SAN DIEGO
MIATA CLUB
NEWS
V O LUM E 4 N U M B E R 3 march 1 9 99 A CHAPTER OF THE MIATA CLUB OF AMERIC A
Upcoming Events From the Editor
March 5–7
Laughlin Getaway To Tech Or Not To Tech?
O
ne problem with the Miata is that it is so reliable. Compared to other cars,
March 13—Saturday
the Miata doesn’t seem to break, so we invent things to do to it. Seems
Blue Angels Air Show,
we have to install an accessory of some kind or a widget that promises
Run to El Centro
more power.
March 14—Sunday While many of us will gladly do most of the work on our Miatas, some members
have trepidations about picking up a wrench and approaching their beloved Road-
California Basset
Fun Run & Roast sters. Some of the more daunting tasks have to be observed before many members
will attempt to try it on their autos. Some members have more experience working on
March 19–21 automobiles or specifically on Miata-related tasks. Most are willing to share this expe-
SCCA National rience with other club members and educate them about certain procedures.
Autocross Tour This, in general, is the idea behind Tech Days. We get together at a
members’ home and help each other. While some things, like shock
March 25—Thursday installs, are pretty common now, when we first got the club going many
Monthly Meeting members had never considered changing their own shocks or springs.
Tools are another reason to participate in a Tech Day. I purchased a quality spring
March 27—Saturday
compressor to install my own shocks, and it has been used to do a couple dozen
Miata Dis-Mantler and installs since. It is available to any club member who would like to use it. Member JON
Peterson Auto Museum
BRAISTED has a special tool he purchased to help with timing belt changes on the
Miata. Since the tool costs around $100, he is offering it to SDMC club members for
April 1—Thursday
their use. Aren’t we a couple of swell guys?
Miata Parade to the
Speaking of timing belt installs, that is one area where a Tech Day can be a good
San Diego Auto Show
learning experience. To properly do a timing belt change, you should take your time
April 3—Saturday and follow the service manual closely. This is not a job that you want to rush. Espe-
Orange Blossom cially if you have a 1990 or early ’91 car with the crankshaft that is prone to breakage,
Special Fun Run as I do (SDMC News Volume 1, Number 7, Page 2). By witnessing a timing belt change,
club members have either felt confident enough to do the job or thought better of it
April 10—Saturday and paid someone else to do it. You never know until you see for yourself.
Racing Beat Some Tech Days are organized around a demonstration of a product or service by a
Open House vendor. In the past we have met at Just Dings to witness the magic of paintless dent
removal or listened to an informative lecture from a representative of Meguiars’. We
April 17—Saturday
have also made a day of it by travelling to Jackson Racing in Orange County. Oscar
Annual Meeting Jackson and his staff showed off, and sold, some of their products for the Miata, but
the big reason for being there was to have each persons’ Miata run on the DynoJet
April 24—Saturday
dynomometer. This expensive instrument measures the horsepower generated by a
Run to Warner Springs
car at the rear wheels.
Gliderport
Dual club (SDMC and SOCALM) members JOHN and GERRY CONN have hosted
May 15—Saturday potluck Tech Days at their house in Fullerton for the past 4 years. These events have
Miata May Madness — proven to be quite popular, and as always the food and fun are part of the attraction.
Rallye for the Cure So if you would like to host a Tech Day, here are a few guidelines:
Benefit for Leukemia Society
Do it for the right reason. If you are installing something on your car, invite others
to learn or to help. Tech Days are not meant to be a way to get someone over to do
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
1
From the Editor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
the work for you, they will be there to Autocross Board of Directors
help you, not be your private mechanic. President
a t t h e “Q” RAINER MUELLER
Pick a date that does not conflict with (760) 439-0067
another event. Check the Calendar of The following autocross events msd1@home.com
Events in the newsletter or on the club are tentatively scheduled to take Vice President
place in the parking lot of the VOODOO BOB K RUEGER
web page.
(619) 486-4711
Announce it. Submit it for publication Qualcomm Stadium at the
voodoo@miata.net
Jack Murphy Sports Complex.
