[Miata] Prioritizing Winter Upgrades & Maintenance

[CHRISTOPHER ADAMS]

I would move the tranny & diff. fluid change up in level. This is often neglected service by many owners, the previous owner may never have changed it. I personally use Redline 75-90NS in the tranny and the 75-90 in the diff. The 75-90 weight is the proper weight for the '99 tranny. MT-90 meets this requirement, however I feel the NS works better in mine, but both are good.

Chris A.
'99 Red Miata Lap-dog
'00 Tundra


>>> Dillon <dillon.boyer at gmail.com> 1/11/2007 3:00 PM >>>
Hello List,

I'm approaching the end of my first year of Miata ownership.  My car is a
'99 10AE that is just now tipping 60k miles.  The car is going to be getting
some service soon (due to the 60k service and a cross-country move around
April).  I want to get a jump on some things this winter since I probably
won't have time / money / energy for a while after the move.  While I am
pretty tolerant of noise/vibration/harshness, the car is a daily driver so
it can't be too nuts.

In addition to standard maintenance stuff (coolant, air filter, oil, plugs,
etc), I am planning for the following:
1) Timing belt.  I know it could possibly last to 100k but I don't want to
chance it as this is my daily driver and the upcoming move will include a
2000 mile drive.
2) Water pump.  As long as I'm in there.
3) Brakes.  I'm going to need pads.  The Porterfield R4S have come highly
recommended.
4) Shocks.  Assuming I'm still on the originals, everyone says they are shot
(not that I've noticed, but hey, I trust you guys).  Thinking about the AGX
adjustables.
5) Stainless steel brake lines - will I feel the difference?
6) Transmission / differential fluid.  Redline MTL and 75W90 respectively.
7) Front / rear sway bars.  Don't know what to get here.


First, I am looking for the best value in upgrades.  I'm looking for
feedback on:
1) Am I choosing to upgrade the right components?
2) Am I choosing the products with the best value?

Second, I need to figure out which of these projects I want to tackle on my
own.  Again I'm looking for the best bang for the buck.  If I can change my
fluids in an hour for $30 but it would cost $150 in the shop, I'll do it
myself.  The timing belt / water pump I'm inclined to let a shop handle due
to perceived difficulty.

I also have to keep in mind that any work I do absolutely must be completed
in a single weekend (gotta have my car to get to the airport on Monday
mornings) and I have to borrow a buddy's garage and tools to work in.  It's
too cold out to lie on my gravel driveway working :)

So, of the list above, what do you recommend that I as a novice shadetree
mechanic take on versus work for my mechanic?