Winter Decisions

[mseal]

That time of year is rapidly approaching. What/how much to do during the off season. First issue is grip. Stay with 13 " wheels and go to 255 Hoosiers or move up to 15 X 9 wheels and 275 Hoosiers which will require a little body work? Second issue is horsepower. Install just the Megasquirt and tune it up or just the '99 head or both? Lots of other little things to consider. How about a different paint scheme? Kinda like FM's Targa Miata look. Or simply save on the paint this year and go black on the hardtop and window frame to "match" the lower stripe and spoiler?

[drum3]

275s ! You wont regret it.
Head AND Megasquirt.
Adapt the FM paint scheme to a red/black/white or red/black/silver.
Keep your red base and just get some vinyl cut for the other 2 colors

[Chiketkd]

Do you plan to run the car just at local/regional events, or are you thinking about going to a few tours/Nats next year? Imho...

If local/regional stuff - get the 13x9's and 255's.

If Tours/Nats stuff - get the 15x10's and 275's.

However, as Anthony mentioned, the 275's are ultimately the faster tire.

[DLingenfelter]

Since you've already got the head and megasquirt lying around, those are no-brainers, all you're missing is the labor and I'm sure the three amigo's miata shop has you covered (it's gotta be easier than pulling the motor was last winter).
As for wheels/tires, more grip+less sidewall=always better.
For local events you won't need all 275mm (although I hear the blue bullet is back at 100%), but like others said, if you go to national level stuff, you wont want to bring a knife to a gunfight and the 275's will be worth the fender-butchering.

[Scott]

really depends on what your plans are for next year. Regionally, I would stick w/ the 13s for ease and budget reasons. Should be more than enough tire. As for power, since you already have the 99 head & mega squirt, go for both. Too easy not to do it.

[mseal]

Thanks for the advice folks. I'm thinking keeping the 13" wheels I have now for "local" events and save the 15" 275s for the "big" events. Of course I'll have to drive it enough to learn how to deal with that much grip. All out on the motor with what I have on hand. Worry about the paint later if there is any money left or time. I need to have a discussion with 949 Racing about backspacing for clearances. I guess I can stick most of it out to clear the innter fender areas.

[mseal]

Anyone know where to get fender flares for the NA? I've been told the company that was around and had reasonably priced pieces no longer is making them. I suppose we could fabricate our own.

[allmybase]

AutoKonexion has 2 flairs for the NA miata, in fiberglass they are $255. Going to their site makes me a little sick...

[mseal]

Thanks Joe! I knew they were out there somewhere. I was afraid they were $255/pr. $255/set of 4 is more like it. Another winter project . . .

[Scott]

You know you want the carbon fiber flares. F1 technology, just think how much faster your car will be

[mseal]

I won't be concerned about the weight. Heck with all that power and grip they could be lead and it wouldn't matter. LOL