Miata donor for a Locost

Firstly, I just want to say hello, first post here, nice to meet you all, etc. Standard stuff.

Right, so, on to the real stuff. There's a Miata in my area for sale with a staggering 300,000 miles on it but it's 1.5k. I would love to donor it to slam it into a locost but I don't know if it's going to be a mechanical hassle. Since all of you are probably more knowledgeable in Miatas than the people who designed them, I figured I'd ask you. Thanks in advance.

You need to buy a copy of "How to build a cheap Sports Car" TODAY. It chronicles building a Locost from a Miata. The author works for Flyin' Miata and hangs out on this board. Available from Amazon, etc.

Already have it, along with Gibbs' locost book, a brake systems book, Competition Car Suspension (Allen Staniworth's book), a welding book since I've never welding a thing in my life, and an ECU tuning book.

My issue with a 300,000 mile motor is if I will get nasty things like a not-so-working fuel pump or have to rebuild the engine or blown gaskets or whatnot.

I would keep looking for a lower mileage or lower priced donor. You have a lot of work ahead of you with a locost, so why not start building the chasis and keep your eyes out for a lower mileage donor. I've bought two miatas with half that mileage for less than $1000 that would have been perfect donors due to rust issues.

I would probably be looking more for a lower mileage, ratty interior/exterior model than one with quite that mileage.

My $.02...

I've purchased 3 Miatas over the past few years, one with 189k, one with 129k and one with 120k. Paid $1k or less for each. To echo the thoughts thus far, I would wait, spend a little less and get a "fresher" car.

I found all 3 on craigslist and happened to be the first to call.

1)300k means nothing to a Miata 2)Its way overpriced at $1500 Find a nice rusty or wrecked one for less.

Thanks for all the comments. A bit off topic, but is a Supra (Celica or late 80's one) fine as a locost donor without extending the frame? I don't know how well a straight six would fit in the chassis.

This may be some help, too: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/project-cars/locost/

I think the Celica six would be REALLY heavy for a Locost.

mw wrote: I would keep looking for a lower mileage or lower priced donor. You have a lot of work ahead of you with a locost, so why not start building the chasis and keep your eyes out for a lower mileage donor. I've bought two miatas with half that mileage for less than $1000 that would have been perfect donors due to rust issues.

+1

Not sure where you are, but I found the two miatas on my local craigslist. Both have some body damage, but should have decent mechanicals (watch out for heavy front impact cars), and should still have a good bit of saleable pieces...

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/997502102.html http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/989679857.html

davidjs wrote: Not sure where you are, but I found the two miatas on my local craigslist. Both have some body damage, but should have decent mechanicals (watch out for heavy front impact cars), and should still have a good bit of saleable pieces... http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/997502102.html http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/989679857.html

Wow, thanks! I may just have to jump on that first one. Does anyone know off the top of their head what the approximate shipping costs would be to Northern NJ?

Pick up a radiator, take the train to DC, replace rad, fill with antifreeze and drive back.

Wally wrote: Pick up a radiator, take the train to DC, replace rad, fill with antifreeze and drive back.

Chinatown bus! $10 one way.

I like the radiator though, that's cheaper than the $150 for a uhaul with a dolly...