Poll: Should I go for NASA Spec Miata Challenge?

I say go for it! No reason really, just that I think you'd have the most fun with that and would ultimately learn more from the experiences...

Go for it! Not worth the trouble..... Wait till you have the time, tools, tow vehicle, and a garage. Vote I am on the fence of what to do with my Miata.So how about giving some opinions, I know we have a few Spec Miata guys on here.Is it worth the time, trouble, effort, and expense?What are the pitfalls to watchout for?

-niburu

Wait until you have the time, tools, and tow vehicle.  It's a long walk back from the track.....  As for is it worth it.  Without a doubt.  I just finished my first "season" running with NASA and SCCA (4 races total) and it is a very eye opening experience.  If you think HPDE's prepare you, you are wrong.  There is nothing like it, forget the proper lines and just go for all you are worth with 50 cars around you who aren't afraid to put a fender on you.  You will find it frustrating that if "all are equal" how come these guys pull away on the straights.  I am racing as cheaply as I can right now.  I got the car through a series of trades and deals, the motor is stock with 180k on it, and my newest set of tires are from '05, and I am a solid mid packer, which at this point is fine with me.  Of course, I also set the SSM track record at VIR last month (shameless self promotion) so I am starting to figure it out (I think).  I say hold off until you get the tow vehicle and go for it.  Let me know and I will come crew for you during comp. school.  It's very helpful to have someone else deal with the car than to do it yourself while going through the process.  If you have any questions, let me know.

the GRM issue about the difference in spec Miata was an eye opener
pplus I've been getting some additional info today from Jon Felton, our regional NASA guy

What does Jon have to say?

Jon was filling me in on some of the additional stuff that's not obvious
first I read this
http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/Spec-Miata-Challenge.pdf
which made making a spec Miata look pretty doable
but then Jon had me look at this - particularly the competition section
http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf
So it's a bit more involved.

Right now I'm leaning towards building this car how I want.
And then picking up another Miata (either build it into a SM or just buy one) when I have the garage and tow vehicle.

I still owe Jon a couple of birthday beers, I'm think VIR TT events next season I should be able to pay up.

after thought: I am surprised at how few car people are interested in these cars still, but at least the prices haven't been driven up.

make your current car into the racecar... (point being it's going to be the lightest since you'll have to add a cage anyway) then get a nice M edition or NB later to make it a gorgeous weekend car :-)

You doing TT next year in the miata? Sweet... 

make your current car into the racecar... (point being it's going to be the lightest since you'll have to add a cage anyway) then get a nice M edition or NB later to make it a gorgeous weekend car :-)

-brandini

After yesterday I can see my car needs ALOT of upgrades, as I demonstrated to everyone there yesterday (right we3rx7).
It was more of a drift car demo than an autocross for me yesterday with the street tires, bonestock original to the car suspension and open diff. Pushed that hard it was easy to kick the back around than my old Kouki S14. So for sure there is a Harddog Double Diagonal bar in the future for this winter (I'd love to find a used one at reasonable price) and definitely some serious tires and wheels before the warm season.

For those that might go to the NASA TT event on Patriot course in February, be prepared for rain or snow or some serious cold - don't bother bring R-compounds unless the weather report the day befor says sunny and 60 degrees.

So in concusion yesterday was very frustrating and a whole lot of fun, I now know how to control that car better than before!

Oh I don't need M edition for the gorgeous weekender, I has Porsche 911 Targa.

The diff should be the last thing on your list to replace.  Several front running SM guys are still on the open diffs.  I would add struts to your list for this winter if $$ is there.  Buy the Koni's, you won't regret it.

my main goals are a rollbar and a decent set of tires

if I can afford it the Koni sports with GC kit

I'd love to get the Fat Cat Motorsports setup but $2K is way outta budget

As far as I can tell every last bit of suspension is the original 19 year old equipment the car cam with

Now that you've moved up a class, you can stretch out on suspension points, lol :)

Get some NT01s or something for next year, they are only +5 for an R comp, then some Koni's and some springs should only raise you to 10 points total with tires and suspension, leaving another 10 or so for some more mods :)

what a really need to do is get my 7 sold

I've got FCM mounts and had the bumpstops, and while I totally support Miata vendors and parts fabricators helping all of us enthusiasts out...I wouldn't buy it all again because it wasn't really worth the $$ to me. The Koni and GC setup will make that night and day difference, those are a must buy.

Have fun with this car, and once you get the tow vehicle, trailer, and garage, THEN buy somebody else's completed racecar and save on the building, logbooking, and sorting out.

me and the wifey made the the mistake at looking at an open house yesterday
its bigger than our currently overly packed house
and more importantly has a garage
 
we just may havta sell both our houses this spring.....