it, and he's doesn't exactly baby the thing. One time, I noticed how clackety the engine was, then looked over at the oil pressure gauge; it was really low. Told him to put some oil in, and the engine quited down a lot.

For a person of size, this is not an idea daily driver. My old boss is as tall as I am (6'0"), and I never figured out how he got in and out of that thing everyday. Whenever I drove it, I invariably banged my knees on the steering column.

Definitely not a car for long road trips. When we were going to a client meeting in Portland or Eugene, I usually offered to drive, since it would get a little claustrophobic in there.

Great detail job, and have fun with it.

I remember sitting in one of those at an auto show a few years back (I must have been 16-17 years old...5'5" tall)..with the seat all the way back, I could just barely fit in it...no kidding!

Too bad about the auto stick, but what an incredible buy.
The tires and rims alone are worth $1k.

I've spent time with the 5 speed, and it was the sweetest manual
I've ever rowed through the gears. Incredibly short throws, very
precise.

Have fun ... up here in the spring, that car would fetch well over
$7k.

All the different manual transmissions offered over the years in the Miata are fantastic. My '90 and current '94 race car both have the 5 speed manual, while my '99 Supercharged DD had the Aisin 6 speed- both smooth, short throws that clicked into place.

Destroyer- You may find yourself an MX-5 convert after enjoying this car, and if so do yourself a favor and seek out a manual model. Much better acceleration than the auto, and it completes the sense of Jinba Ittei the engineers built this car for (literally translated from Japanese, Jinba Ittei means "Horse and rider as one").

Congrats on your new ride

Congrats! I've always liked the Miata, but could never get over the gay factor... still tho, I like them a lot, but I must say, I felt down when I saw the auto trans in that one.

I think a car just like the Miata is exactly what I want, I think thats why I like the Solstice/Sky so much, its the same type of car, but looks awesome. It's just they are new, and will be for a long time.... these older mid 90's Miata's can be had for a fair price....

ahhh gosh, now its going to be getting me looking into Miata's (again) the small 2 seat sports car, manual shift, convertible feeling.... kinda like my fathers '88 Fiero Formula, but with a manual trans and no top.

Well, the wifey and I spent the day out and about with the Miata. Went to the beach, played raquetball, etc. First hour or so we were just loving life in the little vert, 85 degrees, nice breeze and so forth. After driving it for more than an hour though my back was hurting, my legs were hitting the side of the door panel and console; I realized this car really isn't very comfortable for a 6'2" 215lb guy. The seats dont go back far enough and dont recline enough, if they did I'd have no complaints. My wife on the other hand at only 5'5" and 115lbs was just fine and very comfortable.

I DO like this car and had fun driving it but I'll keep looking for the car I really want.

So what do you really want? Wasn't it something like an F-Body convert, or like a old convertible deVille or even a M-B SL?

So what do you really want? Wasn't it something like an F-Body convert, or like a old convertible deVille or even a M-B SL?
Yes, but scratch the SL. It just has to be a V8 RWD that has usable back seats. 68 Deville convertible is on top of the list followed by fbody's/Mustangs of any vintage ;)

Congrats! I've always liked the Miata, but could never get over the gay factor... still tho, I like them a lot, but I must say, I felt down when I saw the auto trans in that one.

I think a car just like the Miata is exactly what I want, I think thats why I like the Solstice/Sky so much, its the same type of car, but looks awesome. It's just they are new, and will be for a long time.... these older mid 90's Miata's can be had for a fair price....

ahhh gosh, now its going to be getting me looking into Miata's (again) the small 2 seat sports car, manual shift, convertible feeling.... kinda like my fathers '88 Fiero Formula, but with a manual trans and no top.
Ideally it would have been a manual but at less than 1/2 the price of its retail value......I'm not going to be nit picky. This car was meant to be a manual and I know the automatic probably takes much of the allure out of the equation. My guess (from past pics) is that you are a smaller man than I, so perhaps a car like this would be a good fit for you. Lots of fun to drive and you live in Georgia so you could enjoy it most of the year. We all put down the Japanese cars but this thing is still very tight for being 10 years old with 111k miles. I'll enjoy it for now but I dont see it being around too long unless I get a good chiropractor. :D

Hey how about this (and I swear I'm not trying to completely push german cars).... BMW 3 Series Convert?

