Best Answer
davew
,
08-11-2015 09:08 AM
Since nobody is actually answering your question, here goes;
Spec Miata and it's various offshoots (SSM, WSM, SMT, SM2, etc) are based on first gen cars from 1990-2005 model year. 1990-97 known as NA cars and 99-05 as NB cars. The NC version built from 2006-2015 are a completely different car. They are raceable, just not as a SM. NC cars can compete in T3, T4, or SM5 depending upon certain options. You can also run in various NASA classes depending upon what you decide to modify.
The closest class to SM is SM5. It is basicly a spec class for the NC cars with most of the rules coming from the MX5 Cup program. Complete rules for all these classes are online in the appropriate rule book.
Not because I need to sell another book, but buy my book "The Spec Miata Constructors Guide" available at the website below. If you decide to build your NC car, it will not be a technical guide, but does offer a lot of valuable info on how to prepare a safe, reliable race car.
Do not just download the rules and then ignore them. Read and understand what they say. Remember the most important rule (everybody say it together) If the rules don't say you can, you can not. This applies to all the classes listed above. When you get to Production catagory and GT cars that rule start to fade.
Converting your 2008 into a SM5 or T4 would be the wisest path. Plan on a parts expense of $10-15,000 to do it right. Sure you can cut some corners, but to do it right, that is a fair number.
Hardtop, $2300. There are none on the used market, you have to buy new from Mazda. SM5 allows an aftermarket top that is still about $1000 with shipping
SM5 suspension, $1300
Roll cage kit, $1000
Seat, seat belts, window net, fire bottle etc. $1000
Clutch $500
Upgrade 3-4 shift parts $800
Extra set wheels $800
2 sets race tires $2000
Add in some nicities like a removable steering wheel. Or some upgrades like a better seat. And just normal maintenance stuff like fluids, filters and hoses. Figure another $1000 to $5000
Personal safety gear, suit, helmet, gloves, Hans and you add another $1500+
And that has not touched labor. If you are going to pay someone to build a turn key car, figure $10k+. If you can do it all yourself, including welding a cage and scaling the car, figure 300 hours.
Advanced has built 3 T4 cars (including last years Runoffs winner) from NC Miatas. The added power makes them a lot of fun to drive. The power steering makes them easier than a SM to drive, especially at enduros. We are starting to develope more parts for the NC and have added many of them to our website.
If you have questions about building an NC, give me a call
dave
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