Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

locke2c

maybe not, Spin.

I do have my ex-wife's 14" steelies with >75% tread 185/60-14 Pirelli Winter Ice in my garage...

;-)

Actually, she gets them back later this year when she needs them-- and figures out where to house her summer tires & wheels. I bought 'em though!!!

-Colin

spin_doctor

awww, c'mon, let's not be too hard on the ex, eh? hehehehe

spin_doctor

what effect would switching to 14" rims have on my car (if any) since the new '02 miatas come with stock 15" rims???

anyone?

ateixeira

Make sure there is clearance for the brakes.

For winter tires, it wouldn't be too bad I suppose.

-juice

lngtonge18

Find out the size of the brakes. Anything larger then 10.2" in diameter will not fit behind 14" wheels.

lngtonge18

I found out the answer for you. If you have the standard 15" wheels, your brakes are 10.0" in the front and 9.9" in the rear, which means 14" wheels will fit. If you have the 16" wheels, your brakes are 10.6" in the front and 10.9" in the rear, meaning 14" wheels would not fit. So there's your answer.

justin

i understand that the 03 Miata is going to be the last "real" Miata (meaning lightweight, small engine, "classic" roadster styling). Is that true? I also read on MSN that the 03 model LS will have standard aluminum trim interior. is that like the 02 SE aluminum?

anyone seen pics of the 03's?

Thanks!

dgraves1

There's lots of rumors out there but I think Mazda would be nuts to mess with the formula too much. I hope they learned their lesson with the last generation RX-7. They managed to create one of the finest sports cars ever made and no one bought it.

ateixeira

There are too many $30k roadsters out there now, I'd like to see them stay in the $20-25k price range. Do the best you can for that price.

-juice

thel

was that the 03's were all getting 16" wheels standard and the leather interior would be a lighter shade, more beige than tan.

I doubt that the 04 will be much different than the 03. It seems that Miatas go in 2 year intervals w/o big changes. 99-00 were very similar, 01-02 were very similar but with substantial differences between the 99-00 models. My guess would be the next "big" change would be in 05.

I agree, that anything other than a cautious redesign would be a big mistake. Hopefully, as someone alluded to earlier, Mazda learned from its past mistake with the RX-7.

bhb1

any mods for people 6'2"
I love the miata but its tight
any suggestions , seat mods, new seats, etc....

lngtonge18

All 03 Miatas will have the strut tower brace (a welcome standard feature), but the 15" wheels should continue on. The LS does get standard aluminum trim, which more than likely is the same as the 02 SE's trim.

freddy_k

Remove some padding from the seat, remove the sunvisors. It's the best you'll get. It's a small car, for small people, fun enough that many large people are willing to squeeze in.

freddy_k

I have my fears. as far as design goes, I'm not big on the latest all angles/no curves trend. As far as Miatas are concerned the trend is going downhill. It is supposed to be a simple car, that's why the M1s are so great, they were so successful yet so simple in design, though I don't like the barn doors. I like the '99 and '00. because the changes were subtle and well done, but even still, some of those bulges were unneccessary. I don't like the added angles and integrated foglights of the '02s that are starting to clutter up those once clean and simple lines, but I think I'm a minority, most people like that sort of thing. The latest wheels are nicer then ever though.
As far as the rest of it goes, I hope they keep the car small and light, and I hope they keep the fabulous feel of the car. I don't care how fast they make it go, it will all be pointless if the car loses it's driver oriented character. But, since they are going for sales, and all people tend to care about is power, like I said, I have my doubts.

I think basing it on the RX8 chassis, which many rumours tell of, is a great idea since it's new and fresh, the question is, can they keep the car at it's current size while doing so, will it remain in it's current price bracket, which seems to steadily rise with each generation, and will it be suitable for a roadster, keeping in mind the current Miata was designed from the ground up as a roadster.

Change is good, but I hope they don't lose the essence of the car.

over and out

thel

I'm about 6'1" and fit fine in the Miata with the top up (not that I drive it taht way much). What I did was NOT slide the seat all the way back, but leave it a notch or two forward, then I tilt the seat back as far as it will go. I lean back a touch more than I'm used to but I fit well. BTW I have a 33" inseam and leg room isn't a problem for me. I also removed the visors, which are useless anyway. My car is only about 2 weeks old and I figures that after awhile the seats will probably settle in a bit and I'll get a bit more head room (currently, if I have a ballcap on, it would bruch up on the top if its up). Hope this helps.

thel

While there are always fears when a car company redesigns an already great car (ala 2002 Accord vs 2003 Accord), one can only hope that Mazda does as well with the next redo as it did back with the 99. The only thing I would want would be a tilt steering wheel and more Miatas to come with a cd-changer. Other than that, I think my 02 Crystal Blue LS is perfect.

ateixeira

One more thing - put spacers under the front of the seat track base. It supports the bottom of my thighs, so my long legs don't just dangle.

I got a longer bolt and used 5 washers as spacers. I got in a new Miata recently and it was less comfy than my modified 1993.

