• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Any second generation Miata owners here?

iamwiz82

iamwiz82

Lifer
Skip the homosexual jokes, I know there will be a ton of them bouncing off your finger tips. 😉

So I've been toying with the idea of a Miata, since I cannot afford an Elise 😛. What kind of things do I look out for? Have you guys ever had any issues. I've been reading up on miata.net a good deal, and know to look out for the #4 bearing, but other than that it looks good.

My goal is to turbocharge that sucker and do a couple other small things to get it to 250hp.
 
Well it is a chicks car. You should have seen how many chicks I got with mine!

Anyway I've owned four Miatas; two 1992's, a 1999 standard, and a 1999 10th Anniv. Edition. The latter fell victim to that dreaded #4 thrust bearing problem and had catastrophic engine failure at 3200 miles. Got a brand new engine at no charge, or course. I forget the way to check a Miata to see if it's susceptible for that problem... it involved checking the play in one of the crankshaft bolts but I forget the tolerance. The other thing with that #4 bearing is that, if it hasn't happened by 10,000 or 20,000 miles, it probably won't happen. most failures were almost immediate.

Other things to look out for are the condition of the convertible top. Mine had an issue where the top eventually punctured itself because every time I lowered it, a bolt that wasn't aligned right in the assembly scraped away at the vinyl. The 2nd gens have glass windows so you don't need to worry about the condition of the back window like with 1st gens, but you might want to ensure the defroster works. Other than that, they're pretty much like any other car... check the basics and if they prove ok, you probably have a good Miata in front of you. If the owner has service records, even better. Miatas also benefit GREATLY from alignments... if you want some good specs, look in miata.net for "Lanny's specs".

edit: FORGOT TO ADD... some '99s have issues with a "crunchy" shift from 1st to 2nd, mostly specific to the six-speeds. That is easily resolved by replacing the tranny fluid... Miata trannys rather dislike OEM fluids but get some Redline 75w90 (2.1 quarts) and swap the fluids out and you'll be smooth-shifting all the way down to -20 F. If all 2.1 quarts don't fit... the shift turret (on 6 spds only) will take the rest. It has it's own little cavity for oil, just suck the old out and put the new in. And while you're at it... the shift boots themselves (there's 2) tend to wear out quick so check those too.
 
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
Well it is a chicks car. You should have seen how many chicks I got with mine!

Anyway I've owned four Miatas; two 1992's, a 1999 standard, and a 1999 10th Anniv. Edition. The latter fell victim to that dreaded #4 thrust bearing problem and had catastrophic engine failure at 3200 miles. Got a brand new engine at no charge, or course. I forget the way to check a Miata to see if it's susceptible for that problem... it involved checking the play in one of the crankshaft bolts but I forget the tolerance. The other thing with that #4 bearing is that, if it hasn't happened by 10,000 or 20,000 miles, it probably won't happen. most failures were almost immediate.

Other things to look out for are the condition of the convertible top. Mine had an issue where the top eventually punctured itself because every time I lowered it, a bolt that wasn't aligned right in the assembly scraped away at the vinyl. The 2nd gens have glass windows so you don't need to worry about the condition of the back window like with 1st gens, but you might want to ensure the defroster works. Other than that, they're pretty much like any other car... check the basics and if they prove ok, you probably have a good Miata in front of you. If the owner has service records, even better. Miatas also benefit GREATLY from alignments... if you want some good specs, look in miata.net for "Lanny's specs".
Click to expand...

It's a 1999, so I am thinking of the #4 bearing. With the mileage, I think it's fine, though. The problem is that it's not local, so I cannot look too easily.
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
Well it is a chicks car. You should have seen how many chicks I got with mine!

Anyway I've owned four Miatas; two 1992's, a 1999 standard, and a 1999 10th Anniv. Edition. The latter fell victim to that dreaded #4 thrust bearing problem and had catastrophic engine failure at 3200 miles. Got a brand new engine at no charge, or course. I forget the way to check a Miata to see if it's susceptible for that problem... it involved checking the play in one of the crankshaft bolts but I forget the tolerance. The other thing with that #4 bearing is that, if it hasn't happened by 10,000 or 20,000 miles, it probably won't happen. most failures were almost immediate.

