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Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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Comments

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well I'm not sure of your capabilities in this area, but R134 is very sensitive to charging pressures and I'm not sure you can do this effecitvely in the home garage without proper equipment. My personal take is that a conversion to R134 has to be done thoroughly or don't bother. This is why I suggested just charged up the R12.

    Besides, strange cars can be dangerous. You don't know WHAT the last person put in that system. Shops occasionally find propane in there.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    The seller said he took it to a shop and they wouldn't refill with R12. Not sure why. If it's possible to refill, will I need to replace the seals that I'm fairly sure are the cause of the leak, or will they be fine once they get "wet" again?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well I'm no a/c expert although I sure have dug into a few, but it is my understanding that you need seals, a new dryer, a new expansion valve, and you'll need to clean the entire system. Also, new a/c lines are recommended. The problem is contamination and if you aren't squeeky clean in there something's going to screw up a short while after you think you have it "fixed".

    So I'm going to stick to my $500 estimate on this.

    Don't know why they wouldn't fill you with R12. Maybe they don't have any, that is certainly possible, or maybe they don't want to buy it in the usual wholesale quantities just to service your one car.

    I just had R12 put into my BMW last week. I did the cleaning, new lines and new dryer and expansion valve, and the system works really really well. It's not cold, it's PAINFUL!
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    Can seals, the new dryer, expansion valve, etc. be bought at an auto parts store? This could make a fun little distraction of an automotive project.
  • ryokenryoken Member Posts: 291
    I don't believe they're allowed to just refill an R12 system anymore. It's a closed system. If you're low on freon, then there's a leak, and the system has to be repaired or it will leak again. Since R12 depletes the ozone layer, the EPA has made sure that federal laws limit your ability to release the stuff into the atmosphere.

    I saw an old can of R12 (about the same size as your average WD-40 can) sitting on the shelf in my grandfather's garage. It had a KMart price tag on it that said "$0.79."
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I was $17 per pound of the stuff when my Escort's A/C went out, and that was way back in 1996 IIRC. The stuff is worth more than gold now.

    $0.79, that's funny!

    -juice
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sure an A/C specialist can test, capture and refill R12 for you. But if the system is contaminated, it's not going to work for very long. This is why it's a good idea to replace the dryer and expansion valve. Sometimes on these old systems the dissicate (drying particles) burst in the dryer and foul up the expansion valve. Reading the pressures will tell your tech what's going on with that.
  • cabstewartcabstewart Member Posts: 3
    This question may be asked a lot but here goes...
    I have a 1990 Miata with approx 98K miles - I love driving the car but it rattles a lot and seems loose. When I look at Miata parts sites (like MMMiata.com) I see lots of parts like a subframe brace, rear brace, rear stabilizer brace bar, sway bars, etc. Our car is not used for racing - just fun drives. What, if anything, will help to solidify the car for a low price and home installation (my husband is handy but not a mechanic) and reduce the amount of rattles?

    Thanks in advance!
  • kymikekymike Member Posts: 115
    You can make your own front subframe brace with a piece of c-channel iron. I have not seen a homemade rear brace. I would recommend adding both braces. Sway bars will not stiffen up the ride, only help if you drive aggressively. The other item to add would be the cockpit brace that extends from side to side behind the seats. The addition of all of these will make a world of difference. Finally, I would recommend new shocks if you still have the originals.

    Add one item at a time in order to really guage how each pice impacts the ride.

    What city are you located in? I'm certain that we could point you to a local club where there would be plenty of help installing any of these items.

    Let us know what you add and what you think about the changes.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They added the rear brace for MY1993, the front one for MY1994, IIRC.

    So my '93 has the rear brace, I added the front using C-channel steel as suggested above. Piece of cake, just buy a 2 foot or longer section at the local hardware store, cut to size, and bolt it on. Use the same holes used by Mazda for the 1994 and later models. I fished the bolt down from above using a coat hanger, since access is too tight for your hands.

    If you're serious about doing this yourself, I can e-mail you some photos, let me know.

    The rear brace has a bend in it, so that would be tougher. I'd yank one from a junk yard, I mean, "parts recycler". ;-)

    Cockpit brace too. Though I don't have one.

    Though mine still gets shaky above 65 mph so I think the shocks would be the biggest improvement to the ride.

