'92 Miata with Italia Kit

[RotorNutFD3S]

Posted on MiataTurbo.net. Don't really know how I feel about that kit, but it appears to be done right and the price is not bad. Good deal for someone who likes it and wants something different.

Category: Import
Status: Clean Title

I have a 1992 Mazda Miata with Italia kit for sale, in USA - New Jersey.

Engine Size: 1.6l


Asking price is $5500



Posting this for Paul since he's never on this site anymore:



I have a 1992 Miata with the Simpson Design Italia Kit installed. Anyone who knows this kit knows it goes for like $5000 NOT installed and usually around $8000 installed.

Asking $5500

The car has:
Racing Beat cold air intake(no longer made) see in pics
Spax adjustable shocks
Aftermarket sway bars
Racing Beat or Jackson Racing header(I forget)
Cloth top with glass rear window(zippered)
Black leather seats
Some "shotgun" center exit exhaust

It has just over 100,000 miles
New clutch and clutch hydraulics installed a week ago





http://www.miatamx5.com/italia/4.jpg
http://www.miatamx5.com/italia/3.jpg
http://www.miatamx5.com/italia/5.jpg
http://www.miatamx5.com/italia/6.jpg
http://www.miatamx5.com/italia/7.jpg
http://www.miatamx5.com/italia/8.jpg
http://www.miatamx5.com/italia/9.jpg

[metalman]

Needs a drop, wheels thrown away, and a few other things...and I would rock it.

[nolift]

:puke:

[Bernie]

Needs a drop, wheels thrown away, and a few other things...and I would rock it.

QFT... and maybe get rid of the violet paint...

[metalman]

The Italia can actually look quite nice with serious lowering, the right wheels/offset etc, and a front lip. It can be a very aggressive looking car when done right. This one pretty much looks like crap at the moment, but the potential is there.
The wheels on it now are hideous. The stance is better suited for off road vehicles. And the plastic wood in the interior needs to go.

[RotorNutFD3S]

and maybe get rid of the violet paint...

I know it looks violet in the pictures, but isn't that the dark red that's like what D.Dutton has on his '96? Don't know what the color is actually called.

[Beastinthebushes]

Merlot?

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yeah, maybe that's it.

[nolift]

It looks like one of those amphibious vehicles, there is simply nothing about those kits I like, I have seen several in pics and in person... not for me.

[oldgrayfrog]

Oh hell I think I gotta buy it, Angel is a centerfold. Now who wants to buy a 91 with a hardtop.lol.

[Dynra Rockets]

I like it, and it's a serious deal too assuming the underlying Miata is good.

Before the economy busted there were two on ebay, a red and a yellow, that went for 18,000 and $20,000.

Randy

[RotorNutFD3S]

Oh hell I think I gotta buy it, Angel is a centerfold. Now who wants to buy a 91 with a hardtop.lol.

Oh geez... Well, whenever you decide to stick with one car, we'll have an engine/turbo/trans/diff. to swap into it. :lol:

[Dynra Rockets]

I just got the 411 from the owner. 94miatamx5@gmail.com (94miatamx5@gmail.com)

It's his Ex's car and he is selling it for her so he has no incentive to get a decent amount or even market rate for it. Someone will get a smokin deal. Would take $15k to duplicate it.

[metalman]

Before the economy busted there were two on ebay, a red and a yellow, that went for 18,000 and $20,000.



Even with a good economy some Ebay buyers must have been smoking some good crack.

[RotorNutFD3S]

I just got the 411 from the owner. 94miatamx5@gmail.com (94miatamx5@gmail.com)

It's his Ex's car and he is selling it for her so he has no incentive to get a decent amount or even market rate for it. Someone will get a smokin deal. Would take $15k to duplicate it.

I need to find a Ferrari or Lamborghini under the same set of conditions. :lol:

[Dynra Rockets]

I need to find a Ferrari or Lamborghini under the same set of conditions. :lol:


ask and you shall get. A 308 for 18,300. Local in Woodstock.




http://www.carsincstore.com/index.php?Pid=3&stockno=1020 (http://www.carsincstore.com/index.php?Pid=3&stockno=1020)

It's not the desirable color (red or black) and it is about the least desirable year but the price is $5-8k under current market for it's condition

[jzilla]

ask and you shall get. A 308 for 18,300. Local in Woodstock.




http://www.carsincstore.com/index.php?Pid=3&stockno=1020 (http://www.carsincstore.com/index.php?Pid=3&stockno=1020)

It's not the desirable color (red or black) and it is about the least desirable year but the price is $5-8k under current market for it's condition



oooh i want one!



