8 replies to this topic

[Horatio Fitz-Simon]

Hi there,
I'm building a 99 spec Miata to race in the NASA teen challenge for my son, he's in his second year of go-karts and will be 13 in January, I have sourced a really nice 1999 car, just got a hardtop but would like to buy anything else, anyone selling any 99 specific parts. I'd also like a copy of the Spec Miata guide.
I know I should buy something already done but I'm hoping this is going to be a great father-son project

Thanks
Ian 925 580 1947
exact10@me.com

[davew]

Welcome to this nonsense we call Spec Miata. As has been said a bunch of times on this site, READ READ READ.

Read the NASA GCR very carefully. Read the SCCA gcr almost as carefully. There are a few differences and you want to make sure the car is legal in both groups.

Read this website, especially the archived stuff. Lots of usefull info, and plenty of BS too.

Read my book. Available at the website below.

Then reread the GCR again.

Use the search function on this website. Most questions have already been asked and answered many times.

We offer a "Spec-Miata-In-A-Box" kit. gets you a whole bunch of stuff at one shot, towards the build process. Cage, seat, belts, suspension all together.

Yes, this can be a great father-son experience. I have several father-son drivers in my fleet.

Good Luck
Dave

[Johnny D]

Everything Dave said.
Become a MazdaSpeed member.
Go to your local track and see what they're running.
Lots a homework to do.
Good luck, Be safe.
J~

[Glenn]

You did not post where you are located. I would outsource a local/regional source for your cage that has SCCA/NASA Spec Miata experience. Plus all the stuff Dave said!!!! Good luck and we here are always willing to share our opinions/ideas/comments with new folks. Again, what Dave said x 100!!!!!!!

[Johnny D]

His # is in SFR (Pleasonton,CA)

Ian, FYI, NASA Event this weekend at Sonoma Raceway (Infineon) 29th~30th
You should come out.
J~

[Horatio Fitz-Simon]

Hey guys thanks for the wonderful welcome and good advice.
Johnny D, nicely spotted, Pleasanton, California and yep, we plan on being at Sonoma this weekend to see whats going on.
I bought a 91 car from a local junkyard, they told me that the motor was seized, when we got it home we put a wrench on the crank and it turned over so a spray of Cold start and it fired up immediately. Only problem is that the car is an automatic, so I don't want to get involved with the conversion, its rust and accident free, great oil pressure, smurf blue and $800 if anyone wants one!
I bought the 1999 on Craigslist and its a lovely car, my son, Horatio picked up manual and clutch control in quick time so that's the car we'll be building.
I've already met some very helpful people, Ron Gayman who sells parts here in Nor Cal, his son Kyle races a Miata, Martin Campion and Vlad the parts seller in Sacramento

[Johnny D]

Sounds like you're plugging in nicely.
Speak with Tim and Charlie at TFB if you haven't. good people, good work, coaching too.
Charlie is/was in teen challenge and is kicking our butts now.
J~

[Ron Alan]

Ian...glad you took my advice and jumped on here! Hope you got my email about the wheels and tires...another good deal. TC design for your cage! TFB when your ready to set the car up as Johnny mentioned(at Sonoma). Sounded like you had a body guy and painter. 2 other local places you can walk in and buy race/track stuff. I/O port in Lafayette and Winecountry at Sonoma. I personaly have bought a lot from Winecountry...they have a lot of sales and Rob and Tony are good guys. I like to support them when I can(and I always ask for the special pricing )and they have always been fair. Same with Ron Cortez at AIM tire(also at Sonoma).

SCCA is at Laguna(free) this weekend and NASA is at Sonoma($10 per person)...drive the 99 to either!

Edit...forgot the County makes you pay to get in the park at Laguna($8) if you don't have your SCCA card

[granracing]

Dave's book is worth buying and will help a lot with your build. Buy it.

I also have quite a bit of information that will help throughout the process both in terms of the driver prep, safety gear needs, and general build information. Here's a link to the Club Racing section but certainly other areas of the site will be worth reading. Go Ahead - Take the Wheel (It's free). I think combining the two resources and readig info here, you'll be on the right path.