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HiWire

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Posts posted by HiWire

  3. Head Case Motorsports

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted · Edited by HiWire

    Congrats on the '91 NA Miata. She's a beauty!

    Dedicated track rats usually modify the suspension (tires!), brakes, and cooling first before touching the powerplant.

    The Miata has huge aftermarket support and a bunch of official Spec Miata racing series as well as decades of excellence in grassroots racing.

    If I was going to tinker on one (with some money), I'd get the older 2016-2018 MX-5 RF, as Mazda increased engine power in the 2019 onwards cars. Upgrading to forced induction and coilovers would increase speed and flatten the body motion Mazda engineered into the ND MX-5 suspension.

    The MX-5 RF is generally considered a hard top at least for lapping days, so you wouldn't need to install a roll bar or cage until reaching higher levels of competition.

    • Like 3

  4. Head Case Motorsports

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted · Edited by HiWire

    But it's also great, as it allows you to use the full power of the engine and drivetrain when you can (i.e., full pedal travel).

    I think Mazda kept the basic power of the Miata engine the same for very good reasons (yes, they released the turbo Mazdaspeed in 2004-2005), because it works for the chassis and the intent of the car. Fun, but not overpowered like modern sports cars.

    People have certainly increased engine power in the Miata with turbos, superchargers, and engine swaps (including rotary engines), but it's important to be mindful of the overall balance of the drivetrain... putting a 500 horsepower engine in a stock Miata is just asking for trouble.

    A few competitors have risen to challenge the Miata, but none of them beats the Miata at its brief: an inexpensive, reliable sports car for everyone (Miata Is Always The Answer).

    The Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ is certainly a great coupe, adding passenger space and practicality, but it lacks the reliability and fuel economy of the Miata. Likewise with hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf R, Subaru WRX (sedan), and Toyota GR Corolla... they are fast and fun, but not rear-wheel-drive like the Miata, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro (heavier cars).

    • Like 1

  5. Head Case Motorsports

    in Miscellaneous

    Posted · Edited by HiWire

    I've been a passenger around the racetrack in both the Mazda Miata and a Porsche Cayman... you can go so deep into the curves and out very fast. Great cars for lapping and competing.

    Obviously, the Miata has the advantage in cost and weight, but it doesn't have enough power for some.

    • Like 2

  18. The Knuckledragger 3rd Memorial Slow Forum Post

    in Off Topic

    Posted · Edited by HiWire

    Thought this would be appropriate, since it's been 70 years...

    curtana (kɜːˈtɑːnə) in British English
    noun: the unpointed sword carried before an English sovereign at a coronation as an emblem of mercy
    from Anglo-Latin, from Old French cortain, the name of Roland's sword, which was broken at the point, ultimately from Latin curtus (short)
     

    To Microsoft: Hey, curtana...

    spacer.png

    • Like 1
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