First Miata

[jdm]

Hello from Virginia. I owned several British roadsters years ago but had to let them go. Driving by a used car lot I noticed this:



Long story short I bought it and wish I had discovered Miatas sooner. Car is a blast! So far I have repainted it, included the rocker panels, replaced the top and added a glass rear window, as well and done basic maintenance to get the car baselined. Looking forward to a lot of fun with my NA.

John

[—tsingson—]

Welcome! Glad you came aboard. Looking forward to seeing where your journey goes and don't be shy. If you have any questions, ask away.

[— Phatmiata —]

welcome to Miataville !!! Looks like a clean base model to start with. what are you plans for it?

[— Dandy —]

Welcome! Even with a 20+ year old car you are going to be happy with the little amount of maintenance needed to keep the Miata on the road vs. the old british roadsters.

[TNRooster3]

Welcome, this IS the place to learn stuff and has good folks that will help answer your questions.

[— Agent☣Orange —]

Welcome!

I would SO love to go back to when I drove my first Miata off the lot. It was one of the best moments of my life.

[Winlowe]

Welcome aboard the MR forum

[jdm]

Thanks folks, glad to be here. The plan is replace some small odds and ends, mostly trim pieces. Suspension upgrade next, don't want to go lower, thinking shocks, springs, new bushings. I need to do a timing belt what is the consensus here on replacing the crank bolt and final torque? This is the small nose but it does not appear to have any issues. Finally more power, nothing crazy but I figure more is better

[Soledad]

Greetings, fellow Virginia Miata owner! Would you happen to be close to the Richmond area?

Anyway, regarding the timing belt, make sure replace the tensioners, cam seals, front main seal, valve cover gasket, and CAS O-ring as part of the procedure. Since you have a SNC, a NEW crank bolt is required. Make sure the threads in the crank nose are clean, then apply Loctite 242 (the blue stuff) to the bolt before you install it. Torque your bolt to 97-104 ft/lbs.

[jdm]

Hey Soledad, yes I am near UR. Quick question, do I source the New bolt from Mazda or is there a better after-market supplier? Thanks

[Soledad]

Always use an OE bolt. Use OE seals as well. For some reason, these cars tend to dislike seals that are not OE and will start leaking oil fairly soon after installation. Ask me how I know. I have found the OE stuff on Ebay for cheaper than the stealerships charge you, but you've got to hunt for the deals.

[Corifto]

Welcome. Miatas are great cars, and with a bit of work, you can make hem have a vintage feel.

[— John J —]

Welcome and enjoy that Miata one of the best sports car ever made for pure fun.

[topover]

Glad to know you enjoy your Miata. Yes its Japanese but its one of the best roadster.