    -juice
  • markinatlmarkinatl Member Posts: 9
    There is a whole page at miata.net on squeeks and rattles....

    http://www.miata.net/garage/noises.html

    Since juice brought up the subject of shocks, I have 78k miles on my '92 and it is riding a little ragged with the original shocks. Yeah, it is that time pry open the wallet and spend some more money on the car. But I'm trying to keep this as a fun, reliable, and CHEAP vehicle. Preventative maintenance by the book. I'll spend a little bit extra for quality and for sport. After some preliminary shopping, for shocks I'm looking at adjustable Koni's (they are on the wife's bimmer) or the OEM Bilsteins Mazda put on some of the earlier first generation sport package Miatas. Quotes I am getting are about $450-500 for the shocks. And about $240 for installation. I don't want to lower this car, so I'll probably keep the original springs. Anybody have any insight or thoughts on the subject? Thanks.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yeah, it gets expensive. I may try to do this myself or get a friend to help me to it next time I head out to Summit Point.

    -juice
  • kymikekymike Member Posts: 115
    Both choices are good ones. Another good option that may be cheaper is the adjustable KYB AGX. Several Miata.netters have these (me included) and are very happy with them. They may be a less expensive alternative (<$400 for the set)than the others you mentioned above.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    I just put a deposit on a 1990 A-package with 123,000 miles. It's got a hard top and it is for sale at a Mazda dealer in Kansas City. Hopefully, since it's a Mazda dealer, the car will be as clean and fresh as the wind-driven snow. If so, I'll buy it for $4500 and sell the hard top...
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    I've spent the last couple of days checking it out and restoring the paint.

    1. I used Maguiar's #1 cleaner 2-3 times.

    2. Then I used Maguiar's #2 polish twice.

    3. Then I put on a coat of Nu Finish.

    Now the paint looks almost brand new and I've got quite a pile of reddish pink applicator pads and terry towels.

    I've also replaced the weak 20W original speakers to improve the factory head unit. That will go soon as well, but there are other priorities first.

    Namely, the soft top is horrible. It provides little protection from the rain and needs a good cleaning...oh well, I look at it as an excuse to get a no-zipper glass window top. My family used to have a professional upholstery shop, so I think we can probably install it ourselves.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    how is the Bose system in the 99 Miata LS? i am thinking about getting one as a 2nd car...

    outside of the #4 issue, anything else on 99 models that i should be aware of?

    thanks.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    If you are into door rattling bass, the Bose will be disappointing to you. The Bose system in my 2002 was adequate for what I wanted but YMMV. You should take a couple of your favorite CD's with you on the test drive and see.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    Since picking up my new MX-5 on Thursday I've managed to do the following:

    1. Restore the paint. A few of the body panels, notably the passenger side fender and all of the plastic, were quite faded so I went to Advance auto parts and got some Maguiars. I went to work with the #1 cleaner and used it 2-3 times. I then came back the next day and hit the car with the #2 polish twice. Finally, I used a coat of Nu Finish. After all was said and done, there is little difference between the once faded body panels and the freshly painted ones (driver's door and fender). I even did the hard top even though I still intend to sell it in the future.

    2. The coolant in the resevoir was horrifyingly brown and muddy. So I flushed the radiator and put in new coolant. This was remarkably less difficult than I had imagined it to be.

    3. Then I changed out the weak 20W factory door speakers with some mid-level 60 W coustic 6.5" units. The stock cassette player doesn't sound great, but it sounds much better than it did before.

    4. Then I tackled the soft top. It really does need to be replaced since it doesn't make a water tight seal with the doors and there are a couple of small worn out holes in the very top where the vinyl has little worn through. I plan on replacing it with a Robbins no-zipper glass window top as soon as one becomes available.

    Well, that's all for now. I'll post another update as son as I have time to do more work.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    The top on my '01 (which I bought last winter) could use a good cleaning. I have washed the car a few times, but haven't done anything special to the top.

    Can you experts recommend the best way/product to use on it to clean off the dirt marks and protect it? I may spring for a professional detail this year, but will probably cheap out and do it myself. In any case, I want to do the top now to keep it from getting ratty.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    The one on my 90 was horrible. I used Simple Green and a stiff bristle brush I normally use to clean my wheels. Then I wiped off all of the residue. Then I followed up with a copule of cleanings with Maguiar's vinyl and rubber cleaner / protectant. Looks like the top is in better condition than it really is after all of that.

    When I had my 02, all I had to do was wash it with the same car washing soap I used on the rest of the car.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    First things first, congrats on the re-acquisition of a Miata. :-)

    I tried to clean the old top on my '93, but honestly it had been neglected by the previous owner and stains had baked in permanently. A tooth brush and Simple Green didn't do much at all. But then it started cracking and tearing so I changed it.

    I have a Robbins with a glass window but with the zipper. It is a little heavier than the plastic so I take my time doing it, still it's not too much of a hassle and only takes me 15-20 seconds to get it down.