Wow... go get back your Mark VIII pronto...

j/k

When I had my 944 S2 I used to love and tease the Miata guys at the track. They thought they were badass by passing all the front heavy cars until I blew past them.

Did you ever consider a 944 S2 or 968 convertible?

Wow... go get back your Mark VIII pronto...

j/k

When I had my 944 S2 I used to love and tease the Miata guys at the track. They thought they were badass by passing all the front heavy cars until I blew past them.

Did you ever consider a 944 S2 or 968 convertible?I had a 928S and even though its not as nimble as a 944/968, its the only Porsche I'd buy again. I'm gonna stick with a basic GT Mustang/fbody vert/ caddy vert for the next ride. Besides a 968 vert doesn't have usable back seats. ;)

I had a 928S and even though its not as nimble as a 944/968, its the only Porsche I'd buy again. I'm gonna stick with a basic GT Mustang/fbody vert/ caddy vert for the next ride. Besides a 968 vert doesn't have usable back seats. ;)

Sure they are usable. Back in my college days I fit two gorgeous blondes in the back seat of my 944 S2, granted they had to sit spread eagle. ;) God, the things that car did for me in college... ahhhh......:eek:

They only 928 I would consider buying is the GTS or S4. At least they had the power to move that heavy beast.

Ideally it would have been a manual but at less than 1/2 the price of its retail value......I'm not going to be nit picky. This car was meant to be a manual and I know the automatic probably takes much of the allure out of the equation. My guess (from past pics) is that you are a smaller man than I, so perhaps a car like this would be a good fit for you. Lots of fun to drive and you live in Georgia so you could enjoy it most of the year. We all put down the Japanese cars but this thing is still very tight for being 10 years old with 111k miles. I'll enjoy it for now but I dont see it being around too long unless I get a good chiropractor. :D

I am 5'8 210lbs.... I never sat in a Miata.... In the Solstice I drove yesterday, it had manual forward/back and recline and power height adjuster.... for me to feel comfortable pushing the clutch all the way in, I did move the seat up a bit... so there was more room to move it back...

But it was a very tight car, my right leg was right up against the consol the entire time and my left arm would bump into the door... I still liked it tho.

Hmmm, maybe I should look for an older Miata in the area to drive.... I have always like them.... heh, what really got me into them was Gran Turismo on Playstation, in a couple of the games you only had a couple cars to choose from to start, and I would get the Miata... made me really like the car... I know.. weird... but... that small, low, 2 seater convertible sports car is calling me.... kinda why I like the Solstice/sky so much.... but I should check out a Miata too.

Or you could put lowering springs on the Isuzu, chop the top a bit and shove a 350 under the hood and have own "Miata".

Nice little ride. Kinda reminds me of a little classic jewel I saw just two days ago in a local shopping center parking lot. I pulled around and parked next to what I thought was an early 60's Sunbeam Alpine, pale green but was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a Tiger.

They only 928 I would consider buying is the GTS or S4. At least they had the power to move that heavy beast.


If I was to ever buy a Porsche, it would be a 928. It's the only one that seats four, is V8 powered, front engine RWD and still has the luxury items I like.

Good cars? Bad cars? Any recommendations?

Or you could put lowering springs on the Isuzu, chop the top a bit and shove a 350 under the hood and have own "Miata".

Heh, and to be honest, I wouldn't be the first to do that!

I was talking to a guy that is into Amigos too, cause I was looking for a 4wd one, and he was looking for a 2wd one, cause apparently the 2wd Isuzu, and especially the Amigo (people seem to like them for the swaps) is very popular to swap in a 350/700R4 combo... there are conversion kits and everything..... Can't say I haven't thought about it... but to me, a really fast 2wd Amigo doesn't do much for me... I'd rather have a slow 4wd one :)

Well, I sat in my first Miata today... checked Autotrader, there was a 2001 4 miles away, 5spd, 98k miles, $9,500.

Didn't get to drive it tho....

got there and the sales guy was standing next to it, so I went over... hes in his 50's hair slicked back and dark tinted sun glasses on... I guess a typical used car salesman? so I said I saw the Miata online and wanted to take a look at it, so he says, hop in, let me show you something.

