130 replies to this topic

[Chris Windsor]

Here in the Mid Atlantic there has been a pretty good start into the new series. If you follow the MARRS series we just finished the 6th race. We have run Summit Point (2 times), VIR (double), Watkins Glen (double Long then Short course), next up is Lightning at NJMP. There have also been a few entries outside of this series including the 13 and 12 hour Enduro's.
I have seen a few post's commenting about the class and car count's, and questions about how well do they handle, power, maintance, etc.

So here is a start on info that I have been asked and I am sure more will chime in soon enough.

Back ground on our builds- we have completed 3 builds all from donor cars that were slightly imperfect well under 10K.
You can also grab a pro car and make a few changes to be compliant and add the hardtop.

We went with the "Pro" Cage just in case (and yes we are)
Add the suspension just like a SM (SM5 is different from MX5 Pro)
order up a SEALED engine from MazdaSpeed (they now offer it in a long block for less $$$) same as pro- you can get 2 of these for the price of a good SM engine of the month.
Open Tire, just has to be 225/45-17 DOT with the factory wheel several styles to choose from.
6 speed trans - If you have an early production you should upgrade the 3/4 hub syncro and shift bushings

Car counts for this class are growing there are about a dozen that have been in full prep on track so far and will probally double by the ARRC in November.

This class is serious fun and fast, you now need throttle modulation.
Get building!!

[Mike Collins]

[Mike Collins]

[Mike Collins]

[Chris Windsor]

Race ready

Attached Files

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[James York]

Good looking cars guys.

[LarryKing]

I want one.

[DrDomm]

How much is the motor?

[William Bonsell]

Great looking cars. I presume you are running in the same run group as SM? Also, would appear to be a great STL car. What kind of power numbers are most achieving and what is the minimum weight for SM5?

I think this could become a very nice class for those wanting a bit more performance while still keeping the price reasonable. Seems to make more sense than B Spec.

Bill-

[Chris Windsor]

A NEW SEALED engine is $3700 as a long block, I think $5700 complete with harness, intake, injectors...

It does NOT run in the same group as SM (so far), at the events I have run we have run with ITA, ITR, ITS

Minimum Weight is 2600 pounds, power is around 180hp via Traqmate's dyno

Yes, it is a great STL car

[Jim Drago]

160/165 was a really good one in MX5 cup? how did it get to 180 already?

[Michael Colangelo]

160/165 was a really good one in MX5 cup? how did it get to 180 already?

Special grease?

[FTodaro]

Somebody needs to build a rental so I can try it out. JD.... Dave........., Mike Collins you rent don't you??

[Den]

Great looking cars. I presume you are running in the same run group as SM? Also, would appear to be a great STL car. What kind of power numbers are most achieving and what is the minimum weight for SM5?

I think this could become a very nice class for those wanting a bit more performance while still keeping the price reasonable. Seems to make more sense than B Spec.

Bill-

B-Specs were running at Mid-Ohio this weekend and they were so quiet we thought it was a break in track activity! Couldn't hear them!

[FTodaro]

B-Specs were running at Mid-Ohio this weekend and they were so quiet we thought it was a break in track activity! Couldn't hear them!

They were quite and slow. We were running the club course in sm in the 145 range, B spec were running the pro course which is 1.5 to 2 seconds faster and the B spec times were 150 to 151?

[steve]

At Summit Point last weekend, the fastest SM5s were 2 seconds a lap faster than the fastest SMs.

[DrDomm]

A NEW SEALED engine is $3700 as a long block, I think $5700 complete with harness, intake, injectors...

It does NOT run in the same group as SM (so far), at the events I have run we have run with ITA, ITR, ITS

Minimum Weight is 2600 pounds, power is around 180hp via Traqmate's dyno

Yes, it is a great STL car

Interesting...you can spend more on an SM motor. I think the power/weight is pretty similar with the '99 SM. Times at the Glen were slightly better for the SM5. I think it's an uphill climb for the SM5...unless someone does something to make it more enticing to potential racers. Perhaps removing the restrictor on the '99, and decreasing it's weight. Put '99s with SM5 and call it SM1. '90-97 as SM2. Just a crazy idea.

B-Spec sounds like a fun idea, but is it better than a Miata? Clearly not. I'm kinda curious if the new Subaru BRZ is gonna take off as a club racing car.

[Glenn]

Interesting...you can spend more on an SM motor. I think the power/weight is pretty similar with the '99 SM. Times at the Glen were slightly better for the SM5. I think it's an uphill climb for the SM5...unless someone does something to make it more enticing to potential racers. Perhaps removing the restrictor on the '99, and decreasing it's weight. Put '99s with SM5 and call it SM1. '90-97 as SM2. Just a crazy idea.

B-Spec sounds like a fun idea, but is it better than a Miata? Clearly not. I'm kinda curious if the new Subaru BRZ is gonna take off as a club racing car.

The 06-11 MX5 car will be the car to have in STL I predict! Even in SM5 trim these cars are FAST! Unless someone fully develops a allout STL car I dont see anything else winning. The Freedom GA car will be competing at teh June Sprints in STL so lets see what the FULL potential (less aero) can be!

[LarryKing]

Not so crazy. The first year the NB car was in NASA it was classified as SM2.

Saw a BRZ for the first time at Mid-O last weekend. Sharp car. As a club racer? Don't know.

[DrDomm]

Saw a BRZ for the first time at Mid-O last weekend. Sharp car. As a club racer? Don't know.

Stock, it's a little quicker than MX5. Slightly cheaper. Heavier, with more weight on front. But if Subaru thinks it has a chance to go after the Miata's market (not convertible, yet), maybe going after the Miata on the track will help. Perhaps this is another STL option.

Anyway, I hope the SM5 finds a home and gets some numbers.