2002 Mazda Miata NB Turbo

This is a rare thing indeed.

True enough, Miatas abound, and even a turbocharged version can be found every once in a while. But this is a piece of Miata history.

Built in 2005 by Ken Hill and supported by Flyin' Miata, now the most prominent aftermarket parts and tuning company this side of the Pacific, this stock 5-speed car was given every treatment under the sun available to make it as fast and thrilling as was possible, while keeping the spirit of the car intact. Time would tell if the cutting-edge of 2005 would stand up to 20 years and 60,000 miles of empty back road turns, ferocious highway pulls, and embarrassed Mustangs at every red light, and here it is. Proof that the answer is always: Miata.

Originally a Florida car, this Miata made it's way up to Pennsylvania under the meticulous care of the second owner, previously a Florida resident, where it was covered and driven only in good weather, and it shows. The rare Crystal Blue Metallic paint shines like new, and though the interior shows some signs of age, is every bit as comfortable and confidence inspiring as it was on day one. Convertible top is weather tight, one worn spot previously patched, and the rear glass is perfectly clear, though driving this with the top up is a disservice that should be reserved only for the most grimly hot or rainy days. The car maintains factory AC and power steering, so no comfort is compromised in the pursuit of power.

Speaking of power, this engine was completely redone with forged pistons and rods, a 1.9L overbored Flyin' Miata shortblock, a polished and ported head, a 9:1 compression ratio, and of course, a water-cooled, internally gated, Garret Turbo. Using an of-era Link piggyback management system, this car drives like it did in 2005 and is a time machine straight to that era. A Link Wide-Band O2 sensor sends to a readout on the dash, allowing you to keep track of fuel trims, and the Flyin' Miata boost gauge will help remind you that 16 psi is a hell of a lot of boost.

Tuning is done through a Link Engine Management unit, and it's old school. Maps from the original build are printed and included with the factory service manual which was annotated by Ken Hill as the car was built. Let me say that again, this car has included with it a Mazda factory service manual, and the expert who built this crazy machine noted all his changes and service requirements for said changes INSIDE that manual. Any trepidation about an unreliable build history vanish with this. Truly, this is as if you could go back in time and bring forth a build by one of the greats who didn't learn it all on YouTube.

Additionally, the car was swapped to a 6 speed from the MazdaSpeed Miata, a 4.1 helical LSD, and is equipped with an ACT clutch to handle the extra power. Oh, I didn't mention how much extra power did I? When originally tuned, and the dyno sheets are included to prove it, this car pushed over 300 hp to the wheels at 16 psi, and it's been doing that ever since. That's more than double the original numbers, so be ready to hold on tight. Power is delivered to the road via a new set of Bridgestone Potenza RE71RS tires, wrapping period Superior alloy wheels, so grip is not in question (well, unless you really want to let it slide).

By far one of the most fun cars I've had the pleasure of driving, I've added nearly 5,000 miles to the car, including a 2,500 mile road trip through northern Appalachia and down the East Coast back to this cars birthplace here in sunny Florida, and it's never missed a beat. This Miata is ready for it's next owner, for the person who can show restraint with their right foot... wait, no, actually, this car was meant to be driven like a bat out of hell! (no offense, Pennsylvania)

• 2002 Mazda Miata NB Turbo
• Flyin' Miata shortblock 1.9L 9:1 compression ratio
• Forged Wiseco pistons and Forged Carrillo Rods
• watercooled Garret Turbo
• Link Piggyback ECU with fully programmable interface
• 6 speed manual and helical limited slip differential
• Multiple engine maps, 9psi, 12psi, 16psi
• Factory service manual and tons of additional supporting documentation
• LHD (Left Hand Drive! kind of weird for us)
• 4 new Bridgestone Potenza RE71RS