The 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata is an Immediate Fun Time

I haven’t driven a Miata in a long while and this was a great reminder of why people love these cars so much. John was nice enough to let me hammer on it for a day, and as you can tell by my reaction, it was a pleasant surprise to be behind the wheel of one again, especially one with a bit more power.
Here’s some info on John’s car:
Flyin' miata's (FM) "The Little Enchilada"
FM intake
FM throttle body inlet w/ Turbosmart recirculating bypass valve
FM downpipe, midpipe, exhaust
FM intercooler
Turbosmart Boost control valve
Suspension
Flyin' Miata front and rear adjustable sway bars
FM Adjustable end-links
V-MAXXX stage 2 coil overs. (Adj. height/dampening)
Wheel/Tire
Enkei YS5 16"
Bridgestone's RE-71R (205/45R-16)
Winter tire is a Bridgestone Blizzak on 17" "GSR+Ultimates" aka - "Glorious Steel Rim Plus Ultimates" or in reality "some shitty steel rims"
Interior
Sparco sprint seat, PCI Racing seat mount.
Pending install is a Harddog Sport M2 double diagonal for the spring season.
Four rounds of rust repair where the rust is today. Known issue with the Miata’s from first and second generations around the rear wheel well.
Track time for this miata is only autocross and small infield tracks.
“Altek” intro animation and video thumbnail by Gary Doodles.
“Altek” intro music by Tommy Sica
Equipment Used:
Video - Nikon D5600/GoPro3+/GoPro8
Audio - Zoom H4N Pro
Video Editing Software - Adobe Premiere CC
Who am I?
I’ve been an IT guy for the last 15 years with a serious passion for tech and all things automotive. From motherboards to combustion engines, I find happiness in anything that powers on or throws you back in your seat with the fierceness of a Greek god.

[@MartinTaylor415]

A stock Mazdaspeed Miata has been my daily for the past 13 years. It still makes me smile and is pretty much the perfect N.Cal commuter if you want something fun. I liked your review and am glad you enjoyed the car.

[@Altek1]

It really is a great fun little car that isn't boring on basic commutes. I didn't expect that to be honest, I kinda thought it would be a one trick pony but I was pleasantly surprised. John let me autocross it last weekend and the car made even more sense to me after that. It's a handling monster and a blast overall. I'm putting together a video of the event, should be posting soon. Thanks for checking out this video!

[@MoeLester93]

Altek definitely is slept on for being a great car reviewer!

[@Altek1]

Hah, thanks so much bud!

[@joelandjeanprosio6360]

Nice review. Enjoyed the S2k vs. Miata discussion. As someone who recently went from an AP1 S2000 to a 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata, you guys are pretty much right on. No doubt about it, the S2k is the cooler car. An AP1 will be more high strung, sharper handling, and an overall more focused car. An AP2 generation S2k has more low end torque, a slightly lower redline, and a suspension set up for less snappy handling. AP2s are generally considered more tractable and better driving cars, but I prefer the slightly more raw AP1. My car was a pristine 2000 model with 24k miles on the odometer when I got it. After a couple autocross events and a hankering to get out on the track, it became apparent that I’d have to do some mods to the car, and I really didn’t want to tear up such a nice, stock example. Hence, the Mazdaspeed. For about half the price of the S2k, I got a very nice MSM with 40k on the clock. It’s in great shape, but not so great that I feel bad modding it. In fact, I think all Miata’s have some intrinsic flaws that justify modification of even pristine examples. Number one is roll protection. A roll bar is a must. You’re right that it would take some pretty trick driving to roll one on tarmac, but an off road adventure into a ditch can easily land you upside down. A bar will at least give you a fighting chance. I went with the ubiquitous Hard Dog sport. Second is suspension. As you point out in the video, stock Miatas will flop onto their door mirrors during hard cornering. Luckily, there are myriad suspension options for Miatas for all missions and budgets. I went all out and went with an Ohlins setup. From an aesthetic standpoint, I always thought the wheels on the MSMs needed to be addressed. The OEM 17s are just too big and are boat anchor heavy. I went with 15s which seem to be the sweet spot for NA and NB Miatas, but the 16s on this car look great, and being Enkeis, I’m sure the weight is more than acceptable. The final (planned) mod will be the FM Little Enchilada kit as reviewed here. Stock power is good, but a little more never hurts and FM’s kit is known to solve many of the power delivery issues some owners have noted, and overcomes some of the issues with the short gearing. So, for less than the cost of the S2k, I’ll have a car that will be 80-90% as capable, and more importantly, I won’t feel so bad modding, or subjecting to track abuse. The Miata aftermarket is so extensive, and the community is so active, that if I want to get that number to 100% or better, I have plenty of options. Now, you could easily argue that there is an extensive aftermarket for the S2k as well, and that a rough S2000 is still a better starting point than any Miata. That may very well be true, but I really didn’t want to start with something too rough. So, for my needs, Miata was the answer....this time. 😎

[@origtwyg]

Awesome perspective and glad to hear another person agreeing with me on the 17s. They were cool looking, though from the era where low profile = amazing ... and didn't. I don't know about 15s, though I'm super happy with the 16s. Maybe we'll swap rims at the next autocross and see how we think of the differences. ;) Thanks for the depth of the comment, glad to see another happy mazdaspeed owner.