....so i can jump it into a lake!



who has a helicopter and can video tape this event?

[RotorNutFD3S]

That's a good price. The paint however is not just coming off, it's rusting. :(

[metalman]

If you want an Italian car for a measly amount Cali is where to shop.

In the meantime you can buy this beauty :lol:

http://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/1645353254.html

Do an LSx swap and it could be quite fun.

[Dynra Rockets]

If you want an Italian car for a measly amount Cali is where to shop.

In the meantime you can buy this beauty :lol:

http://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/1645353254.html

Do an LSx swap and it could be quite fun.

I actually like that car. Saw it from the GRM forum. It's not the Kelmark kit with the awful giant A pillars, it's got real chrome bumpers (not cheap) and its on a fiero chassis and not a VW, and the price is super right.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Not a bad replica of the Dino/246GT, but the windows/doors being so off from the original kills it for me. Kit car vs. the real thing though.

[oldgrayfrog]

Sweet Jesus I actually emailed the guy. My wife is quite certain I've lost my mind. Ever since I saw the Italia kit in a book, I've wanted one. I just hope I can make the arrangements before someone else beats me to the punch.

[oldgrayfrog]

Uhm, Eric the doors can't rust, they and the rest of the car are made of aluminum. This is another great temptation, I just like everybody else who lived thru the eighties have alway wanted a Ferrari, and a Porsche 911 and....

[Dynra Rockets]

Sweet Jesus I actually emailed the guy. My wife is quite certain I've lost my mind. Ever since I saw the Italia kit in a book, I've wanted one. I just hope I can make the arrangements before someone else beats me to the punch.


As I've said 3 times now it is a smokin deal. There is a chance it is Andy Cork's old car from when he was an Italia dealer at Brainstorm???

Have Rob put a boosted FE3 in it for you!

[RotorNutFD3S]

Uhm, Eric the doors can't rust, they and the rest of the car are made of aluminum. This is another great temptation, I just like everybody else who lived thru the eighties have alway wanted a Ferrari, and a Porsche 911 and....

Odd... If you go to the full size picture it looks like the paint is bubbling and rusty colored.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Ah ha! It's not rust, but I'm not losing my mind:

It’s the same story where the bottom edges of the doors are concerned; their drain holes clog so they rot from the inside out. The door frames and skins are both constructed from metal that’s too thin for its own good, so once corrosion gets started the whole lower part of the assembly will soon be history.

[Stealth97]

I'm in NJ right now. too bad I wont have time to check this out.

[Dynra Rockets]

I'm in NJ right now. too bad I wont have time to check this out.

is that about a 12 hr drive back??

[oldgrayfrog]

If it's only 12 hrs I'll do it in one shot. Seriously, if the guy responds to my email , I'm going up. I think it's in good shape, and I like the color even.

[Dynra Rockets]

David, I contacted Paul directly and greased the skids for you. He should email you back shortly.

[oldgrayfrog]

Randy, you freakin Rock! The wife just green lighted me!!! Italia with 300+ hp uhm yeeeeeeees! BTW the Italia kit looks just like the Ferrari 275GTO to me, and when they ran it against the Shelby Daytonas at LeMans, it had 300 whp as well.

[Dynra Rockets]

BTW the Italia kit looks just like the Ferrari 275GTO to me, and when they ran it against the Shelby Daytonas at LeMans, it had 300 whp as well.

agreed, but the 250 was the GTO, the 275 was the "Competizione Speciale"

http://www.supercars.net/cars/3112.html

http://www.ferrari275gtbc.com/images/06701.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/carpics/3112/1965_Ferrari_275GTBCompetizioneSpeciale2.jpg


Here is some badges I sell. Several Italia owners, and genuine Ferrari owners, have purchased them

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Competizione-Speciale-badge-emblem-script-logo-Ferrari_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3efde13fedQQite mZ270547369965QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5f Accessories

[Dynra Rockets]

I have a spare front clip that one day I will modify to look exactly like the above.

