Picked up a new fun DD: Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata. Any Miata folks here?
 

Any Mazda fans here?

I needed a new daily driver so I started looking for a car that would be relatively quick and fun to drive. Started looking at MSM's and was shocked at how fun they were to drive. Found this Lava Orange one up in Chicago, drove up there, paid for it and drove it home same day. I've been having a blast with it for the last few days.

It's a 2005 (only ~1,600 made that year). Only has about 30,000 miles on it too.

Can anyone recommend a site similar to Pelican for these cars? Preferably a site that is geared towards DIY and not body kits, etc.

Pictures: In the second picture you can see the 911 staring at the new car in envy because it's going to get neglected this summer.

http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/...624_140654.jpg
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/...624_140706.jpg

Miata.net.

There are a few Pelicanheads over there. I've had a 1993 Miata for a few years. Great cars.

For basic miata stuff

The MX-5 Miata Pit Stop: MX-5 Miata.net
which has their own very active forums

miata.net forums.
MX-5 Miata Forum

Including an MSM (mazdaspeed miata) subforum (subforum of the NB forum)

But, for the main MSM forum
Mazda-speed.com - Index
^ Mazda-speed forums have a lot more technical info and random stuff that's specific to the MSM than the other forums.

I've got an '04 VRM MSM (Velocity Red Mica, Mazdaspeed Miata)

Before this car, I had a '97, and my wife drives a '99.

I sold my 911 and knew that I needed something nearly as fun and entertaining to drive as the 911 that would be much less expensive to maintain. That's why I have a miata. The MSM is a fantastic miata. The stock miata is for me, too soft. I can deal with the low power, but the suspension was too soft for me. I LOVE the MSM. It comes with uprated springs and anti-roll bars which make it just right for me.

I got rid of the heavy 17" stock wheels and "upgraded" to some lightweight 15x8" wheels and tires.

Here's mine
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283996773.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1308622351.jpg

My previous miata (black) before I lowered it and took of the spoiler, and the wifey's car (green)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1308622223.jpg

I'm on my 3rd NA model. Great DD, mine is a 1990 with only 20k orig miles! They pop up on craigslist from time to time and are great fun for the $ ;)

Some of my previous threads about my MSM

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/553070-got-new-car-04-mazdaspeed-miata-turbo.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/563309-new-wheels-msm-cheese.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/556030-i-love-having-turbo.html

I've got one as well. It's a dedicated autocross car, even if it's mostly stock. I got it since it's much easier to maintain and hop up vs. the Porsche (financially) http://www.hungoverracing.com/tpwals...serialNumber=1

Cute girlie cars. I've dated several women who have owned them. :D

Someone obviously hasn't driven a normal one much less a MSM............:rolleyes:

There are 2 week points to a stock MSM, the rubber TBI (throttle body inlet) and the plastic bypass valve (analog of a BOV). The rubber boot apparently inflates under boost, and will eventually either split or pop off of the end of the intake. The bypass valve because it is plastic will eventually leak.

A good stock replacement for both (where I bought mine) can be found here.
BEGI MazdaSpeed Miata, MSM - BEGi

Another site that them is flyin' miata. The caveat to them is that the metal TBI that they sell and the bypass valve are not direct stock replacements.
Flyin' Miata : Engine/Drivetrain : Upgrades for Mazdaspeed

For about $1500-2000 you can upgrade your intake and exhaust plumbing and bump the stock power from 178hp up to about 240-250hp. I haven't gone this route yet, but I'd like to.

I was kidding...and yes, I have driven several of them.

And no matter how much you protest, they have a chick car reputation. Of course, this topic has been beat to death since their introduction.

They are cool little cars.....Chill

I've got two and a half (the half is now a Locost).

Still puts a smile on my face on the track or on the road.

great, fun cars to drive.... I had a '94 and a '96 M-edition (pic attached) before, I do miss it...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1308948748.jpg

Wow! Thanks for all the info guys!!! I figured there'd be a few people here that were into Miata/MX-5's.

I am in love with this car! I expected the girly comments (tongue in cheek of course), and to be honest it is one of the reasons I initially didn't look at Miata's. I was considering Mini Coopers, but they are just too dam* expensive for what you get. Then I drove a few Miatas. Turbo or not, these things are just a hoot to drive. Very satisfying, and every time I get behind the wheel I end up with a smile on my face. The only other car that has been able to do that for me is my 911.