in the newsletter and on the club E-mail Secretary
list. This will allow others who would BARB S HEV
Friday, March 19 . . . . . . . . . National Tour
(619) 679-0777
like to help or need help to attend. If this Saturday, March 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " moooncalf@aol.com
is a project you have not done before, Sunday, March 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " Treasurer
ask for help from someone who has. Saturday, April 10 . . . . . . . . . . practice day LAURIE WAID
(619) 673-4141
Make an event of it. Provide some re- Sunday, April 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . race day swaid2@san.rr.com
freshments. Food always seems to moti- Sunday, May 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . race day Membership
vate people to attend, and some even Saturday, May 29 . . . . . . . . . practice day MARK BOOTH
bring more goodies to munch as well! (619) 670-3789
Sunday, May 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . race day
markbooth@home.com
Keep it reasonable. Don’t try and set a No events scheduled for June or July. Autocross
record for the most shocks installed or RAINER MUELLER
To confirm autocross information call: (760) 439-0067
the most timing belts changed. Usually
San Diego SCCA Hotlines (619) 441-1333 msd1@home.com
one or two large projects (shocks or
(800) 360-4454 Club E-mail Postmaster
timing belt) is enough. Others who CINDY PALOMA
Web page www.sdr-solo2.com
attend might have smaller things to do Rainer Mueller (760) 439-0067 (619) 534-0969
on their own cars. sd-miata-request@cs.ucsd.edu
John Godden (619) 538-6165
Webmaster
Members who live in apartments are
ROBERT “JTBOB” HOLLAND
often not allowed to work on their Come participate or watch our club
(619) 549-4011
Miatas in the complex. By hosting a Tech members race at the autocross (timed robert@caliban.ucsd.edu
Day, you will be giving them a place to event). To participate you need to regis- Newsletter
ter for a Solo II card and number ($15) Editor
do the work they need to do as well, ANTHONY “NEVADABOB” W ILDE
within reason. Engine rebuilds are not and have a DOT approved helmet. (619) 693-8095
an appropriate way to repay the hospi- Loaner helmets are available at the NevadaBob@miata.net
tality of someone who hosts a Tech Day. autocross. Design and Layout
TOM & STEPHANIE GOULD
Most of all HAVE FUN. (619) 298-8605
—ANTHONY WILDE stef@miata.net
Notices
on our meeting agenda include: the 10th THE S AN D IEGO MIATA CLUB is an official chapter
Socalm events of the MIATA CLUB OF AMERICA.
Year Anniversary party for the Miata in
We are a nonprofit organization whose purpose
Social in Orange Irvine, and future event planning.
is to promote the enjoyment of— and enthusiasm
Date: Tuesday, 16 March After our meeting is completed, every- for— the Mazda Miata.
one is encouraged to purchase a SAN DIEGO M IATA CLUB NEWS is the monthly
Time: 6:30 p.m. (they won't take a reser-
driver's card and have fun on the excit- newsletter of the SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB. Use of
vation so we'll gather first and then go
ing driving rides at SpeedZone. articles or stories by other MCA chapters is
in all together)
hereby granted, provided proper credit is given.
Note: no open-toed shoes. The cost for the
Place: Dave & Buster's, 20 City Blvd. West Submissions to the newsletter are welcomed
different driving activities ranges from
(at The Block), Orange (714) 769-1515 and encouraged. Did you just add a new acces-
$1.50 per lap (Grand Prix, ideal for the
Dave & Buster's— a million dollar mid- sory to your Miata? How about writing a review
autocrossers out there), to $5 for five and submitting it to the newsletter? Where pos-
way with electronic simulators, shuffle-
minutes (Slick Track), to $10 for three sible, please send your electronic submissions to
board, pocket billiards, a turbo ride
runs (Top Eliminator Dragsters). There the newsletter editor, Anthony Wilde. Submis-
theatre, and oh yes, food — sandwiches sions can also be faxed to the club’s dedicated
is also a miniature golf circuit.
to steak and seafood $7–$17. phone line or mailed to the club’s post office box.
Social in Orange Submission deadline is the 15th of each month.
Quarterly Membership Meeting Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions.
Date: Tuesday, March 30
Date: Saturday, 27 March Internet: The SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB has estab-
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Time: 10:30 a.m. lished a dedicated World Wide Web Home Page
Place: Olde Town Brewery, Orange at http://www.sandiegomiataclub.org.
Place: Malibu SpeedZone, (626) 913-9663, (714) 744-4181 great sandwiches and The club has also established a members-only
17871 Castleton St, City of Industry electronic mail list for those members with
salads $6–$15 range.
SpeedZone will be providing a conti- E-mail capability.
nental breakfast of fruit, muffins, bagels, Socalm contacts: Dedicated 24-hour voice/fax phone line:
pastries, jam/jelly, cream cheese, juices, President— K. Zack Broadbent, (619) 670-7948
coffee, and tea. The cost is $5.00 if you (714) 525-9065, racerzack@aol.com SAN D IEGO MIATA CLUB
want to eat breakfast, otherwise you Club E-mail list: socalm@avatar.com P.O. Box 2286
can attend the meeting for free. Topics Website: www.socalm.org Spring Valley, CA 91979-2286
2
Meeting Places Upcoming
National
Laughlin Overnight Getaway and Regional
California Basset Run & Roast
Date: March 5–6, 1999 Events
Date: Sunday, March 14
Place: Harrah's, Laughlin, Nevada Time: 10:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday March 6–7, 1999
Coordinator: Bari Hyde, Place: Deer Creek Winery, 8 miles north Phoenix International Raceway
(714) 827-2940 or bhyde@earthlink.net of Escondido (exit I-15 at Old Castle Driving School/Track Day
This is a joint venture for SOCALM and and take Hwy 395 1 mile south). The two-day class sponsored by the
SDMC at Harrah's Laughlin. Bari has a National Auto Sport Assoc. includes a
Run Leaders: Barbara and John
block of rooms, all non-smoking, at $55. drivers’ school (and a special Saturday
Templeton, jetempleton@att.net or
Call Harrah's in Laughlin, (800) 427-7247 (760) 751-8636 novice school) and timed track sessions.
and ask for the "Miata" booking— If you Barbara, John, and their extremely rare, Cost ($195–$245) is dependant on the
need smoking please request when and selectively-bred, attack Basset number of registrants.
giving name and credit card number. hounds, Fred and Maggie, invite you to Contact: Cliff Couch of the Sahuaro
Please contact Bari after making your join them on the continuation of a se- Miata Club, (602) 404-9394, or
reservation, so that she has an up-to- ries of Basset Runs and Roasts begun cliffcharyn@home.com, for details and
date list of participants. while John was president of the Windy to register. No roll-bar requirement.