I removed the visors, but haven't removed any seat padding (my sore back wouldn't like that much).

One last thing - shoe choice is critical. Boots? Forget it. Try wearing mocassins or any other small, form fitting foot wear.

The 1990 Miata started at $13,800, but remember the markups? Still, I'd like to see pricing remain flat.

Though I'll buy used, so who cares.

-juice

bhb1

Thanks, Freddy_K ,thel, ateixeira
for the info !!!!
I am going to try some of yours ideas
I have tried the MR2,Z3,s2000,boxster
the miata is some much fun to drive.
And you can't beat the price.
The other cars have their place, but their
is something that keeps drawing me back to the
Miata.
"fun enough that many large people are willing to squeeze in >freddy_k "
this just could be me

bhb1

Is there any news about mazda putting a bigger
engine in the miata . I know they just released
the mazdaspeed protege. any news on a mazdaspeed
miata ????

ateixeira

Yeah, it'll get a V6 and weigh 3000 lbs plus cost $35 grand. (kidding)

Is that really what we want?

-juice

freddy_k

That sounds a lot like the 350 Z convertable will be though! Nothing wrong with that!

But I'll take my Miata with 150 hp 4 banger and keep it light weight, thank you very much.

ateixeira

Let me re-phrase the question: is that what we want the Miata to become?

Other cars serve that purpose, the Miata and MR2 are the only light weight sports cars left, let's try to keep them.

-juice

maltb

Isn't '04 the last year for it?

ateixeira

That makes the Miata even more important. It's the only affordable pure sports car.

-juice

Mr_Shiftright

I finally did buy that '93 Miata I told you about, and yes, it really does have a dead hole...#3 cylinder is 30 lbs.

I'm debating about fixing this car up or not, as it needs tires, a massive detailing, a rear window, a/c not working ?? and it already has 134K miles on it.

The oil pressure is very good. Paid $750 which I think was too generous, but I'm a sucker for two seaters. Color is black, which is too bad, but...

Soooo....what's it like to whip the head off this puppy? I'm not so familiar with cars made after 1939. Looks straightforward enough, and I have lots of tools.

I'm thinking, doing the math here, that I could just buy a clean Miata and be done with all this trouble.

dgraves1

You know I was just thinking of asking what ever happened with that Miata you were thinking about. Well for $750, you keep the top down (no need for AC or a rear window), get a decent of tires for $350, break out the Meguiars and have a blast. So, is a Miata with three cylinders as fast as a Spider?

Mr_Shiftright

Faster I think:)

Let's see, 140 HP divided by 4 = 35 HP per cylinder X 3 cylinders = 105 HP. Nope, the Alfa has 115.

ateixeira

Haven't done any engine work, none needed with the low miles on my '93 (just 37k).

I agree that the window is not important - the top is either down, or I drive my other car. If you get sudden rain, you have a "bikini top", as Jeep owners call them.

I use my A/C with the top down if it's 95 degrees or hotter, but that's about it. Again, not important. I'd actually trade it for 5 horses if I could.

So get tires and you'd have a beater.

Working on the engine should be fun. In a way you're lucky, after doing all the 30k maintenance it's almost boring not having anything to do on mine.

-juice

lngtonge18

Don't you have a 93? If so, then you only have 116 horses, not 140.

ateixeira

That's right, but then he has 87! ;-)

-juice

Mr_Shiftright

Oh, yeah. Like I said, after 1938 I'm kind of fuzzy on details.

Taking the head off looks pretty straightforward unless there is some nasty trick in there. I've done engine work on some pretty scary cars so that's no problem. My problem is that I have a hard time doing patchwork. Once I get started, this voice of my father keeps saying "Do it right, man!" Maybe I can overcome this.

Edmunds Town Hall Price Guide tells me this Miata is worth $1,026. So I got a good deal.

ateixeira

Did you notice the "side curtains" are now glass windows! What'll they do next, make them power operated? LOL

-juice

justin

these days, you can get an 02 base Miata for $19k. or, do whole-hog and get LS or SE with leather, ABS, etc.

does the base model compare? is the cheapest "new" Miata worth the money? it would have to be right - i mean, even a base Miata suspension allows for handling better than most cars. am i right in thinking that no ABS or Limited Slip doesn't make the Miata pointless?

does anyone have any negative feedback on the black cloth seats, durability-wise, vs. the leather? after a few years of sunshine....

ABS is really a must I think - hate that you have to get leather to get ABS....

thanks.

ateixeira

I have a well equipped "C Package", with leather, headrest speakers, power this and that, A/C, rear LSD, you name it.

Yes, the base models may even offer more value. This is a back-to-basics roadster, not a luxury car.

I'd actually prefer to drop the leather for more breatheable cloth seats. The leather is hot and sticky in summer, cold in winter (mine are not heated).

The CD skips.

The base suspension isn't too stiff, but a sports one would be far worse. For a track car, fine, but for a daily driver? Are there pothole-laden streets where you live?

