Miata Mailing List: November 1993, Message #10
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   From: buck@petra.ma30.bull.com (Kenneth J. Buck)
Subject: Re: Latest issues of the Mag
   Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 14:01:46 -0500

> Well, I recieved and devoured my Fall edition of the mag this weekend.  

scum.  maybe mine will show up this week...

> I found the editorial regarding (not) high-powering your Miata 
> interesting, especially with the ad for the new Miata Club supercharger 
> on the back of the very same page (touch of irony).  This is a 
> philosophical battle I have with myself in my head.  I love the balance 
> of the stock car, but the supercharger idea does get my adrenaline 
> pumping.  The only solution I've come up with is to own (at least) two 
> Miatas, one kept totally stock, and one to modify to my heart's content.  
> unfortunately, niether my bank account, wife, nor small garage like the idea.

i have the same philosophical problem.
others will disagree, but my vote is to stay closer to stock than not.

frankly, the Miata is so nice is so many ways, there's not a lot of
point to making big modifications _just for street driving_.
minor tweaks, maybe a different exhaust, new wheels or rims,
air intake, - all little stuff.  adding 50-100 bhp is, in my book,
BIG stuff, that also probably requires additional mods (brakes come
to mind).

the little stuff, IMHO, is "fun to do" and makes the car a little
different from that guy's next door.  well, it's nice to be
different.  and things like better shoes can make a real improvement
even for street driving.

but what good are major engine mods?  i love the sound and feel
of revving my engine out throught the lower gears.
adding 50bhp means i cut that enjoyment by a couple of seconds.
on the road, once i'm up to 60mph or so, we're getting into
ticket territory, and who needs that.  personally, i have little
use for stoplight drag racing; if you're into that, skip the
Miata altogether - it's not the right car for you.

i guess this is all similar to the question of
"should i buy an RX7" (if i had the $$$$) and if so,
how would i decide whether to drive the Miata or the RX7?
(i used to own a 1st gen RX7, and am still a big fan - it'd
be nice to have a new one someday if the bank account cooperated.)
the main attraction to the RX7 is of course going *really fast*,
but on the street, that's asking for trouble.
i already can go so fast in my Miata that all an RX7
would guarantee me is a jail sentence.

so my vote would be:
keep your street-driver Miata essentially stock.
if you want to race, get another one and give it "the works".


BUT: above all else, do whatever you like, it's *your* car!
part of the beauty of the Miata is that it encourages owners
to be individual and get involved with the car, try stuff out,
meet people, and HAVE FUN!

just my $.02

--                                             
Ken Buck                                          /|
Internet: k.buck@ma30.bull.com                \'o.O'    ACK!
Mail:     Bull, MA30-833A                     =(___)= THPTPHH!
          300 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA 01821    U