need mx5 advice

Chuck Frank · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:09 pm

??? I passed at all national events. The NA and NB does sit differently, and leather vs cloth also makes a difference. The shoulder harness helped also.
There are no roll bars for the Solstice, only cages. The way it's designed there is no way to have legal rear supports and have the top operate. That's one of the reasons for offering the coupe.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:40 pm

Vincent Keene wrote:

Ryan Holton wrote:

RodneyWright wrote:

Seriously thought about the z3, but in talking w/ Dave Davis, there's that damn rear subframe tear out issue. While the car will be basically stock, I'm having a hard time getting around that issue. He also said the z4's were worse.

There is soooo much humor in there I don't even know where to start.

Ditto!

Jeeze, I must be thick as a brick. I don't see the humor in my statement, so the let the comments begin!!

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:45 pm

Aaron Buckley wrote:

The Solstice is a better value and looks a lot better IMHO than the new MX-5. For autocrossing, unless you were chasing a National Championship, the Solstice is the best pick for the local autocrosser/track day car... although, I don't know about the rollbar options for it.

I do think the MS-R optioned MX-5 is the top dog for CS, but I think the Solstice in the right hands can still get it done for a jacket.. and with GM struggling, zero % financing is likely available as well. - AB

Both the MX-5 and the Solstice are out. Sat in both. No knee room in the Solstice and no head room in the MX-5. Dammit!! I can fit in a saturn sky, but considering the shakey market and GM hinting at dumping Saturn, that's a no go.

Right now I'm thinking either the GT mustang or a e46 convert. While the e46 would be a dog to autox, that's where I'm leaning for now. Just learned about the carbon build-up spark plug issue on the GT's, so that may be a show stopper.

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:25 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

Both the MX-5 and the Solstice are out. Sat in both. No knee room in the Solstice and no head room in the MX-5. Dammit!! I can fit in a saturn sky, but considering the shakey market and GM hinting at dumping Saturn, that's a no go.

In that case, I think you might not like an S2000. It's a pretty confining place to sit - not much room to move your legs around at all. And the steering wheel is non-adjustable. It's a good thing the seating position is good, because you're pretty much stuck with it.

You're still welcome to try mine on. I imagine Alex would let you sit in hers too, if she's closer to you.

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:58 pm

The MR2 Spyder has all kinds of interior room... Not sure about headroom - Donnie can likely help answer that one.

steve remchak · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 4:20 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

Aaron Buckley wrote:

The Solstice is a better value and looks a lot better IMHO than the new MX-5. For autocrossing, unless you were chasing a National Championship, the Solstice is the best pick for the local autocrosser/track day car... although, I don't know about the rollbar options for it.

I do think the MS-R optioned MX-5 is the top dog for CS, but I think the Solstice in the right hands can still get it done for a jacket.. and with GM struggling, zero % financing is likely available as well. - AB

Both the MX-5 and the Solstice are out. Sat in both. No knee room in the Solstice and no head room in the MX-5. Dammit!! I can fit in a saturn sky, but considering the shakey market and GM hinting at dumping Saturn, that's a no go.

Right now I'm thinking either the GT mustang or a e46 convert. While the e46 would be a dog to autox, that's where I'm leaning for now. Just learned about the carbon build-up spark plug issue on the GT's, so that may be a show stopper.

well geez Rodney, carbon won't build up if you actually press the go pedal once in awhile.

128i, Corvette or 335i. :wink:

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 4:32 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

Just learned about the carbon build-up spark plug issue on the GT's, so that may be a show stopper.

Is the carbon issue with the 2005 or later 3 valve GT? Certainly not an issue with either our 01 or 97 GT's. Finally changed the plugs on the 97 at about 115K miles.

The 01 has over 60K on the original plugs.

Updated after Googling:

Per Ford Tracking Concern # 069-2008-1155

http://www.saac-mcr.com/main/2008_TSB-M ... _Plugs.pdf

4.6 L 3v engines built after November 30, 2007 may not have the issue.

Donnie Barnes · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 5:16 pm

FWIW, you don't need the entire "trunk package" to convert to an MSR. Just the required bits, which I'm quite sure are still available from Mazdaspeed. But this is for posterity since it's all moot according to Rodney thanks to space.

I wouldn't have bothered with the above if I weren't also going to be commenting on the MR2 Spyder. Don't bother, Rodney. As Scott said, the car is AWESOME for interior room with the exception of the headroom thing. The couple times I autocrossed mine in the rain with the top up my helmet was rubbing the top. I've never driven one with a rollbar, but I can't imagine it's a great situation.

I owned an e46 M3 back before I started driving competitively and thus have no idea about headroom with helmet and such. I did like it as a street car, though that was my last drop top as I really just don't like convertibles at all any more on the road. Owned an M-Roadster before that, and again don't recall anything much on the headroom thing.

I'm still building mine for CSP, but it won't have a bar...

What about a Boxster? Tried one of those? Prices seem decent on used ones...no idea on headroom, just another thought to try for a better autox platform.

--Donnie

steve remchak · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:05 pm

Rodney, i don't know that it is still available but there was a beeeuuuutiful e46 M vert at the consignment lot on Hilsborough St between Cary & Raleigh. Luguna Seca Blue / chestnut color interior. aaaaahhhrrhgg :wink:

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:29 pm

http://www.roadraceautox.com/showthread.php?t=21163

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:36 pm

DickRasmussen wrote:

RodneyWright wrote:

Just learned about the carbon build-up spark plug issue on the GT's, so that may be a show stopper.

Is the carbon issue with the 2005 or later 3 valve GT? Certainly not an issue with either our 01 or 97 GT's. Finally changed the plugs on the 97 at about 115K miles.

The 01 has over 60K on the original plugs.

Yes, for the 05 and later 3 valve motor. Talk to Michael Westerfield, he's the one that turned me onto the problem via Art McDonald.

Michael Westerfield · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:47 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

RodneyWright wrote:

Just learned about the carbon build-up spark plug issue on the GT's, so that may be a show stopper.

Is the carbon issue with the 2005 or later 3 valve GT? Certainly not an issue with either our 01 or 97 GT's. Finally changed the plugs on the 97 at about 115K miles.

The 01 has over 60K on the original plugs.

Yes, for the 05 and later 3 valve motor. Talk to Michael Westerfield, he's the one that turned me onto the problem via Art McDonald.

08's and later built after Nov 2007 supposedly don't have this issue. I don't think the problem is as big as the internetz make out.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:50 pm

Michael Westerfield wrote:

RodneyWright wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

RodneyWright wrote:

Just learned about the carbon build-up spark plug issue on the GT's, so that may be a show stopper.

Is the carbon issue with the 2005 or later 3 valve GT? Certainly not an issue with either our 01 or 97 GT's. Finally changed the plugs on the 97 at about 115K miles.

The 01 has over 60K on the original plugs.

Yes, for the 05 and later 3 valve motor. Talk to Michael Westerfield, he's the one that turned me onto the problem via Art McDonald.

08's and later built after Nov 2007 supposedly don't have this issue. I don't think the problem is as big as the internetz make out.

Michael,

Thanks for the input. I edited my post with similar info while you were responding.

Michael Westerfield · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:52 pm

DickRasmussen wrote:

Michael,

Thanks for the input. I edited my post with similar info while you were responding.

Mine was built in Dec 07

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Dec 31, 2008 7:21 pm

Michael Westerfield wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

Michael,

Thanks for the input. I edited my post with similar info while you were responding.

Mine was built in Dec 07

I hope you mean the ENGINE build date!

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