It probably weighs more with all that stuff. A/C sucks the life out of the engine, too.

So yes, for my next Miata (probably a '99 in a year or two) I'll actually seek out a "base" model.

-juice

PS No ABS, but I've only locked the brakes once in 2 years

locke2c

I like the base + suspension package. Good value, plus I don't dig the non-black tops.

-Colin

ateixeira

Forgot about that - yeah, my tan top is stained pretty bad, and this is with just 37k miles.

-juice

thel

For one thing, I like the crystal blue/tan combo and the only color I liked with a black top was silver and that would be Oakland Raider colors, simply won't do for a true KC Chiefs fan. I really like the tan interior, enough to pony up an extra $2-000 or so for it. Plus you get some goodies like 6-spd, ABS, LSD, etc. My other option was a white base for about $6,000 less (a 2001 leftover) but I went with what I really, really wanted.

As for the ride, I am very impressed. The seats are extremely supportive and while you sense every bump in the road, it is not with a jarring, painful jolt that you might expect. I also keep my tires inflated to 26 psi for what that's worth.

freddy_k

That's fine as long as you're not into any sharp cornering. If you are, you'll be rolling onto the side walls for sure.

thel

I just went with what the door panel said. It seems to offer a good ride. As to rollign over onto the side walls, how do I detect that happening. While I wouldn't mind a better wet handling tire, I don't want to cause any damage to the stock tires that would be dangerous. Not that I autocross or anything.

ateixeira

I prefer 30-32 psi for cornering, but that gave me a stiff ride and a CD that would skip on the smallest pavement irregularities.

I'm using 28psi now, and it seems like a decent compromise.

Check the tires themselves - do you see scuff marks on the sidewalls? You may even feel the tire give up and roll over. This happened to me at Edmudns Live on their CR-V, which had really tall profile tires (70 series) and probaly low pressure.

-juice

Mr_Shiftright

I couldn't use the 3 cylinder Miata as a beater because you can't pass smog with a car like that in California.

I'm pricing out R&R for the head, doing one valve and some stem seals, and a gasket set. I bet even cutting corners it will be $1,000. I'd do the work myself but I hate working outdoors on cars. I live in Marin County where even to store your car outside in dead storage is $150 a month. You can imagine what a garage costs.

ateixeira

That may be a project car for a weekend mechanic that has the kind of space needed, unfortunately.

-juice

thel

I cleaned the tires with Meguire's vinyl and rubber treatment on Saturday and did not notice any scuffing. Haven't felt any roll over yet either. I guess I'm just being too easy on mine.

ateixeira

The limits are pretty high. Try this, next time an SUV tailgates you on a highway on- or off-ramp, take off. Listen to the tires, mine tend to squeel softly as a warning that the limit is approaching. Keep it at about that limit - by the end of the ramp the SUV will be nowhere in sight.

But that won't make the tires roll onto their sidewalls. Steady-state cornering applies gradual pressure to them. You'd probably need to be in a slalom situation, where the energy builds, or in a sharp turn, to get the sidewalls to roll over.

-juice

freddy_k

It takes sharp cornering and hard driving combined with improper tire pressure to roll onto the sidewalls, and it often takes the right opportunity combined with some courage to really push the car - that kind of driving is certainly not something to attempt with other traffic or pedestrians around. Ramps are fun to lose other cars on, but those nasty cement barriers remind me not to over-do it! Not only that, but you have to leave yourself enough tire for emergency manauvering, like when a skunk suddenly appears around a looping onramp, and you need those extra 3/10ths to avoid stinking like skunk for the next week! (I very narrowly missed it :-)

I have to admit that I sometimes go long after business hours to the area around my work and tear around the streets. It's a completely industrial area that is void of cars, people, and cops at these times. I have a planned route that I take that turns a couple of streets into a sort of short road track. It isn't the most responsable thing to do in the world, but it's fun as hell, and I chose my route carefully so that speed doesn't get terribly excessive at any point.

ateixeira

I tend to be on the inside of the turn, and my car tends to understeer a bit. Don't let off the throttle suddenly, though! :-O

A skunk jumps in front of me and it gets run over! Seriously, you might do more harm swerving.

I used to follow an SUV rollover thread, and someone reported a rollover after trying to avoid a mailbox. Of course, they failed to mention they weren't paying attention and were about to drive off the road, but when they came to they swerved so hard the SUV rolled completely.

-juice

maltb

I do the same thing; a business complex after 10pm can be a lot of fun. Just make sure the building security doesn't call the cops on you :-P

Mr_Shiftright

Is there any way to pop out some shallow dents in the nose of this '93 Miata or does it require removing it to work the dents out? There doesn't seem to be much access from the back.

ateixeira

Ah, classic license plate dings.

There was something about it in the Miata.net garage. I think some people used a heat gun and poked the dings out. Haven't done that yet.

-juice

Mr_Shiftright

I know a new bumper installed and painted is pretty expensive...more actually than I paid for the entire car.

A rather sobering thought!