Mazdaspeed versions - extra garage work needed or just fine?

I'm toying a little bit with the idea of some day replacing my 1999 NB with a 2004/2005 Mazdaspeed version but since they aren't sold here in Europe it's a bit of a project :-)

But how is it to share the life with a Mazdaspeed version? Is the Turbo and intercooler and more making life complicated and perhaps meaning a specialist garage is needed?

Kind regards Bruno

Reply to
Bruno
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The miata engine is strong, and the Mazdaspeed turbo is not pushing the engine that hard, with 178hp/166 ft. pounds of torque.

That said, a turbo will always have more trouble down the line than the non-turbo version, due to extra parts if nothing else. Turbos tend to like premium gas and synthetic oil as well.

Mazda will want so much money for a new turbo, intercooler, etc., that it will only make sense financially to replace them with aftermarket parts when they break or wear out. Some Mazdaspeed owners are already doing this to increase the power. Flying Miata jumped right on that with upgrade options.

Most good mechanics today have worked on factory turbocharged cars, the main problem is finding an honest one.

A Mazdaspeed miata is on my list of possibilities as well.

Pat

Reply to
pws

Can't comment on the Mazdaspeed Miata but I am enjoying driving a Mazdaspeed3 in Houston while my 91 BRG stays in Souther California for the next year. The Mazdaspeed3 is not as natural as the Miata but just as much fun, just different. What I really like is the power at highway speed. Even in 6th gear, I press on the gas and the car just goes. Downshift into 5th or 4th and I disappear in a cloud of smoke.

On another note, Mazda Sport (I think that's the name of the rag) did a comparison of a slightly modified 91 (shocks, intake, exhaust, tires) and a stock 2007. While the newer Miata had more power and more creature comforts, the older Miata beat it consistently on laptimes.

Gus 91 BRG

Reply to
nosfatsug

With the exception of a cracked windshield and a CD player that ate my CDs, I have had no problems with my 04 MSM. The engine is quite docile with decent power above 4000 RPM. It has more power than a normal Miata but clearly Mazda was conservative in designing this engine, no doubt due to emissions and warranty considerations. According to the folks at Flyin Miata you can get an extra 50 HP at the rear wheels by doing some fairly basic intake and exhaust work.

You should be able to get a decent MSM for 15-16K. Not bad for double wishbone suspension, 6-speed, Torsen limited slip, 17" wheels, zippy engine, etc. It's a fun car and I'm glad I bought it.

There's a fairly busy forum at

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Reply to
Carbon

Good info (all of you) - pretty much confirms my expectations.

That's the price my research has show as well. A estimate of getting a MSM on the road here in Denmark looks like this:

Car: 16,000 Shipping: 1,500 Car tax: 40,000 Sales tax: 14,375 (25% on top of everything) Registration: 200

------------------------ Total 72,075 ======================= Not to bad considering a standard 1.8 low mileage 6-speed 2005 goes for something like 55K. The though part in the budget is how high the tax guys will value the car plus of course if they will even allow for it to get plates here in Denmark - the later part should be fine since a missing crash test is the factor which usually blocks that.

Kind regards Bruno

Reply to
Bruno

That's the killer. I had one car that demanded premium gas and every time I filled up I promised myself "Never again!" I loved the power the supercharger provided but it wasn't enough power to offset the intense pain in the wallet!

Reply to
XS11E

Oh my god that's expensive. What is this $40,000 car tax?

Reply to
Carbon

Years ago in college I had a Chevy Sprint Turbo (rebadged Suzuki Forsa), one of those little 3-cyl rollerskates with 12" tires. It got great mileage and was very entertaining to drive. I got over 100,000 miles out of it and never once used Premium once.

However I do use it in the MSM. I did try midgrade once but I could hear the engine ping under load so I switched back. It gets pretty decent mileage and it's a fun car so I don't mind too much.

Reply to
Carbon

That's a 'different world' eh?

Chris

99BBB
Reply to
Chris D'Agnolo

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