My 1990 Miata served me well as my summer car from 2016-2021, giving me over 35,000 miles of top-down naturally-aspirated bliss. But it always had a fatal flaw: rust. Although I've kept it protected from rain, snow and salt, that has not stopped the corrosion that was already there. So in late 2021, I set out on a journey to find the Miata that would replace it, and in February 2022, I bought that Miata: a 1994 "C" package in Classic Red with a tan leather interior.
Going into this car, I had lots of experience with the NA Miata platform and therefore a good idea of where to start. That did not prepare me for the immense amount of work it would need over the first summer catching up after years of neglect. But this was the right foundation, with its clean, rust-free body; every available factory option; and a strong motor.
Over the first summer I focused on quality-of-life mods: an Alpine Android Auto/CarPlay capable radio and R-line speakers; Nardi steering wheel; nice gauge faces; a wooden shift knob and handbrake handle; and fixing all of the mechanical quibbles, from the cruise control to the airbag computer. I installed Flyin' Miata's V-MAXX stage 2 suspension and sway bars and had a performance alignment done.
Eventually I felt like it was ready for more power, and Flyin' Miata announced that their turbo kits would be restocked, as luck would have it, on the very same day that a tranche of my RSUs were vesting. Clearly this was a sign from God. So I bought the turbo kit, and then promptly spent double that amount on engine internals, machine shop labor, cooling upgrades, what have you. It's running Wiseco 84mm 9.0:1 forged pistons, Manley H-beam rods, ACL race bearings, and a Boundary Engineering oil pump. Machine work was done by Danbury Competition Engines, now relocated to New Milford, CT and operating as Competition Machining Services.
When the motor build and turbo install were finished in late April 2025, I was about $32k into the car. Sheesh, that's embarrassing. I just spent ND Miata money to have an NA Miata.
And you know what? I don't care.
Because driving this is the most incredible experience. It is a perfect driver's car, with enough power to make you grin, fun turbo flutter noises, handling and grip like nothing else, all with perfect ergonomics for daily driving and light autocross use.
Summer 2025 was an all out war between me and coolant leaks. Stainless steel braided lines with AN fittings are the only thing you should ever use with a turbo. Don't even bother with the silicone hoses Flyin' Miata sends with their kit. Throw them away and get stainless steel lines.
As of May 2026, the 1994 Miata is my primary summer car, riding on 949Racing 6UL wheels in a color called "Spice" (think copper) and Continental ExtremeContact Force (which I'm quite happy with). Recent additions include the Mishimoto fan shroud and Flyin' Miata oil cooler, which is built by Setrab.
Planned next steps include a Haltech ECU setup with a boost controller and supporting fueling and ignition upgrades. AKA more boost and more power.