NB Miata questions

I've owned two NA Miatas, but I've only recently (Friday) started thinking about NB's. I know very little about them.

Is there a general rule like "Buy the newest one that you can afford" or are they all pretty much the same? (With the obvious exception of the Mazdaspeed turbo).

It seems like a normally aspirated NB with a Flyin Miata turbo might be a better car than the MSM. I've heard that the MSM was pretty tame to keep the warranty claims down and that they might not be worth the extra cash.

Opinions?

Might want to check out Bell Engineering as well. An alternative to FM stuff.

There's one big change in the NBs - in 2001, they got a 0.5 bump in compression and VVT. The factory big brakes made an appearance on some models (became standard in 2003) as did some nice bracing. Also good headlights and different seats, but that's not the important stuff.

Some people don't like the VVT because it adds a bit more complexity if you want to put a standalone in it, but it don't scare us If you do add a standalone that can handle it, then it can have a big effect on spool.

The MSM was tame and laggy from the factory, but add in a good intake and downpipe and it perks right up to a decent 200 rwhp - similar to an FM Voodoo II. It's a decent package overall with good suspension, some nice interior upgrades and a bit of extra style. The clutch will hold north of 250 hp at the wheels with a nice pedal. In other words, it's a good base to build on. Just toss out the 6-speed and put in a 5-speed box and it'll be a lot nicer to drive. You'll pay extra for an MSM, but you may not spend any more by the time you're done.

A "normal" NB is a more budget-oriented starting point. They can be as much as 5 years older, so there's obviously a difference in price. And that difference can be enough to pay for an FM II instead of a Voodoo II, taking the performance to another level.

The biggest downside to the NBs from a budget standpoint is that there aren't many plug-in ECUs. The Hydra's about it, actually. There are a number of piggyback units and if you feel adventurous you could wire in an MS, but there are a few extra challenges such as the fact that the alternator is regulated by the ECU.

Most Miatas I've looked at are ether haggard and over priced, or very, very well taken care of and worth the price. Mileage doesn't seem to affect Miatas too much, in price or mechanicals, until you get into very extreme mileage.

Back in August I sold my 1990 Miata (original owner) and bought a MSM. I went through the same decision, and for me the MSM was a better package out-of-the-box. Plus, I found one with low miles for a decent price. It's quite a bit heavier than the NA, so looses some of that wonderful nimble feeling of the early cars but feels more stable. The extra bracing alone must add 30 lbs. The stock suspension is good enough (for now). Overall, I like it and don't regret the decision.

I just finished adding the full FM exhaust and intake last night, and so far really like the results. Power is much smoother and comes on earlier. I can't wait to try it at an autocross.