Miata v. Mazdaspeed Miata
 

My dad is looking at Miatas and is wondering if the turbo on the Mazdaspeeds causes any extra reliability issues. Obviously from a fun aspect it will be better. But sometimes the risks outweigh the benes. Anybody owned a Mazdaspeed turbo?

Nothing wrong with a Turbo. Just take care of it.

Let it warm up before spooling it like a madman and after running let it cool down before shutting down the engine.

+ 1, fun little cars...

The Mazdaspeed Miatas are fine and are just as reliable as the N/A ones. Of course, if one wants to go faster take a look at Flyin' Miata or Bell Engineering...

Hmm. So 99 6spd or 02 6spd turbo?

Why not get an older Miata and turbo that? You'd probably be on the road, tearing it up for less than a Mazdaspeed. The older one might be faster and also handle better.

Just as a note, the MSM's have a much different gearing than the normal miatas. Go drive both before deciding.

The issue is that one is about 3 hours east and one is about 4 hours south

Well dad has is mind set on an nb. The difference isn't but about 2k on the cars in question

I haven't heard about any problems with the Mazdaspeeds but since I don't own one I don't follow them too closely. You may want to go to Miata.net and dig around there.

BB.

I did a little digging. The more we look at it the more we are worried. This particular MSM is listed about 3k less than all the others. Kinda makes a guy wonder.

The Miata engine was always designed for a turbo application. The MSM Miata is really just an update of the 323 GTX engine. They are still bullet proof and pretty easy to work on!

The only caution I can offer is that "huffer" engines don't last as long. Turbo or blower, both have shorter engine life. Rings and/or valves...Horsepower has a price.

The same rules apply for a Miata as do for a Porsche. Get a PPI from a good local independent shop.

There's a well documented story of a Saab 900 SPG that went over one million miles. One owner, no internal engine or transmission work. My Saab 9000 Aero had 235k and ran like hell, didn't burn a drop of oil. No internal engine work. Both are high output turbo motors. When a turbo is mated to an engine designed for one, they're just as reliable.

+1 I've rebuild my 1.8L NA(same motor as the MSM really). It's got oil squirters, beefy rods and relatively low compression. A perfect turbo motor.

How much did it cost to rebuild? Or how much would it cost a non-DIY guy to rebuild?

It cost me about $1500 to rebuild, including buying a used longblock($300), and about a$450 in machine work. This included new pistons and all OE(M) parts from mazda motorsports. Some of that was for while I'm in there work, like both shifter boots, rear main seal on the transmission, etc.

Wow. And a Porsche engine is...?

I hear that you can get a crate engine from Mazda for a miata for $2500.

Steve - what do you like more about your Miata when compared to your Targa?

That's generally not true. Especially a factory turbo motor designed as such.

Last just as long with proper maintenance.

$2191.60 for a '94-'97 1.8L longblock from mazda motorsports.. not that I've looked at that or anything :)

MSMs are great cars. It is easy to wreck the rims due to the super low profile tires, and some trannys are way better than others when it comes to smooth shifting. They are very understressed for a turbocharged motor, and pretty easy to perk up for not a lot of money.

If the car checks out, I would buy it, or another like it. I have a 93 LE with a supercharger. I am very fond of supercharged Miatas, but I really like the Mazdaspeed Miata.

Think of the Mazdaspeed as the "top" and the NA Miata as the "bottom".

Gee, no "is your dad gay" comments? This place is so mean that I was sure that one was gonna come out.

Not according to the poster above you.

No worries milt. I have already promised him pink ribbons and rainbow bumper stickers. And he is definitely not gay.