Noob question about what class i would be in.

[maybeimjustasian]

Hi, i recently bought a 1990 Miata and want to start AutoX-ing. I just am so confused reading the classifications. Would anybody care to chime in? Here are my mod lists.
-Megan RS Type Catback exhuast
-Emusa (non dampening adjustable) coilovers
-removable steering wheel without airbag
-15x7 wheels on 195/45/15 tires
-full aluminum radiator due to overheating issues present with the Miatas
-Stainless Steel Brake lines (will be installed soon)

And if you have any tips on getting started or suggestions on changing something up, please let me know.

[rodhx]

The two big items that could ultimately put you in a very heavily modified class are the steering wheel and the radiator, but you might be catching a break with some new rule changes. STS is the preferred class for early Miatas. New this year is an allowance to replace airbag equipped steering wheels with an aftermarket wheel, as long as the replacement weighs at least as much as the original. There was also a proposal to allow radiators. Not sure if that went through, but to start plan on STS and from there. This assumes you still have the soft top.

Hope to see you at an event soon.

[maybeimjustasian]

I had to upgrade the radiator as it was overheating with a little spirited driving and even on the highway. I don't think it would be an upgrade as the new radiator is much heavier and bigger than than the stock one. I have a hardtop, so no softtop at all.

[engled]

No soft top = SP or higher.

[YoursTruly]

^what he said. Also, if it is overheating that easily, get a compression check.

[rodhx]

Yeah...unlike BMWs, stock Miatas aren't known for overheating or needing an oversized radiator.

[YoursTruly]

If you overheat a Miata once, it can warp the head and allow oil/coolant/combustion gases to mix. This causes further overheating issues and can be detected with a compression check, coolant system pressure check, and a check for exhaust gases in the coolant.

I know someone with a good 1.6 for sale if your compression numbers come back low.

[maybeimjustasian]

I have read a lot of people saying their stock NA Miatas have overheated due to how the coolant system was routed. The car has never fully overheated, just got slightly past the middle on the gauge. A lot of people suggested doing a coolant reroute. But, I think i have found my problem. I found leaking coolant right in front of the engine and all the hoses are not leaking. I am thinking it is the water pump and its seals. Any opinions?

[JohnW8]

Yep, that sounds like a weeping water pump.
A coolant reroute would move you out of street prepared, I don't know where you would end up but it would kick you out of SP.

[maybeimjustasian]

So I think a bigger radiator would be the best bet. I have that installed and will be replacing the water pump in a week or so. Hopefully nothing else comes up that would prevent me from attending the Test n Tune. Any tips for my first event?

[JohnW8]

Show up on time with the idea of having fun. There will likely be people there that are faster. Don't get discouraged. Have fun, ask for help, enjoy the day.

[J2870]

There will likely be people there that are faster.

Like JohnW8

[maybeimjustasian]

I expect others to be faster than me. That's why I want to start Auto X. I want to learn how to be a better driver while meeting people along the way. See you guys soon!