Mazda MX-5 Miata: Find It. Fix It. Trick It. (Motorbooks Workshop) - Softcover

Tanner, Keith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0760327920 ISBN 13: 9780760327920

Publisher: Motorbooks, 2007

Synopsis

With its arrival in the United States in 1990, the Mazda Miata inspired the return of the open roadster. Though other makes and models followed, the Miata remains the convertible sports car of choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts, as popular in autocross and amateur racing circles as it is among pleasure drivers.

This book shows readers how to make the most of any Miata: what to look for in a used model and how to perform common maintenance and repairs, as well as over 15 projects to improve performance and appearance. Focusing on the engine, wheels and tires, suspension, body kits, interior, and more, the projects include full details on required parts, cost, time, tools, and skill necessary for completion. With easy-to-follow directions and clear illustrations, this handy guide is a virtual road map for taking the Miata the full distance.

About this title

About the Author

Keith Tanner has been racing, modifying, and writing about Miatas for two decades and currently works full-time at a performance shop that pushes the boundaries of the little sports cars. At home, he’s restored a 1967 Land Rover and a 1966 Cadillac to go along with his classic Mini, Mazda 323 GTX, and a few Miatas. He’s also built a Lotus Seven replica that uses Miata mechanicals, and his latest project is a Miata for the Targa Newfoundland race. He’s published four books in the Motorbooks Workshop series: Mazda Miata MX-5 Performance Projects; Mazda Miata: Find it, Fix it, Trick it; How to Build a High Performance Mazda Miata MX-%; and How to Build a Cheap Sports Car. Tanner has also written a number of magazine articles. When he’s not playing with cars, he’s out on skis or a bike. He lives in Colorado in a house with a large garage hidden underneath.

From the Back Cover

Introduced in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has become the convertible of choice for enthusiasts seeking the classic sports car experience. It is without question the most successful modern sports car, as popular in autocross and amateur racing as it is among pleasure drivers.

In Mazda MX-5 Miata: Find It. Fix It. Trick It., author Keith Tanner shows readers how to make the most of any Miata—what to look for in a used model and what to avoid, how to perform common maintenance and repairs, and several projects on how to improve performance and appearance. Each project includes required parts, cost, time, tools, and skill level necessary for completion. If you’re thinking about buying a Miata, or you already own one, Mazda MX-5 Miata: Find It. Fix It. Trick It. is sure to enhance your experience as a Miata owner.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

Miatas are everywhere these days. It's not a surprise when you think about it--there have been nearly three-quarters of a million produced over more than a decade and a half, and it's a robust little car that lives a long time.

To many people, the Miata is a cute little convertible that is perfect for tooling around town on a warm, sunny day. Fair enough--they're good at that. But they're good at other things too. They've won dozens of national racing titles. Drivers have caught the sports car bug thanks to the Miata's lively and friendly handling. Clubs have sprouted up worldwide and brought people together, resulting in a lot of friendships and more than a few marriages. A strong aftermarket has developed to let owners make their Miatas a little more personal.

Miatas are driven by high school students, by sports car fans, by racers, and by people who just want a fun car with a roof that goes down. Many of them are second cars and only come out when it's sunny. But in every case, the driver has a smile on his or her face.

This book is intended for all of those Miata drivers and those who want to join them. I hope it will help you choose a Miata, learn a little bit about details--such as why people with a 1993 LE are so proud of that fact--discover a few things you can do with it, and find out how you can make it your own.

While there was a lot of research and checking done as this book was being prepared, there are likely a few oversights and mistakes. I apologize in advance. You can find corrections and clarifications at the book's website, findfixtrickmiata.com.

A brief disclaimer: I work at a Miata performance company called Flyin' Miata. Because of that, there are a number of cars in this book with Flyin' Miata banners on them and equipped with Flyin' Miata parts. This is not intended as an endorsement but is simply a result of what is readily available to me.

--Keith Tanner, January 2007

Edition details

• Publisher: Motorbooks
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0760327920
• ISBN 13: 9780760327920
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160