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Yeah, you're better off just not reading the comments section in ANY automotive-related website/blog/etc. Like you said, they very explicitly stated their methods, tools, criteria, and results, and there was STILL rampant fanboyism in the comments. Right up front the article said that it was in no way a test of which car was fastest around the track or on a drag strip, but rather an attempt at quantifying the things that make a car just plain feel good to drive. Obviously it's not gospel, but it's a lot more credible than articles that rank cars on completely subjective factors like "soul" and "got to have it". Guinness fucked around with this message at 20:17 on Aug 21, 2009 |
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Aug 21, 2009 20:13
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Any of you dudes ever used fuji racing? My friend needs a manifold for ITBs this week and is thinking of ordering from there.
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Aug 23, 2009 22:16
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Decided to go with the NC. Click here for the full 1024x768 image. I was skeptical about owning a gray car until I saw it in the light. Has everything I wanted: 6spd, suspension package incl. limited slip diff, and soft top. I was considering an NB or another NA but my girlfriend and dad talked me into going (nearly) new. Don't regret it at all. I think the LaminX "gunsmoke" taillight films would really make the rear much better.
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Aug 24, 2009 01:28
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Out of curiosity, what made you choose the soft top over the PRHT?
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Aug 24, 2009 05:32
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Mainly the added weight at the top of the car, but also more electricals to break (this is less of a concern, my dad's PRHT has never even hiccuped)
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Aug 24, 2009 06:18
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Are those tires Potenza RE050As?
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Aug 24, 2009 06:26
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You nailed it. Haven't driven enough to have an opinion yet.
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Aug 24, 2009 06:30
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With regards to the soft top design: holy poo poo. The top on my NA was by no means bad or difficult to use, but Mazda absolutely NAILED it on the NC. I don't know how it compares to the NA top in terms of added weight, that is probably a minus, but as far as use goes it's perfect, and it becoming its own cover is really cool.
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Aug 24, 2009 06:47
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GoblinBomb posted:You nailed it. Haven't driven enough to have an opinion yet. Mazda must be buying them by the boatload, they used them on the MS3 and MS6 as OEM tires as well. I like them, but they're expensive and they're getting old in the high-end market; there's a whole bunch of newer tires out there at the same price point (or less) with consistently better reviews across the board and often better treadlife to boot. Go look at the treadwear rating on those things, it's hilariously low, especially for something that doesn't feel like a near-R-compound.
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Aug 24, 2009 16:32
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Well I definitely like them more than the Pilot Precedas that came on my dad's 07, feels like I've got more grip. A little more road noise, but that's only noticeable when I've got music off and top up, which is hardly ever.
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Aug 26, 2009 03:12
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I'm trying to figure out the overall cost of doing a LS1 swap and suspension/etc. What's the general consensus on the AFCO suspension? It doesn't seem overly expensive compared to the ground control coilover kit + koni's and springs. Is the extra cost worth it? For what it's worth, I plan on doing some amount of rallyx as well as autocross and road courses (and Nelson Ledges is a bumpy motherfucker).
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Aug 26, 2009 17:32
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Hypnolobster posted:I plan on doing some amount of rallyx as well as autocross and road courses (and Nelson Ledges is a bumpy motherfucker). rallyx can be very brutal on your suspension. Some guy at a rallyx I was at decided to run his NC Spec Miata, just for giggles. I think he tried to raise it up a bit, but not only was he getting stuck everywhere from high centering, but he also had to withdraw early because of not feeling good about the wear he was putting on his expensive parts. Not saying you shouldn't do it, but that a bumpy road course is still different and less harsh than cones around some jagged field of rocks.
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Aug 26, 2009 18:09
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Put my new Hankook RS2s on today and holy poo poo it feels soooo much better than my old lovely tires.
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Aug 26, 2009 18:12
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Hypnolobster posted:I'm trying to figure out the overall cost of doing a LS1 swap and suspension/etc. I dunno what the general consensus is, but Shaikh@FatCatMotorsports sure has some opinions about the AFCO suspension: http://fatcatmotorsports.com/FCM_app_guide.htm#Shocks
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Aug 26, 2009 18:45
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GoblinBomb posted:Decided to go with the NC. Were you slogging it through traffic on US60 eastbound today around 6:20? I think I passed you  Also, if I had the NC I'd definitely do some form of films - the bright altezza-style taillights just don't look right compared to the relatively solid tails on the NA/NB cars.