City Chapter. These early spring outings Wednesday March 10, 1999
Blue Angels Air Show, El Centro in Illinois became extremely popular. Laguna Seca Driving School/Track Day
Date: Saturday, March 13 (Anything in the Spring in Illinois is Monterey, California
Time: Leave at 6:30 a.m.— don’t be late! popular.) Cost: $265, Rollbars recommended not
Place: Mission Valley K-Mart (Oscars) We'll traverse a few twisty roads of required, 2⁄3 tread on tires, no leaking
parking lot Bonsall, Fallbrook, Temecula, etc. fluids, good brakes. Helmets required:
Coordinators: Skip Lowder and before returning to the Basset Farm for SA '95 or above, M '95 or above, DOT
Stef Gould, (619) 297-4272 or succulent roast Basset and trimmings, Contact: Aaron Tachibana,
stef@miata.net (RSVP to Stef) beverage, dessert, and socializing. The (408) 738-3290 or aaron@miata.net
car museum and winery is just around This is the best way for Miata owners to
Why drive all the way to El Centro to see
the corner for those that want to "taste." improve their driving skills and find the
the Blue Angels? The air is clear and the
crowds are light. We’ve arranged for VIP The tour will be done "Windy City Style" limits of the car in a safe, controlled
flight-line parking for our Miatas— they with few (if any) "queue-up" points. environment. There are excellent SCCA
will be on display— let’s make a good Instead you'll be given a detailed route instructors on the track at all times.
showing and have a great day! sheet with official mileage (the Tour Saturday March 20, 1999
Nazi's odometer is always official). Hon- SJVMC ‘99 St. Patrick's Day Poker Run
For those of you who prefer to drive out
estly it works, or at least adds to the
on Friday night, a contingent from Fresno – Clovis, California
conversation at the end of the run.
SOCALM is planning on driving to El Cost: $45 per car includes— One t-shirt,
Centro on Friday night. They will be RSVP required: All we ask is for an RSVP
participation in poker run, lunch for 2,
staying at the Vacation Inn (800) 328- so that we know how much feed the
and parking lot events. Optional dinner.
6289, Exit I-8 at Imperial Ave., 2015 Cot- Bassets will require before slaughter
Contact: Michael Toepfer,
ton Wood Circle. The king room rate if and a few bucks as you feel appropri-
(209) 440-9866
AAA member is $46, without it's $52. ate at the table. All kidding aside, the
RonHex27@worldnet.att.net
Bari Hyde has blocked 5 non-smoking meal's for real, we promise a great
king rooms "Miata" or Bari Hyde, for time. Ruff-Ruff! March 26–28, 1999
March 12th & 13th, call and trasnfer a ’99 Thunderhill
SCCA National Autocross Tour Miata Performance Driving School
room to your credit card. Comes with
continental breakfast and coupons for Date: March 20–21 Thunderhill Park in Willows, CA—
evening cocktails. Time: 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. each day one hour north of Sacramento
If you plan to stay overnight make your Place: Qualcomm Stadium, west lot. Two and a half days of training which
motel booking ASAP, they’re filling fast. Come out and show support for will enable you to become a safer driver
our club’s autocross racers at this and help you to get every ounce of per-
Saturday morning, 8:30 a.m, we’ll meet
once a year event— formance from your Miata. $325 regis-
at the entrance to Sunbeam County
See the article on page 4. tration includes Friday dinner, manual,
Park, just west of El Centro. We have
T-shirt, patch, autocross and prizes.
been asked to enter the base as one
Monthly Meeting To register or for more information:
group.
Date: Thursday, March 25 www.teammiata.com/thunderhill/
RSVP not required, but please do.
Time: 6:00 p.m. school.htm or (510) 370-8262
Remember: bring sunscreen and straw
hats— it can get hot in the desert sun! Place: Boll Weevil May 6–9, 1999
And a warm jacket as it may get cold 9330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Miata World ‘99
on the trip home. (At Ruffin Rd.), San Diego
Miata 10th Anniversary Celebration,
(619) 571-6225
Lone Star Miata Club (Dallas/Ft. Worth)
This event is the single best way to
(877) MIATA 99, $325 couple, $255 solo
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
3
MEETING PLACES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
meet your fellow club members, ask Solo II National Tour
because of a spun car, you are held in
questions, share stories, etc.
