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2008 Spec Miata Build, Help

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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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#41
Johnny D

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What exactly is HPDE besides a tiered ladder system that you can race a variety of cars in? You can have an instructor in the car for HPDE? I'm not too familiar with HPDE because my main focus is SM but trying it once cant hurt.


https://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/

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#42
Diller

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What exactly is HPDE besides a tiered ladder system that you can race a variety of cars in? You can have an instructor in the car for HPDE? I'm not too familiar with HPDE because my main focus is SM but trying it once cant hurt.

 

HPDE is not racing. HPDE is High Performance Drivers Education (some substitute with Driving Event).

 

HPDE is designed for you to bring any safe car to the track and drive it at speed. What you get out of it is 100% up to you. If you want to race, it is a great chance to get your feet wet and learn how to pass/be passed and how to learn track awareness with flag stations and track logistics. Keep in mind that you will also be on track with people that just want to have fun in their street car doing things they can't do legally or safely on the roads. You are also on track with people who have an inferiority complex that want to blow the doors off everybody in their 700hp Vette to become the HPDE champion.

 

I went through the NASA HPDE system and had a great time. I surrounded myself with instructors and friends that also wanted to go racing so the goal was always in mind. I will say that once I got my comp license, I had to learn how to drive all over again. I thought I was fast in HPDE until I was lapped in my first SM race. I have spend countless hours with coaches and prep shops to relearn how to go fast. I am in the camp that highly recommends some HPDE as long as you know what the goal is and keep in mind it is nothing like actual racing. As far as how addicting they are, racing is cocaine and HPDE is a doughnut.


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#43
ScratchRob13

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What exactly is HPDE besides a tiered ladder system that you can race a variety of cars in? You can have an instructor in the car for HPDE? I'm not too familiar with HPDE because my main focus is SM but trying it once cant hurt.

High Performance Driver Education.

 

Strictly lapping, not racing, learning to drive; NOT race.  You for the most part get point-by's to pass etc.  If you've never been on track do one, get the juices flowing of chucking a 2400# vehicle around, then transfer your karting background and do a comp school.  If you don't feel up to pace, do another comp school... no one says you cannot take more than one comp school... most people just strive to get signed off on their first one.

 

Even if you have been signed off... do another one if you want.  I have some friends who went that route.  They went to 3, just for fun.


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'01 Miata SM #13

SCCA NER

 


#44
ScratchRob13

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As far as how addicting they are, racing is cocaine and HPDE is a doughnut.

Well it's at least a powedered jelly doughnut!  ;)


'01 Miata SM #13

SCCA NER

 


#45
Todd Green

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What exactly is HPDE besides a tiered ladder system that you can race a variety of cars in? You can have an instructor in the car for HPDE? I'm not too familiar with HPDE because my main focus is SM but trying it once cant hurt.

 

IMO, the next step you should take is to read the rule books.  Most of your questions are answered in them:

 

http://www.scca.com/...2015-gcr-august

 

https://nasaproracin...m/rules/ccr.pdf

https://nasaproracing.com/rules


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#46
ChrisA

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Well it's at least a powedered jelly doughnut!  ;)

And a strong coffee, if with the right folks on a good track.


Chris

 

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#47
Tom Hampton

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Well it's at least a powedered jelly doughnut!  ;)

I prefer glazed.  But, yes please on the coffee. 


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#48
larsonracing

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I prefer glazed.  But, yes please on the coffee.


*Glazed Doughnut and Iced Coffee

#49
Ron Alan

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*Glazed Doughnut and Iced Coffee

Giving away your age :)

Most old guys like coffee the old fashion way!

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#50
Bench Racer

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Not all mature guys, iced cappuccino is great. First time was at Topeka Runoffs and I said to the buying driver I was crewing for, SAY WHAT. I bought the next day. :bigsquaregrin: 


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#51
larsonracing

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Giving away your age :)
Most old guys like coffee the old fashion way!


Yikes!!

#52
Ron Alan

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Not all mature guys, iced cappuccino is great. First time was at Topeka Runoffs and I said to the buying driver I was crewing for, SAY WHAT. I bought the next day. :bigsquaregrin:

Come on David...cant a guy have a little stereotype fun!?  Then again, you make my point...I guess I dont consider anything sweet to be coffee! Most all the kids(20s-30s)  I know drinking what they call "iced coffee"  in reality is something with sugar in it. Very few are drinking iced black coffee in the AM. Then again, after noon my drink of choice is Ice Tea...but that has been around a little longer :)

 

You will figure out this site eventually Mr Larson...until then happy learning!


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#53
larsonracing

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Come on David...cant a guy have a little stereotype fun!?  Then again, you make my point...I guess I dont consider anything sweet to be coffee! Most all the kids(20s-30s)  I know drinking what they call "iced coffee"  in reality is something with sugar in it. Very few are drinking iced black coffee in the AM. Then again, after noon my drink of choice is Ice Tea...but that has been around a little longer :)
 
You will figure out this site eventually Mr Larson...until then happy learning!


Thanks Ron! I like a cup of some warm nice coffee in the morning and sometimes an Iced coffee every once and awhile. You cant go wrong with the Iced Tea in the afternoon, couldn't agree more!




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