15 replies to this topic

[Overlord475]

Hi all,

 

I am new to SM, local to NE Oklahoma, and am interested in finding a track toy Miata that I can take out to Hallett and have fun with a few times a year.

 

I have much experience restoring E30 BMWs (rebuilding motors, suspension, etc.), but have no desire to race one around a track.

The parts are getting more and more expensive as these cars become more "classic" and I would be frustrated if I wrecked one at the truck.

 

I would like to start with a "cheap" 1.8L Miata (99 preferred), and perhaps progress into SM if the enjoyment is there.

My budget is small as I am just looking to have a fun toy at the moment. Not a track rat full blown race SM.

 

Any advise that you guys could lend would be very appreciated!

Especially in how to start out as cheaply as possible with the greatest return fun at the track.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

_Alex

[Johnny D]

Welcome.

Name would be good. Mr Overloard.

 

Get to know the site...

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Top SM racers are here to answer you question and the peanut gallery.

Newbies are asking the same thing, look for them.

[Ron Alan]

NA 1.8...94-97

 

NB 1.8...99-05

 

For what you are doing i would find any year car that fits into your budget...drive the crap out of it then if you want to go further sell it and  buy an used SM to get started.

[Overlord475]

Welcome.

Name would be good. Mr Overloard.

 

Get to know the site...

We have ...

a view new content button, upper right, so we see all your posts. Only need to do one.

A classified section.

A search engine.

Downloads

Blogs

Top SM racers are here to answer you question and the peanut gallery.

Newbies are asking the same thing, look for them.

 

The name is Alex, and thank you for the above info!

I have sent in a report to have the other two reposts removed/deleted.

 

The search button is a great tool!

 

NA 1.8...94-97

 

NB 1.8...99-05

 

For what you are doing i would find any year car that fits into your budget...drive the crap out of it then if you want to go further sell it and  buy an used SM to get started.

 

Thank you for the above NA/NB clarification.

I think I will take your advise and go this rout.

 

Due to my work schedule and business travel requirements I don't believe that fully participating in SM would be an option for me at the moment. I am not sure how many SM events take place in Oklahoma and the surrounding states each year, but I don't believe I'd be able to consistently compete at many events. So I believe I will shooting for a more leisurely fun approach to the Miata world. 

 

I would like to start out participating in a few track days at Hallett and see how it goes from there.

[chris haldeman]

Hallet runs there own series called comma. I've got a few sm cars in various price ranges. Buy a low cost sm so you can do anything you want race, play ect

[chris haldeman]

Hallet may also have rentals for a reasonable rate. Great track and really great owners

[Overlord475]

Hallet runs there own series called comma. I've got a few sm cars in various price ranges. Buy a low cost sm so you can do anything you want race, play ect

Awesome! I think I want to get into something still street legal so that I can drive out to Hallett, race, and drive home. I don't want to get in do deep that I have to buy a trailer to get to the track.

[Overlord475]

I can get a hold of the below for around $450 cash with a clean title. Owner says it sat for a couple of years. Replaced the spark plugs, oil, and fuel pump but won't run. Poored gas straight into the intake and was able to get it to run for a min or two. Says he thinks it may need new injectors. I'm betting it may just be a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump relay. Thoughts? Common Miata specific causes of no fuel at the injectors?

http://tulsa.craigsl...4617840214.html

[chris haldeman]

Fuel pump.

[chris haldeman]

Rusty tank and rotted fuel pick up. See it all the time with cars that sit.

[chris haldeman]

Get it call Drago for a tank and pump swap it out service brakes and fluids and have some fun!!

[chris haldeman]

If your not comfortable with prepping car for track days bring it too me or don Reynolds or Chris Campbell last two are in okc

[chris haldeman]

I have contact info for both

[Overlord475]

Get it call Drago for a tank and pump swap it out service brakes and fluids and have some fun!!

 

Chris, thank you for all the above great info. I will let you know if I decide to pick this car up!

It's great seeing the elite SM guys willing to help out and discuss basics with the new guys. 

 

Does Hallett require a roll cage or hard top to run out on the track?

[Danny Steyn]

Welcome to what will become an all consuming addiction Alex

 

But before you carry on merrily I want to point out that the question you phrased above is the wrong question ,,,,,,, "Does Hallett require a roll cage or hard top to run out on the track?" has no place in this forum.....

 

The right question to ask is "how much do I have to lose if I roll my car?"

 

I have seen many Miatas on their roofs/cages, I could not think of anything worse than being upside down in a Miata without a cage. Life is precious.

 

Back in the 70's Bell had a wonderful slogan that was in all their ads.... "if you have a $10 head, get a $10 helmet!"  Treat your life with the respect it deserves. Build you car as safe as you can and never skimp on safety equipment. Some recent crashes in our class have show how safely  well-built roll cages will protect our drivers in what otherwise would have been life-ending events.

 

Just sayin

[Overlord475]

Danny,

 

Great points! You are right.

 

It was my intention to install / fabricate a roll cage for the Miata, but wanted to confirm that it was required.

 

I very much appreciate the respect for safety this community has, and that the pro's are so willing to lend advise!