In March, specifically March 20-21, the pre-grid area for 5 minutes so that
Don’t miss the fun!
the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) your tires are able to cool off (don’t want
Miata Dis-Mantler and Peterson will be holding their yearly Solo II an unfair advantage from pre-warmed
Automotive Museum Tour National Tour here in San Diego at the tires). After all cars have done their run,
Date: Saturday, March 27 Qualcomm Stadium west park- there is a cone audit to make sure that
Time: 8:45 a.m., Leaving promptly at 9:00 ing lot. This event is one of the the records show that the clobbered
Place: The Windmill (formerly Pea Soup qualifiers necessary for local cones get credited to the proper (guilty)
Andersen's), east side of I-5 at the Solo II participants to attend drivers.
Palomar Airport Road exit, Carlsbad. so that they are eligible to race at the After all three runs are completed, all
Caravan Leaders: John Lawler and Helen National Championship in Topeka, the cars are placed in the impound area
Lang, jlawler@webcc.net or Kansas, this September. with the hood and trunk open so that the
(619) 268-3617, and Ian Dacanay The National event is similar to regular other competitors can verify that each
This event will have something for autocrosses held at the stadium, but the car visually complies with the rules. If a
everyone. We will start by heading north rules are more stringent and heavily competitor thinks that another car has
to George Narzarian's Sport Imports enforced. The racing is held over two an illegal advantage, that competitor can
(818) 765-3333, 7054 Laurel Canyon, days, Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, protest the car and place a protest fee
Boulevard No. Hollywood, CA. He is one
March 21. There are three runs each day, with the SCCA. If the protest is upheld,
of the original Miata salvage yards and
the course direction is opposite on the the protestor gets the money back and
has a huge variety of Miata stuff. This is
second day. They take your best time the illegal car/driver is disqualified. If the
a great opportunity to find a replace-
ment steering wheel, new alloys, and all from each day, add them together and get protest is rejected, the vindicated driver
sorts of after market goodies— a cumulative time for the two-day event. gets the money,with a share for the
Make a wish list! When you sign up, you register a SCCA, to compensate for the impound
Lunch will follow at Hot Wings Café. number between 1 and 99. If there is a and inspection hassle.
second driver using that car in the same Many of the best drivers attend this
Afterward, we will head over to the
class, then that driver adds a 1 in front. event. Look for national champion, and
Peterson Automotive Museum, 6060
Wilshire at Fairfax, (213) 930-CARS. So if one driver has the number 23, the local driver, George Doganis to be one of
second driver will be given number 123. the front-runners in his Miata in B Stock.
“Most definitive museum in North
Small number placards are placed in the Also Gary Thomason looks to be hot in
America dedicated to the interpretive
study of the automobile and its influ- pre-grid area corresponding to your car Bob Purcell’s 1999 Miata. If you want to
ence on our lives.” Three levels of dis- number so you know where to line up. see some of the best drivers in the hot-
plays, galleries and book & gift shops. After each run, you go back to your pre- test Miatas competing, then plan on
Features Streetscape, a historical walk grid spot and wait for each car to do its coming to the National Event Saturday
through time showing the evolution of run. If you get a re-run because of cones and Sunday, March 20-21.
automobile and Los Angeles landscape, knocked down by the previous driver or —ROBERT ‘JT’ HOLLAND
including a full-sized "Dog Cafe"— built
in the shape of a sitting bulldog,
replicating a small beach-area diner.
InTENse, the 10th Anniversary Book
A review of their collection is at
www.theautochannel.com/news/writ- As most of you are aware, orders are now being taken for the Miata 10th Anniver-
ers/bhagin/1998/fs9839.html sary books. The books cost $65.00 each plus a $15.00 shipping charge (7 lbs. each!).
Admission is $7.
There are a few of the 5th Anniversary books available for an additional $20.
I have contacted the publisher, Barbara Beach, to make arrangements for SDMC
Club Stuff— Available at club members to save the shipping cost. Geri Causarano and I will pick up the books
Monthly Meetings and deliver them to members at an upcoming monthly meeting.
• Only 1500 10th Anniversary books will be autographed.
The SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB has a variety
• For those of you that have a 5th Anniversary book and want your 10th to have
of “Club Stuff” available for purchase at
the matching issue number, give us the number— Barb will try to match it.
every Monthly Meeting.
Barbara has requested that all checks be mailed to me so that Geri and I can keep
• Static-cling window decals in
track of how many books have been ordered by our membership. If the printing
most every car color
schedule stays on track, the books should be available by mid- to late-April and will be
• Nametags
delivered to you at the April monthly meeting.
• Engraved glass mugs If you have already mailed a check to Barbara Beach, but would like to save the
• Hat/lapel pins shipping charge, please let us know so that I can add your name to our delivery list.
• Ladies’ watches — Sue Hinkle, sportscarr@aol.com or (760) 735-9456.
• T-shirts, even a few sweatshirts! Make checks payable to: MEDIA SOURCE
Our special San Diego County Miata Mail them to: Sue Hinkle
Road Maps and Membership Rosters are 733 S. Kalmia Street
available, free of charge. Escondido, CA 92025
4
Looking for a Few Good Miatas
D IANE LONG
Left: 57 Miatas line up for inspection at the
LCAC facility.
Below: Members tour a hovercraft while
PHOTO:
Ed Langmaid straps on a safety harness in
preparation for the highpoint of his day!
