$810 dollars .... lovin' it
 

having driven my mr2 through two winters on all seasons, with the suspension and engine swap, it was just getting to be too nice of a car. so i went a head and went 3 wide. friend of mine pulled a supercharger out of this car, and sold it to me cheap, the PERFECT winter car IMO:

1991 miata $500
2 year old ice-x tires on steelies $250
6 cans of paint and some sand paper $45
Some rubber tubing $15

Total spent $810

Having just about the greatest winter car I can imagine: priceless

Because when everyone tells you you need awd or fwd to live through an mn winter, you can just drive sideways, everywhere, all the time.

Started like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...psdcubnwor.jpg

Now looks like this:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...psx7deqksy.jpg

fixed: coolant leak
repainted the front

still to be done:

adjust parking brake
bleed brakes

Some in progress pics:

sanding:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...pswujlnotd.jpg

masked:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ps4poudfa8.jpg

first coat:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...pstw3u8nyu.jpg

assistant painting:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...psvavwcrce.jpg

CR fans will get trolled on this one:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...ps7ve0jlzt.jpg

Well Done cp. (and assistant)

Where are those deals in my area ? Perfect Winter car, and good start to a summer autocrosser.

I love my Miata... and being native to Lost Angeles I know nothing of this "winter driving" you speak of.
However, two big downsides to the Miata... very low visibility to other drivers... and not the most crash worthy vehicle on the face of the planet.
All due respect but I would think those would be major consideration in a winter beater.
YMMV

i already have a perfect summer autocrosser, that i used to drive in the winter (on all seasons!)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...psad184ed4.jpg

if you want to learn to drive well, try a mid engined sports car, on all seasons in the winter time.

NEVER LIFT. NEVER ****ING LIFT.

hahha

We had a 1st generation MR2 'way back when and quickly had dedicated winter tires mounted on steelies.
You know aomething? Your mantra was true for that car too.
I gained great respect for my wife's ability to drive that twitchy little beotch to school every day.
Have fun with the Miata!
Best
Les

I don't know...I think an MR2 would be a hoot to drive/own.
'Love the middies.
.

That is a success story. I like to hear stuff like what you did.
Enjoy.

My success story...
For $1900 dollars we bought a Volvo 850 R (240 HP turbo) from the original owner.

You consider them "beaters" because of the price but they turn out to be really fun cars.
What really hurts is that the black 850 R has to stay outside after being a garage queen for 18 years.
Got the 911 and a new Altima SV in the garage.
I want to sell the Volvo to someone that can take better care of it. Like garaging it.

Where are you located? I love me some turbobrick.

No, the white will really stand out when the snow hits the ground!!

I wouldn't be any more worried about the crash worthiness for the winter than any other time. You just have to be defensive and aware in a a miata. The only downside that I can see is the color if they get lots of snow. Maybe it needs some racing stripes in bright bold colors.

Or maybe a roll bar with fog lights on the top. :D
Not trying to rain on CP parade... I love me some Miata...
Just I have seen videos of cars sliding around on ice like a pinball machine, and I can't help but thinking the bumper of a SUV or pickup is going to be at eyeball level.

When are going to pick up that 5 turbo??;);)

Had it for two years and sold it.
Yes, I'm a dumb-ass!

Your assistant looks a bit like Adolph Hitler in that painting image. Hopefully, they don't take that personally as this is only an observation.

Here are a few ideas for your white car, nice score

on the list of things to do:

possibly raise it
rally lights

Cockerpunk - Nice cars, and well done with the rattle-can fix for the Miata!

I had an MKII MR2 that was a blast to drive! Started autocrossing with it - and then get my 944S2. You are correct - the MR2's, and any light mid-engine car is a great way to learn handling dynamics!

Have fun!

-Z

I have always lusted after one of these... foolish idea correct?

It wouldn't be a foolish idea to me if I could have mine back...as was when I sold.
Only flaw - and it's repairable - was a weak distributor drive gear.
Other than that, awesome rig!
That one weighed less than 2,100 lbs. and made 210+ hp.
And it always got tons of eye ball...if that mattered to someone.
.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412955430.jpg