Hello bay area auto cross enthusiasts!
It's been a while since I've been in touch with the list,
but I've got a question and thought what better source of knowledge?
I'm considering buying a used Miata for a daily driver and
potentially for play. Ultimately I'd like to get into spec Miata racing,
but that's a ways off, and this car doesn't necessarily have to become
that car. I would like to get something that'd be competitive in a class
should it become a competition toy.
What are the pro's and cons of various Miata years, drive
trains and whatever else you can enlighten me with?
Yes, that's a big question to answer. I'm sure I could get
more information than I'd ever want to know, but what the heck.
I'm thinking of something like a 1997 model year, but I know
nothing of the drive train options. Are there suspension options that
should be considered? What things could potentially bump me out of a
competitive class? That is, what should I NOT buy? Aside from
post-production mods that'd put me into a bad class. Assume a stock car.
How available are hard tops? If I buy a car without one, is
it difficult to get one - should this car become a spec Miata?
How useful is OBDII compliance? Does it help with
maintenance? I have an OBDII reader for my Palm. I'm very into turning
my own wrenches. It's an all metric car, no?
Hope you all have been well over the last few years. I'm
sure the landscape has changed a bit since I last ran an autox course.
As for myself, I've been busy with my two girls. Claire was born in
September of 2000 and Madeline was born October last year. The Ghia is
still around and spends most of it's time in the garage. :^( Sorry, it's
still not painted! Priorities. Responsible adult and all that. Hope to
get back into the car toys again soon.
I look forward to hearing from you, and thanks for whatever
help you can send my way.
Dave Peterson
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