Just a aging grease-monkey...

[NCGreasemonkey]

I totally understand despite becoming senile long ago (much like PhatMiata). There's nothing like being planted in the seat and dentures flying out (well not me since I still have natural teeth but I mean Phat) and even that quickly wears off. If you want a HP monster, get an HP monster car IMO like a Vette, 'Stang or Camaro. If you want a great all-around roadster with all the commensurate thrill, get a Miata and turbo/supercharge it. It's a lot easier on the wallet with much better ROI.

I have looked at doing forged internals and blown. Not so much into turbos. I'm more want power now not wait for the spool. Just he '69 year in me coming out. I plan on tweaking the 1.8 all the way thru the build-up. Want a PM of what I have taking up space in the man-cave now that I need to get time to install?

[— Phatmiata —]

I have looked at doing forged internals and blown. Not so much into turbos. I'm more want power now not wait for the spool. Just he '69 year in me coming out. I plan on tweaking the 1.8 all the way thru the build-up. Want a PM of what I have taking up space in the man-cave now that I need to get time to install?

The newer turbos these days have next to no lag, I plan to go turbo as well, but saving up parts for a V8 later down the road, no reason you cant have the best of both worlds right? Well aside from not having the money or time.

[NCGreasemonkey]

Thank you! No PM needed as I've been around long enough to see lots of ITB builds with forged internals or Tbo or MP62s, Rotrex etc.. The venerable Miata motor is certainly amenable to upgrades, no doubt. I just don't want folks here to think they require a V8 conversion to enjoy a truly great sports car. It's novel and exhilarating but not necessary. My next Miata will be a totally normally-aspirated NA and I'm going to love it for exactly that.

For some context, I love building go-karts but bored with Briggs 5hp motors but when I think of a go cart with a Mazda 1.6, I get all giddy. The hard part is deciding whether to make it street legal or just keep risking it driving a 150hp, 100lb go-kart on city streets at 2a.m. to Taco Bell.

There was one here on CL for a bit but rust had done a number on it.

Had my eye on a Maserati Bi-Turbo barn find. Low $$$ and no front rail / fender damage. That was a shock. But the MX came up and opted for her.

You edited so I can add. LOL

[— Agent☣Orange —]

Thank you! No PM needed as I've been around long enough to see lots of ITB builds with forged internals or Tbo or MP62s, Rotrex etc.. The venerable Miata motor is certainly amenable to upgrades, no doubt. I just don't want folks here to think they require a V8 conversion to enjoy a truly great sports car. It's novel and exhilarating but not necessary. My next Miata will be a totally normally-aspirated NA and I'm going to love it for exactly that.

For some context, I love building go-karts but bored with Briggs 5hp motors but when I think of a go cart with a Mazda 1.6, I get all giddy. The hard part is deciding whether to make it street legal or just keep risking it driving a 150hp, 100lb go-kart on city streets at 2a.m. to Taco Bell.

[NCGreasemonkey]

Thank you! No PM needed as I've been around long enough to see lots of ITB builds with forged internals or Tbo or MP62s, Rotrex etc.. The venerable Miata motor is certainly amenable to upgrades, no doubt. I just don't want folks here to think they require a V8 conversion to enjoy a truly great sports car. It's novel and exhilarating but not necessary. My next Miata will be a totally normally-aspirated NA and I'm going to love it for exactly that.

But the reason for the comment was not that I have any engine parts here. Just structure and contact with the ground. I want to see where my "Noir" takes me. If in my senility she let's me go down the rabbit-hole, then I'm game. But she is a fun one to put into curves now. Even with 14" touring tires.

[— Agent☣Orange —]

I added, not edited and so can you.

[— Agent☣Orange —]

That's the best part of these cheap go-karts...

Drop in a V8, add a turbo or ITBs. Doesn't matter which, just enjoy it! Personally, I think the skinnier the tires, the better.


I believe that sooner than later, we're all going to be relegated to boring electromobiles that report everything to the state and their insurance-company masters. The ability to walk into your garage and turn on your rough, rumbling, open-looped toy is quickly coming to an end. Better enjoy that classical, chassis-shaking startup while you can.

[NCGreasemonkey]

That's the best part of these cheap go-karts...

Drop in a V8, add a turbo or ITBs. Doesn't matter which, just enjoy it! Personally, I think the skinnier the tires, the better.


I believe that sooner than later, we're all going to be relegated to boring electromobiles that report everything to the state and their insurance-company masters. The ability to walk into your garage and turn on your rough, rumbling, open-looped toy is quickly coming to an end. Better enjoy that classical, chassis-shaking startup while you can.

You are in my mind.

When you have Toyota engineers that make a full-size truck that you have to pull the engine to replace the rack, GM that has timing chains that fail on VVT 3.6L at 75K and Ford that makes a one-year-off (2012) water pump in this day and age. Why?

Kids behind computers that don't interact!

East-coast sign-off. Recyclers in the morning to dump the crappie parts mentioned for loot for "Noir".

Night Friend.

[Winlowe]

Good to have you onboard welcome to the MR forum

[— Phatmiata —]

Once you get a ride in a V8 miata its game over........ life goals .......

[3MiataFamily]

Welcome to the madness...from another aging grease monkey...

Been playing with Miatas for about 10 years...and now have two...my trusty 94 and a 00 SE...both high mileage...both driven with enthusiasm

[NCGreasemonkey]

Welcome to the madness...from another aging grease monkey...

Been playing with Miatas for about 10 years...and now have two...my trusty 94 and a 00 SE...both high mileage...both driven with enthusiasm

Mine just tripped 162K. But she hums right along.

[Slipstreem]

Welcome!

I saw "NC" thinking 3rd gen then saw location...

[NCGreasemonkey]

Welcome!

I saw "NC" thinking 3rd gen then saw location...

Nah, I'm poor. Cannot afford the sparkly ones.

[— John J —]

Once you have driven a V8 Miata it's really hard to go back to the four cylinder version. Welcome and enjoy the fun a Miata can provide.