Camp Pendleton Tour and
Champagne Brunch Run
February 7th, 1999
rom the beginning, we were given
F VIP treatment by the Marine
Corps. We were met early in the
morning by Marine Community
Relations Chief Staff Sergeant Stephen
Gude. Under sunny skies and light winds
57 Miatas and 1 RX-7 blasted out of the
Windmill’s parking lot in Carlsbad, en
route to a most interest-
ing day at Marine Corps
Base, Camp Pendleton.
As always, the long line
of Miatas attracted lots of attention on
BOB KRUEGER
the short run North on I-5. Smiles and
waves from the Sunday OTM drivers
were juxtaposed with the driver of one
PHOTO:
particular large truck that seemed (justifi-
ably) to take exception to our presence.
As previously arranged, we were climb aboard and inspect these $23 mil-
greeted at the main gate by a military lion dollar vehicles. Three LCACs were
police vehicle from the Provost Marshal’s stationed on the flight line for a one-of-
Office (PMO) which was to be our escort a-kind photo-opportunity. What a thrill!
for our time on base. For those of us who Our Miatas were parked in three rows of
have been stationed here before, this sort sixteen and a final row of nine. ED
of special treatment was certainly a first! LANGMAID fearlessly strapped on a safety
With our escort vehicle at Code Three harness and rode a man lift to shimmer-
(running siren and flashing lights), we ing heights to take photos of this impres-
headed for our first destination— inside sive sight. Meanwhile the rest of the
the security fence of the Navy’s LCAC group received guided tours of the
facility West of I-5, a place many of us LCACs from Petty Officer First Class
had wondered about for years. Andy Maderas, a Miata owner himself,
S AL CAUSARANO
LCAC stands for Landing Craft, Air and fellow personnel of Assault Craft
Cushion. These hovercraft can deliver a Unit 5. All in all, a truly interesting and
60-ton payload to 70 percent of the informative morning, but just the begin-
PHOTO:
beaches in the world. We were invited to ning of a great day.
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
5
We had been on base for about two together by stopping non-Miata traffic
hours. What next?…You guessed it… for our colorful parade to pass by. At the
must be time to eat! Once again with OC, our hostess for the day, Cathy Mon-
our escort car at Code Three, we were roe of Morale, Welfare and Recreation,
off to the Officers’ Club at San Luis Rey. shepherded 93 starving Miatans inside to
Our caravan trekked nearly the entire enjoy a fabulous all-you-can-eat brunch.
BOB KRUEGER
width of this vast installation. We passed The food and camaraderie were out-
through intersections against the red standing and a good time was had by all.
lights, and we didn’t even get into Cathy also treated our PMO escorts to
PHOTO:
trouble! Our escorts made sure we stuck brunch— good move, Cathy— what a
E D L ANGMAID
PHOTO:
6
E D L ANGMAID
PHOTO:
fine group of young men! ing Track Vehicles (LTV) and how they collecting the money and keeping the
Afterward, a bit slower following our helped to gain victory in the Pacific dur- numbers, Cathy Monroe from Camp
eating frenzy, we headed out for our ing WWII. Each of us could imagine the Pendleton for organizing from the Ma-
next destination with our escort vehicle hellish experience endured by the gallant rine Corps side, Andy and Tom for their
blazing the trail. After retracing our pre- young Marines, including a large num- most informative programs, and the
vious route, we arrived at Camp Del Mar ber of them who paid the ultimate price. PMO personnel for enabling us to enjoy
and the Marine Corps’ LTV Museum. It After such an emotional experience, clear sailing throughout our time on the
was clear to see that the group was some in the group decided to head base. Most of all, to all of you for sup-
transfixed as the curator, Tom Adametz, home. ART HAMILTON, who, as a retired porting our run by your attendance and
passionately told the history of the Land- Master Gunnery Sergeant had spent for the very kind words and letters after-
many years on the base, guided a group ward showing your approval. Ready for
of us up Basilone Road, giving a narra- next year? They definitely want us back!
tive on his CB while proceeding by the —JERRY CISINSKY
various camps and out of the gate near
San Onofre and I-5.
Thanks to Art
and IZZY MAGGAY
for co-planning
the event,
MARK BOOTH
and STEF
GOULD
for
S AL CAUSARANO
E D L ANGMAID
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
7
Mini-Tech Day at
Diane Long's
February 13, 1999
W
ow, perfect top-down
driving or top-down
wrench-wielding
A NTHONY WILDE
weather! I arrived after
D IANE LONG
things were underway, at least two cars
getting new swaybars. I offered up my
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
deviled eggs that I'd made for the occa-
sion. They were immedi-
ately gobbled up. (Amaz- Why are these people
ing how something so smiling? They are feeding
simple to make is consid- Miatas new parts—
ered such a gastronomic treat.) We dis- Miatas are especially fond
of arms and hands!
cussed swaybars, floorjacks, jackstands,
simulated gravity, seatcovers, sound
systems, add-on interior lights, etc. etc.
