[REVolution]

I just use Protegegarage.com or Good-Win Racing. Good-Win Racing does everything that involves tracking your Mazda from suspension components to tires and wheels and the best part is, they weigh the wheels themselves and tell you how much they weigh on their website which is incredibly useful. They explain everything you need to know about suspensions as well. Protegegarage has parts for just about any sporty Mazda made (so just about all of them).

[greyhairedpete]

If you guys want a bargain, we have our last 2011 Miata on the floor, its black, a base model Sport (stick, of course). MSRP is $23,900, it's priced now at $20,999.

Talk about a lot of bang for the buck!

[jaybird]

The 'Burg;145172 Wrote:

jaybird;145160 Wrote:I remember that one guy from Canada that has the 911 GT2 always talking about how the Miata is a great car to learn how to drive on the track with. Which is why I love the idea of getting an older Miata to use at the track but would also drive around on the weekend in the summer.

Jaybird - the Miata is definitely the best track car if you are looking to learn on something. It's lightweight, bulletproof, and perfectly balanced. It's also a car you can drive flat-out just about EVERYWHERE and still not outdrive the road itself. Can't always say that about a Corvette. Furthermore, the Miata has its own racing series and there are tons of aftermarket mods available for the Miata. There's one company in Danville, GA called "The Parts Group" that I've used in the past and they are a great source for anything to do with Miatas.

The car Grayhairedpete has is not the right car to use on the track. That's a limited edition and it's too heavily equipped. You want as close to a base car as possible. Pete's car is an excellent deal for a street driver, but I wouldn't want to tear that car up on a track.

Check out the Parts Group at http://www.partsgroup.com/

So do I want to stay away from the "SE" and "LS" models then?

[The 'Burg]

jaybird;145188 Wrote:

The 'Burg;145172 Wrote:

jaybird;145160 Wrote:I remember that one guy from Canada that has the 911 GT2 always talking about how the Miata is a great car to learn how to drive on the track with. Which is why I love the idea of getting an older Miata to use at the track but would also drive around on the weekend in the summer.

Jaybird - the Miata is definitely the best track car if you are looking to learn on something. It's lightweight, bulletproof, and perfectly balanced. It's also a car you can drive flat-out just about EVERYWHERE and still not outdrive the road itself. Can't always say that about a Corvette. Furthermore, the Miata has its own racing series and there are tons of aftermarket mods available for the Miata. There's one company in Danville, GA called "The Parts Group" that I've used in the past and they are a great source for anything to do with Miatas.

The car Grayhairedpete has is not the right car to use on the track. That's a limited edition and it's too heavily equipped. You want as close to a base car as possible. Pete's car is an excellent deal for a street driver, but I wouldn't want to tear that car up on a track.

Check out the Parts Group at http://www.partsgroup.com/

So do I want to stay away from the "SE" and "LS" models then?

Yes, because then you are paying for leather, cruise control, upgraded stereos... all stuff that adds weight and complexity, and doesn't do shit for you on a track.

And honestly, I prefer the simpler cars anyway. Really, on a Miata I'd only want power windows and A/C.

[REVolution]

You don't have to stay away, I prefer a nicer appointed interior. The nice thing about the Miata is that its so easy to take apart and put back together. You don't gain that much weight with the nicer interior.

[REVolution]

If its his daily driver also, having a nicer interior isn't a bad idea in my opinion. If it was a strict track car then I agree with you 'Burg, the simpler the better.

[The 'Burg]

RotaryKing aka Rev;145193 Wrote:If its his daily driver also, having a nicer interior isn't a bad idea in my opinion. If it was a strict track car then I agree with you 'Burg, the simpler the better.

I agree with that, but he's also going to pay several thousand dollars more for an SE or LE car. Why spend the money on luxury toys when he can spend it on racing mods?

[jaybird]

RotaryKing aka Rev;145193 Wrote:If its his daily driver also, having a nicer interior isn't a bad idea in my opinion. If it was a strict track car then I agree with you 'Burg, the simpler the better.

I take the train to work so this would just be used at the track and going to the golf course during the summer.

[REVolution]

In that case, I stand by 'Burg's point. A lower trim car is better. You probably don't even need a 6-speed.

[jaybird]

RotaryKing aka Rev;145197 Wrote:In that case, I stand by 'Burg's point. A lower trim car is better. You probably don't even need a 6-speed.

I never got the MiniS out of fourth on the track.

[REVolution]

If you go to a Miata forum, there was a huge thread on 5-speed vs. 6-speed manuals on there. I forgot which forum but I think the 6-speed is better for auto-x and track because its ratios are better suited for it or something. I didn't read it all but check it out when you get a chance. The Miata guys are some of the most knowledgeable and nicest people out there.