Miata Mailing List: February 1998, Message #6
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From: 	Jason Wassman and Satori <jgarcia@pacbell.net>

Subject: Re: Power Steering

Date: 	Sun, 1 Feb 1998 00:33:49 +0000







Craig McAllister wrote:

<

 I have driven other vintage and modern sports cars, and I believe without



> exception, none had power steering.  My question is, does the Miata

> 'really' need power steering.  Should a 'enthusiast' avoid a one of the

> 'package' Miatas and purchase a base model.  I am looking for an older

> Miata -'90 thru '92.  I have driven a couple of '90's and both of these

> were Package A models.  Although the power steering provided a good amount

> of feedback, I felt the steering was way too light for such a small

> wheelbase and rather light sports machine.  I wouldn't go so far as to say

> I was disappointed but the feel was not what I expected.  I have heard of

> the power steering being removed for some Miatas.  Is this a worthwhile

> project or should I look for a base model or just accept the power steering

> and it's feel.



As a base owner, I have to say you are right, and you should look for a base if

you want the light weight, no frills sports car.(sounds like thats what you

want)  The steering is very quick with the power steering, which always

surprises me when I drive one. I like the feedback of the manual, and I figure

it has to be worth some hp figure. No personal exp. regarding a swap out.



> Another thing that didn't feel as I as I thought it should

> was the transmission.  On both Miatas I have driven 2nd gear seemed hard to

> downshift into and although I couldn't be sure it almost felt as if the

> synchros were worn.  Is the Miata shift linkage known for this and just how

> robust is the Miata transmission?  One thing I really grew to hate on my MG

> were it's terribly weak synchros.



Well Miatae like synth. lube in the tranny, that helps with 2nd gear. The fact

is a lot of people are really hard on the 2nd gear syncro. I know that the

tranny is over built, as is just about everything but the spark plug wires.

There are Miatae with DOUBLE stock horsepower out there, and besides the clutch

(whaddyaexpect), everything works /very/ well.



> Also, is the Miata mechanically

> reliable.  After years of patching together the MG to keep it running and

> restoring and driving Model A Fords, I'm a bit tired of the knuckle

> busting!  Thanks in advance...

>



I've had a 70 240z with 250k miles and it never had the head or the oil pan

taken off. It STILL ran to 7200 rpm in 4th (top) gear.



My Miata is MUCH better, it is less of a hassle, gets better gas mileage,

starts in cold weather, gets twice the mileage on a tune up, has NO rust :-)

and doesn't use a teaspoon of oil.



> Craig McAllister

> craig@cyberhighway.net

> Boise, Idaho



  IMNSHO,YMMV,MTFBWY



Jason and Satori

Riverside, Ca

Team Idaho Plates