[Beastinthebushes]

Frog, you jump at every deal too much, chill out man! :lol: good luck though!

[Dynra Rockets]

Frog, you jump at every deal too much, chill out man! :lol: good luck though!

IMO, this one is too good to pass up.

[Beastinthebushes]

Wouldn't know, but reading this thread makes it seem like it is a good deal. Its not my style, but if it makes oldgrayfrog happy, then he should be jumping all over it which it seems he is. Can't wait to see what you do to it, that is if you keep it and not find another miata to replace it :lol:

[oldgrayfrog]

I was perfectly happy with the 91, it's in incredible shape, but I fell in love with the Italia the first time I saw a picture of one. Randy, I'll definitely buy one of those badges if I can get this deal done. I suggested meeting part way, and he has zero enthusiasm for that. So I just emailed him again. If you have his number, I'd love you to tell him I want to drop a deposit on the car, to give me a couple of days to get a loan together from my credit union and then get a plane ticket to the closest airport. Thanks for your help so far, I really want to get this done.

[metalman]

OGF, they have meds for ADD you know. :lol: :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

At this rate, I'll be able to buy my engine/trans/turbo/diff back soon. :p :lol:

[oldgrayfrog]

Funny boy. Right now I am having a hard time getting in touch with the guy.

[Stealth97]

If I had more time I'd offer to drive it back for you if I had he time. Coming home Friday And have to be back at work Saturday. You'd probably like to inspect it first anyway.

[Dynra Rockets]

any news?

[oldgrayfrog]

He shot me one email saying he didn't want to meet me halfway. I'm fine with that, I'll drive from NJ, I even got a co-driver to fly in to Jersey. I secured a loan for it this morning. I need Paul to contact me, if you can help with that I'd be grateful Randy. You still have my number Randy ?

[Dynra Rockets]

He shot me one email saying he didn't want to meet me halfway. I'm fine with that, I'll drive from NJ, I even got a co-driver to fly in to Jersey. I secured a loan for it this morning. I need Paul to contact me, if you can help with that I'd be grateful Randy. You still have my number Randy ?

I emailed him your #.

[oldgrayfrog]

Thanks Randy, I just spoke with him on the phone. I'm flyin up to Philidelphia on the 4th to drive it home. He did tell me that there is a minor crack in the fiberglass somewhere on the rear deck, so if you know a good fiberglass guy that would be great.
Oh and it's some chrysler paint color, not the 95 Merlot.

[Beastinthebushes]

Hey congrats man!

[Dynra Rockets]

Speaking of wheels and tires that work on an Italia kit. I searched high and low for a period looking Italian design-like wheel with the proper offset and bolt pattern for the kit. I came up empty for the perfect wheel.

I first went with Compumotive as they make several 60's replica wheels. I thought about the DNO and STR but both are really more of a early to mid 70's era wheel and neither come in 4x100
http://www.comp.co.uk/wheels/replica.asp (http://www.comp.co.uk/wheels/replica.asp)

The Sportmax 002 actually came close to the look I wanted, and I bought a set, but the zero offset did not work so I got rid of them.

The 5 star Ferrari wheels common in the late 70's early 80's is what I believe this owner was trying to mimic. They are plentiful from numerous wheel manufacturers and available in 4x100 , but still not quite for me.

http://www.supercars.net/carpics/3772/1970_Ferrari_365GTB4DaytonaSpider1.jpg

Along those lines I heavily considered the Revolution 5 spoke but decided against it as still not quite right.
http://www.revolutionwheels.com/5-spoke/ (http://www.revolutionwheels.com/5-spoke/)

I ultimately settled on Rota RB in 15x8 with +25mm offset with a 205/50 tire in front and a 205/55 tire in the rear. While the RB clearly has the English minilite feel it was also a common racing wheel in the late 60's/early 70's so it still kinda fits.

If anyone has some suggestions for a 15x8 +25 let me know as I believe it is possible to improve on the RB's for the look I want.

[Dynra Rockets]

Thanks Randy, I just spoke with him on the phone. I'm flyin up to Philidelphia on the 4th to drive it home. He did tell me that there is a minor crack in the fiberglass somewhere on the rear deck, so if you know a good fiberglass guy that would be great.
Oh and it's some chrysler paint color, not the 95 Merlot.

