5 replies to this topic

[Kurt Krummel]

So I have decided to build a spec miata race car. I am very new to this, but I am totally excited about turning some wrenches and learning (and about racing).

Question - I found a donor car. It is a 1999 (I have read this is the year to get) and has the sport package. I read the sport package comes with a bilstein suspension. Is this the same suspension used in racing? Reason I ask is that would be one less modification I would need to make to the car. I believe the sport package also comes with a limited slip, which could also save money.

Should I consider paying slightly more for a donor car that has a sport package or am I just going to replace all these components anyway?

Thanks in advance!!
-Kurt

[Zauskycop]

All shocks and sways for the SM class come in a kit..and you will be throwing all of those nice bilsteins away. If it is a Torsen limited slip, that is a keeper.

[Kyle Burkhardt]

YOu wont' throw them away. You'll sell them.

[James York]

I dont think you want a sport model. If I recall, they come with the bigger brakes that you will have to take off and replace with the standard size. Probably a couple other upgrades that aren't legal in SM.

[Kurt Krummel]

Sounds like I not only get nothing out of buying one with the sport package, but I wind up paying more to prepare the car (and work more at it).

Plain donor it is...1999 and after...let the search continue.

Thanks for the help, folks!

[MPR22]

Sounds like I not only get nothing out of buying one with the sport package, but I wind up paying more to prepare the car (and work more at it).

Plain donor it is...1999 and after...let the search continue.

Thanks for the help, folks!

Hold on there. Not all 99s come with the torsen limted slip, all the Hard S packages have the Torsen. Even though you may not want the big brakes or bilsteins, you definitely want the Torsen. You can sell the goodies you dont need.