    -juice
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    You sure you don't want my tan no zipper vinyl glass top? It's not Robbins but I found the name of the place through the main Miata website. I'll sell it cheap :)
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    How do you think tan with black interior would look? I kind of like the red and tan top combo, but with a black interior....I don't know. I don't plan on having the top up much at all. And with a black boot, it would still match. I just need a top that I can put up when parked to keep the weather and bird-doo out....

    Email me at [email protected] and we will discuss! :)
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  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Please email me at [email protected]. I attempted to email you at the above address and my mail was returned as host unknown. I tried to change my profile to make my email address public but for some reason it won't make the change. Thanks.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    Done, you should have the message now. Let me know, I check my email several times per day.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    After 5 days, the rain has finally let up a bit so down came the top. Between the lack of power windows and the zippered plastic window, dropping and raising the top is a quite a bit less quick and easy than with my 02. Also, without a wind blocker, there is quite a bit more wind as well.

    So far, I can see why many people have both an NA and an NB in their stable. The NB is far more enjoyable to drive and cruise around in, while the NA is just plain fun as bare bones, go-kart like driving goes.

    I think that the new turbo Mazdaspeed would make a great compliment to the NA, especially if it had cruise control. With the added power and the ease of use the NB's enjoy, you could have all kinds of driving fun in your garage.
  • keithrichmondkeithrichmond Member Posts: 35
    I just finished the Washington, DC stop of the Mazda Rev-it-up competition. I was in last year's as well but I must say that the Mazda3's used in this years competition are far more fun to drive than the Mazda6's from last year. The 3's are more "miata-like" in the way they drive and it showed in my times. Last year I was 31st in 'club' class - this year I was 5th! All in all it's a whole lotta fun for $40...

    I did get to drive the RX-8 and boy was I disappointed, but that's another story.

    Keith R.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good job, not too shabby. I bet a lot of experienced auto-crossers showed up, too.

    RX8 prolly felt like a bull in a china shop. I doubt the course was big enough for it.

    -juice
  • cabstewartcabstewart Member Posts: 3
    kymike and others -thanks for the information on solving the rattle problems... sorry it took me so long to respond. I am in Greensboro, NC - is there a club here?

    Thanks!
  • keithrichmondkeithrichmond Member Posts: 35
    Hehe, I was 60th overall including all the "pro" drivers that do the entire Eastern leg of the tour. I was definitely very pleased with myself, especially since this was the first 'race' I've done since the rollover last year that erased my driving confidence. I've never autocrossed but have done some track events with the Mazda Sportscar Club of Washington (DC) and some karting in my youth. My friends that I've grown up karting with all are SCCA racers but I chose kids instead of race cars! :)

    As for the RX8 it was driven on the 'test' course, which was not at all like the race course. Things that I didn't like were the engine's lack of performance and general handling. It didn't help that the RX8 had to be retired early because of a clutch failure... Until I actually drove the RX8 it was my planned daily driver to replace my Miata. I think I'll stick to the Miata - more "fun" to drive!

    Keith R.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    Does this mean you're going to check out the G35 aka 350 ZX? ;)
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    I think you should give the RX8 another chance. If the clutch was failing, that could have caused reduced engine performance. Every owner and magazine is raving about its handling and performance.
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    kind OT, but there's no way I'd buy an RX-8 right now nor recommend it to a friend/family.

    it doesn't feel like it makes rated power. drive it back-to-back with an S2000 as a comparison...

    the far bigger problem, though, is the fuel economy. no one is getting any better than 17 mpg and 11-13 is quite common.

    ~c
    ps, would be a good time to have that "hide" feature back. ;)
  • kymikekymike Member Posts: 115
    http://www.miata.net/clubs/cam.html

    Here is a list of clubs in the Carolinas.

    Have you made any changes as far as adding bracing? Did any of the braces help?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    RX8 is neat, but the back seat is tighter than a Mini Cooper S, so all that fuss over doors and it's still basically a 2 seater.

    Mazda can build a new RX7 and make it lighter, addressing the performance and really giving up almost nothing in usefullness.

    -juice
  • lngtonge18lngtonge18 Member Posts: 2,228
    Huh?? I've been following the RX8 forum and people there are saying 16 mpg is the low if you drive all city and/or push the engine a lot. Most people are averaging 19-20 mpg and get 24 on the highway. Not good but comparable to some V6s. I never got better then 28mpg on my 1.6 Miata so there really isn't that much of a difference for the added performance.
  • muffin_manmuffin_man Member Posts: 865
    ateixeira - no way is the back seat of the RX8 tighter than a Mini. 4 people of average height (5'9") can easily and comfortably fit in the RX8.