So I wasn't sure what that ment, but he got in the drivers side, so I got in the passenger side, he starts it up and just starts racing the engine... he had his seat belt on and started to put it in gear, so I guess that was my cue to put my seat belt on.

so he was telling me how he used to own a Miata and stuff, then revs the engine up and rides to clutch while driving thru the parking lot.... when we stop to pull out onto the road he turns the rap radio station on and turns the music up.... I'm thinking to myself... does he normally listen to this stuff? Then every single person he saw either walking on the street or in their car he gave a nod to while having this smerk on his face, sitting there stopped, revving the engine up.... I was trying to hold myself back from laughing... but couldn't help but ask myself "so are we cool now?"

so we finally pull out onto the road, and hes telling me how great the car is, and showing me how nice it shifts and stuff... so he pulls onto some back roads and I guess was running it wide open, redlining the gears and stuff, hes like, yeah you can really open these things up... rap music still loud, tinted glasses still on, and still nodding the head to everyone he sees...

So then we come to a stop again, and he is sitting there revving the engine.... we were at a stop sign moving up as cars were going, and he is sitting there revving the engine in between riding the clutch.... now, when I was a kid, I used to think thats how you drove a manual, for what ever reason... but... what is with people doing that? to show off the massive power plant of an engine? I don't get it.. I have a 5spd manual vehicle and I never need to do that... its like... ahhh there is soo much power here I can't contain it vrooom vroom vrooooom.

So then he was telling me how the car is "glued to the road" and takes this wide and long turn in a back woods, almost residential area at 60, using the double yellow lines as his center line.... each shift was hard... it actually started to get me sick and after words when I got back in the Lincoln, I realized how bad it hurt my neck, from the constant rough shifts.

So then we pulled back to his lot, and got out... I was like, well I was just comparing a few of them... got in the Town Car and left.

Man... I guess it wasn't a very good first Miata experience.... As for the car itself? I dunno, I like the 2001 styling over the older ones, nicer interior and steering wheel too... but the old pop up headlights are cool. Car is small and tight, interior looked decent, my arm kept hitting the center flip over cup holders tho, and his did as well. I guess I'd have to actually drive one to really tell if I liked it.

So.... that was what I did earlier today :)

Wow, that qualifies for my list of wierd sales stories of all time.

Well, I sat in my first Miata today... checked Autotrader, there was a 2001 4 miles away, 5spd, 98k miles, $9,500.

Didn't get to drive it tho....

got there and the sales guy was standing next to it, so I went over... hes in his 50's hair slicked back and dark tinted sun glasses on... I guess a typical used car salesman? so I said I saw the Miata online and wanted to take a look at it, so he says, hop in, let me show you something.

So I wasn't sure what that ment, but he got in the drivers side, so I got in the passenger side, he starts it up and just starts racing the engine... he had his seat belt on and started to put it in gear, so I guess that was my cue to put my seat belt on.

so he was telling me how he used to own a Miata and stuff, then revs the engine up and rides to clutch while driving thru the parking lot.... when we stop to pull out onto the road he turns the rap radio station on and turns the music up.... I'm thinking to myself... does he normally listen to this stuff? Then every single person he saw either walking on the street or in their car he gave a nod to while having this smerk on his face, sitting there stopped, revving the engine up.... I was trying to hold myself back from laughing... but couldn't help but ask myself "so are we cool now?"

so we finally pull out onto the road, and hes telling me how great the car is, and showing me how nice it shifts and stuff... so he pulls onto some back roads and I guess was running it wide open, redlining the gears and stuff, hes like, yeah you can really open these things up... rap music still loud, tinted glasses still on, and still nodding the head to everyone he sees...

So then we come to a stop again, and he is sitting there revving the engine.... we were at a stop sign moving up as cars were going, and he is sitting there revving the engine in between riding the clutch.... now, when I was a kid, I used to think thats how you drove a manual, for what ever reason... but... what is with people doing that? to show off the massive power plant of an engine? I don't get it.. I have a 5spd manual vehicle and I never need to do that... its like... ahhh there is soo much power here I can't contain it vrooom vroom vrooooom.

So then he was telling me how the car is "glued to the road" and takes this wide and long turn in a back woods, almost residential area at 60, using the double yellow lines as his center line.... each shift was hard... it actually started to get me sick and after words when I got back in the Lincoln, I realized how bad it hurt my neck, from the constant rough shifts.

So then we pulled back to his lot, and got out... I was like, well I was just comparing a few of them... got in the Town Car and left.

