I am new to the forums, so I'll start with that. I currently own a '99 Silver Miata I named "Mimi" for the adorable sound her horn made when I test drove her. Our story is one filled with love, trials, and a new found hobby.
I've always had an interest in vehicles, specifically small cars. When I was roughly 6 years old, mom and dad brought home a brand new Chevrolet Cavalier, right off the showroom floor. Throughout the years, that car had all sorts of problems through its service, ranging from a faulty oil pump to an explosive transmission (Long history of failures, just condensed). Luckily for me, my dad was mechanically inclined and fixed the problems with me supervising. I am thankful now for that piece of junk, as it has taught me the basics of my engineering career. When I was old enough to get a job and buy my own, I did. I had an idea of what I wanted: 4 wheels, an engine, running condition. Upon doing research, I stumbled upon Miatas everywhere, but was turned off by their apparent size. Everything changed when I test drove one. I immediately fell in love with the design, the handling, and the unbelievable peppiness that were never present in the Cavalier. Shabby comparison, I knowAfter many strenuous days of car lot hopping, I finally found "The One."
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Mimi's journey began December of 2011. She was in immaculate condition for her age, and mileage wasn't so bad at 102k. I have driven her daily since I bought her. I have never driven manual until Mimi, so the sheer excitement of 'zoom-zoom' was almost too much for me to handle. I started talking car with a few buddies, and they suggested I race her as she is, to see where I stand (Mind you, I was still trying to understand this whole "clutch" thing...). My first opponent none other than the king of teenage angst and stupidity: the '98 1.5L Honda Civic. First launch was a disaster, as I stalled attempting to take off. Second launch, was an act of beauty. Even without knowing the torque band or anything higher than 5k rpms, Mimi devoured said competitor. This is the point I decided I was going to milk her for all she's worth.
Being a frugal young man, I wanted to avoid turbo and supercharging at all costs. Turbo destroys insurance, and supercharging was far out of my budget... I decided to make her an N/A nightmare on wheels. First install was a K&N cold air intake. This was remarkably worthy of Mimi as she felt more responsive and significantly louder, without screaming. Her gas mileage seemed slightly improved too! Over time, I fell more and more in love with this car (My girlfriend is semi-okay with this love affair) and took it on longer road trips each time. Several street wins and an introduction to drifting later, I remachined the valves and lifters, and swapped in a longer throw shift kit w/ knob and extender. The improvement really helps with drifting as it allows easier reach in the heat of the moment (in my opinion). I'll post more pics (after upgrades) tomorrow when the sun is out.
I'd like to improve the breathing process of the engine before anything else, I'd like to install headers and exhaust next. I'm not sure where to even start, as price fluctuates immensely without noticeable feature differences (I could be terribly wrong, someone please correct me if I'm wrong!) I would like to try the 4-2-1 headers because I read they improve mid-range torque and response. I also have many other small projects planned and unmentioned (I figure this is more than enough for one post
So this is where I am today. I'd love insight and tips and even criticism (constructive please
~Anthony
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that's a sweet looking MSM you have yourself! I'm also considering painting the stock wheels either black or red. Suggestions?
Originally Posted by maharaj
) Beautiful MS3 there. I must admit, the dark gray wheels look pretty slick too! hmm. Choices, choices... Best part being this is very inexpensive 
