88 replies to this topic

[Forrest Landy]

Is the quarterpanel replaceable? 

If I'm not mistaken I think we just replace the skin on the rear. for the front its a whole new one. The front bumper tends to be what kills you, especially if you run the 2012 version.

 

I agree in terms of parts the Sm5 is a more expensive car to run then the Miata right now and it will probably stay that way. I think what will dictate the growth pattern of both classes will be what current 1990-97 owners do when they decide to move into a different car, of course SM may continue in its current form for 10 or even 20 more years. It really all depends on the what the owners of the older cars want to do.  I cant believe I just put the future of Spec Miata in the hands of 1.8 and 1.6 drivers . What I think is most likely to happen is the proposal you all put forward with regard to the 99-05 is likely to happen, whether its in 5 10 or 20 years is unknown. What is  also uncertain is whether or not the drivers of the defunct cars will buy 99-05s or Sm5s. Which way that goes is what will decide the fate of SM in the long run.

[Mike Collins]

I am skeptical.. We are still now complaining about 1.6 v 99, obviously there are still plenty of 90 miatas to race now or that wouldnt be so. In 10 years there should still be plenty of 99 miatas. I think SM will stay healthy for awhile and the health of SM will slow the growth of SM5. Also, look up the parts prices on front and rear bumper covers and fenders on an SM5. It is much more expensive than a miata. 

Jim

My SM5 fenders are cheaper than SM fenders...They still make the NC   The front bumper cover was only $50 more and it actually fit my car, not a pass along reproduction part   Many of the SM5 parts are WAY!!!!!!!!! Cheaper than SM....Just to name one, My $3750 SEALED motor.  I can build a SM5 for the same price as a front running SM now.

[Jim Drago]

My SM5 fenders are cheaper than SM fenders...They still make the NC   The front bumper cover was only $50 more and it actually fit my car, not a pass along reproduction part   Many of the SM5 parts are WAY!!!!!!!!! Cheaper than SM....Just to name one, My $3750 SEALED motor.  I can build a SM5 for the same price as a front running SM now.

 

When you guys build it up there.. They will come  Right now, same price or even less. I would race SM until the numbers increase nationally.  I think that is the opinion of many. I also still like racing SM

[tburas56]

Sorry, been away but wanted to say. No. No...The E thing is way too expensive.

 

Frankly, I am tired of the whining about the 1.6

 

Here it is, SM the lowest cost racing around…

In 2012, my 1.6 ran 11 races. OPM not once, ran the car on the Dyno, nor changed the brake pads or rotors.

The entire 11 races on the same brake pads and rotors. They have no mini-cracks. Tom did change the front pads for the Run Offs but used the same $30 rotors from the begging of the season.

I ran the same set of tires multiple weekends. Even bought Danny’s old take offs and kicked his ass with them. He stopped selling me them...

 

The same MazdaSpeed diff has been in the car 5 years, Tranny was new at the beginning of the season. The shocks have been in there since forever. What the heck do I know

In 11 races the 1.6 won 7 times and had 5 new track records. The East Street Motor has over 3K race miles on it with little to no leak down.
Only been to the Dyno Twice, once 3K race miles ago and once before 2013 Sebring.

 

For me there is everything to gain by not going to the 99, but IMHO it would be awesome to have SM class like JD proposed. No plates, 2400 LBS. 99-2004

 

The main problem, no 1.6 parts at the Majors paddock, when I lost my exhaust at VIR nobody in the paddock had one, we use three to make one, thanks George. When I
lost the coil pack at Sebring, Jeff L had a used one in a bin under all his stuff labeled trash. Maybe that was two years ago before I got with OPM.

[Tom Sager]

In 2012, my 1.6 ran 11 races. OPM not once, ran the car on the Dyno, nor changed the brake pads or rotors.

The entire 11 races on the same brake pads and rotors. 

 

 

 

I think you just exposed the secret of your success.  You don't slow down

[davew]

<<<Tranny was new at the beginning of the season. The shocks have been in there since forever. What the heck do I know>>>

 

I saw what you did to the trans last year. And I saw how you installed the new shocks/bushings. So I know how much you know about working on these cars. Good thing you found Fowler !!!!!!!

 

 

Dave

[Waterboy]

Sorry, been away but wanted to say. No. No...The E thing is way too expensive.

Frankly, I am tired of the whining about the 1.6

Here it is, SM the lowest cost racing around…
In 2012, my 1.6 ran 11 races. OPM not once, ran the car on the Dyno, nor changed the brake pads or rotors.
The entire 11 races on the same brake pads and rotors. They have no mini-cracks. Tom did change the front pads for the Run Offs but used the same $30 rotors from the begging of the season.
I ran the same set of tires multiple weekends. Even bought Danny’s old take offs and kicked his ass with them. He stopped selling me them...

The same MazdaSpeed diff has been in the car 5 years, Tranny was new at the beginning of the season. The shocks have been in there since forever. What the heck do I know
In 11 races the 1.6 won 7 times and had 5 new track records. The East Street Motor has over 3K race miles on it with little to no leak down.
Only been to the Dyno Twice, once 3K race miles ago and once before 2013 Sebring.

For me there is everything to gain by not going to the 99, but IMHO it would be awesome to have SM class like JD proposed. No plates, 2400 LBS. 99-2004

The main problem, no 1.6 parts at the Majors paddock, when I lost my exhaust at VIR nobody in the paddock had one, we use three to make one, thanks George. When I
lost the coil pack at Sebring, Jeff L had a used one in a bin under all his stuff labeled trash. Maybe that was two years ago before I got with OPM.

No way. You couldn't have. It's just not possible, I don't know why it's just not.

[Danny Steyn]

<<<Tranny was new at the beginning of the season. The shocks have been in there since forever. What the heck do I know>>>

 

I saw what you did to the trans last year. And I saw how you installed the new shocks/bushings. So I know how much you know about working on these cars. Good thing you found Fowler !!!!!!!

 

 

Dave

Now thats funny!!!

 

PS Todd, I never stopped selling you my take offs, you stopped buying them 

[Bench Racer]

 

Sorry, been away but wanted to say. No. No...The E thing is way too expensive.
 
Frankly, I am tired of the whining about the 1.6
 
Here it is, SM the lowest cost racing around…
In 2012, my 1.6 ran 11 races. OPM not once, ran the car on the Dyno, nor changed the brake pads or rotors.
The entire 11 races on the same brake pads and rotors. They have no mini-cracks. Tom did change the front pads for the Run Offs but used the same $30 rotors from the begging of the season.
I ran the same set of tires multiple weekends. Even bought Danny’s old take offs and kicked his ass with them. He stopped selling me them...
 
The same MazdaSpeed diff has been in the car 5 years, Tranny was new at the beginning of the season. The shocks have been in there since forever. What the heck do I know
In 11 races the 1.6 won 7 times and had 5 new track records. The East Street Motor has over 3K race miles on it with little to no leak down.
Only been to the Dyno Twice, once 3K race miles ago and once before 2013 Sebring.
 
For me there is everything to gain by not going to the 99, but IMHO it would be awesome to have SM class like JD proposed. No plates, 2400 LBS. 99-2004
 
The main problem, no 1.6 parts at the Majors paddock, when I lost my exhaust at VIR nobody in the paddock had one, we use three to make one, thanks George. When I
lost the coil pack at Sebring, Jeff L had a used one in a bin under all his stuff labeled trash. Maybe that was two years ago before I got with OPM.

I shouldn't do this post. But first Tom, I will say I agree with you.

There is definitly a conflict between what Todd says above about 1.6 prep and what MANY OTHERS on this site say about prep for a 1.6.