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

[SpeedracerIndy]

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.

[Dantilla]

Miata.net.

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

[masraum]

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



My previous miata (black) before I lowered it and took of the spoiler, and the wifey's car (green)

[mikeferg75]

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 $

[masraum]

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

[Tim Walsh]

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)

[billh1963]

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

[Tim Walsh]

Originally Posted by billh1963

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

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

[masraum]

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.

[billh1963]

Originally Posted by Tim Walsh

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

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

[ZOO]

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.

[jtkkz]

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

[SpeedracerIndy]

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!!!

[A930Rocket]

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

[SpeedracerIndy]

Originally Posted by masraum

__________________
Steve
'04 Mazdaspeed Miata #1654 of 4000 - me

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.

[slow&rusty]

Mazdaspeed Miata is an amazing car! Congrats.

[Tobra]

You guys and your chick cars




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 weeks


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

[masraum]

Originally Posted by SpeedracerIndy

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.

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?

[masraum]

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

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by jtkkz

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

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