Calling all Auto Auction Regulars

S

sjs

Legendary Member
Joined
17 March 2001
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2,896
Location
St. Louis, Mo.
I'm looking for a 2001-2004 Miata to convert for racing. Minor (non-structural) damage is OK, but I'd prefer something with relatively few miles, say 60k or less. It needs to be manual shift, and ideally already have the Torsen limited slip. I'm still researching which combo of 5 or 6 speed and diff ratio is my best bet, but I'd consider any. An included hard top is optional since I already have a spare.

My budget open, so long as total the price with shipping etc. is better than just walking onto a local lot and buying one. As a point of reference, I can get a 2001 5-spd with 32k on it for under $12k.

If you find one that might work for me, call anytime on my cell (314-482-4500). I'll be glad to negotiate a reasonable finder's fee.

Thanks!

Steve
 
Could be a decent deal, but it's about 9 years older than I had in mind. The '99+ cars have just been added to SM. Initially they will probably not be the car to have since they've been saddled with extra weight and an intake restrictor (like the 94+ 1.8s) but I'm guessing that Mazda will have the influence to change that so their new cars aren't shamed by a bunch of rust buckets. (the class goes "national" in 2006) Starting them slow will keep the current drivers from abandoning the class in frustration, but eventually the cars will be balanced and the serious $$ teams will win on preparation, fresher tires & parts, etc. I don't expect to compete at that level unless someone else will pay for it, but I'd like to run one for awhile to get my own first-hand perspective on how they compare.
 
A friend and I are considering the same purchase, but we are going in the direction of buying a car that has already been converted. This would probably be a little cheaper and one could see the quality of the conversion by its racing history.

I'm assuming you're talking about a Miata Spec racer, no?
 
Yes, Spec Miata. Since the 99+ were just approved there aren't any race-ready ones for sale. In theory the 2001+ have more potential with the VVT, but according to a guy at Mazda Comp, they have not done as well as the 99-00 in SSB so he's building a 99. Neither are likely to be fast this year at 2500 lbs and a 41mm intake restrictor. But if you want to buy a competitive car, get a 90-93. They can be had from $9k for a basic one to ~$17k for a nice one with a record. You can pay $25k+ if you want the "best" and prepped ready to win.
 
sjs said:
In theory the 2001+ have more potential with the VVT
Click to expand...

In theory, all cars are supposed to be equal so any advantage will be addressed. Save some money and get a '99. They're a couple thousand cheaper than the '01+ although I do prefer the '01+ lights and nose.
 
W said:
In theory, all cars are supposed to be equal so any advantage will be addressed. Save some money and get a '99. They're a couple thousand cheaper than the '01+ although I do prefer the '01+ lights and nose.
Click to expand...

Notice I said "potential". If I believed that the rules will make them all equal I'd stick worth the 1990-1993 1.6 which is currently the one to have. But they will continue to tweak the rules until the later ones are at least as fast, and since Mazda is the main sponsor I'm sure they'll want the current body style to win at the national level. Mind you, that would probably happen anyway since those will attract the (relatively) serious $ teams who will cheat (um, I mean "prep") better.

However, the main reason I want one is so my brother and I can swap back & forth between it and our 1990 to keep the club honest regarding their equalization methods. I hate to see all the little guys, for whom and by whom the class was created, get squeezed out of meaningful competition.
 

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