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#1
74bronco

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Just starting out looking for the cheapest way to start out. what year miata is the best to go with between 1990-2002. what are the significant differences between the years that should guide my decision. what years should i stay away from? i noticed a lot of people selling the miata for at least 2 grand over kelly blue book. is this right for the market? mainly be going to pacific raceways in kent, washington. wheres the best place to look for hardtops and what should i expect to pay for one. any and all help in general would be appreciated thanks.

#2
Kevin Anderson

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If your just starting out, any year miata will suit you fine. And you can get a really good 1.6 for cheap right now. Buy a car already built. You will spend more money building your own. You will learn all the ins & outs a and differences on your own and when your ready you sell the car you are racing for probably the same amount you bought it for and then buy the car that YOU think will suit you best.
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#3
dstevens

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There are several people on the forum that race in the Northwest. Head out to Pacific or Portland and meet them and get the lay of the land. Read up on the old site. Plenty of info about starting. Get Dave Wheeler's book on Spec Miatas at http://www.advanced-...&products_id=42 . It's a good all around guide and will give you a good idea of SM not only from the equipment perspective but also a bit how to get into racing.

#4
Keith Novak

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Here in the NW, if you're just starting out, I'd buy a 1.6. A 90 if I had the choice. The 1.6 is by far the most used car in these parts so as you're building it, tuning it, racing it, need parts or advise, (and you will :) ) more people can help you out. The SM croud out here is very friendly, and we do help each other out a lot.

Look around for cars. There are lots of them around. If you wait and have cash, you can find some really good deals. $2k with a hardtop isn't unheard of. If you really want a car without the wait, you still have lots of choices so pick one not all beat up. There's one for sale right now "light rollover" for $500 if you really want a challange or a donor car.

Hardtops go for about $750 to 1k on craislist. Anything less will sell fast. It's a popular used item. Don't buy a snugtop. Make sure it's OEM.

As people have pointed out, there are really good deals on used cars if you don't want to spend the next year + piecing one together bit by bit.
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#5
Keith Novak

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Actually, check the classifieds here on the site. Jim Graffy is selling one with the top for a decent price, and he races SM so I'm guessing his daily driver Miata isn't a complete turd.
Donor - Made PayPal donation Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations!

#6
William Bonsell

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To me, 74bronco means either you are a 1974 graduate of Santa Clara or Boise State, or your current ride is a 74 Bronco. Just to help us poor Northwest guys know who might be coming on board, how about a name and little background. Please feel free to post on the SCCA- NorthPacific forum here within also.

The Northwest is a real 1.6 dominated region with the occasional 1.8 thrown in. Keith for instance. I don't know of a '99 running regularly. Certainly cheaper to buy a nicely built and race ready car. In fact I know of a '94 full on Spec available now on Craigslist. Great car and very well put together. I happen to know the motivated seller. There are two race organizations here in the Northwest. SCCA (Oregon region really) for all the real hot shots with lots of go fast talent and really go fast parts, and ICSCC for those who are more comfortable running in mixed grids with more of a "club racer" mentality. Of course the best course is to run both groups and experience all the northwest tracks.

But regardless, both organizations are full of experienced and helpful racers who will gladly assist in any way to help you. Good luck and pm any of us with additional questions. I'm over in Kitsap County if that is of any benefit.

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#7
FTodaro

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If you are looking for the least expensive entry point for SM racing then there is no doubt that you are a million miles ahead by purchasing a built car. If you look around at cars you can find a decent car for 8 to 12,000 range which is way less than building your own. The problem with building your own is that its a slippery slope one thing leads to another and before you know it the price is 25+
I built my car last year. I am glad I did but I was not looking to save money, i was looking to do the hands on build to learn the car.

If your going to look for a used car a few points, my opinion only. Look for a car that has a log book, thus a history. you can find out who raced against it and ask a few questions. the owner my brag it up but his competitors will know the scoop. The most non fixable thing about a built car is the roll cage. so look at the quality of the cage and if you like it and if it will work for you. I have NASCAR bars in my car and I like the extra room it provides. If your a big buy, I am 190 having a removable steering wheel is nice. It should have a Torsen rear end or limited slip. No open diff.

The motor and transmission are important they should sound good and shift good, its not fool proof but these cars will run for ever but they may not be front row cars, You just want to learn so don't be do concerned about its power, Dyno it if its high on your list. that is a 125.00 diagnostic test. I would look to see what kind of frame and structure damage the car has.

If you find a car with a decent cage and a seat the fits, with belts that are still good you will have to go over the car but likley will get to racing with not much significant outlay, after the purchase. If you could find a car that someone knows its history would be idea. Good luck.
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Frank
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Make it Rain - Made Paypal donation of $100+ We have a Winnah! - Won their 1st race... Congratulations! Bona fide - A bonafide Spec Miata driver Donor - Made PayPal donation

#8
Andrew Charbonneau

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HEY DONT THE NORD WEST GUYS RACE DOGS ANYWAY
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#9
dstevens

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Why go cheap if you want to race you have money.If you dont have the money dont race.



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