This time of the year after my last (probably) autocross of the season is when I start to consider what I will do for next year.

I always consider getting a different car:
a better Miata?
a pontiac solstice with the trunk package?
A bugeye sprite with a Miata motor?
A lotus seven clone?
A lotus eleven clone?
A real lotus?
A lotus europa? There are a couple of sharp ones on ebay.
A lotus elan? There are several on ebay, including a couple of projects.
a newer lotus elise? They can be found now in the low twenties.

Of course there is always the option to bring out the sawsall and cutting away all the superflous items from the Miata and get it down to abou 1700# and run in one of the severely modified classes.

Of course the sensible thing to do is keep my 99 Miata and keep refining it and concentrating on improving my driving.

Damn though, those lotuses look cool!

"you want to go faster?....add lightness"
Colin Chapman

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I think you should continue using your Miata and work on drivers skill.


And take out the handy dandy saw and see how much weight you can shave out of it.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Have you considered the smaller 90-97 Miata and dropping a supercharger on the 1.8? We loved our 97 but it wasn't safe in a big city but a hoot in the twisties.

__________________
1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

Why not a 190E Cosworth with a turbo or supercharger on it and some serious wheels/suspension mods....I bet that would be a pretty fun autocrosser....

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

there is a nice Lotus Excige for sale near me. only $32k.. but its not the supercharged engine... but its still sweet!

Live the dream, Be the dream
http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/preowned.html

__________________
I'm sick of .sig files

Ariel Atom all the way.



If I had the $$ I'd so have one.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

as a general rule of thumb, keep all the stock parts. that way if you ever resell. youll have one hell of a classic on your hands. and the price is right.

__________________
Current
2006 E320 CDI, 57K bought at 67K "Liesl"
1986 190E 2.3-16, 198K bought at 56K "Brigitta"
1987 300TD (Chuggin Along), 292K "Friedrich"
1995 E320 Wagon, 200K "Louisa"

Past
1987 300SDL, (sold) 125K, bought for 1$ "Kurt"

True. I'd be happy with a stock cosworth, but you never know what the demands of the "autocrosser crowd" are.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Yes, caterhams are a possibility. Actually I know a fellow here in Laf who is from england and maintains links there. I probably should call him and ask if he can help me get one from the uk. they seldom seem to be available here for sale used.

I really fell for a nice red twin cam europa but I remember from the day that the rear suspension had a tendency to break on them. Have they all been cured now? Its just so low and sleek!

Of course I like the elite too and there are several for sale right now on ebay, again I am not sure how viable running one is. Its like a miata except 700# lighter.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

A bit too expensive for my budget.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I have considered them, but they are slower than my Miata and not a roadster. I would not have a chance to be the fastest stock car at an event in one of them. I like them very much though.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I'd like to stay in a stock class as the modified classes are money pits for the competitors as there is no end to what you can do to the cars even in the simpler classes.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

914

If you want a stock car that is king of its class, so the only thing that determines your spot in the standings is you, then I'd suggest an S2000.

__________________
1984 300TD