Miata Mailing List: January 1994, Message #86
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   From: Alan Dahl 
Subject: Re: What exactly is the R model?
   Date: Tue, 11 Jan 1994 13:05:14 -0500

boyle@cactus.org (Craig Boyle) writes:
> I must be missing something. In skimming over Miata R
> spec's a while back the only useful thing (from an autox)
> perspective was stiffer springs over a stock Miata.
> 

> The shocks are free in stock, you can get the LSD though other options.
> I don't want the wing, go-faster stripes etc.
> 

> Isn't it going to be cheaper to put a LSD in a base Miata than to buy
> the R model? Especially assuming that the Bilsteins would immediately
> be dumped in favor of adjustable shocks?
But, of course, you can't put a LSD in a base model and remain in stock since  
base models are not available with LSDs in '94. Remember, you can't mix and  
match options that are only available in packages.

The $1500 premium for the R model looks a little better if you consider that it  
includes the alloy wheels, which are probably $500-$600 all by themselves, and  
if you sell the Bilsteins to someone else. But, you're right, the package is  
more aimed at road racers than auto-xers.

I guess we'll have to wait and see how the R does at autocross before we know  
if it's any better than the pre-'94 models. My guess is that the non-R cars  
won't be but that the R will have some slight advantage. I plan to go drive one  
when they are available.

The biggest expense for me if I buy a '94 will be paying for the supercharger  
for my '90 :-). (I would keep the '90 and sell my commuter car if I bought a  
'94).

> Related question: Anybody know if shocks/mufflers from a pre-94 will
> fit on a 94?
The shocks might but I'd be real careful about getting the spring perch heights  
right (the Bilsteins, BTW, sit 1/4" lower in the front than the base shocks).

---
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