Full Build: Stock Miata Transformed Into Spec Class Race Car

Carcass has always had a need for speed. After building the Honda Rally Civic and the OBS Truck, they came to the conclusion that there is always room for another race car. But not just any regular race car, we’re talking about building a cheap, yet very reliable race car by using a bone-stock 2005 Mazda Miata, and transforming it into a Spec Class Miata. That means that Carcass is limited to the kinds of upgrades they can add, like tires, brakes, exhaust, etc. Once it is fully upgraded and racing against other cars, the real factor that wins the race is the driver. Thankfully for us, because this build does not require much, we were able to source all of our parts from Summit Racing.

To avoid violating the rules, every modification done to the 2005 Miata had to stay within the parameters of the Spec class. What the guys did for their build, in particular, included fabricating a fully-functional roll cage from scratch, upgrading the suspension by replacing the springs and shocks for improved performance on the track, adding a performance clutch, and adding subframe reinforcements.

Once the final bolt was fastened, the Miata’s performance on the track was almost like night and day. Everything from how well it was able to handle the course, to the new track-specific tires sticking to the pavement. The Spec Class Miata felt like an experienced athlete in their element, which makes this build a huge success.

Follow POWERNATION Everywhere:

PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:

Matco Tools: MATCO Tools are the Official Tool Supplier to Carcass

Sonax USA: Profiline Headlight Restoration Kit

Summit Racing: Advanced Clutch Technology Clutch Kit

Summit Racing: Bilstein Shocks & Struts

Summit Racing: Borla Mufflers

Summit Racing: Eibach Anti-Roll Sway Bars

Summit Racing: Eibach Springs

Summit Racing: Kirkey Racing Seats

Summit Racing: Konig Rewind Graphite Wheels

Summit Racing

Summit Racing: Summit Racing 2.1 VOC Clear Coat Hardener

Summit Racing: Summit Racing 2.1 VOC Primer Sealer

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Single Stage Paints

Summit Racing: Summit Racing Wax & Grease Remover

Summit Racing: Toyo Proxes RR Tires

Berryman Products: EZ Doz-It Penetrating Oil & Lubricant

Matco Tools: Matco Tools Spotweld Cutter

NCM Motorsports Park

[dootxdoot]

Never seen anybody do a full spec miata build on youtube and show it quite so well, never would have guessed it would be you guys that finally did it 😂 great vid!

[EB]

love the full build, but i have a message for the editor, please edit out the intro's for the episodes, i dont want to watch the intro several times. thankyou.

[imreplica]

I tracked a 1997 Miata for 4 years and had a blast. Except for an exhaust system the motor was stock, so it wasn't all that fast on the straight--a-ways, but with the suspension upgrades and track tires it was very quick through the corners.
I loved the car, but I did miss my 1990 'Monster' Miata, with its 5 litre Mustang motor. The Monster was a blast to drive on the track. It cornered very well and was also very fast on the straight-a-ways. The only problem was the motor overheated on just about every 20 minute track session. The 1997, with its stock motor ran perfect and never overheated.
Of the two, I wish I still owned the Monster.

[questballard]

I've been working on my 91 miata for past 8 mo. Though i did have the issue of getting stabbed in the knee back in January, still love the progress and the inspiration. Finally got it buttoned up today but got the dreaded lifter tick, again lots of time in the heat and in between shop days, but it's sure getting there(a few other vehicles, with various needs and mods) in between. Thanks for the entertainment! Really enjoyed this. 💪🏽

[stevebarnette]

I worked SCCA for years and the Soec Racer class had the most cheaters by far. Excited to see how y’all do. Good luck.

[WiSeNhEiMeR-]

HOWdy P-N,
Thanks for doing the MIATA
&
Thanks for REMOVING that "mouse-trap" show-imitation-double-hoop NOT a Roll-Bar
COOP
...

[Don-yjqq]

This show is literally all I watch, POWER NATION is the bomb diggity! I love how you guys make things look SOOO easy sometimes! Experience is everything though👍

[CAROLDDISCOVER-]

Thank you. When these cars are new some people tinker with them of course. But overall a lot of people laughed when I said these things could be built for the serious driver. Meaning a road track.

[montlejohnbojangles]

I love a Miata, truly. There's a reason they're the most raced car in the world.

[rtbeer]

1:16:02 now THAT is getting into your work!

[gilbertsbiogasexpertske]

have been waiting for a jdm project from powernation
Good build guys

[aljeeper]

What an amazing and relative low buck build❤️I'm💯.... I'm totally impressed by what an the boys accomplished and I bet it's a real hoot to drive around the track.
Please keep these builds coming 👍😉

[fatmanoverlanding]

Alright! A JDM full build episode. And an MX-5 at that. 👍👍

[gigi]

This is awesome! I have an ND but this makes think about my future build

[xacalaca]

Nice build, just wondering why the engine wasn´t maintananced while outside. Like Oil and Filterchange (to a race spec oil) Timing Belt and Waterpump, Spark Plugs Airfilter etc..And cleaning the engine block to make sure not overseeing some rotten and leaking seals or tubes tec. If it comes to the point to be a reliable race car is not paint and replacing door rubbers ...

[jacobpooler]

24:10 IM NOT THE ONLY ONE MISSING THAT BRACKET SCREW HAHAH

[tastotan]

those were some pretty welds on subframe reinforced

[kmack]

1:30:26 The sound that I made here had me totally embarrassed. Great video guys!

[-Just_Justin-]

This is great, I have the exact same car. They are wonderful little cars. I can't wait to see it complete. Also I'd like to recommend a coolant reroute kit.

[MakerMatt]

Jimmy's dry quiet demeanor is the best thing on this show. Lol. The joke part of the video literally made me lol.