Uh-oh, looks like we might be getting
finished with the swaybars, what else
A NTHONY WILDE
can we get our hands on? JON MARTINEZ
asks if I’m installing anything today and
I say yes, an oil filter relocation kit. Next
PHOTO:
thing I know he's drilling holes in the
firewall with his right-angle cordless
Makita drill. A really nice application of tion. Improves braking performance Even discussion about gas caps! Ian has
the right-angle feature. under hard braking conditions on the a way cool filler cap. And J OHN LAWLER is
After a trip to Kragen for an oil drain track.” Hmmm, I don't think I'll be need- The Velcro Man--gives me a little piece
pan, Jon and IAN DACANAY put my car on ing slotted rotors this week... of velcro to use as a gas cap holder on
ANTHONY WILDE'S snazzy jackstands and Back to the garage to scope out the the underside of the filler door. Is that
finish the installation. Voila! Looks like installation of STEF GOULD’S oil filter relo clever or what?
the rep at Moss Motors was right about kit. (Different kit, much much cheaper Tech day’s winding down--we feel
the kit fitting a ‘99. but not as clean a fit since it’s general- satisfied and pleased with all the work
Ah, but we're not done yet. GENE ized for various cars.) Gotta relocate the done, the great camaraderie, the sharing
STANLEY and Jon both notice the tie- alarm horn first, it's in the spot the filter of experiences and ideas, the gorgeous
downs still on the front of my car. Gene will go. Did someone say horn? Discus- day. After thank-yous and good-byes,
decides they're too hard to remove, but sion about horns, horn buttons, visibility I’m heading home and wondering, do
Jon is determined and eventually gets and blind spots on the big rigs, safety of these folks have this much fun every tech
them off. The car looks so much better Miatas, stories about rollover crashes in day? If so, I’ll definitely have to come to
now. Maybe it's time to start thinking Miatas. Rollover? Discussion about more of them!
about a front grille? We discuss front rollbars, stylebars, racing harnesses. — GALE CHAN
grilles, front license plates, traffic light
cameras that'll give you a ticket. We
don't want to talk too much about tick- Upcoming Event
ets, might be bad karma.
Racing Beat — Miata Open House
Back to “good karma” discussions
about CBs, antenna splitters, cold air in- April 10th, 1999 10am –3 pm
take units. We go look at Ian's “home- • Tour the Racing Beat production and R&D facilities. — Product Demos
grown” CAI. Oooo, look at Ian's airdam! • Meet the Reps from: Yokohama Tires, Tokico Shocks, K&N Filters
Lots of scratches on it. Yeah, says Ian, • Prize Drawings
that's because the car has shorter • Meet the Socalm and San Diego Miata Clubs
springs. Makes the airdam hit every- • Special Pricing on Selected Racing Beat Merchandise
thing. It's flexible, though, survives ev- • Free Food, Drinks, and More!
erything. We discuss springs, shocks, Of course we’ll have a caravan going up to their facility in Anaheim, check
tires, wheels, forged wheels vs. ma- the April newsletter for details. Racing Beat is promoting this event via
chined wheels. We look at SCOTT Miata.net and print media for all Miata owners.
SCHROEDER'S new slotted brake rotors. www.racingbeat.com Street address— 4789 E. Wesley Drive, Anaheim CA
“What are the slots for?” “Gas dissipa-
8
94-97 Driveshaft (shorter because the Once that was accomplished adding the
differential is longer) new parts was fairly simple.
29 mm, 1⁄2" drive socket (a 11⁄8" Uni- It was a challenging job to do, but
fied socket is close enough) well worth the cost ($600 plus tools).
A long-handled breaker bar The difference is remarkable, you just
All of these items are available from a can’t beat the traction in the twisties.
junkyard specializing in Miata parts such Now I can’t wait to get on the track at
as Sports Imports (818) 765-3333, ask for the Thunderhill Performance Driving
M ARTINEZ
George; or Marshall’s (800) 367-1901, School in March!
ask for Erik. Be prepared to negotiate in — JON MARTINEZ
PHOTO: JON
order to get a good deal. Left: Closeup view of the Torsen
The hardest part of the job is remov- Differential with the cover removed.
ing the original axles. The 29 mm nuts Below: The main components of a
Upgrading to a Torsen that hold the axles to the wheel hub are differential swap.
torqued to 190 ft./lbs. —
Rear Differential
have long-handled breaker
ne of the things that can bar handy. Next was get-
O
Differential
really improve the handling ting the axles out of the
of a Miata is the Torsen hubs.
Differential. The Open Dif- After eight years on the
MAZDA CORPORATION
ferential that comes standard on the car, my axle splines that fit
Miata is fine for most street driving but if inside the wheel hubs had
you autocross, add a su- rusted tight. The right side
Stub Shaft
percharger or turbo, every came
time you come out of a off with a few hits of the
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF
right hand turn your right hammer but I had to bor-
Halfshaft
rear tire will just spin. Valuable horse- row my friend’s sledge-
power is going up in smoke until the hammer and really whack
spinning wheel regains traction. the heck out of the left side
The Torsen fixes the problem by de- before it would come free.
livering power to both rear drive wheels
via an elegant gearing mechanism inside
the differential. Both wheels will always
have traction allowing you to apply full AfterMarket Goodies
power earlier exiting the turn. The result
A Grille For Your Miata
is better control and much quicker lap
believe that Mazda dropped the ball
I
times.
