Miata Mailing List: April 1998, Message #141

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Just received the May issue of Sport Compact Car---a blurb on the cover just
above the banner reads, "'99 Miata: Still Tweakable?" next to a thumbnail shot
of a Classic Red.

The main article recaps the writer's impressions of the '99 Miata at the
introduction on the Big Island of Hawaii a couple of months back.  The '99
receives high marks for its chassis, driveability and road manners.  Styling
is praised as a "bolder visual statement."

Perhaps the sidebar feature is a bit more interesting:  SCC interviewed Oscar
Jackson after he had checked out a '99.  His consensus was that Mazda
addressed several shortcomings for which the aftermarket usually
provides---exhaust, bracing, induction.  The writer compares the '99's power
output to the last model's 1.8 after adding an a/m intake and exhaust to the
older car.  They felt there might still be power to be found by adapting
systems to the new engine, but the gains aren't likely to be as significant as
before.  Interestingly forced induction was not addressed.

New (?) info:  to qualify as TLEVs (transitional low emissions vehicle), the
California cars have a catalytic converter that connects directly to the short
exhaust manifold, precluding the use of an aftermarket header.

The magazine promises a full road test follow-up in a future issue.
--
    "Akira"
'96 Chaste A/T      http://www.eunos.com/keith/stripes/akira.html

"Open the door.  Open the top.  Open the mind."
   ---from '99 Roadster sales brochure  (Japan)