Man... I guess it wasn't a very good first Miata experience.... As for the car itself? I dunno, I like the 2001 styling over the older ones, nicer interior and steering wheel too... but the old pop up headlights are cool. Car is small and tight, interior looked decent, my arm kept hitting the center flip over cup holders tho, and his did as well. I guess I'd have to actually drive one to really tell if I liked it.

So.... that was what I did earlier today :)
lol at this whole post!:D

OMG...LOL...I saw Chad's post before I read the story, and as I was scrolling up, the phrase "back woods" caught my eye. Then, as you started describing the salesman wanting to "show you something", my imagination started running away w/me and it wasn't pretty.

(think Ned Beatty...) or :sheep: or :leghump:

However the whole used car salesman w/the shades blasting the rap nodding at other cars is SO :rofl:

"you sure got a purdy mouth"

Y'all are sick!!

A4/S4 Convertible, Mercedes CLK, 3 series convertible, Volvo C70 convertible, and Chrysler Sebring.... those all have usable back seats.

The Fbody convertibles do not have usable back seats. Adults can't sit in the back of my Dad's 2002 T/A WS6 CE Convertible, those seats are a joke.

Miatas rock! I want a 1.6 in british racing green.

Ahhhh don't mention Sebrings elias!!! That's the "anti man car" convertible!

Miatas are the only non-British cars that ever got the BRG down right!

Ahhhh don't mention Sebrings elias!!! That's the "anti man car" convertible!

Eh.. so is the Miata :LittleB:... unless it is turbo'd, sc'd, or has a V8

Well yeah, but atleast the Miata is atleast fun to drive and handles beautifiully. Can't say the same about the Sebring. The only thing it has going for it is it's Michael Scott's car in "The Office".

Well, I drove about 100 miles last night in the Miata with the wife. We had a great time going to Fort Desoto (FL.) at midnight. This IS a great car, I had poblems walking after that ride (lol) but it wasn't that bad. Had the music cranking and it was a warm night. Overall, it made me feel young again (I'm 36). Emailed a Craiglister about an '86 Vette convertible and doing an even swap so we will see how that goes. He already emailed me back wanting to see pics of the Miata so maybe...........................

Oh yeah -- very good idea! Unless there's something wrong w/the Vette, or you dump miles on it, not much else except maybe a 911 will hold its value better over the long run. (Within reason mind you, not talking Ferraris, etc.)

Well yeah, but atleast the Miata is atleast fun to drive and handles beautifiully. Can't say the same about the Sebring. The only thing it has going for it is it's Michael Scott's car in "The Office".


Wrong ... Jan made him dump the Sebring, and all of his paycheque goes towards keeping her in a Porche:)
Gotta keep Jan happy!

This is my destroyer ride. http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=36979&stc=1&d=1193637342

What about usable back seats? Sheet... if you are going for the '86 Vette, might as well find a 944 S2 or 968 Convertible. Better handling than that Miata and a proven 3.0 liter 16 valve I4 that will knock your socks off after 3rd gear.

As for the Vette, what about a 1991 or later?

Here's some more pics of the beast :rolleyes:

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03810.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03815.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03814.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03812.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z251/AstrocreepVIII/DSC03813.jpg

Wrong ... Jan made him dump the Sebring, and all of his paycheque goes towards keeping her in a Porche:)
Gotta keep Jan happy!

That must have been in season 4...most of which I haven't seen yet.

Sheet... if you are going for the '86 Vette, might as well find a 944 S2 or 968 Convertible. Better handling than that Miata and a proven 3.0 liter 16 valve I4 that will knock your socks off after 3rd gear.


Holy smokes....a 3 liter I-4?! That's ****ing gigantic!

Man that is awesome any pics from when it was dirty to compare ?

As for the Vette, what about a 1991 or later?

He wants at least a 92, the 91 had the L98 motor, I had a 91 for awhile, Headers, exhaust, real ZR1 rims and some other stuff. It was an auto managed to squeeze out a few 13.80s.
The LT1 vettes move out alright.
http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/485124532.jpg?1170620491
http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/485124835.jpg?1170732822
Sometimes I miss that car, because it was a Corvette, but the Trans Am is just nicer and does everything except turn better.

