Saw a first generation Miata this afternoon...

[meep]

I had a 97. The dynamics were superb. It was purpose-designed (great book on it) and well-executed. The cast iron block out of the ford ranger was under
stressed and could romp that car around all day. It was not overpowered and that increased the charm because you were rewarded for skill, and it still had enough power to control body English. The battery was tiny and the trunk wasnt fitting more than 2 carry-on’s, maybe. It certainly could only fit a tenor saxophone if done carefully. It handled great in any weather. And just felt good to drive.

 

[dogememe]

I have an observation… they take a specific size battery. At work it literally has part number Miata.

A decade ago I felt like we sold them all the time. Now we have issues because we sell them so little they get too old.

In other words… so few of these left, even in a no rust place. Where did they go?

 

[meep]

I have an observation… they take a specific size battery. At work it literally has part number Miata.

A decade ago I felt like we sold them all the time. Now we have issues because we sell them so little they get too old.

In other words… so few of these left, even in a no rust place. Where did they go?

It’s been a while, but I recall there may have been a mod to accept a group 51, which was (cough) larger than the stock battery. I wonder if the survivors are now in the hands of diy’ers who have gone to that mod. But also to your point, they aren’t a daily sight on the roads around here. Few 90s vehicles are. Not many on the current fiat version either.

 

[loneryder]

I had a 90 Miata customized by Rod Millan. A guy I knew bought it when they first came out. They were very hard to get. He found a dealer in WV that had one and bought it. He is in Va. and shipped it to SoCal and Millans shop. He wanted black so they took the body off and painted it black. They installed a custom made turbo and shield, 4" straight exhaust, RX7 hubs and brakes and lowered it. Also RX7 wheels and tires. Turbo pressure was adjustable vis a knob on the consul. They also built in a radar detector into the bumper. It had no cat. There were front page articles in C&D and R&T magazines. The guy lost interest in it and it sat in a barn covered in dust for a long time. That's where I saw it and offered to buy it.
It was a real hot rod. It didn't handle like a regular Miata as there was too much power to the real end. Giving it any gas in a turn wanted to flip the real end around. I kept the boost around 8# to try to preserve it and it was fast enough for me. I could keep up with anything to 100 where it ran out of gear as it had the stock gearbox. One time I pulled up behind a Ferrari at a stop. light. He took off pretty fast and I pulled out and up beside him and the race was on. He finally pulled away but the look on his face was priceless. A Miata challenging me look. The custom made exhaust manifold eventually rusted out and it was going to cost a fortune to have one designed and built so I had this Miata shop take off the turbo and put a regular exhaust on it. They just plugged the computer back in and it ran fine. It was a real dog, wouldn't get out of its own way. There was no power steering so it steered like a truck. I think the rings were shot and very little compression. A young woman bought it but I don't think she drove it very long.
I'm pretty sure the original owner ran it very hard. He had more money than brains.

 

[redbone3]

View attachment 307940
I see one every time I go in the garage.

Mine looks exactly like this, mine is a '95.

 

[redbone3]

It’s been a while, but I recall there may have been a mod to accept a group 51, which was (cough) larger than the stock battery. I wonder if the survivors are now in the hands of diy’ers who have gone to that mod. But also to your point, they aren’t a daily sight on the roads around here. Few 90s vehicles are. Not many on the current fiat version either.

The battery you are describing is a 51R. Longer battery hold down J bolts is the only needed mod.

 

[ctechbob]

I have an observation… they take a specific size battery. At work it literally has part number Miata.

A decade ago I felt like we sold them all the time. Now we have issues because we sell them so little they get too old.

In other words… so few of these left, even in a no rust place. Where did they go?

Spec Miata has chewed through a bunch of them

 

[LDM]

Both my 89 and 94 Camaros have Extended Antique plate here. Saves a lot of money as renewal is only $54 for the year for IL. Car has to be 20+ years old to qualify for the EA plates. Can drive them anytime and anywhere between April 1st and Nov 1st. Time for them both to go back in the garage for winter storage.

Been a long time since I've seen an old Miata in this area. I've seen a few new ones driving around but if you don't keep things away from the salt in the winter or take proper precautions for winterizing, the body and frame will eventually rot away. They dump so much salt on the roads here its ridiculous, even when there is no real need for it.

 

[svtrit]

I remember when they came out only because it was the first time I heard my dad say he wanted to buy a Japanese car! He swore by Ford and Dodge.

 

[GenSan]

Young fella in my town is famous for driving around a 1st gen Miats in subzero temps with a big teddy bear in passenger seat. Saw him pumping up with gas one time and spoke with him. He told me because his convertible cover will freeze and crack at those temps he pulls it off and stores it in his apartment.