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Does the milage matter???


All_For_Senna

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So I have finally decided to start road racing, and my understanding is the best way to start is HPDE. I have been to a few events in the past (participating), nothing big. I want to get a little more serious now, and am looking to pick up a 1996 Miata which I found. This may be a little bit of a stupid question, so please excuse, but the milage does not matter that much does it? And to be more specific, the car has 106K miles, but is in perfect condition. The reason why I want the miata is becasue eventualy I like to compete in the Spec miata class, so I would really like to get used to the car. For HPDE I guess I can keep the car pretty much stock, just do roll cage (safety features), good brake pads, I think I can get my self on the track ith may be $5K to $6K.

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Milege doesn't reaally matter in HPDE. Just have the drivetrain looked at to insure it'll handle the rigors of what your about to put it thru. Maybe a compression test or a leak-down test, some new plugs and wires, easy stuff.

 

Example being if the engine was always babied and never hit the higher RPM range, it might 'get skeer'd' when you start to shift up there as you enter the front straight.

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Milege doesn't reaally matter in HPDE. Just have the drivetrain looked at to insure it'll handle the rigors of what your about to put it thru. Maybe a compression test or a leak-down test, some new plugs and wires, easy stuff.

 

Example being if the engine was always babied and never hit the higher RPM range, it might 'get skeer'd' when you start to shift up there as you enter the front straight.

 

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely will put it on my check list.

My understanding is that this specific car is fairly simple to work on. I guess the question is how did the previous owner maintain the car.

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I have heard (this is not frome personal experience by no means) that there is a huge difference performance wise between the 1.6 and the 1.8. The 1.8 being the preferred engine. Maybe you can hit the Spec Me-Otter page here ---> viewforum.php?f=9 and find out more there. It sounds like you have a good plan going. Short answer...No milage does not matter. Maintain the drivetrain and it should be servicable for a long time.

 

Bob

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Get to an HPDE and a miata is a great car to work with, be aware the hard top might cost you a grand if you can find one.

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106K is barely broke in for a Miata.

 

Get it inspected (up on a rack), check the torque of all the suspension bits. Have all the fluids changed (oil, brake fluid, transmission, diff, coolant, PS, etc.), replace the radiator hoses/heater hoses, replace the brake lines, put fresh brake rotors and a set of track pads (Carbotech XP8) and have fun!

 

If you plan to run top down, you may need a set of arm restraints.

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It shouldn't cost 5 to 6k to get it on the track for HDPE unless that includes the cost of the car. The '96 is a 1.8l car. There are pluses and minuses with this when you go to race. Does it have a hard top? If not, that should be one of the first things to start looking for, as they can be hard to find.

 

Welcome to the club!

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As said, 100k miles on a miata is no biggie.

Do the maint listed above, but I would also mention making sure the timing belt is changed and that the radiator and cap are healthy. Those were pointed out to me when I got my 97.

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There is a guy in Glasgow KY with 3 Miata hards tops for sale less than $1K each. Don't remember where I saw his ad, craigslist or racing junk. Good luck with the Miata, you're gona have a blast! See you in HPDE in a month or so.

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The good news is that you can sell all of the stuff around your house and pocket a bunch of money, since you won't care about it anymore after you're hooked on HPDE.

 

The bad news is that you will use this money to fund your new HPDE crack habit. Ah, it's not that bad...

 

Mark

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First of, thank you to all of you for the great advice's. Amazing, I am a rookie and I already feel very welcome, Thanks guys.

 

I will have to buy the hard top off of ebay or craigs list. I saw one the other day, without the rear window in the back for about $500. I guess I just got to keep my eyes open. Even if I get the hard top, I definitly want the rool cage.

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