944spec vs. spec miata
02-04-2005, 07:03 PM
#61
Race Director
08-10-2014, 03:55 PM
#62
found this thread, almost 10 years old?!
so many years after, I have the same question.
I am planning to start racing next year (I live in Montreal, Canada).
5 race week ends at the most + lapping, autocross events etc.
Great 944 challenge going on around here.
Not a lot of Spec Miata races though, but now will they will be eligible to some vintage racing (as the well as the 944.)
I get the impression that 944's are more prone to mechanical issues ... and I'm not a mechanic, and not a millionaire either!
So, spec 944, or spec Miata?
so many years after, I have the same question.
I am planning to start racing next year (I live in Montreal, Canada).
5 race week ends at the most + lapping, autocross events etc.
Great 944 challenge going on around here.
Not a lot of Spec Miata races though, but now will they will be eligible to some vintage racing (as the well as the 944.)
I get the impression that 944's are more prone to mechanical issues ... and I'm not a mechanic, and not a millionaire either!
So, spec 944, or spec Miata?
08-10-2014, 10:36 PM
#63
Team Owner
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: one thousand, five hundred miles north of Ft. Lauderdale for the summer.
Posts: 28,704
Received 212 Likes
on
153 Posts
another limp dick Miata measuring vs.....
Boxster/Cayman/S2000 adelante.....
Boxster/Cayman/S2000 adelante.....
Last edited by odurandina; 08-10-2014 at 11:21 PM.
08-11-2014, 01:54 PM
#65
Moderator and 993 whisperer
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
The only "limp dick" is the armchair racer whom likely has never raced at all, let alone an SM or S944. In other words, if you can't answer the guy's question, shut it. Seriously - that was hecka rude.
That aside ... I raced SM with SCCA and NASA for years. I own some 993s, but am not very knowledgeable on 944s. I have seen an out of proportion number of the turbo version (951?) of the 944s break at the track, but I have not heard that they are incredibly expensive to repair.
Depending on the year and condition of the donor car, Miatas can be bullet proof, or you could be walking into a hornet's nest. I had great luck with my late VIN (longer crank shaft) 1991. Sold it to.a friend whose niece is winning races with it still. Last I heard they were still on the original transmission - it had 225k on it when he bought it.
As far as vintage ... I think that is only for the first gens (1989-1993, 1.6 liter). I have not raced the SM class since 2008, so obviously things may have changed. I suggest learning more about different classes by going to: www.scca.com
You may want to consider purchasing the newest GCRs (General Competition Rules) book - you have to have it with you in the paddock once you get your license anyway. There is a good chance, as well, that their website will have enough data to at least get you leaning one way or the other.
I am most versed at SM, but as I still race, I should be able to help you with the licensing process as well. And don't listen to people who make fun of Miatas and/or 944s - until they have been wheel to wheel competition racing, they have no idea what they are talking about. Let me know if you need any help.
That aside ... I raced SM with SCCA and NASA for years. I own some 993s, but am not very knowledgeable on 944s. I have seen an out of proportion number of the turbo version (951?) of the 944s break at the track, but I have not heard that they are incredibly expensive to repair.
Depending on the year and condition of the donor car, Miatas can be bullet proof, or you could be walking into a hornet's nest. I had great luck with my late VIN (longer crank shaft) 1991. Sold it to.a friend whose niece is winning races with it still. Last I heard they were still on the original transmission - it had 225k on it when he bought it.
As far as vintage ... I think that is only for the first gens (1989-1993, 1.6 liter). I have not raced the SM class since 2008, so obviously things may have changed. I suggest learning more about different classes by going to: www.scca.com
You may want to consider purchasing the newest GCRs (General Competition Rules) book - you have to have it with you in the paddock once you get your license anyway. There is a good chance, as well, that their website will have enough data to at least get you leaning one way or the other.
I am most versed at SM, but as I still race, I should be able to help you with the licensing process as well. And don't listen to people who make fun of Miatas and/or 944s - until they have been wheel to wheel competition racing, they have no idea what they are talking about. Let me know if you need any help.
Allen speak his mind? ...and cause a fuss? Never.
08-12-2014, 01:46 PM
#67
Team Owner
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: one thousand, five hundred miles north of Ft. Lauderdale for the summer.
Posts: 28,704
Received 212 Likes
on
153 Posts
I thought the odd 10 year old thread bump and first posting was suspicious. 
we do have the abrasive types and we have the sensitive types.... I got my butt chewed out yesterday on the junk-car-swap-meet forum for calling a Miata limp-dicked [abrasive] by 1 Miata owner moderator guy.
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...c-miata-5.html
I knew I was being a bit hard on the legendary roadster when I posted it, but it is a Porsche forum after all...
then I looked at this one - and realized I'd spoken out of turn....
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...72676100,d.aWw [yeehaa].
I must say; the horror of having to live with this shameful oversight is a lot to bear.
I hope the many Miata lovers will find it in theirselves to forgi......
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...c-miata-5.html
I knew I was being a bit hard on the legendary roadster when I posted it, but it is a Porsche forum after all...
then I looked at this one - and realized I'd spoken out of turn....
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...72676100,d.aWw [yeehaa].
I must say; the horror of having to live with this shameful oversight is a lot to bear.
I hope the many Miata lovers will find it in theirselves to forgi......
08-12-2014, 02:00 PM
#68
Rainman
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
08-12-2014, 02:07 PM
#69
Moderator and 993 whisperer
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
The guy was asking about whether he should consider racing a Spec 944 versus an SM. He wasn't asking for Viagra sources. And if Odurandina has a Corvette, I am so glad that he is not representative of the Corvette folks I have met at the track.
08-12-2014, 02:43 PM
#71
Today I got
My Custom Title
Rennlist Member
My Custom Title
Rennlist Member
08-17-2014, 04:28 PM
#72
Racer
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Easton, MD
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My suggestion is to go to some DE/HPDE events, seek out SM or S944 drivers and ask. The forums are great too. I'm working through driver schools and building a S944 in the process. In fact there are 10X more SM guys out there than S944. Whenever I'm on track I watch SM's for their line.
I could have bought a ready to race, 2nd hand SM for what I've got in my 944 but damn it I made a commitment to her and I'm going to see it through! The 944 is one hell of a track car.
Good luck man. I hope we can help.
I could have bought a ready to race, 2nd hand SM for what I've got in my 944 but damn it I made a commitment to her and I'm going to see it through! The 944 is one hell of a track car.
Good luck man. I hope we can help.
08-17-2014, 10:50 PM
#73
Thanks guys for all the advice.
I have chosen to go 944 spec, main reason is there are a lot of 944spec races where I live and 'Ive found a great bunch of racers and mechanics ready to help out.
I am discussing with a seller since my first post, and negotiated what I think is a fair price for a turnkey race car.
Will probably be the new owner on Tuesday if the inspection is positive.
I will keep you posted.
I have chosen to go 944 spec, main reason is there are a lot of 944spec races where I live and 'Ive found a great bunch of racers and mechanics ready to help out.
I am discussing with a seller since my first post, and negotiated what I think is a fair price for a turnkey race car.
Will probably be the new owner on Tuesday if the inspection is positive.
I will keep you posted.
