One wicked Miata

[PHC1]

Back in the day I had a 2001 Miata. That car was a hoot to drive on the back roads being a very small and lightweight car. One test drive later and my friend was absolutely hooked on it so he went out and bought a Miata himself.

It's been 15 years or so since he has owned it from new. Many autocrosses and track days later, (he has talent and skill and came in 2nd nationally in AutoX behind a fully sponsored guy), the Miata was getting tired... I know my friend would never part with but the relationship needed a new spark..


My good friend decided to spice up his 15 year old Miata and rekindle the love. 6 months later and roughly $25k, the Miata is transformed into a beast.

Swapped the 4 banger for an LFX series GM V6. Going from 135hp to 360 at the crank with a tune and custom exhaust. The LFX V6 is actually 16 lb lighter than the old 4 cylinder. If you do the math, 2300 lb car with 300+ HP at the wheels. That gives it HP/Weight ratio of roughly 7.18. That is Nissan GTR or the equivalent of a 4,000 lb car with nearly 600HP territory. The 2300lb Miata handles like a go kart and with the new racing spec suspension will be an absolute hoot to drive.

Big brake kit, new suspension components, re-upholstered seats and this roadster is ready to tear up the back roads again with a new bark and bite.

[PHC1]

Here is a video of a similar build. LFX V6 Miata.

https://youtu.be/X8E2c7V4iSo

[Yamaki]

Now that's the right way to build a Miata!

[crwilli]

Wowza. That’s a sleeper and is going to surprise those that try to beat up on the ‘lowly’ Miata.

[Mikado463]

cool little 'hot rod', correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Miata is the number 1 track car utilized in this Country ?

Regardless, the little pocket rocket I miss most was the Honda S2000. Not only would it eat a Miata for lunch it would do the same to a Boxter as well (not an 'S')

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

cool little 'hot rod', correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Miata is the number 1 track car utilized in this Country ?

Regardless, the little pocket rocket I miss most was the Honda S2000. Not only would it eat a Miata for lunch it would do the same to a Boxter as well (not an 'S')

Yes, Miata's are very popular for Autox and for a budget track car. The earlier Miata can be bought very cheap. With virtually unlimited sources of upgrades from mild to wild, it is a very competitive and potent package. There is even a Miata spec racing class. You will find a Miata or a whole bunch of them at any track.

[PHC1]

Porsche please step aside when a Miata is coming through...

https://youtu.be/tQ3x462rlmg

[Formerly YB-2]

Well........... with the flashing lights I'm guessing that Porsche was some sort of officals car rather than someone trying to do their best.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Well........... with the flashing lights I'm guessing that Porsche was some sort of officals car rather than someone trying to do their best.

That's the LED tail lights and camera effect that you often see not an official on track. Also blinkers are often used or at least should be on Nurburgring to let the car behind know to pass. Considering there are many skill levels at play on the same track and some really skillless drivers, it gets pretty hairy.

Of course the guy piloting the highly modified Miata is also a professional race car driver and current Koenigsegg factory test driver... Given the same skill level the GT3 will have an advantage on a long course like Nurburgring.

A Miata is not up to HP and top speed of a GT3 but it is also much lighter and in modified form can handle extremely well. Depending on the track, if the higher HP car does not have an advantage on long straight to pass, a Miata with suspension mods and well sorted out has just as much handling prowess as any other super car. Tight, technical tracks and autocross where hp is not an issue? The short wheelbase and 50/50 weight distribution and it is one of the best out there. Miatas are extremely popular in car racing for that reason.

[Mikado463]

Watched Miata 'spec' racing the past couple of years @ the Glen, pretty boring when you're used to seriously fast sports cars. Speaking of course only as a 'spectator' .........