    Ingtonge18 - not sure which RX8 forum, but on some non-edmunds forums, the numbers are a lot worse. (not that I have seen anyone claim 11 mpg)
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    I don't read the RX8 forums here but read some of their dedicated enthusiast sites. The gas mileage problem is widespread!

    Sent you an email to the address listed in your profile with an example thread since 1) we're OT here and 2) edmunds doesn't like participants linking to other car forums.

    ~Colin
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Dunno, muffin_man, I didn't dare climb into that back seat when I walked up to it at the auto show. I'm not sure I'd be able to get out!

    Maybe the seats are right-sized for 8-12 year olds?

    -juice
  • chaplainchaplain Member Posts: 16
    My 99 Miata with almost 74K miles has tan leather seats....or..ummm...should I say tan and gray. Anyone have problems with the leather fading and is there anything I can do to re-color them? Also, when I start in first gear, sometimes the car won't go unless I rev the RPM's, is that normal? One more....Sometimes if the RPM's are low for the gear I am in, the car will sputter almost like it is cutting out....what the heck?

    I love my Miata with its manual transmission and quick and tight responsiveness. I just want to make sure I don't have any major issues with it. Have had it for 2 1/2 years and have never had it worked on. Not even breaks. Good car even for someone that is all legs and 6'3".

    Anyone with answers?

    Jeff (Chaplain)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sounds like the clutch is slipping. Is the pedal still nice and stiff or does it have play in it? You might have a leaky clutch slave cylinder.

    Mine had strange symptoms: jumpy rpms, spongy clutch pedal. I got a $11 slave cylinder rebuild kit and it runs like new. I took pics if that's what it turns out to be.

    -juice
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
    I'm 6'3" and I fit in the back seat of the RX8 just fine with the front seat set-up for an average person. Once I was in the drivers seat the space bacj there was kinda tight. Wouldn't want two six footers on the same side, but then almost no cars are built for a full payload of 6 footers.

    Now if we are talking width of the seat I am not sure. If you are wider then you are tall you could have a problem.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm not a small guy, but I felt like I'd have to use contorsionist skills to get in and out.

    Maybe I'll give it a try next time I'm at a Mazda dealer, just to see.

    -juice
  • keithrichmondkeithrichmond Member Posts: 35
    For a daily driver (commuter car) I passed on the RX8. It was probably due to a combination of the pedestal-factor (I put it in the 'had to have' status before I ever drove one) and the tin can effect (worse than driving a Miata with the top up!) that were my first impression turn-offs. I'm sure I'll try and do a real test drive at a dealer in the future but there's just too much I didn't fall in love with the first time I drove it - like I did with the Miata in spring '93...

    At 5'9" 200lbs I had no problems getting in and out of the back seat (after I had set the front to my driving position). My wife and I even debated whether our kids' carseats would fit well. We took our kids in the Cooper with us on our test drive and at the time it was impossible to sit comfortably in the front with a rear-facing infant seat behind you. Boosters are no problems in either car.

    Today I'd choose a Cooper S over an RX8, but I'm still driving the Miata, aren't I??? ;)

    Keith R.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    I'd never have any of the mentioned cars (MINI, RX8, MX-5) as a primary daily driver. I'd have an OTM like my Matrix for frequent kid toting. My daughter loves to go for rides in the Miata but I wouldn't feel real secure knowing that I had to use my Miata for every driving situation I encounter having a family an all.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    my kids love to ride in the Miata. Real problem is that I have 2, so if I have both of them, it stays in the garage (or they fight over who gets to ride with me).

    I'm ready to trade in both cars for a fun but practical enough 4 seat convertible that can serve as my only car. Only problem is finding one that fits the bill that doesn't cause sticker shock.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    How's about a used 3 series? I wouldn't buy one b/c of reliability concerns that I have but a lot of people really like 'em.
  • chaplainchaplain Member Posts: 16
    The clutch feels fine. Not spongy at all. This has done this since I bought the car 2 1/2 years ago. I would be willing to try the $11 fix. How do I get the pictures?

    Anyone able to help on the faded leather seats? see post #3589.

    Thanks
    Jeff (Chaplain)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Here's my album from the slave cylinder rebuild:

    http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=4289876491

    Basically you replace the lower half of the hydraulic system that moves the clutch. You also bleed the system - my fluid was totally spent. It uses brake fluid.

    If you have a consistently firm brake pedal, that's probably not going to help.

    -juice
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