First miata!
 

Just picked up my miata a couple days ago! Its a 2000, all stock, has 130k miles, it's a little rough but I'm going to use it as a way to learn some basic mechanics. It wont be going on the road for a little while because I still have two cars at the moment.... I have a 2007 gti thats staying and a 97 accord which im selling. Anyways I'm going to be using the forums a lot I'm sure since this is my first time doing anything more than an oil change haha. Anyways here she is..... uhh, never mind my pictures wont upload its saying failed when i try to add as attachment. :sad2: Other than that I have a real question. Planning on doing the water pump and timing belt real soon are there specific brands anyone recommends? Should i stay OEM?

New to the site
Guess I better report in.
First post. I still dont have a miata but I have a matchbox. Justa sayin.

Welcome to the forum, Shawn!

I've found good luck with parts on Rockauto. Be sure to read up on timing gear alignments on the Miata engine. They can be slightly tricky and it usually take a couple of tries to get it right.

You might consider changing the crank seal while you are in there. And maybe the front cam seals if you are feeling adventurous. The tensioner pulley and idler pulley need to be checked for good bearings as well.

Ensure you get good torque on the crank pulley bolt and it is common to use LocTite on the threads so it doesn't loosen. Don't overtorque the four little bolts on the pulley or they will break.

Thanks for the help six! I used rockauto and ended up ordering a Gates water pump kit, Dayco timing belt kit, NGK spark plugs, BWD spark plug wires, and new wipers. I cant believe how much cheaper Rockauto is than advanced. Same exact water pump for 65 bucks less... crazy haha. All the stuff you mentioned is included in the kits as well. I'll probably end up doing it next weekend if all parts are here. Hopefully everything goes well! Ill put up a new post once its all done and if I have any questions during

Good luck with it. Pick up the Haynes manual for the car at Advanced. It can be useful for timing alignment pics.

I'm curious as to what the answer is to his question, OEM of aftermarket for Miatas?