Welcome! You have never owned a Miata before correct? You're going to have fun, these things are a blast. Don't worry too much about it sitting for 8 months, a change of fluids, a good seafoaming, and some behind the wheel time will cure what ails her. My 92 sat for 10 years at the dealer, and she's fine at 160K, same engine. We're here to help if you need assistance.

Oh, and pics or it didn't happen. :D

I am going to move this to intro section guys. more appropriate there.

Welcome! These guys are on target. Holding wide open throttle and cranking for a bit after you see the oil pressure gauge come up and before trying to start it is excellent advice. The stock computer goes into "flood clear" mode and stops injecting fuel.

Also don't be surprised at loudly ticking and clattering hydraulic valve lifters for awhile. The oil gets into them very slowly and they will gradually quiet down between one minute and one hour after starting depending upon how collapsed they are and how gummed up the oil passages are. Don't fear.

Good luck.

That is good information to have Six. I have ordered a battery and it should be here the first of the week. Until then I will be dropping the oil and putting in fresh. I will also be ordering a replacement top and will attempt to install it myself. I have watched a few YouTube videos on replacing it. Is there any other types of installation instructions that would be in PDF format? Also, these instruction videos talk about drilling out the rivets. Do I then also have to replace them with new rivets or can I replace them with larger self taping screws?

You'll need the rivets, sharp screws on a fabric/vinyl top = disaster waiting to happen. But don't worry, you can pick up a rivet gun at your local harbor freight for $4.99, and you'll have a new tool to add to your collection!

:)Well I dropped in the new battery, yanked out the aftermarket alarm system. And it fired right up. The lifters ended up ticking for about 1/2 hour and now it is quiet. I ended up driving it with the top down for about 25 miles in the 32 deg weather. Damn these are fun cars. Now I get to order a new top and install it myself! :):):):)

Thank you everyone for all the information. It helped out alot.

Glad to hear!! always nice to see a miata put back on the road. Let us know what your plans are, and maybe we can give some suggestions, or just shoot the ---- with us in the off-topic section.

Either way, Stick around! we are a fun group :D

congrats, glad to see someone saved the life of one. their dropping like flies now.