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Aug 28, 2009 04:10
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I thought that might be you! Big guy in a little NB, right? edit: yeah, I'm definitely going to get some films to tone down the taillights. GoblinBomb fucked around with this message at 14:47 on Aug 28, 2009 |
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Aug 28, 2009 14:42
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GoblinBomb posted:I thought that might be you! Big guy in a little NB, right?
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Aug 28, 2009 14:55
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http://www.lamin-x.com/Mazda-MX-5-06-Tail-Light-Covers-p/m212.htm That's for the NC, I was thinking about getting the "Gunsmoke" films or maybe the red ones.
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Aug 28, 2009 15:06
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GoblinBomb posted:I thought that might be you! Big guy in a little NB, right? Well they don't exactly make a big NB, and there's a reason I drive it more with the top down than up
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Aug 28, 2009 16:15
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Repostin' dis:
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Aug 28, 2009 17:21
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Is that a demo for those tail lights, since the right side is stock? If so, it certainly highlights how immeasurably better the NC looks with those older style non-Altezza tail lights. Not entirely sure how I feel about the Boxster exhaust pipes, though. They aren't hideous, but I don't really care for them either. Those wheels though. 
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Aug 28, 2009 18:09
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IOwnCalculus posted:Well they don't exactly make a big NB, and there's a reason I drive it more with the top down than up Hey, I wish I was 14 feet tall 
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Aug 29, 2009 19:15
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What do you guys think of this: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1347078199.html
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Aug 29, 2009 22:43
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Well, the price seems pretty reasonable, especially for the bay area. It probably is going to need a timing belt and a clutch soon. The paint probably looks terrible under that bra, so you might wanna check that out. I'm pretty sure the airbag thing has an associated recall, so you can get it fixed at a dealer for no charge.
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Aug 30, 2009 00:51
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If you're not afraid of a wrench, then it's almost certainly a good deal. It'd be a nice easy project and you could probably sell it for a decent amount more after you're done with it.
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Aug 30, 2009 03:02
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Hypnolobster posted:If you're not afraid of a wrench, then it's almost certainly a good deal. It'd be a nice easy project and you could probably sell it for a decent amount more after you're done with it. Considering that timing belt and clutch replacement are beyond my skills, would it still be a good deal?
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Aug 30, 2009 06:19
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Depends. These are the prices the Phoenix Miata specialist charges for those jobs on a 1.6 NA (should be identical): Timing Belt + Water Pump: $599.95, includes V.C. gasket, cam seals, front seal, belt, new pump, and coolant. Might be cheaper on materials if you don't want the pump, but it's good to get it out of the way since you're right there. Clutch: $450 Does that put it out of good deal range for you? He specifies that he never had the clutch changed in three years, but says it seems fine. If he's really put only ~33k on it and it was replaced before he got it, it's probably fine. No way to know, though. He doesn't mention the timing belt at all, probably safe to say it's getting close to time for that.
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Aug 30, 2009 06:34
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GoblinBomb: Is that at Mike's? I was debating over doing the clutch myself whenever it finally goes but at $450 I'll let someone else do it. My wife did get skeeved out by both the homeless guy he has living there doing caricatures and the attitude his wife has around customers, so if I go that route I'll have to find someone else to get me a ride, ha. That said, the timing belt on these cars really isn't that hard. It's a lot of work time-wise, but none of the tasks involved are particularly difficult. Probably the single worst part about it is getting the crank bolt off, where your options are to either drop the front swaybar, or get a breaker/socket combo that will clear it. I went the latter route, and found a 21mm Craftsman socket and a HF 3/8" breaker that worked perfectly. Lining everything back up when you're done is actually pretty easy, there's enough room on the tensioner to not have any worries about it. I've done timing belts on cars (like my old Volvo) where you were fighting to get the belt on, which sucks poo poo when you also have to keep it in line. And no you don't want to be 6'4". I can barely get into the Miata, and a S2K is literally a no-go for me. Sucks 
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Aug 30, 2009 06:41
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IOwnCalculus posted:GoblinBomb: Is that at Mike's? I was debating over doing the clutch myself whenever it finally goes but at $450 I'll let someone else do it. Yeah, that's at Mike's. I'm going off the numbers he wrote on a business card earlier this year, presumably the prices are still the same. I've never seen the homeless guy...