L AWLER
Changing the differential in a 94-99 when they designed the Miata's
PHOTO: JOHN
Miata just requires swapping the Open mouth. They left off the signature...
Differential “Pumpkin” with a 94-99 the grille. Sure, there are sports cars
Torsen unit. Anyone with good mechani- out there without grilles, but I can't
cal experience should be able to com- think of any right now… which is exactly my point!
plete the job with a shop manual and a While I have looked, I haven't been able to find a grill that I thought
complete set of tools. There is also some fit the Miata’s personality. I wanted one that is distinct and traditional,
good tech information on Miata.net’s yet subtle. It has to be un-obstructing, while offering the radiator some
web site. protection against flying projectiles. After seeing the Miari's grille in
The early 90-93 Miatas are a different the MX-5 Miata Anniversary Album, page 27, I was inspired to design
story. They came with a smaller differen- and create my own.
tial and differential carrier (the part that My goal was to keep the grill light and aerodynamic. I used six strips of high
bolts to the undercarriage of the car). grade aluminum, which run horizontally across the opening. These sleek bands
Because of this, a Torsen “Pumpkin” are tied together with three vertical bars to give it strength. The result is classic!
won’t fit without changing a lot more I made the first one in time for the Holiday Party gift exchange, and have
parts. Here is the list: made a few others on request. I am making these grilles on an "as needed"
94-97 Torsen unit basis for club members. Turnaround time is about one week and the cost is $65.
94-97 Differential Carrier My E-mail address is jlawler@webcc.net or (619) 268-3617.
94-97 Halfshaft Axles (these are Thanks for supporting my autocrossing habit!
shorter because the differential is wider — JOHN LAWLER
and the bolt patterns are different)
9
that car. I've had New Members!
that bug before. The following are the new members
Well, one since the last newsletter:
week later, after I Lewis Berger
almost bought a San Diego
Nissan 240SX but 1999 Emerald Green Touring
backed out in the Brian Bousman
last minute Seal Beach
(Thank God), I 1990 Red A
was back and Kathleen Gauden Clarke &
made an offer on Joshua Clarke
the Miata San Diego
including those 1993 Red
wheels. Practical Bobby Kleemann
or not, I thought a San Diego
convertible sportscar is the way to go in 1999 Emerald Green PEP
Member Profile Gail Parish
Southern California! I probably paid too
BENGT SPETSMARK much, because I think we came to an La Jolla
1994 White C
Around 6 months ago I moved over to agreement a bit too fast. (Why is it
San Diego from Sweden to work as an always like that when I buy a car?) But John Robbins
electronics engineer. One of the many now it's mine, and I love it. Those San Diego
1990 Red A
things to do when you arrive in a new wheels look very good and the tires
place in the world is the pleasant task of make the car really cling to the road. I Lauren & Robert Thompson
San Diego
finding a new car. At least I thought it have driven Highland Valley Road sev-
1999 Silver PEP
would be pleasant until I met the Ameri- eral times already, with a big smile on
Jeremy Wong
can car salesmen. They are terribly pushy my face. Sure, the low-profile tires are a
San Diego
and stick like glue — that takes the fun bit uncomfortable on bad roads but the
1990 Red B
out of car shopping. I was not prepared handling on smooth curvy roads more
for them and it took some time to realize than makes up for it. Now I only have to The following members have renewed
that you have to get really rude to shake figure out why oncoming cars are since the last newsletter:
them off and get out of their cubicles honking at me in the curves. Is it be- Bob & Liz Brown
without buying a car. I was fighting a ter- cause they think I have a great car, or do Thomas Busch-Sorensen
rible war for three weeks. I scare them with my speed? Well, my Sal & Geri Causarano
Since I didn't know exactly what I guess is that they like the car.
Bill & Bari Hyde
wanted and how much car you get for The impractical side of the car really
Erin & Greg Levorchick
the money over here, I visited a lot of proved itself when I bought a TV and
different dealers before I found the car. tried to get it home. TVs don't fold and Jon Martinez & Judy Powell
I only knew that I wanted something bend like a Christmas tree does, but I got Robert Olsson
sporty and fun and practical in everyday it home after a while. Nicola Reynolds
life at a reasonable price. I had owned One of my previous cars was a Frank Shine & Stephen DeLonge
and really liked a couple of BMW's, they ‘66 Triumph Spitfire which was very
Ronald & Jean Short
fulfilled all my demands except the rea- similar to the Miata. In fact I have heard
sonable price, so I was prepared to try that the Mazda designers had the MGB There are now 288 memberships
consisting of 433 members.
something else this time. and the Spitfire as their main source of
The car happens to be a beautiful ‘95 inspiration when the Miata was created. Memberships by Miata Color:
95 Red
Montego "Blue" (but in my opinion it's I understand now that it is true. The
59 White
green) with black leather and top. What Miata really reminds me of my Spitfire, 36 Black
really made me interested was that the but the Miata has all that the Triumph 17 Silver
dealer had beefed up a ‘99 Miata next to lacked, quality, comfort, reliability and 14 Montego Blue
it with some awesome custom alloy safe handling. The Miata is beautiful but 12 Mariner Blue
11 Laguna Blue
wheels—17" with 205/40 tires. They re- I still think the Triumph looked better.
