Finally, an empty nest and I'm driving my dream car, a brand new 2008 Miata without a turbo, but with a powered retractable top. Hey, they practically gave it to me as the 2010s were coming down the street in a truck.

In two weeks, I have put 700 miles all driving up & down 34 to Estes Park and then my new favorite drive up the Poudre River run. Slamming good fun.

OK, I'm a small block V8 girl having owned several Camaros, a Malibu and an el Camino. I took this baby for a ride and bought it before even looking under the hood! When I got it home, I freaked out. How does anyone work on these engines? My WRX's engine looks nothing like a v8, but a little less intimidating than my new Miata.

So, where do I start souping this baby up? I did notice a rather large area in the left rear which might hold a cold air intake. Please I need a mazda mentor here. I'm a girl who likes more power. I have tools, but will leave installation to the experts, unless it's a no brainer.

Thanks, Drummer Girl

Tell me more about this drumming of yours.

Oh, and congrats on finding a car you love.

I know nothing about the miata to tell you the honestly truth, but congrats on the purchase and welcome!

Where are you located when you're in Windsor? I'm stationed up here in Detroit... you're practically one country over from me, haha.

Congrats on the car. There are a bunch of miata people around here that I'm sure could help.

Welcome. There was such a thing as a Mazdaspeed Miata, back in 03 or 04, I think, so that might help you figure out how to get some more HP out of your zoom-zoom. And I've heard rumblings that a new MS Miata could be in the works as well....that even interests an AWD junkie like me.

this is a great company: http://www.flyinmiata.com/

I've seen a lot of info on souping up Miatas. Every time I Google my Mazda, I get too much Miata info. lol

Welcome!

The Korean:

She's in Windsor, CO. Somewhere up by Ft. Collins-ish?

Welcome. While at college at CSU, we used to get a shot at the bars called "The Poudre Valley Dropoff". I don't remember what all is in it, but it tastes like a marichino cherry.

Yeah, Windsor is out east (and a little south) of Fort Collins.

I'd try flyinmiata (located in Grand Junction, CO) or Moss Miata for Miata parts. Being that it's a 2008, I don't know how much support is out for it just yet.

Welcome! I'm a drummer too. Well mainly a guitar / bass player, but I do play a lot of drums. I think to answer your question, we have to consider what you want to do with the car...will it see any track use? Or is it just your fun street car? Do you want go fast goodies, or something to make it handle better? Etc. For power, an exhaust and intake would be a good place to start. But honestly, it won't do much good. For REAL power, the only way to go is forced induction, or an engine swap, which isn't really a viable option at the moment. Unfortunately there aren't many kits available, from what I can see...Cosworth makes a supercharger kit which will net you around 215 WHP:

http://www.cosworthusa.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=51&idproduct=363

But as you can see it's really expensive. If I were you, I would get the intake and exhaust on and wait a while for some cheap(er) turbo kits to come out.

Welcome. Not sure about the miata power adders but do no that there are probaby a lot of different options out there. Have fun Zoom Zooming.

BTW I have some family out in Ft. Collins and Windsor. Ever heard of Palmer Flowers in Ft. Collins?

Welcome to the club. As others have said, Flyin' Miata is good for go-fast parts.Talk to Red95FMII on here, he's probably got some good info. We also have a member, Ron, who is in the middle of a V8 swap in his mid-90s Miata. BTW, I've always wanted to play drums....good shit!

Rich wrote:Welcome to the club. As others have said, Flyin' Miata is good for go-fast parts.Talk to Red95FMII on here, he's probably got some good info. We also have a member, Ron, who is in the middle of a V8 swap in his mid-90s Miata. BTW, I've always wanted to play drums....good shit!

Red95FMII is now RedRoadster on here. Changed Names.

Been flopping on the skins for 40 years this year! Help out with WHS drumline and in Nov07 played onstage with Keith Urban. My new band is Errata and we play everything from CCR to Rush.

Thanks to everyone for the welcome...drmrgrl

Ah yes... The good Ol' Cache la Poudre. Dad's side of the family was from Ft. Fun, so I've done my share of visits up in them hills, growing up. In my older days, it's been one of our more popular sportbike rides.

Favorite motorcycle route ever...
- Poudre canyon up into Walden.
- 125 South out of Walden down through Willow Creek till it turns into 40. (amazing scenery)
- 40 further South, through Granby, Winterpark, all the way down Berthod pass until you hit 70.
- I70 back East, till the Central City Racewa... er... Parkway. Take that up in Blackhawk, for the buffet at Ameristar.
- Then head home after that, whatever way is easiest. (totally exhausted, but at least no longer hungry.)

Oh yeah! Welcome to the club, Drummer Girl!