I test drove an MX-5 2 years ago. it was pretty good actually. very tight chasis and very good low-rpm torque. much easier to get off the line than the RX8 which has a stupidly grabby clutch.

 

RIWWP - sweet ride. My last Miata was a 2000SE which I turned into too nice a car to mod. Planning on finding another NB when the kids are off to college to have fun with. How about an LS conversion?

 

I'd consider it if I ever wanted more than ~350whp. I prefer N/A power over turbocharged, transient throttle, part throttle, and throttle response are pretty big deals to me.

However, I expect that I will be perfectly satisfied with 250-270whp turbocharged, leaving no real reason to go for more. I'm already already pretty satisfied with the power I have at 190-200, I just hate the OEM ECU's inability to handle transient throttle, which makes power delivery quite lumpy. Post upgrade, I'll be in the 10lbs-9lbs per hp range, and seriously doubt I'd be looking for more.

Got mine dyno'ed yesterday, 177whp, which was at first disappointing until I found out that it was run at the wastegate 8psi as the tech inadvertently used the MBC signal line for the dyno signal, disabling the MBC so it was 2lbs low on boost. I didn't discover this until after the 3 runs were done though, so it was too late to get a re-run. I'm confident that if that hadn't happened I'd be in the 190-200 range that I expected and is typical for MSMs with these mods.

 

Wow. I was impressed going from NA to an NB and the power increase. Can't imagine double that. Fun times.

 

I've been contemplating selling my supercharged 2001SE for a rx8. I've always wanted one, but did other "want" cars first -- e46 m3, ITR, r32, STi, etc. I'd consider a trade for a non-sunroof car.

 

YES, absolutely crazy.
i was an avid miata enthusiast for quite awhile. pretty brainwashed and never thought i would ever buy an 8 lol. had a decently modified 1993 model with lots of suspension work and bracing, a 1991 with simple mods, and a 2008 gt model, loved them all but i would NEVER go back to a miata after finally getting an rx8. back then i would probably defend the miata and how great it actually is...they are great cars, but i think the rx8 is better in every way possible other than not being able to put the top down. i was considering possible getting a newer power tractable hardtop model but changed my mind and ended up getting a new FR-S.

 

Considering getting an NA chassis miata.


I plan(ed) on boosting my 8 and tracking it very often, but the amount of money im going to spend doing so would be atleast triple of what the miata could do.

I love my 8 so damn much, i just really dont know what to do at this moment...im torn.

 

I own one of each. 2008 40th anniversary editon RX8 and 2013 Mx5. The RX8 is hands down my favorite. The MX5 is really just a knock around car. I'll get rid of it when the lease is up and replace it with the new Corvette. The RX8 on the other hand Ill keep until Mazda supplies a rotary engine replacement car that is just as fun to drive.