Old car guy with my first Miata.
I bought a 99 project. The ad stated, "it over heated and won't start".
Two weeks later with the head rebuilt, new cams, etc., I drove it for the first time.
This thing is going to be fun. Now I want to know more about these things.

 

I've had mine for 2 months and LOVE IT! It's a 95, but is a awesome lil car.

 

The '99-05 cars have a better breathing cylinder head do to improved port angle on intake side.

It sounds like you are pretty handy mechanically. These cars really like to be turbocharged, hint, hint.

 

Like the Brits said when they test flew the original P51 "It's a bloody good plane, it just needs a bit more poke."

Translation - could use more power. Both the P51 and the Miata respond well to more ponies.

 

I've been building hot rods and race cars since the early 60s. More "poke" has always been high on the list. But, thi Miata is to replace a VW dune buggy with a Subaru engine. The wife has had both knees replaced and can't get out of it. Getting old...

 

Sounds like you have a pretty good bead on things mechanical. You are gonna love your Miata.

 

Old habits are hard to forget.
Time will tell id this thing stays stock.

 

Even bone stock, they are a ton of fun. Enjoy!

 

Moar powah! You should ride with someone that has a turbo Miata. It will change you. It just will.