Oppo-intro: Drinking the Kool-Aid Edition

"Devilishprune" (Devilishprune)
08/02/2014 at 14:59 • Filed to: introductions, miata, the answer, hive mind

Hi all,

I figure today is as good as any for an introduction, since I've been borderline lurking for a while. Back when I discovered Jalopnik/Oppo I didn't know or care anything about cars other than if they were able to get me from A to B. That has all changed now. and I routinely crane my neck wherever I am to catch a glimpse of an interesting vehicle nearby. In a way it's like a new world opened up to me when I discovered that cars could be more than just conveyances and it's also given a me a new hobby and a continual source of projects.

Specifically I'm talking about buying a 96 Miata that I got (what I think) is a great deal on. I upgraded from my 96 Blazer, my first car, that just wasn't useful to me right now. For the past month and a half the Miata has been a blast, and teaching myself how to drive a manual has been an adventure. I couldn't be happier with my car! That being said, I'm still making a mental list of all the mods I want to make!

I spent the morning detailing it since the temperature outside was perfect for it. Apologies for the overcast and crappy pictures.

Dem reflections, dat dent, dat Tempo.

DISCUSSION (17)

$kaycog > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 15:07

Welcome to Oppo! Nice first post!

GhostZ > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 15:16

Oh yeah. That tempo .

If you want to learn more about cars, just start asking questions. We are a huge wealth of knowledge and there's tons of other miata owners around here.

But seriously, awesome car. Chug that red miata kool-aide!

Roadster Man > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 15:50

Not bad! Drop that sucker a bit from stock monster-truck ride height with a set of Flyin Miata springs & some Tokico/KYB shocks and you are in business. How many miles on it? Hit up miata.net, it's got a ton of info and the Garage section has some awesome information. Search in the forum for how to find out, then go see if you got lucky and have a Torsen limited slip diff.

I've only had my Miata for 2 years but I don't ever want to sell it. I'm planning a turbo build for next summer.

You'll save a lot of $$ by going out right now and buying a jack & jack stands. Changing your own oil and trans/diff fluid is always a good idea.

Nerd-Vol > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 16:13

Congrats! I used to have a set of those wheels on my first car. Missed it!

mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 16:49

Looks like she's in pretty good shape! I recently bought a '96 as well...and have been learning as I go. If you have questions; hit me up or go to miata.net.

DeLM > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 17:11

looks really clean! glad you are enjoying it. Had mine for a few months and love it; I'm kinda a car slut. The Miata though... My favorite! Even more than the E36 built to the moon. After years of mostly reading on here, I can say these Oppos' and Jalops' are good peoples. They are always willing to help and that is why I never stray. I still go to other sites due to work but this is where the fun is! Hope to see more posts of living with your Miata. I will maybe post about mine. Been a week in ATL and my baby is in Chicago, I can't wait to get home and take her for a sunset drive down some farm roads or sunrise drive on L.S.D. (Lake Shore Drive) You name for your's yet?

Devilishprune > Roadster Man
08/02/2014 at 17:18

Thanks! Compared to the Blazer-boat that I was driving before, the Miata feels like i'm about 2 inches off the ground at all times. I would love to change up the suspension because I'm sure that the shocks are blown at ~150k miles, but that's not really provided for in a student budget.

One of the first things that I bought was a jack+stands! Used it to do the front brake pads and rotors and the odometer cable so far. The amount of info about working on these cars is staggering, so I feel pretty comfortable tackling most projects on it in the future.

Devilishprune > GhostZ
08/02/2014 at 17:19

Thanks. I feel like I've already learned a ton compared to what I new before. The community here is great.

Devilishprune > Nerd-Vol
08/02/2014 at 17:21

I went back and forth about picking up a set of OEM wheels but these have actually grown on me a lot, despite having a decent amount of curb rash from the previous owner. If I were to do anything, I've considered dipping them black.

Devilishprune > $kaycog
08/02/2014 at 17:21

Thanks!

Devilishprune > mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/
08/02/2014 at 17:24

Thanks for the offer. I got it for $1,900, and for what I paid the amount of work it needed was pretty low. Did the brakes, odometer cable, top, new HU and speakers, and cleaned her up and that's it so far. On the list: valve cover gasket, CAS o-ring, and new radiator at some point.

Devilishprune > DeLM
08/02/2014 at 17:29

Definitely do a post, I always like to see what other folks are doing with their cars!

I agree that there does seem to be a great mix of people around here. It seems like no matter what your issue is there is someone here that has had some experience with it.

I know the feeling of missing your ride, too. We were on vacation for a week and it was great just to get behind the wheel and take her for a cruise. No name for it yet, but I'm thinking of them. I never really named cars in the past but I also didn't have one that I enjoyed being in the same way.

mXxxxXm24 /O/ /O/ > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 17:39

That's a great price for a great car! Changed my valve cover gasket last month (get oem for sure; it fits perfectly)...easy job; cleaning the old gasket maker off was the only challenge. CAS is pretty difficult to get to from what I can see...have fun with that lol. It seems like you know you way around cars though.

Roadster Man > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 18:22

Good job on the jack and stands. I learned that too late. Get a decent (not harbor freight) torque wrench too and a set of metric sockets. You won't regret it.

Yeah, don't get scared about embarking on projects. These cars are quite simple and you'll be surprised at what you can do. I just rebuilt my shifter with about $60 and a half hour, and I am not very mechanically inclined. Miata.net tutorials all the way.

$500-700 and some patience will get you a nice set of shocks and springs, maybe some used coil-overs. I spent $600 total on a used set of Flyin Miata springs and a new set of KYB AGX shocks. Probably the best investment I've made in the car. I paid to have those installed, but that's just because I was working so much and had a bit of money but no time to spare.

Start saving! The addiction never ends. Before you know it, you'll be deciding on whether to do a turbo or an LS1 swap...

DeLM > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 18:27

I just posted mine but it will take awhile before it shows up. It has racing beat springs, koni adjustable's, rims(can't remember what kind) , carbon cowl intake, Borla Exhaust, Slotted front discs, braided lines all the way around, k&n stock replacement( cowl intake goes into stock box.) roll bar. A/C doesn't work so i think i will take it out this winter when I redo all the ball joints, tie-rod ends, and bushings. and in the even further future, supercharger with a rebuild.

EL_ULY > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 21:48

hello, i am ULY. Awesome ride buddy

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Devilishprune
08/02/2014 at 23:24

Not a bad looking whip. I have an 03 and love every min of owning it.