He wants at least a 92, the 91 had the L98 motor, I had a 91 for awhile, Headers, exhaust, real ZR1 rims and some other stuff. It was an auto managed to squeeze out a few 13.80s.
The LT1 vettes move out alright.
http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/485124532.jpg?1170620491
http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/485124835.jpg?1170732822
Sometimes I miss that car, because it was a Corvette, but the Trans Am is just nicer and does everything except turn better.

I hear ya, I was just trying to steer him away from the TPI powered Vettes with the square body.

Got ya, the 91 does have the better looking body.

I hear ya, I was just trying to steer him away from the TPI powered Vettes with the square body.I had an '86 Vette awhile back. Red/Gray with black Epsilon wheels so I'm familiar with the '86. Shoddy build quality, lots of squeaks and rattles but still a fun car and I like the clean looks of the original C4's. :thumbsup:

Man that is awesome any pics from when it was dirty to compare ?Nah, I didn't think to take pics before. Should have though.

Eh.. so is the Miata I'm confident enough in my masculinity to drive it. :histeric:

I'm confident enough in my masculinity to drive it. :histeric:

With a username like Destroyer I'd have guessed that was the case. :D

You need an "NRA-FOR-LIFE" and a 'GUN CONTROL IS HITTING YOUR TARGET" bumper sticker on the back of that Miata.

I'd rather have the Miata than a Mustang or Camaro. That is a driver's car. The other two... the right ones can go fast in a straight line, but meh.

Too bad it's an auto though (who buys a car like that with an autotragic trans? Go slap your friend. :p )..

I'd rather have the Miata than a Mustang or Camaro. That is a driver's car. The other two... the right ones can go fast in a straight line, but meh.

)..

Yeah driving in the parking lot around cones...:banghead:
Get on a real road course. My 00 WS6 wipes to floor of even a brand new MX-5 on road course. Just some comparison... 60 to 0 the MX-5 stops in 116 feet, the WS6 119 feet.
600 foot slalom MX-5 66.5 MPH 00 WS6 65.5 MPH.
Lateral Gs....Both cars do a .87.
1/4 mile pshaw. The one Destroyer has....Nice car, but it is slower in everything Than an normal M6 LS1 Trans Am. That is just the facts we aren't talking a 3rd Gen F-body.
You can have the Miata, I will wave as I go by on the road course.

Yeah driving in the parking lot around cones...:banghead:
Get on a real road course. My 00 WS6 wipes to floor of even a brand new MX-5 on road course. Just some comparison... 60 to 0 the MX-5 stops in 116 feet, the WS6 119 feet.
600 foot slalom MX-5 66.5 MPH 00 WS6 65.5 MPH.
Lateral Gs....Both cars do a .87.
1/4 mile pshaw. The one Destroyer has....Nice car, but it is slower in everything Than an normal M6 LS1 Trans Am. That is just the facts we aren't talking a 3rd Gen F-body.
You can have the Miata, I will wave as I go by on the road course. From a handling standpoint I dont think there is a stock car on earth than can take turns better than a Miata. I have owned LT1 fbody cars and there is NO contest in that regards. That is where the fun ends for me though, aside from that ONE thing and it comes at the expense of a really harsh suspension, I'll take an Fbody over a Miata any day of the week.

From a handling standpoint I dont think there is a stock car on earth than can take turns better than a Miata. I have owned LT1 fbody cars and there is NO contest in that regards. That is where the fun ends for me though, aside from that ONE thing and it comes at the expense of a really harsh suspension, I'll take an Fbody over a Miata any day of the week.

I agree, but on road course the power just overwhelms a Miata.
I think people who haven't spent time in an F-body wouldn't know and don't give it the credit it deserves.
I have driven a Miata on few ocassions on open track day on road course and it was so damn slow it wasn't fun. Autocross that thing is awesome, the WS6/T/A just dosen't do as well there.
Oh and thanks for the backup from a guy who has had both...:D:)

From a handling standpoint I dont think there is a stock car on earth than can take turns better than a Miata.


I guess I have to mention it again.. but the Porsche 944, 951, 944 S2, and 968 could outhandle any Miata any day. Just ask any true Autox'r :cool:

Althought you have to have $$$ to keep one running :(

Miata =car for middle aged over-the-hill chicks.

