Hey guys just bought my first Miata or Mazda for that matter. It is a 93 that looks like it has been several peoples projects so looks a little rough but drives fantastic can came at a good price. I may be new to Miatas but am not new to working on my own cars so I hope I can help bring this one back. Tell me what you think and things to watch out for. Also is there a good link to look up vins and see what options this car does and doesn't have?

I have notice a small oil leak, it looks like just the valve cover gasket, are there any other common leaks I should look for?

 

The 90-93 had a smaller rear differential that may fail if you do any clutch drops or burnouts. There is a rubber nipple cover on the back of the head on the intake side that leaks coolant if it gets old. Those are worth watching for.

The cars are pretty sturdy and reliable generally.

Welcome to the forum!

 

Thanks I will keep my eyes open for coolant, if in the future the rear diff does need attention would it be hard to swap it with one from a newer NA. This is my DD for now so I don't plan on any burnouts or racing.

 

welcome to MFz, make sure when you change the valve cover gasket you clean the surface of the head, and dont over torque the bolts. also while your in there do the cam angle sensor o-ring it is also a common leak point. when i replaced the diff on my old car it took something like 4 hours. and your car will look much better without the chrome door edge guard just saying.

 

If I recall, when you do the diff swap it requires the other axles as well. I'm not sure about the rear hubs. Once it is changed out it is bulletproof for a lot more than twice the stock horsepower.

You will probably find plastic and rubber parts that need changing like the shifter bushings and such. Little improvements add up over time.

 

Axles are different as well as the driveshaft. Hubs are the same unless you go with the msm ones I believe.