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Aug 30, 2009 06:45
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Guinness posted:Is that a demo for those tail lights, since the right side is stock?
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Aug 30, 2009 17:16
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Blew out my passenger front tire last night; anyone have any suggestions for a good all-weather (IE mild snow, as I live in MA) 14 incher that'll likely be in stock at the local tire barn? (I figure I'll rotate/balance while I'm at it). I might just get 2 to keep on budget, but if there's a decent cheap tire, I'll do all four. Trying to keep this <$300 all told. 1999, 14" wheels. George RR Fartin fucked around with this message at 14:24 on Sep 9, 2009 |
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Sep 9, 2009 14:21
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A very, very awesome family member decided to give me his low mileage (14K) 93LE, all original, down to the drat tires which yes, will be replaced. I'm stoked. Learning the way of the Miata now. I'll be driving it from AZ to CO. Should be a fun drive. Should I post pics of the journey here? Also seeking tire recommendations for 14", no snow driving, nice but but don't need anything crazy sticky.
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Sep 9, 2009 15:32
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Went with Fuzion HRi's; just two, replacing the Coopers that were there before. The difference is amazing; there's waaay less road noise and they grip pretty well (though I imagine that'll get a bit better as time goes by). It was $180 mounted and balanced for the two. We'll see how these handle rain/light snow.
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Sep 10, 2009 14:38
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Sten Freak posted:A very, very awesome family member decided to give me his low mileage (14K) 93LE, all original, down to the drat tires which yes, will be replaced. I'm stoked. Learning the way of the Miata now. I'll be driving it from AZ to CO. Should be a fun drive. Should I post pics of the journey here? Also seeking tire recommendations for 14", no snow driving, nice but but don't need anything crazy sticky. That's pretty awesome. Post up some pics once you get it. As for the tires, I'd probably only put Azenis (615's) on the stock wheels. Doesn't seem like there's any other really good performing 14" tires.
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Sep 10, 2009 21:44
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The Azenis are quite crappy, especially in comparison to the R-S2s (which they don't make anymore  ). They heat up really quick, but then turn greasy just as fast. They're not dodgy in the wet, but they aren't confidence inspiring.e: you're really dumb, he said that he wasn't looking for something super sticky, and you recommend a tire that lasts between 9-11k.
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Sep 10, 2009 22:15
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DreamOn13 posted:That's pretty awesome. Post up some pics once you get it. As for the tires, I'd probably only put Azenis (615's) on the stock wheels. Doesn't seem like there's any other really good performing 14" tires. At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, RE960AS! $68/corner at Tire Rack. I have them on the 9-2x and will definintely be putting them on the Miata when it's time to change the old RE750s. Amazing tyre - as good in the wet as it is in the dry, and it'll keep working when it's below 50F.
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Sep 10, 2009 23:43
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My current ride:.jpg) Fun little car apart from an annoyingly noisy gearbox (especially when engine braking)
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Sep 10, 2009 23:53
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Are you sure its the gear box? Mine has a pretty annoying rattle when engine breaking between 2-3k, which I'm pretty sure is actually pieces of the cat just rattling around inside the cat.
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Sep 11, 2009 00:29
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Phone posted:The Azenis are quite crappy, especially in comparison to the R-S2s (which they don't make anymore They don't make the R-S2's in 14" anyway, so that's a good point you make.  Find me a better "performance" tire for the stock 14" wheels. I don't see the point in not buying a high performance summer tire if it's not going to see snow. Also, they're cheap. Why bother recommending a crappier tire? Yes, there are others that last longer though if that's what you're looking for.Edit: Apparently they do make them in 14's. Oh well. Suburban Dad fucked around with this message at 01:39 on Sep 11, 2009 |
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Sep 11, 2009 00:47
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DreamOn13 posted:They don't make the R-S2's in 14" anyway, so that's a good point you make. They used to? I've got a set on my car and two more in the garage since my alignment toasted the rears The whole point is he said he didn't want anything crazy sticky - so he probably doesn't want to be replacing tires every 10-15k miles, and would rather have some allseasons with decent grip and replace tires every 30-40k miles.
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Sep 11, 2009 00:57
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