The mod bug hasn't hit me yet. For now I just want to drive it to and from work. I have a turbocharged Audi (2.7tt) and some of the issues sound very similar so if I come across them at least I'll know what I'm getting into. Two of the biggest weak points on my Audi 2.7tt are throttle body boot and by pass valves.

I'll check out some of those site mentioned above and do a proper intro when I get the time.

This car addiction is starting to get out of hand! I need a new garage to store all of them!!!

The best part is you can park in compact car parking spots! :)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1308951478.jpg

Hey Steve,

How did you figure out production number on yours? Since mine is a 2004 and Lava Orange I have heard that it is pretty rare. I guess they only made around 1,600 of them that year.

BTW, thanks for all the other info. VERY helpful. I haven't even stated digging into this car yet but can't wait to start turning wrenches on it. It's so clean, and look like it's SO easy to work on.

Mazdaspeed Miata is an amazing car! Congrats.

You guys and your chick cars
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1308962183.jpg



I drove ^that^ for 20 years and 300, 000 miles, much of it as a daily driver


should be picking up a grey MSM in about 2 weekshttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/clap.gifhttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/suppo...ys/rainbow.gif


will post pics of what I suspect will be a rather epic trip home

rainbow means gay, in case you did not know, the wife is none too pleased with my choich, she hated that bug and hates miatas because they are chick cars. Tried to get me to sell it to her friend, who loved VWs and had a bug sedan in HS.

guess she won't have to drive it

That hard intake tube and the BOV are getting installed shortly after that thing hits my garage. I think it will fit two deep with the 914 on the left side of the garage:D

I'll find the list of VIN to production number for you.

If yours is lava orange, then it's a 2005. In 2004, they only came in red and gray and 4000 were made. In 2005, they came in Red, Gray, Black and Orange and IIRC there were 1528 of the planned 4000 made. After 1528, the factory where they built them burned down so they just stopped there. I believe your orange '05 is very rare.

As far as the TBI popping off (or splitting) and the valve leaking (and not allowing full boost). I went with stock replacement parts that are metal so they won't fail. I think that's about $200-250 for sturdy replacements. Later if you decide to upgrade intake and exhaust, you can still use the same parts. I replaced them because if the boot breaks while you're out, you're going to be stuck. The valve won't leave you stranded, but why leave boost on the table?

MSM VIN to production number cross reference for '05
http://musaqa.dev.proxicom.com/MusaWeb/pdf/faq/2005_MAZDASPEED_Miata.pdf

for '04
Mazda Vehicle FAQ - MAZDASPEED Miata - Mazda USA

That's nice! What kind of wheels are those and tire size?

My guess is panasports, but I thing there are several people making copies these days, like the Konig Rewind.

They're surprisingly heavy though.

Yep, there's quite a few Pelicans over at M.net!

Here's my Miata with some R-Gruppe flavor thrown in...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/...7ae2b0bc_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/...9e2fe621_b.jpg

MazdaSpeed3 owner here. I'm on my 2nd one, the 1st was a 2007 and my current daily driver is a 2010. I just had new Kumho Ecsta's AST's put on it yesterday. 32k miles and no problems!

As a former boxster owner, I am not one to cast dispersions on Miatas.

Hhahahahah. That's funny.

Just in time:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hadWVhWhryM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Once...and never again God I think they are horrible little machines! But that being said I am glad you guys have found something to be passionate about! Have fun!

so you hate sporty little roadsters that handle great

I think you might be lost

can not remember the rim brand but they are made in germany,
tires are dunlop 205/50

You've cast "dispersions" twice this week, at least. It's "aspersions". ;)

Obligatory Miata pic:

http://www.f150forum.com/attachments...ead-miata3.jpg

found the brand of wheel here Chaparral Wheels

they are chapparal wheels

No news from SRI?

Just picked one up too
 

Hi,

Thought I would revive this thread and post a pic of my 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata. Sadly, I only got to drive it a handful of times before the winter hit

I'm going to do the Flyin' Miata upgrade that will give the car an extra ~40hp and 40ft/lb of torque. You can feel how strangled the stock turbo is due to the intake and exhaust.

My impressions so far are great. I love the size of the car and the styling.

If you look at the car objectively, whats not to like?:D
-Japanese reliability and low parts costs
-Turbo power
-Big brakes
-Bilstein sport shocks
-Lightweight stiff chassis
-LSD
-6 speed stick
-Bose stereo
-soft top
-Great roadster styling


I'm also likely to get a short shift kit. With short gearing and a 6 speed, you do a ton of shifting. Every once in a while I miss a shift and I hear the short shift kit improves that.






http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1416338874.jpg

I still have the '93. Great car. Three friends have purchased a Miata after driving mine.

