14 replies to this topic

[larsonracing]

Hello all,

 

I am looking at buying a 1995 SM with a Mike Rossini Engine and Transmission. I have had multiple track miatas before, but not a legal SM car. I am looking for advice on what to look before buying the car. If you have any advice, or things for me to look into before buying it, feel free to drop it below. Anything will be appreciated. I hope everything goes through so I can become part of the Spec Miata community!

 

Things that are on the car:

-Rossini Engine with approximately 25 hours of use

-Rossini built exhaust

-ACT HD 4-puck Sprung Hub Clutch Kit installed when Rossini motor installed

-Chassis Dynamics roll cage

-Torsen rear with 4.30 gears

-Springfield Dyno Radiator with less than one season of use

-Transponder

-SM Suspension with tophats and swaybars, one season old

-AIM AFR- less than one season old and integrated into trackmate

-Trackmate with expansion box, one season old

-Trackmate fuel pressure and AFR inputs

-Coolshirt with plumbing, installed and ready to go

-7in Rear View display and camera

-Mobius 1080p Front and Rear cameras

-Water and Temp gauges

-Adjustable fuel pressure regulator

-NASA and SCCA compliant fuel test port

-Warboro fuel pump

-ARP Wheel Studs

-Removable MOMO Steering wheel

-Current seatbelts, mesh window net

 

Comes with the car:

-Any color paint job at time of down payment. Full door jams etc., all new body panels, and full body work on the rest. 

-Full parts car

-2 metal racks of various drivetrain parts

 

 

I have not included the price that the car is for sale for to protect the seller. If you can put a price on something like this, feel free to drop it below. Thanks for reading, I hope I can get the advice I need!

[Bench Racer]

A cock pit/roll cage/seat/steering wheel which fits you the driver.

[Samuel J]

The litany of great features aside, I personally think that the biggest determining factor will be the one you haven't listed: price.

 

In the regs current state, the NA8 is the least in demand for various (and infinitely debatable) reasons. Not saying that it isn't still worth it to own one (I've been running an NA8 this entire season with success and smiles), but that should definitely be weighted into the selling price. 

 

Good luck with the hunt!

 

[Qyxz]

7 inch rear view display and camera?  I've never seen that on an SM...

[BorisB]

Ass in seat and wiggle. 

It better fit you like a glove or close to it. 

[CarbonRacer]

I have a Top 10 Rossini 97 NA 1.8 For Sale.

 

PM me.

[Danica Davison]

I have a Top 10 Rossini 97 NA 1.8 For Sale.
 
PM me.

 

Nobody wants your cheated up sh*t nick. Your car could win overall at a Trans Am race!

[callumhay]

If the goal is to have fun, this sounds like a good car to have. If the goal is to win regionally you might want to Dyno the car to see where it's at. I think with spec Miata it is inevitable at some point to ask " is it me or the car...?"even if you start out doing this only for fun.

In terms of price, I definitely think that's important as well as looking at the racing history. Check out finishing position if it has been raced in recent months.

What's on the list you wrote looks good. I don't see any mention of fat cat stops or similar. Also eccentric upper bushings?

Ultimately it comes down to whether you end up with more car than driver...meaning your lap time is more about you. Either a reliable Dyno or a lap time set by a known good driver will help you there.

They have a lot of extra stuff coming with the car. That can be good or bad depending on price. I think what's most important is a very good mechanically sound car. All the rest can be gotten separately at any time.

Good luck, have fun with it!

[Duane Polsley]

Logbooks?

[Johnny D]

Just sayin, don't know the car. In Gainesville, GA

 

https://showroom.win...s/product/3133/

[luvin_the_rings]

^^^ Immediately thought of Kermit the Frog when seeing that car for sale.  I'd rock it. 

 

The seating position is one of the most nagging things that takes forever to get right.  It always gets pushed down the list when mechanical failures come up. 

 

Is the chassis straight? Why were the body panels replaced? 

 

What about the transmission? Is it new? Rebuilt fully? Re sychro'd?

 

Does it really have a rear view camera?

[larsonracing]

Logbooks?

Full log books with documented race history.

[larsonracing]

^^^ Immediately thought of Kermit the Frog when seeing that car for sale.  I'd rock it. 

 

The seating position is one of the most nagging things that takes forever to get right.  It always gets pushed down the list when mechanical failures come up. 

 

Is the chassis straight? Why were the body panels replaced? 

 

What about the transmission? Is it new? Rebuilt fully? Re sychro'd?

 

Does it really have a rear view camera?

 

Chassis is straight. Anal seller who wants the car to be in top notch condition upon resale. Transmission was rebuilt fully when the motor was put in... sychros etc. It does have a rear view camera running at all times. Easier to use than mirrors.

[Wolfgang]

I wouldn't minimize safety features: fire extinguisher and/or built-in system with 3-4 nozzles, best 6-point harness and full containment seat you can afford, good placement of power cut-off switch, updated padding on roll cage bars. Mirrors are far more robust, dependable than video. Two-way uhf radio, helmet headset.

[granracing]

I would want to know what people on here who know about the car, what their thoughts are.  Is it a fast car?  See it always breaking down?  Familiar with the build history?  Any legality issues?

 

I don't understand how not posting the price is protecting the seller.  If anything, it would be protecting you if too good of a price.    It's also hard to put a price on that without seeing a bunch of pictures such as of the cage.