15 replies to this topic

[Krooser]

So I'm a complete idiot when it comes to Spec Miatas... but I understand that running a top is optional.


So why do most guys have them on the car. Just wondering...

[Bench Racer]

So why do most guys have them on the car. Just wondering...

Because they have nothing better to do with $1,000.00

Cuts a cleaner hole through the air. Less aero drag on the car, hence car travels faster.

[dmathias]

I saw 3 Miatas end up on their roofs in one weekend. Hardtop keeps rocks and grass stains off helmet. Plus, who wants to get soaked in the rain.

[Cy Peake]

I burn easily.

[Josh Chaney]

Outlaw hard tops, make racing cheaper. Topless works for MX5 cup. *flak jacket*

[Randy Thieme]

Darn. Thought this thread would be about female SM drivers.

[Krooser]

I'm just thinking if i ever race one of these things that the car would be faster with my lardass in the seat and the top in the garage.

[Bench Racer]

I'm just thinking if i ever race one of these things that the car would be faster with my lardass in the seat and the top in the garage.

If one has a lard ass one should procure a 99. Legal weight is 2450 pounds with driver. With cage IIRC they weigh approx 2125 pounds. Man, that's 325 pounds of lard. On the other hand the 90/93 with cage weighs 2020 pounds & must weigh 2275 pounds. That's only 250 pounds of lard.

[RacerX]

The top comes off??!! Why am I just learning this now!!! OK, so let's talk about Santa...

[NigelStu]

Aero is the advantage.

Road America you'd get smoked on the straights... But since drag is related to speed^2, if you're on a track where your speeds are low... then the slight disadvantage may just be equaled out with the slight advantage of a lower CG (still have to make weight - those tops weight about 35-40 lbs with brackets).


Cage/helmet clearance and need for arm restraints may be the only technical reason most don't.

Weather is the other reason - but that one can go both ways. Rain sucks, but so does sitting in a hot, enclosed car.


At Waterford Hills, where top speeds are in the 92mph range, if its nice out I occasionally run with the hard-top off. Awesome experience with the fresh air and sky above your head - even get better visibility and awareness since there is less 'stuff' blocking view/sound. And temps inside the cabin are much cooler - not to mention ingress/egress improves. I bought my arm-restraints for something like $30, and will bring extra weights/bolts along so I can do the swap if I so desire.

[pitbull113]

At Waterford Hills, where top speeds are in the 92mph range, if its nice out I occasionally run with the hard-top off. Awesome experience with the fresh air and sky above your head - even get better visibility and awareness since there is less 'stuff' blocking view/sound. And temps inside the cabin are much cooler - not to mention ingress/egress improves. I bought my arm-restraints for something like $30, and will bring extra weights/bolts along so I can do the swap if I so desire.

I'm curious have you ever compared lap times to determine whether you're faster with/without top?

[Krooser]

At my age I drive slow in the left lane with my turn signal on anyway so speed wouldn't be a problem with me.

I figured aero would be a factor but if you build a 426 CI cheater motor it should't be a problem keeping up.....

[NigelStu]

I'm curious have you ever compared lap times to determine whether you're faster with/without top?

Difficult to say exactly which is faster since I have not done a back-to-back under the same conditions. With that said, lap times were comparable - variance is within the noise of the samples.


I just do it for the cool factor.

[RacerX]

... I have not done a back-to-back under the same conditions....

You could always Dyno both and compare the results.

Just a thought, might not be a good one, but can't say it isn't unique.

[NigelStu]

^LOL







1.6 can make same power as a 1.8 when run topless...

[wheel]

A topless chick car, I like it.