Miata Mailing List: February 1998, Message #9
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From: 	Lanny Chambers <lanny@derived.com>

Subject: Re: Power Steering

Date: 	Sun, 1 Feb 1998 00:52:13 +0000



On 1/31/98 18:01, Craig McAllister craig@cyberhighway.net wrote:



>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.



Of course it doesn't need PS! Here's the deal: base models do not have a 

limited slip differential, early option packages do but also come with PS 

(the R package, which has manual steering and torsen LSD, wasn't 

introduced until 1994). Assuming an enthusiast is looking for 

performance, IMHO the LSD is much more important than manual steering: 

the Miata has just enough torque to make inner-tire slippage a problem in 

corners, which makes throttle steering much less predictable and fun. The 

power steering is quicker than the manual, if that's a recompense, and 

some prefer it in autocross for that reason alone. Finally, it's *much* 

cheaper (<1/3 the cost) to retrofit a manual rack than the 

LSD/axles/etc., if you simply must have both.



Knowing that, you might want to look for a '94 R model. The torsen LSD 

(1994 onward) is superior to the older viscous LSD, in any event. Most 

viscous LSDs are effectively open diffs after a few years of use, but 

torsens don't seem to wear out at all. The other differences between 1.6 

and 1.8 cars are relatively minor, and most can be retrofitted at modest 

cost. (Except for the extra 200 cc, of course!)



>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.



I'd spend the money on something else, personally. In fact, I already 

did!  :-)  The PS isn't all that bad, though the 1.8s may be a tad better 

than earlier years. What little doesn't get telegraphed through the wheel 

makes it just fine to the seat of your pants, regardless. Miatas are 

*easy* to drive fast, and with decent tires very well behaved.



> 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.



Early Miata shifters actually had a "click" designed-in, to emulate your 

old MG. Cute, but it drew a lot of flak, so they took it out (don't know 

what year). Most of the balkiness goes away after refilling the 

transmission and shift turret with Red Line MTL.



>Also, is the Miata mechanically reliable.



Like a tank. There's a registry at miata.net for cars with over 150,000 

miles. In owner satisfaction, Consumer Reports readers rate the Miata 

6th, right behind Accord and ahead of Camry. The only thing resembling a 

weak point: plugwires only last around 30,000 miles. Big deal, eh? Carry 

a spare set in the trunk, in front of the spare tire.



---

Lanny Chambers, St. Louis

'94C. Red, of course.

Team GILTC

Team "My other car is a...er...hmmm...gee, I can't remember..."