Red 944

I want to buy a Miata for DEs, autox's, and trackdays .. I was wondering if there were any special rules about convertibles. I'm sure every organization has their own, but what's the general consensus?
Anyone know any good Miati related websites?
Thanks a bunch.
-Preston

Peter K.

pretty sure it is all good to have a ragtop...but rollbar would be a good idea. go to <a href="http://www.autox.com" target="_blank">www.autox.com</a>

ringo951

I am pretty sure the droptop issue states that you just have to have a rollbar that is higher than the helmets on the driver and passenger. Good luck. Real fun car. I owned one for a few years when they first came out, but just real small.

exc911ence

<a href="http://www.miata.net" target="_blank">www.miata.net</a> is the Rennlist of the Miata-world. If you do go with one, I strongly suggest buying one with a factory hardtop. The top makes a huge difference in rigidity and would make the car a much better DE car. Of course, a roll cage (not just a roll bar) would do the same thing and still give you the open air experience. I had a 90 Miata and drove with the top on most of the time as a) I preferred the looks of the closed car and b) it was way too shakey and loose with it off. Still, they are wonderful little toys!

Red 944

Yeah, I bet it would be a lot tighter in hardtop, but I think the open air would be awesome. I think the rigidity issue could be solved with some metal and a welder.

*Michael.*

I own a '90 Miata and I can say from first hand that they are awesome cars. If you can get past their reputation as girls cars you will have lots of fun. Check out<a href="http://www.racingbeat.com" target="_blank">Racing Beat</a> and <a href="http://www.flyinmiata.com" target="_blank">Flyin Miata</a> They have a lot of chassis stiffining parts. The common rules on the roll cage is it has to be 2" above your helmet. There is a huge aftermarket out there for Miata's and all the regular maint parts are much cheaper. Hell, you can get a full turbo kit for $5,000, that will give you 240hp at the wheels. That is in a 1.8l that weighes nothing!!! But beware, because of the sort wheelbase it is a fairly bumpy ride when modified.(although very predictible when drifting) If you have any questions just PM me or post here. And definately check out <a href="http://www.Miata.net" target="_blank">www.Miata.net</a>

Porsche5050

I'm also in the market for a Miata. I understand what you mean by the girly complex. Also, the Miata is owned by many homosexuals which only adds to it stigma.

I test drove one the other day. Make sure you test drive many examples as they all feel a bit different. There are many abused examples, and there are many that were taken extremely good care off. I can't wait to get into something so light, 50/50, and rear wheel drive. It was a joy to drive.

Kool

The SCCA spec miata class requires a hardtop and an SCCA approved roll bar. I have read that you can prep a Miata for the SCCA for something around seven thousand dollars. Pretty good deal if you ask me.