10 Emerald Green
ally made my car-crazed heart beat My only concern now is that it al- 9 BRG
faster. I didn't buy the car right away, ready has 65,000 miles on the odometer, 7 Merlot
since it didn't live up to my demand for a but it seems very healthy and in good 6 Twilight Blue
practical car. The bug hit me hard and I condition. I just wish it had 25 more 5 Starlight Blue
5 Marina Green
caught myself all the time picturing in horsepower, then it would be perfect.
2 Yellow
my mind that green Miata with those I hope to see you all at some of the 1 Cranberry Red
wheels. And I guess somewhere deep club activities in the future. 1 Hunter Green
inside I knew that I was going to buy —BENGT 4 Unreported
10
President’s Message
Rainer’s Ramblings
I
sn't it amazing how our group pulls off But this time we may have outdone our- Big STEVE WAID was getting his kicks
new and exciting events month after selves with the great brunch. in the BS class, since someone told him
month? You may think that you've Several club members are veterans, it stood for Big Steve.
seen it all, and then someone puts and some, like me, served aboard Camp ANTHONY “NEVADABOB” WILDE was
together a new run which is nothing like Pendleton. But I'll bet none of us have shooting photos of anything and every-
any of the previous runs we've done ever enjoyed our visit to the base as we thing in sight. I'm sure you'll see some of
before. Hats off to JERRY CISINSKY and did this time. Thanks to all who made his handiwork elsewhere in this newslet-
ART HAMILTON, for coordinating the tours this happen. ter. And VOODOO BOB KRUEGER was
of LCAC facility and the LTV museum, checking out all the drivers utilizing his
and TO IZZY MAGGAY for coming up with At the Autocross gearshift knobs on the course. If you
the idea of the champagne brunch at the A strange thing happened at the auto- didn't know it yet, you should— his gear-
Camp Pendleton Officers’ Club! cross on Valentine's Day at Qualcomm shift knob will take at least two seconds
These former Marines got us (all 57 Stadium — more and more Miata club off of your best time on the course!
Miatas and almost 100 people) on board members are showing up at the events And even though I was probably the
Camp Pendleton to view the LCACs and and either racing or watching the rest of slowest Miata out there all day, I sure did
their “air/seaport.” If you've ever driven us race. According to an informed have a bunch of fun acting as the track
on I-5 between Oceanside and San source, there were 12 Miatas registered announcer for the second heat.
Clemente, you must have seen the huge in just one of the six heats run that day— Hey, I think this club is ready to be
Medieval fort-like rammed earth fence I told you this stuff is addicting! one of the official racing teams which
topped by poured concrete shields that BARB and ELLIOT SHEV were killing puts on autocross events in San Diego at
surround the facility on the west side of the course with the latest modifications the stadium on a rotational basis with
the freeway in Camp Pendleton. If you're to their beautiful blue with white striped the four existing clubs. What do you
like me, you've always wondered what Miata. According to Barb who had never think? I'd like to get your opinion.
the military has “hidden” there. Now we spun the car before, it goes faster than
know. ever now. She even enjoyed taking the A Year As President
We were given a full military police Miata for a spin! Draws to a Close
escort all over the base. This meant that ‘JT’BOB HOLLAND apparently loved the My term as president of this club is
the MPs blocked intersections so that the Kumho tires he was driving, because he rapidly drawing to a close. Many have
Miata entourage could pass through red was turning in some pretty awesome asked me if I plan to run for a second
lights to get to their destinations without times. BRIAN “GOOD-W IN RACING” term. As much as I have enjoyed being
having OTMs mess up our parade. (In GOODWIN was running neck and neck the president of the club, I believe it is
case you didn't know, OTM stands for with JT in the CSP class— some friendly only right for me to complete only one
Other Than Miata.) rivalry here! term. When I became president of the
After an informative tour of the LCAC JOHN LAWLER came out for the first club, I was working out of my own
facility and getting our pictures taken, time to baptize his BRG Miata, and now home, able to devote a large portion of
we traveled across this huge base (one both he and the car are converts. John my life to the club. But as you all know,
of the largest in the entire country) to the was also seen fitting his custom made I am now working for a company which
Officers’ Club to enjoy a phenomenal grills into some Miatas. PHIL DAOUST was has me flying all around the country for
Sunday morning champagne brunch. As a recipient of one of those grills and was weeks at a time. I just don't think it's fair
anyone who has ever traveled with this last seen drooling excessively! to have a job like the president and then
club knows, we are a drive and eat club! not be able to fulfill all the requirements
necessary to make it the position it is.
A long line of I'll miss the job and the position, and
Miatas retreats I will always remember and treasure the
from the wonderful year I've had as the president
fortified LCAC
of the greatest car club on the face of the
facility and
earth. I couldn't have done it without you.
prepares to
So, it's now time to have a new face
attack the
Officers’ Club as your president. I'm sure that there are
brunch. many people in the club who can do an
D IANE LONG
outstanding job.
Let's drive (and eat) on that one!
—RAINER MUELLER, El Presidente
PHOTO:
11