Stock editions with LSD, 6-speed other goodies.

Cloud · 10-19-2008, 07:25 PM

I'm in the market for my first Miata and I want to save time and money doing it right the first time. I've been doing my research for the past few months attempting to refine what Miata is going to suit my needs best but haven't found specific answers to some of my questions. I want a 1.8 because I most likely with supercharge it later and have heard the crank on the 1.6 has a tendency to break under SC pressure. I wouldn't mind an NA or NB as long as it is equipped. (NA would actually be more ideal, because it's cheaper I'd have more money initially for suspension, wheels, tires, etc.) It will be my DD but I plan on autoXing it.

What is the first year the NA came with 1.8? 95' or 96'?
Do all NB's have the 1.8?
Are there different gen's of the 1.8 engine? Better or worse?
Which model Miata came with LSD stock? So far all I know is the LS version...
Which models (besides NC) came with a 6-speed tranny stock?

Any other recommendations or suggestions I should consider when buying I'd gladly accept. I want to purchase the ideal stock model NA or NB and work up from there. Thanks

MCarp22 · 10-19-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud @ Sun Oct 19, 2008 6:25 pm

have heard the crank on the 1.6 has a tendency to break under SC pressure.

The crank issue doesn't have to do with supercharging. Click here for info

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud @ Sun Oct 19, 2008 6:25 pm

What is the first year the NA came with 1.8? 95' or 96'?
Do all NB's have the 1.8?
Are there different gen's of the 1.8 engine? Better or worse?
Which model Miata came with LSD stock? So far all I know is the LS version...
Which models (besides NC) came with a 6-speed tranny stock?

1994
All NBs have 1.8 in the USA
The NB 1.8 has a better flowing head, more aggressive cams, etc.
Most 94+ miatas that aren't base models have an LSD.
The 6 speed was an optional part of the sport package on 2001+ cars if i remember right. It came standard on NB Special Editions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud @ Sun Oct 19, 2008 6:25 pm

I want to purchase the ideal stock model NA or NB and work up from there. Thanks

You sound like you want to do a lot of mods, so the ideal stock miata is probably going to be pretty bnasic.

Haigog · 10-19-2008, 07:54 PM

Correct me if I'm mistaken at all, but I believe 01+ NB's had some sort of VVT, which I would think you wouldn't want if you're planning on supercharging.

Also, 94-95 NA's are still OBDI. After that they all switch to OBDII, which may complicate things a bit more too.

H_C · 10-19-2008, 07:54 PM

Congrats on your decision!
First off, you should visit http://www.miata.net/faq/ it'll answer all your pre-purchase questions.
The first year the NA came with a 1.8 is 1994. It's also the first year they had a passenger airbag.
All NB's have 1.8.
There's a MSM (factory turbo), otherwise, all the 1.8's (engine-wise) were the same.
For the rest, check out the link I provided.

You've picked the right buying season to get a Miata. Late fall/early winter is where the best deals are found.

Cloud · 10-20-2008, 03:54 AM

This is exactly the type of answer I was looking for THANK YOU. You've successfully saved me hours researching. I've been looking for miata's on craigslist in san diego and los angeles and there are 10x more available and they seem to be cleaner have less miles and are still cheaper than the ones popping up here in Phoenix so I'll be taking a trip out there soon. I'll most likely go with a 94' or 95'. My little brother turns 16 in february and I should be able to get him one too for his birthday with the sale of my MR2 turbo. A sweet new hobby for the both of us. Anybody running the 6 speed (stock or swapped), I'd like to know what you think. I'm assuming it has smaller gearing which can prove better on the AutoX course (NA or SC but not Turbo). Thanks again.

MCarp22 · 10-20-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud @ Mon Oct 20, 2008 2:54 am

I'm assuming it has smaller gearing which can prove better on the AutoX course (NA or SC but not Turbo).

Typically the 6 speed is not preferred for autox as the shorter gearing requires a 2-3 3-2 shift frequently vs remaining in 2.

Cloud · 10-20-2008, 01:57 PM

That makes perfect sense

allan32 · 10-20-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCarp22 @ Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud @ Mon Oct 20, 2008 2:54 am

I'm assuming it has smaller gearing which can prove better on the AutoX course (NA or SC but not Turbo).

Typically the 6 speed is not preferred for autox as the shorter gearing requires a 2-3 3-2 shift frequently vs remaining in 2.

Both are true, but the 6 speed is a lot of fun on the street. Though the right arm gets a bit more of a workout, I find it a lot more fun to drive than a 5 speed.

raen419 · 10-20-2008, 05:34 PM

Yeah, the 6spd is usually preferred if you're pushing more power, and have a 3.6, or lower final drive.