I guess I have to mention it again.. but the Porsche 944, 951, 944 S2, and 968 could outhandle any Miata any day. Just ask any true Autox'r :cool:

Althought you have to have $$$ to keep one running :(Alright Elias, not gonna ask a true Autox'r, I'll just take your word for it. :highfive: The Miata has go cart like handling and doesn't really ride a whole lot better than a go cart. My friend that I bought the car from bought his wife an '03 Miata and he says that the one he sold me is the racing model and the one he just bought is the LS model. Mine supposedly has shorter gears and stiffer suspension. Anyway, he says their new one rides MUCH nicer but doesn't handle as well; a sacrifice he and his wife were happy to make.

I would love to have another 944 S2 again.. but this time I am swapping a light weight LS1 engine in the place of the costly to maintain Porsche motor :banghead:

The only Miata I have ridden in was powered by a Fox body mustang 5.0 liter.. it was one of the scariest rides I have ever been on!

The only Miata I have ridden in was powered by a Fox body mustang 5.0 liter.. it was one of the scariest rides I have ever been on!From what I understand that isn't a very hard swap. Fox 5.0 Mustangs can be had real cheap and so could other cars with the 5.0 HO motors like the Mark VII's. I wonder how bad that would mess up the weight distribution/handling.

It does mess up the weight distribution. The 5.0 liter is pretty heavy.

Which is why the 944 with the LS1 swap is very popular lately... still keeps the 50/50 weight distribution.

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/indexx.html

This is a good starting project:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1988-Porsche-944-LT1-Project-car_W0QQitemZ110186430575QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item1 10186430575

Damnit Elias, after all this talk about the 944, I've begun to look into used non 911 Porsches! :banghead:
I'm a sucker for late 928's and the 968.

Once you go German, you don't go back.

Once you go German, you don't go back.

Well unless you have had a VW....:banghead:

Hahaha yes!! And I keed I keed...I'm not totally sold on German.... Domestic is my first love.

http://supermanotisgonnasqueal.ytmnd.com/

Damnit Elias, after all this talk about the 944, I've begun to look into used non 911 Porsches! :banghead:
I'm a sucker for late 928's and the 968.

Once you go German, you don't go back.

928s are a nice touring coupe, but not a true enthusiasts car. They have horrible electrical problems and are very quirky to drive.

There is a reason why Porsche killed the 944 Turbo S in 1989, it was faster than the 1989 911 Turbo and outhandled it in every aspect... so instead of killing its flagship, they killed the real supercar that could have become a affordable Corvette eater.

Just look at the ad from 1989. It was faster than that generation Ferraris/Lambos and was the same price as a Corvette.

http://www.lt1.net/images/951/Ad-EatsFerraris1280.jpg

928s are a nice touring coupe, but not a true enthusiasts car. They have horrible electrical problems and are very quirky to drive.


I had an '85 928S and absolutely loved it. Black on black with black BBS mesh wheels, great car. Not sure I understand why they are "very quirky to drive". Mine drove beautifully, one of the best drivers I have had. The 928 was a pretty heavy car but it moved out well, especially from the mid range all the way to top speed. Very comfortable, really had that "bank vault" feeling much like a W140 but much sportier. IMHO it was also the best looking car Porsche has ever put out realizing of course that looks are subjective. I agree with most of what you are saying but the 928 was a car way ahead of its time My '85 had a 4 cam 32v V8 putting out almost 300hp. Today that is the norm for many cars but 23 years ago that was unheard of. Almost ALL German cars suffer from some sort of electrical problems but I dont recall any in the 928 nor can I think of any particular problem areas. Anyway, at the end of the day I just like cars, who manufactures them or where they came from means nothing to me.

I wouldn't be looking for an autox car...I'd be looking for a fast, comfortable, V8 RWD, luxurious 4 seat coupe....a GT if you will. The 928 seems to fit that bill perfectly. If I was ever in the market....

My Dad had a '87 928 S4 that he bought new and had so many issues despite being under warranty, the interior was beautiful though. The dealership felt sorry for him and gave him a great deal on the '89 944 S2 he bought new, this was the car he passed onto me in 1998.

If you want a luxury touring coupe, the Porsche 928 GTS and BMW 850 CSI are two beautiful beasts!

We have (had?) a member on here that had an 850Ci...said the best day of his life was the day he sold it. I'll take his advice and steer clear of the V-12 Bimmers...buuut, that 840ci would be nice, as would a W140 Coupe. I can imagine the 8 Series would be a good deal sportier than a S500 Coupe, but the S/CL has it beat for looks.