Other things to look out for are the condition of the convertible top. Mine had an issue where the top eventually punctured itself because every time I lowered it, a bolt that wasn't aligned right in the assembly scraped away at the vinyl. The 2nd gens have glass windows so you don't need to worry about the condition of the back window like with 1st gens, but you might want to ensure the defroster works. Other than that, they're pretty much like any other car... check the basics and if they prove ok, you probably have a good Miata in front of you. If the owner has service records, even better. Miatas also benefit GREATLY from alignments... if you want some good specs, look in miata.net for "Lanny's specs".
Click to expand...

It's a 1999, so I am thinking of the #4 bearing. With the mileage, I think it's fine, though. The problem is that it's not local, so I cannot look too easily.
Click to expand...

how many miles are on it? Where is it located?
 
One of the good things about the gen 2's is they have the oil spray from the old 323 turbo days, even tho the engine is NA. These motors are pretty much turbo ready out of the factory and you should get 200 ish stock+snail, before doing serious stuff for bigger power.

Watch for the drain holes. If they clog then the sills fill with water and you hear a sloshing sound when parking and doing slow speed maneuvers. With the hood down you'll see the drain 'cups' just behind the seatbelt point. The holes are there and should drain right through to the ground. It's an easy fix with some stiff wire.

/0
 
Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
One of the good things about the gen 2's is they have the oil spray from the old 323 turbo days, even tho the engine is NA. These motors are pretty much turbo ready out of the factory and you should get 200 ish stock+snail, before doing serious stuff for bigger power.

Watch for the drain holes. If they clog then the sills fill with water and you hear a sloshing sound when parking and doing slow speed maneuvers. With the hood down you'll see the drain 'cups' just behind the seatbelt point. The holes are there and should drain right through to the ground. It's an easy fix with some stiff wire.

/0
Click to expand...

Yeah, i'm shocked that so much of the car can handle almost a 100% increase in power. Seems like the clutch and rear end are the weak links
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
One of the good things about the gen 2's is they have the oil spray from the old 323 turbo days, even tho the engine is NA. These motors are pretty much turbo ready out of the factory and you should get 200 ish stock+snail, before doing serious stuff for bigger power.

Watch for the drain holes. If they clog then the sills fill with water and you hear a sloshing sound when parking and doing slow speed maneuvers. With the hood down you'll see the drain 'cups' just behind the seatbelt point. The holes are there and should drain right through to the ground. It's an easy fix with some stiff wire.

/0
Click to expand...

Yeah, i'm shocked that so much of the car can handle almost a 100% increase in power. Seems like the clutch and rear end are the weak links
Click to expand...


yeah, good point, Divide. Forgot about those drain holes. They get caked with leaves and junk pretty easily. Miatas do love power, but yes... the clutch is rather weak if you go FI. I think centerforce has (or they did, years ago) a relly nice performance clutch for like $200 that handled a supercharged Miata with ease.
 
Originally posted by: scott
There's a local company that overcharges everybody for everything, but they might in some way be a helpful resource for you:
http://www.miatamania.com/

Miata for a family man?
Maybe consider a nice Accord instead?
Click to expand...

if you are talking about the OP, the only "family" to speak of right now is him, his wife (me 😀 ) and our two dogs. 😛 ... and i do not plan on having them ride along! :laugh:
 
Originally posted by: LolaWiz
Originally posted by: scott
There's a local company that overcharges everybody for everything, but they might in some way be a helpful resource for you:
http://www.miatamania.com/

Miata for a family man?
Maybe consider a nice Accord instead?
Click to expand...

if you are talking about the OP, the only "family" to speak of right now is him, his wife (me 😀 ) and our two dogs. 😛 ... and i do not plan on having them ride along! :laugh:
Click to expand...

I thought we had discussed getting them goggles and scarfs? 😉
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top