I've heard plenty of comments after giving a ride in the hot-rodded 911, mostly things like "I nearly peed my pants!", as opposed to "I've got to get one of these".

Wow, old thread. Nice looking MSM! They are a blast.

A lot has changed since I posted this 3 years+ ago. The mod bug hit me about a year after I got mine. I have an illness when it comes to modifying cars. I cannot stop myself!

I have changed more than I can even remember since I got it:
-FM LE package
--Intake
--exhaust
--downpipe
--MBC: boost turned up to 10psi
--Larger intercooler
-Rostra cruise control with factory stalk
-Removed FM intake and put in a Begi intake system. (didn't like the FM kit 'bling')
-Sent the ECU off to Begi and had it retuned for 10psi, 7,000 rpm redline, and to remove the hesitation that the stock ECU has.
-15" track wheels and tires (Dunlop Star Specs)
-boss frog double hoop roll bar
-Speedhut boost gauge in the factory dash cluster
-Wide band O2 sensor
-I stopped counting $$$ at this point...

Modding it has been fun, and it is very quick. But the more you mod these cars (engine wise), the more the drivability suffers. I'm at the point where I want an aftermarket ECU to compensate for all of the mods. My factory ECU, even with the reflash, struggles to keep up with the mods. Makes for a very jerky driving experience. Once the ECU realizes you have mashed the gas pedal and you want full power, it takes is a few seconds to realize you need fuel. By that time you are wondering where the power is, and you're up to about 4000 rpm. Then all of the sudden the flood gates open and you have full power. It's reminds me of an old 930 turbo. I have dyno'd it three times since tuning it and I have picked up around 60hp (if I remember right, it's been a while) from stock, so it is quite fast.

I took it to a PCA DE for the first time this summer. What a freaking blast. The track is where these things really shine. The stock ECU limitations do not affect it at the track too much because you're spending so much time at red line. I had a spec miata racer ride with me a few times and he was shocked at the amount of power it had while retaining the stock Miata feel. I had no trouble keeping up with Boxsters and Caymans on the straights. I'm sad to say that it is probably faster than my SC around a track, and much easier to get around the track at that speed. I will be taking it back to the track much more in the future. It will be a battle for me to decide whether to take the 911 or the MSM come next track day!

P.S. I have my FM intake kit that I took off of mine after about 5,000 miles. I was going to post it for sale on one of the Miata boards sometime soon, if I can find the time. If you are interested let me know.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1416340801.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1416340845.jpg

Congrats on your purchase. You are smart to put it away for winter. I had a harddog rollbar installed. Extra protection. I used to be a member of Wild Rose Miata forum but no longer. The Prez. there knows everything about Miatas. I can put you in touch with him if you like.

Certainly a great car but not so great in winter. My Boxster was better in winter but the Miata was cheap to run and was just as much fun. Most fun for the $$$ in car purchase.
Cheers, Guy

Miata Roadster Short Shift kit, best mod I ever did to a car. I think you might have missed the fall group buy though, so will have to wait for spring.

1995 base model here, have got a lot of help from Miata.net.
We were shopping for a second car for me (wife had just got some inheritance $$)
So she bought this car for me... she bought an automatic (so even Miata guys think I'm gay ;) ) in her defense it is my DD, does 200 miles of freeway every week, and the auto is convenient in rush hour traffic.

My wife drove it and was mortified at how small (read: invisible to other traffic) it is. It is a fun drive but the rough ride is getting a little old (as am I) commuting. I expect in a few years something a little safer and comfortable will take it's place, but I am glad I got to have the "Miata" experience.

Absolutely!! I had one in my MSM. Huge improvement since it's not just a shorter shifter, but actually changes the fulcrum of the shift lever a bit. And it comes with all of the parts necessary , shims, cups, etc.... Completely plug and play and rebuilds your shifter at the same time.

MiataRoadster short shifter kits - MiataRoadster - High-performance customer service...and parts for Roadsters

I highly recommend it.

It does sound like a fun DD, SpeedracerIndy. I'd have one. Congratulations!
Of course Miatas are reliable and without a lot of uber expensive design flaws (like, for example my 911) so that makes them chick cars. But if you can stand the humiliation of having a great time driving your pussy ass around in a fun, dependable car, hand in your man card and drive on. I would.