Miata Mailing List: August 1993, Message #128
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   From: sebruun@ihlpe.att.com
Subject: Roll Bars, Front Plates, Gas
   Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1993 14:33:30 -0400


Sorry to be addressing three topics at once, but I've just switched
to the digest delivery format (which is a godsend, but keeps me from
responding immediately when something interesting pops up).

With respect to roll bars tall enough to meet the SCCA requirements
for the installation of a good harness, a fellow here in ChicagoLand
has cobbled up a nice arrangement of permanent brackets and a tall,
removeable hoop that bolts into the brackets.  I'm not sure whether
it would pass muster for road racing -- probably not -- but it *is*
Solo II legal and has allowed him to install a harness without fear
of chickenstuff protests.  I'm thinking about installing one myself
if I can persuade him to give me a copy of the fabrication specs.

One more data point on front plate relocation/removal.  First thing
I did after driving the car home from the dealer four years and two
months ago was remove the front plate and stick it in the trunk.  No
problems since, even though Illinois requires a front plate and the
car and I have not entirely escaped the attention of the local gen-
darmes.  I like to think that they recognize the car just looks much
better without it.

Finally, call it superstition or whatever, but I run 89 octane fuel
during the warmer months and switch to 87 when it gets cold.  As I
recall, the only real hit on octane ratings higher than 87 is that
they can produce cold starting problems, and while I can't testify
that the higher-test stuff provides any performance advantages, I'm
happier with 89 in the car when I'm chasing cones.  I think as long
as you stick with major label stuff from reputable dealers -- I run
Mobil, Shell, Amoco, or Union76 -- and stay away from gasohol (i.e.,
Phillips66 especially), you really shouldn't have to worry about it.
And by the way, I do the same sort of weather-dependent swap with my
oil viscosity.

I had an interesting conversation with my closest competitor at this
weekends conefest.  He was talking about how his MR2 is his baby and
how he pampers it constantly, etc.  I just smiled, knowing full well
that I brutalize my Miata while it just screams "more, more, more!"
It could use a wash though...

- Steve Bruun