Congrats. Gives you enough time to clear out the garage. :-)

The rear clip is bonded on so getting behind it for any proper repair is going to be problematic. If it's just a minor crack then file it out and fill with angel hair bondo or sandable epoxy and just respray that piece. Should last at least 5 or so years before you need to address it again.

[Dr.Drew]

Sorry, late to the thread. Mine is a 97 and it's Merlot Mica damnit!

[RotorNutFD3S]

96... 97... whatever. It's a purple OBDII NA. :lol:

[Dynra Rockets]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mach-5-Speed-Racer-Corvette-collectible-convertible_W0QQitemZ120544433366QQcmdZViewItemQQp tZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item1c110214d6

[metalman]

Low offset Panasport C8s or Watanabes are the best looking wheel combo I have ever seen used on a lowered Italia. A Rota RB would be a cheaper alternative.

[oldgrayfrog]

Here he comes..here comes SpeedRacer...Hey Randy, save me one of those especiale things. Don't know what to do about wheels, I guess I'll be sellin the sportmax, they don't fit. Thinking about the Rotas that RSpeed is selling instead of the minilight stuff they had. I have the 16" Team Dynamics, which is a multispoke which sort of evokes the wire wheel, without weighing 35 lbs, which the originals did. The good thing about the Team Dynamics is I can buy 215's to put on them, with the new turbo motor, it'll be North of 300hp. I need to sell some stuff to buy a Hydra and to pay for the exhaust that Jason built me. BTW anybody want a pretty 91? I'll throw in a spare 1.6 motor....

[metalman]

Wheel examples....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/halloweenkid7/miata/blackbeauty_2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/halloweenkid7/miata/DSC01441.jpg

http://www.rs-watanabe.co.jp/images/users_photo/matuda-na6ce-2.jpg

http://www.privateimports.co.uk/cimgs/img7348.jpg




This is the best looking Italia out there IMHO....

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c176/benthevegan/carlifenostalgicnb.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c176/benthevegan/carlifenostalgicnb3.jpg

[oldgrayfrog]

Are those the RB's Kurt? Joe at Rspeed has the 15x7's for $135 each and can do 16x8 for $147. What size wheels were on that silver Italia, any idea?

[jester911]

That last one does look good.

[Dynra Rockets]

Are those the RB's Kurt? Joe at Rspeed has the 15x7's for $135 each and can do 16x8 for $147. What size wheels were on that silver Italia, any idea?

The Italia kit adds a lot of wheel well diameter and width. You will want 8" with no more than 25 offset. That is what I have.

[Dynra Rockets]

This is the best looking Italia out there IMHO.....

Mine is similar. Not quite that lowered and not quite that much offset but very close. I need to take some current pics.

[metalman]

Are those the RB's Kurt? Joe at Rspeed has the 15x7's for $135 each and can do 16x8 for $147. What size wheels were on that silver Italia, any idea?

Those are Watanabe wheels. No idea on offset etc.
If I had to guess I would say the fronts are 15-20 offset, but thats just a wild guess.
The rears are even less. They look to be staggered.
Wats can be ordered in all different sizes/offsets.

RBs have a similar look, but spoke shape and lip profile is different.
My black NA with the gold wheels...those are RBs. 15x7, 30 offset.

[metalman]

The RBs are available in 15x8 +20 offset (as Randy has) and also 15x8 +4.
RBs run $500-600 a set, new Wats run $1700 and up...plus shipping generally.

[Dynra Rockets]

15 x 8 4x100+4
15 x 8 4x100+20
15 x 8 4x100+25
15 x 8 4x100+35

http://www.rotawheels.com/wheels.asp?wheelid=34

Got mine at Rspeed.

[oldgrayfrog]

Joe at RSpeed says he can get the Rota's in 16x8 same offset, I think I want to go this route so I can put 225-35-16 on. I need some meat to handle Thor's heart.

[oldgrayfrog]

So should I go with the 35 offset or the 20?

[Dynra Rockets]

So should I go with the 35 offset or the 20?


My recommendation is to wait until you have the car so you can take measurements and get the perfect offset for you. If you order now and you are wrong then you are stuck.

Mine are actually 25 but I wanted the wheel to tuck up inside the fender slightly. Others that may want a fender flush wheel may like the 20 better.

