Miata Mailing List: August 1993, Message #139
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From: Dore Brian K
I haven't done much with the FAQ this week, so I decided that I'd give everybody a chance to put their $.02 worth and perhaps answer some of the questions I've come up with. Please don't suggest any more questions right now unless I missed something REAL obvious. I'd like to answer what I have so that we can have something semi-useful. I know I need to re-arrange the questions, perhaps split them into different sections, and do some formattng and spell checking, so I'm not real worried about that kind of stuff just yet. If you see an unanswered question, or think that you have something to add, please mail your input to me at bkd@usl.edu (mail alias) or reply to this message. I'll be glad to give you credit as a contributor if you like. If you would rather I rewrite your response, or not quote you please say so. I can't guarantee that I'll use what you send, as I may get multiple answers and have to choose. Please don't take this personally. Thanks, Brian --- included message starts here --- Frequently Asked Questions (And where to get the answers) from the Internet Miata Mailing List. Version 0.2 August 1993 This FAQ list is to help Miata Owners and Enthusiasts in the Internet community with common questions. Rather than replicate information from available sources, some of the answers will instead refer the reader to places where they can look it up for themselves. This is especially true for things that will constantly change such as prices, options, etc. Every attempt will be made to have all information in this FAQ current as of the release date. Only models 1990-1993 are covered AT THIS TIME, due to the changes in the 1994 and future models. Changes, comments, questions, improvements, and volunteers are more than welcome. Nothing is set in stone. I have never authored a FAQ list before. Just remember I am doing this for free. :^) Brian. bkd@usl.edu [Things in square brackets are my comments and usually indicate things that I haven't done yet or don't know yet. Please contribute if you can.] 1) I'm interested in buying a Miata, where can I find more information? 1A) The first place for you to go is to your nearest Mazda dealer and see one in person. If this isn't an option then you can call Mazda at 1-800-639-1000 (USA) and get a free brochure on the Miata mailed to you. As with any car, you should make yourself familiar with the options and the dealer cost of those options (new car) or the NADA book value (used car) from one of the many sources of such information. One of the best places to meet other owners/enthusiasts is the Miata Mailing List. [Perhaps phone numbers / addresses for international contacts] [Perhaps some definitions, package and options availability, base and limited edition colors, differences between year models] [What about recall and waranty information? Separate Question?] 2) I'd like to join the Miata Mailing List, how does it work? 2A) [Andy, Isn't there a prepared answer to this question?] 3) What is the Miata Club of America? Should I join? 3A) [I'm waiting for my membership materials to arrive before I write a complete answer. I think I may ask permission to use the blurb in the front of the Magazine verbatum.] [reference to the electronic list of local Miata Clubs by xxxx (I have his name somewhere online, but cant find it right now!)] 4) I'm interested in autocrossing my Miata, where can I get help? [What about Racing? Should I have a separate question?] Try the autocross mailing list. To join, send mail to autox-request@team.net This is a large and busy list, so it is available in digest form. Remember to include your name, home state/providence/country, and tell them you drive a Miata. Also, most dealers of performance parts and accessories are fammiliar with autocross and will be more than happy to give you advice (and sell you parts) to make you Miata quicker on the autocross track. See the Index of Miata parts and accessory suppliers at the end of this FAQ. [Mazda Motorsports/Mazda Competition Parts] [A quick explaination of autocross may fit well here] [Driving Schools should be mentioned here] 5) I need new tires for my Miata, what kind should I get? This depends upon the type of driving you do and the type of weather you do it in. [YOKO XXXX, Dunlop D40] tires have received high reccomendations from other Miata owners on the list. 6) How can I improve the performance of my Miata? 6A) [Air Filter] K&N makes a reusable air filter for the Miata that some vendors claim can improve your engine perfomance by as much as 2hp. In any case, investing in the reusable filter is probably cheaper for you in the long run than buying paper filters. [Timing] [Exaust System/Intake] [Turbo/Superchargers] [Nitrous Kits?] [15" Wheels, widths and tire sizes] [Suspension, adjustable shocks, strut braces, track bar, etc.] 7) What kind of oil/filters should I use in my Miata? How often should I change them? 7A) The Miata Owners Manual recomends 3,000 mile oil changes. It also recomends a good quality 10W30 motor oil. Since then Mazda has recomended that Miata owners who notice a tapping noise when starting a cold engine switch to 5W30 motor oil. Synthetics are just fine, but engine treatments and other oil additives are NOT recomended. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consult your owners manual for oil and other fluid reccomendations. 8) Where is Miataville? How do I get there? 8A) [details on the Compuserve Forum] 9) What should I use on my soft top to keep it looking new? Miata Magazine recomends nothing other than keeping it clean. Be sure it is dry before putting it down, and if the car is new, take care to be sure the fabric folds correctly. [Thats all I've heard so far] 10) What about my plastic rear window? ALWAYS!! ALWAYS!! unzip it before lowering the top. Use a soft, clean towel on either side of the window to protect it from scratches when it is down. There are several aftermarket suppliers for 'rear window protectors' See the Appendix for a list of supplier names and addresses. 11) My Miata didn't come with a hardtop, can I get one? Yes, Mazda now markets the hardtop as an accessory. For no package and A package cars there are new interior pannels that need to be added. B and C package cars already have the required mounting hardware. There are also other hardtops available from sources other than Mazda, often a bit less expensive. 12) Can I add/improve my stereo? [Clearwater Speakers and Amps] [Radio Size Code and Mounting depth] [Speaker sizes and mounting depth] [Headrest speakers] [Adding a CD player / changer] ) I just bought a Miata. I can't get anything done. I leave stuff at the office so I have to drive back and get it. Trips to the corner store take hours. I've driven more in the last week than I did all of last year. Will I get over it? A) I hope so. ) My battery is dead. Do I have to buy a new one from the dealer? ) What type of gasoline should I use in my Miata? A) See your owners manual. In general, 87 octane unleaded fuel is fine. Oxygenated fuels and gasahol may cause trouble. [elaborate if this isn't in all owners manuals.] )How do I remove the sun visors? A) [from Jim Moore