Cloud · 10-21-2008, 04:16 AM

either way. i like enjoying my cars on the street, it's where the miata's going to me 95% of the time so if it comes with 6 sweet if not sweet. i'll most likely be getting a 94' or 95' so i doubt a 6 will be swapped in anyway. LSD is my higher priority.

to H_C and MCarp22, I read the articles and got a bunch of great information. I'm glad the crank issue doesn't apply to 92' and newer cars, doesn't sound like a fun issue to deal with.

as far as the miata market, is it really soft right now or are 94's plus (in socal area) usually this inexpensive, even for M editions etc.?

AMMendes · 10-27-2008, 06:56 AM

In Europe there are NB 1.6

10-19-2008, 07:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cloud Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tempe AZ Posts: 207	Stock editions with LSD, 6-speed other goodies. I'm in the market for my first Miata and I want to save time and money doing it right the first time. I've been doing my research for the past few months attempting to refine what Miata is going to suit my needs best but haven't found specific answers to some of my questions. I want a 1.8 because I most likely with supercharge it later and have heard the crank on the 1.6 has a tendency to break under SC pressure. I wouldn't mind an NA or NB as long as it is equipped. (NA would actually be more ideal, because it's cheaper I'd have more money initially for suspension, wheels, tires, etc.) It will be my DD but I plan on autoXing it. What is the first year the NA came with 1.8? 95' or 96'? Do all NB's have the 1.8? Are there different gen's of the 1.8 engine? Better or worse? Which model Miata came with LSD stock? So far all I know is the LS version... Which models (besides NC) came with a 6-speed tranny stock? Any other recommendations or suggestions I should consider when buying I'd gladly accept. I want to purchase the ideal stock model NA or NB and work up from there. Thanks

10-19-2008, 07:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
H_C Supporting Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sɐn Gɐbɹiǝl, ɐıuɹoɟılɐƆ Posts: 926	Re: Stock editions with LSD, 6-speed other goodies. Congrats on your decision! First off, you should visit http://www.miata.net/faq/ it'll answer all your pre-purchase questions. The first year the NA came with a 1.8 is 1994. It's also the first year they had a passenger airbag. All NB's have 1.8. There's a MSM (factory turbo), otherwise, all the 1.8's (engine-wise) were the same. For the rest, check out the link I provided. You've picked the right buying season to get a Miata. Late fall/early winter is where the best deals are found.
	__________________ 1993 Black'n Tan C Package

10-20-2008, 05:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
raen419 Supporting Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pinson, AL Posts: 1,653	Yeah, the 6spd is usually preferred if you're pushing more power, and have a 3.6, or lower final drive.
	__________________ Man, you know what reminds me of a 240sx? The 1984 Cadillac Eldorado. - VitaminT

10-27-2008, 06:56 AM	#11 (permalink)
AMMendes Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Portugal, Lisboa Posts: 375	In Europe there are NB 1.6
	__________________ http://img429.imageshack.us/img429/4...adriver8jv.gif Green air filter, Silenced de-kat pipe, 4-2-1 header, Mx5Parts SS Exhaust Flyin'Miata Randall cowl intake, Koni Sport Kit

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10-19-2008, 07:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
Haigog SuperMOD Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 7,041	Correct me if I'm mistaken at all, but I believe 01+ NB's had some sort of VVT, which I would think you wouldn't want if you're planning on supercharging. Also, 94-95 NA's are still OBDI. After that they all switch to OBDII, which may complicate things a bit more too.

10-20-2008, 03:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
Cloud Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tempe AZ Posts: 207	This is exactly the type of answer I was looking for THANK YOU. You've successfully saved me hours researching. I've been looking for miata's on craigslist in san diego and los angeles and there are 10x more available and they seem to be cleaner have less miles and are still cheaper than the ones popping up here in Phoenix so I'll be taking a trip out there soon. I'll most likely go with a 94' or 95'. My little brother turns 16 in february and I should be able to get him one too for his birthday with the sale of my MR2 turbo. A sweet new hobby for the both of us. Anybody running the 6 speed (stock or swapped), I'd like to know what you think. I'm assuming it has smaller gearing which can prove better on the AutoX course (NA or SC but not Turbo). Thanks again.

10-20-2008, 01:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cloud Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tempe AZ Posts: 207	That makes perfect sense

10-21-2008, 04:16 AM	#10 (permalink)
Cloud Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tempe AZ Posts: 207	either way. i like enjoying my cars on the street, it's where the miata's going to me 95% of the time so if it comes with 6 sweet if not sweet. i'll most likely be getting a 94' or 95' so i doubt a 6 will be swapped in anyway. LSD is my higher priority. to H_C and MCarp22, I read the articles and got a bunch of great information. I'm glad the crank issue doesn't apply to 92' and newer cars, doesn't sound like a fun issue to deal with. as far as the miata market, is it really soft right now or are 94's plus (in socal area) usually this inexpensive, even for M editions etc.?