I've got some 17mm offset wheels you can borrow as a reference point.

[lazybones]

Whoa just now reading through this thread, congrats Frog!! Such a unique looking Miata!

[Reverend Greg]

Frog buys so many cars,that he needs a secretary to update his sig.!Nice looking car and Congrats on the Purchase,Got my vote for the "Living the Life" award
(G)

[oldgrayfrog]

Thank you all. I had to sell Eric the 99, I didn't forsee the 91 I just bought going anywhere, but man I just love the Italia. I know that it's not to everyones liking, but it speaks volumes to me. I was already wanting to do the red car in a sixties motif, now I'll have a car that is styled after one of the most iconic rides of the sixties the Ferrari 275 GTB, the winner of the 1966 LeMans, over the second place Shelby Cobra. I want to own a reproduction Cobra someday too, but I'm more likely to get to own a real Cobra than a 6 million dollar 275GTB. But at least with Thor's Heart, it will have the performance to back up the looks. Timing was...perfect.

[Dynra Rockets]

I want to own a reproduction Cobra someday too,

Here ya go for another credit union loan. Great price.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1645883142.html

[Beastinthebushes]

:facepalm: Frog is never going to get to enjoy any cars if you guys keep this up.

[oldgrayfrog]

That's beautiful, but the credit union already would not do an auto loan on the Italia, its a 1992.They will only go back to 1996. I put up title to my 04 Murano as collateral. I don't think they'll give me 22k on a car, they'd probably want my house! I'm really good with the Italia. Thanks for your help Randy, I'd like to see how the 17mm offset looks. What do you think of Goodwins Koenig Rewinds?

[metalman]

Goodwins Koenig Rewinds?

Generally the Rewinds are very close to stock offset.
I think an Italia deserves more lip. :)

[Dynra Rockets]

Generally the Rewinds are very close to stock offset.
I think an Italia deserves more lip. :)

as Kurt said, stock Miata offsets don't really look good on an Italia due to the increases fender width. (Too tucked in plus period cars had zero offset wheels with more wheel lip). IMO, with an 8" wheel you need somewhere around a 20-25 offset. The Konig Rewind comes in 0, 20 and 40 offset so you would look at the 20. Personally I'm not a fan of their spoke design. http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/60-1043B.html

[metalman]

I wasn't aware that Rewinds were available in low offset AND with 4x100 bolt pattern.
They didnt used to be. Those can actually look pretty decent but in the past when I have seen them in use on a Miata they were re drilled to fit. Even then though as indicated youre
still limited to a 7" width.

[oldgrayfrog]

I had like an hors long conversation with Jim Simpson this morning, Randy he said to say "HI" . To date there have been exactly 72 Italia kits made. Knowing of two that were totalled out, that means 70 or less out there. Rare doesn't quite make it. I called because from the photos, it looks as if there may be a couple of trim items missing. He said that other than the egg crate grill everything is still availible, so I'll call after I bring the car back. I need to send him a few photos of 4 Sevens LS6 car, he said that was what he was waiting to see, He laughed when I told him funny that you mention it but... even funnier when he mentioned his wife drives a 10AE. Amazing guy, related stories of chatting with a guy who liked his Italia at a show... it was Frachesco Chinetti. He was the guy who converted the Ferrari 275GTB into what became the NART Spider, only ten of which were produced. I commented that I did not like the character line on the door of the NART, reinforced by a slapped on piece of chrome trim, and Jim laughed "It hides a spot weld that Enzo used on the door..." I'm really Psyched to pick up the car. Thanks Eric for posting it, and Randy for all your insights.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Glad to support the habit! :yippee:

[oldgrayfrog]

Amy "supports" my habit Eric, your more like my pusher, or at worse my cruel pimp...makin me walk the streets for money, you don't even know if its wrong or if it's right...

[jcmkam1990]

Congrats OGF. I too have always loved the Italia. One of the club mebers at CMC had one. 300 ponies will make it awesome.

[oldgrayfrog]

Thanks, talking with Jim Simpson was surreal, the guy knew Enzo Ferrari, did an apprenticeship with Ferrari, designed the last Nardi show car. He was really cool. I can't believe that they only made 72 of them. Big news for all the NB owners, they are finally making a kit for the NB. He's going to send me some preliminary sketches.