[@jerrykawatski9940]

I have a 2004 mazdaspeed miata with a few mods . It is an awesome car for the roads in the north Georgia mountains. The tight shift pattern is not an issue once you get used to it. I surprise many motorcycles in the corners.

[@Altek1]

I knew how much fun they were and it still surprised me. It really pays off when have the right roads to drive it on which sounds like you do. As for the shifter, it'll definitely make any newbie stumble a few times but your right, once you get it down, it's no big issue. Enjoy yours bud!

[@mcmudkipp]

Fun cars can come in so many packages. Miata is always an answer, but never the only one! Great video!

[@Altek1]

Couldn't agree more. I thought I'd get a lot more push back after posting this car, but the Miata has a good fan base. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching!

[@NickNardone]

Excellent video, I like the genuine response and feedback from both parties.

[@missydeangelis4371]

Nice touch with the VCR rewind, it fit the levity of the video well. It looked like a good time was had by all.

[@Altek1]

Glad you caught that, I was hoping the sound effect would work. Good times indeed, John and I will be autocrossing this little guy next week, expect a follow up video of that.

[@missydeangelis4371]

Altek Looking forward to it.

[@oldrrocr]

Have had two Miatas and 4 RX7s (and several other cars) and have to say I'm very pleased with Mazda. Great to own and fun to drive.

[@perrymcgill9644]

Incredible video! I’ve been watching these videos for a while and I really enjoy them, subscribed!

[@Altek1]

Sorry bud, I never saw this. I'm happy to hear you like my content, thanks for the sub!

[@mrmerlin6287]

If you could ever find a Citroën Saxo VTR/VTS or Peugeot 106 it would make for hilarious fun and I would love to see you review one.

[@Altek1]

I can't say I've ever seen either of those in the states, but I'll definitely review one if I come across it. Thanks for checking this vid out!

[@daniellef1]

I'm bidding on this car on Bring A Trailer. Thanks for an informative and hysterically funny review!

[@Altek1]

You'll have a blast if you won the bid. One hell of a fun car, go autocrossing with it immediately, you won't regret it. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for checking out my channel.

[@g65_]

Good video bro. Not a fan of Miata but overall, a fan of cars.

[@Altek1]

This was on car I was not enthusiastic about driving. I even told John, I'm usually excited the night before a drive session like this. This car was a pleasant surprise. It just drove exactly how you imagine a car should drive. Doing some autocross with him this coming Sunday. Hoping to get some good video for a follow up post. Thanks for chiming in on the comments as always bud!

[@HARaZAC]

Miata is always the answer

[@sblexls]

Another one for the books! Or should I say channel lol. Loved the video as usual, and the ending was priceless! Hahahaha liked and shared!!!

[@Spyaallstar]

Another great one man, keep it up, you're awesome!

[@Altek1]

Thanks buddy! John let me do an autocross event in the Miata, working on that video now. Stay tuned!

[@jorgitoz28]

I have one mazdaspeed and is awesome. Other zeepi, fun, sheap car is civic del sol. Also I like the saturn sky.

[@cozymonk]

The mazdaspeed miata has very little bodyroll, stock. That example is of a base NB, not an MSM.

[@Altek1]

Ahhh, I didn't think of that. But I'm still shocked at how much body took even a non Mazdaspeed version had.

[@origtwyg]

Agreed, when I bought the car it had 30k miles and by 90k the shocks had seen better days. Original pics of the car from autocross looked like the stock NB and felt even worse. Though definitely from the factory the mazdaspeed had improved suspension.

[@cozymonk]

@@Altek1 the reason it's so soft is because it feels more dramatic, so it feels fun without the driver having to actually get close to the limit.

[@evansm2603]

Awesome video! Great Review!

[@Altek1]

Thanks for watching Evans!

[@angelocafaro6867]

Another great video !! This guy knows his shtuff !!! lol

[@Altek1]

Thanks Ang! I specialize in shtuff as a matter of fact 😁

[@Smurph789]

Nice video. When are we getting an updated FPblue video :)?

[@Altek1]

Hah, I'm going to put a new (quieter) exhaust in and will hopefully do a front mounted intercooler so I can finally hit the boost numbers I'm looking for. Once that's done, I'll do an update video and talk about how I feel about the drive after a few months with the FP. Here's a sneak peek, 5th is nearly useless below 70mph. Thanks for checking this video out bud!

