Cooling down the cockpit
 

Well the summer is almost gone out here on the Left Coast, and it's time to get serious about the heat inside my 97 Miata. There must be a way to insulate the engine heat from the inside car. The air conditioner really can't keep up with this issue so I am asking for suggestions on what I can do to at least lessen the heat. Thanks for your anticipated reply's.

I used thermal insulatory reflective foam tape on the underside of the trans tunnel and the driver's footwell. Frost King brand from Lowes or Home Despot. It comes in 18 inch by 15 foot rolls for just a few bucks. Clean and degrease the surface prior to installation and it will stay for years.

You could also put some under the carpet once you have done the underside of the footwell.

Also, ensure that the rubber seal around the shifter is not torn. It is very common for lots of hot air to come in under the console through that torn boot.

Great idea sixshooter! I have gone online and purchased something similar from miatamecca.com He has a good install video online as well, so that should help me get it installed. As for the shift boot, I replaced that fairly recently for the second time. It had a tear in it both times and the new ones really do help to seal off that hot air!