Other possible choices:
-Ferrari 400/412i ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, and those are the cheap Ferraris :alchi: )
-Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
-SC400 Lexus
-93-98 Supra Turbo (good ****ing luck trying to find a clean, unmolested one)

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4


My Dad just bought a '98 Glacier White 3000 GT VR-4 as his daily driver... it is badass :thumbsup: He was lucky to find it bone stock, 1 owner, female owned. The rear seats on it will not fit any normal sized human.

My sister had a '98 CL500, it is a HUGE coupe. Drove just like my Mom's '96 S500 sedan. At least the 850 CSi can be had with a 6 speed manual.

The W140 is an amazing handler, especially considering the size and sheer weight of it, and mine doesn't even have the fancy Adaptive Damping System or ESP...the 500/600 has those standard. The 8 Series is a lot smaller and sportier than the 140, and I like big coupes...

I'm still laughing about the thought of an F-Body "outhandling" a Miata on a road course :lol:.

Mike, I love ya man, but stock vs. stock a Miata can carry so much more speed through a corner than a WS6 it isn't funny. A Miata is a momentum car, and as long as you can keep it going it will annihilate most any other stock car as long as there's no long straightaways.

I've got plenty of videos from track events of Miatas passing cars with 3 or 4 times the horsepower.

The W140 is an amazing handler, especially considering the size and sheer weight of it, and mine doesn't even have the fancy Adaptive Damping System or ESP...the 500/600 has those standard. The 8 Series is a lot smaller and sportier than the 140, and I like big coupes...


So wise to be so young...

Update on the Miata: Loving it more everytime I drive it and have become somewhat more comfortable in it now that I'm used to it. This video here is a pretty compelling reason to keep it as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsh4cEhEWlg . I CAN do this swap, I'm very familiar with 5.0 Mustang motors having owned/raced and modified several in the past. Always wanted a Cobra roadster, this could be the ticket AND it will actually handle good unlike the Cobra roadsters. :thumbsup:

http://www.flyinmiata.com/

The best Miata tuners in the world. I dropped a LOT of cash there in my MX-5 days.

Check this baby out: 265hp AT THE WHEELS. (http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4521&parentid=0&stocknumber=22-12150%20%20BLK%20GAUGE)

:devil:

I bought a Miata, new, in 92.

Put 90k miles on it and loved it.

I bought a Miata, new, in 92.

Put 90k miles on it and loved it. Seems the ole Miata's have one hell of a following. This is the only car I think I ever purchased that garners this much praise from other owners/ex owners and just the general public. Guys like the handling and convertible aspect, chicks think its just cute as all hell. Weird.

I have always liked the ford 5 liter. The thought of that power plant in a Miata makes my naughty spot tingle. :drool:

I have always liked the ford 5 liter. The thought of that power plant in a Miata makes my naughty spot tingle. :drool:Finally we agree on something. I too have a soft spot for the 5.0 Ford. I've built a few Mustangs and ran many races both on the street and strip back in the late 80's-early 90's. The Grand National vs Mustang races were fun!. As nice as a 5.0 Miata sounds, this sounds even better: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gPuhA2taax4 and http://youtube.com/watch?v=nXmu_obZPcA . Got the heads up on the 5.0 swap and it looks like an easy $10k +++ ordeal to get it done, now I want the heads up on the LSx swaps.

I thought the 302 had a nasty tendency to flex... the whole block... causing warped deck surfaces and head gasket issues....

Trying to remember how someone explained it to me.

Though I've grown up with 3 302's.... my grand fathers '87 Town Car, an '88 Bronco I helped my father rebuilt the engine on, and his '74 18' Sea Ray speed/ski boat.... I don't remember any real issues with any of them.

On a different note though, I do like my 4.6 OHC.... its a good engine :)

I thought the 302 was to Ford what the 350 is to GM...the unkillable OHV V8 that's been around since the '60s.

302 is an awesome motor. I am not sure but I have heard, how true it is I do not know, the H.O. motors had High nickel blocks, the mexican ones and are strong as hell.
The 5.0 stangs only really weak spot was the oil system the shaft that turns the oil pump is weak, high up on miles it could break and cause a loss of oil pressure.