Hi Tom,
Since I'm part of the 'dreaded perch height' stuff, I'll try to help a bit.
:-)
Co-driver Katie Elder has a '99 Sport and we worked on getting it right for
Kansas, but decided to take my '95 instead. So, we learned much on the '99.
Before I forget, the second place Miata was a Sport on the factory Bilsteins
- so yes, they work pretty dang good - the disadvantages are that they are
not adjustable, and are high presure, so make the car a bit higher. Note
that ShockTek can re-valve and make the Bilsteins adjustable.
We had tried the manual rack on the '99 and found it to be harder than the
manual on my '95 - maybe we did something wrong, but we put the PS back on
and went from there. The PS is pretty good - we've never beaten it or the
like - it is quite quick, so takes a bit to get used to finess the car
around.
As far as the sport/non-sport - the 14's would be an advantage, although
with the 4.3 rear end, the gearing is almost _too_ short with the 14's (Gary
Thomason ran a San Diego members non-sport model at the San Diego Tour and
had to shift more than the rest of us - including Sport models.)
My suggestion - get the sport and if you get a good deal on a '99 w/ps, all
the better. Put a larger front sway bar on, get an alignment and have fun.
Funny that you're going to a Miata to un-learn your bad habits - I'm going
back to FWD (an Integra Type-R) for the same - to re-learn the good habits I
had there. I think that your FWD skills you learned will do you good in the
Miata.
Good Luck,
Kevin McCormick
1997 Integra Type-R (GS, DS, where, oh where???)
1995 Miata R (for sale - shocks/swaybars/exhaust come off as time permits!)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tom Maycock [mailto:tmaycock@interaccess.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 1999 12:31 PM
> To: team.net
> Subject: Miata option questions
>
>
> I know there was some discussion on this recently, but I can't seem to
> find archives for Team.net (only for the CM, FM, etc. lists).
> If anyone
> can point me to the archives, that would be handy.
>
> Anyway, I think I've caught the Miata bug and am looking for
> a new '99 or
> '00 Miata, and wondering about the best option choices for autox.
>
> I'm leaning towards the Sport package (15" wheels, strut bar,
> shocks, etc.), but could see some autox advantage to a 14" wheel model
> with the Torsen. Seems the sport package would be the best all around
> (street and competition) solution, but any experience/advice would be
> appreciated.
>
> Also, I realize I'm probably looking at the dreaded "Koni
> perch height"
> issue at some point in my future, but would like to go with the stock
> shocks for at least a while, as I try to un-learn my FWD
> habits. So, how
> are the Sport package Bilsteins? Good enough?
>
> Finally, power steering--optional on '99, standard on '00 as
> far as I can
> tell. I'm thinking the power steering is the way to go,
> unless it isn't up
> to autox conditions.
>
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions on the above, or any
> other advice.
> Reply directly if you prefer.
>
> Tom Maycock
> GS '93 Ford Probe (for now)
> BS Miata ???
>
>
>
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