[@golders99]

Why is the airfilter at the back corner. Surely it needs to be at the front for cold air.

[@origtwyg]

It's a good question and normally is in the front. The FM kit has it back there and I'm still getting colder air on the ECU than I was when it was stock. The stock intake routing had it going over the exhaust headers (twice) and so even though the filter is way back the over all air temperature is still colder due to a more direct route that doesn't flip flop over the super hot exhaust.

[@HARaZAC]

Constant shifting when driving hard? NOOOO who does that. Lol

[@origtwyg]

Nah Zach dude, I've driven lots of cars, and this car has the absolute shortest gears so far. I'd swap for a five speed on this one anyday.

[@nokoolaid]

I wouldn't fit in a Miata, so it's moot. I really don't know what I would want that would be small and sporty because of that. Right now I am thinking a Challenger Scat Pack would be nice...

[@Altek1]

Ha, yeah, fitting in the car, specially in that seat, is a challenge, so it's not for everyone. Small and sporty cars are so much fun to toss around though, even when you only have 100hp. Thanks for watching and chiming in on the comments as always bud!

[@tommyandchill]

Your cackling laugh is borderline intolerable.. fortunately the entire video was so enjoyable that I don't mind putting up with it at all

[@Altek1]

I need you to know that I cackled when I read this. Thanks for checking the video out!

[@kgalvin28]

Wait this is in Ossining ny? I live a town over with my msm and a few other toys

[@Altek1]

You are correct sir, Westchester county is my stomping ground. You'll probably notice other locations I drive around in my other videos. What other toys besides your Mazda? I'm always looking for something to feature on my channel.

[@kgalvin28]

@@Altek1 besides my Miata. I have a manual 2004 Volvo S60r. And a 1967 firebird with the rare over head cam motor.

[@origtwyg]

Hey Kevin, it is indeed Ossining! Glad to find another MSM so close. I have a few spare parts if you need anything for it.

[@kgalvin28]

@@origtwyg thanks! Tracking it for the first time this Sunday ! If you see me around pull me over. I have it wrapped in martini stripes

[@origtwyg]

@@kgalvin28 Sounds good, and have a blast! Roll bar is going in this season and seats are ready for install.

[@TatuSwede501]

Fun fact: its impossible for two men to be in a Miata together and not look like a "couple"

[@Altek1]

Hahahah, as John just said "Al was very gentle". Leave it to you to pick on us bro 😂😂

[@TatuSwede501]

I'm just mad you haven't done any of my cars yet haha

[@Altek1]

Oh we're going too, and we're going to look even cuter than John and I did. Just don't kill me in the Camaro.

[@jerrylynn6157]

One particular day after finishing my shift at the Fire Department, I gave a fellow FF a ride home in my then new Miata. It was a nice morning so we drove top down. Both over 6' tall and wearing matching FD t-shirts. It didn't take long before we had a stalker - he was relentless.

[@TheMarleyguzman]

$70 rotors man. miata is always the answer

[@Altek1]

Fun and cheap to maintain, can't beat that.

[@TheMarleyguzman]

@@Altek1 haha very true. love the videos man and I'm glad I found your channel

[@ninjamaster3453]

I like it but it seems like you get more out of a Honda S2000 stock

[@origtwyg]

Totally agreed. The key difference is that out of the factory the s2000 was about a 1/3 more expensive. Even with all the upgrades I still didn't equal that extra 10k worth of price tag on the Honda. Regardless massive respect to the strength of that s2000 platform, and sorry that they're not making them any more. Were they maybe too expensive to produce?

[@Altek1]

I'm dying to drive an S2000. I'm going to keep my eyes open for any good candidates. Thanks for watching as always buddy!

[@IsaiahMoore04]

I wanna see you in a Tesla P100D. Haha!

[@Altek1]

I want to see if that ludacris mode is as shocking as the Evo was. Just need to find a willing participant to let me full throttle their Model S, fingers crossed!

[@longbowdt]

MR2 Spyder?

[@Altek1]

I mention that one at the end of the video, forgot all about it. I was at an autocross event with this Miata this past weekend and saw an MR2 fly around and it was awesome. Not all people like them, but I think it's a rad little car.

[@paul62462]

I would like to message you on a question about your WRX. Please contact me when you can.

[@Altek1]

You have IG? Find me on there, @altek1, I'd be happy to help if I can

[@marciaz31]

Good video .... MR2 is very slowwwwwwwwwwwwwww ....

[@Altek1]

The guy running the autocross event I went to had an MR2 with a bit more power in it and it ripped up the little track like a monster. Some of those tiny cars just need a pinch more power and a small track to really see what they can do. Glad you dug the video!

[@EdA-bz3bu]

Boxster, mr2, mid engine.