So just for fun.
Searched several Craigslists' in nearby cities looking for an NB Miata. Searched AZ, CA and TX lists. Found several in Dallas in the miles and price range I was looking for. This was in 2010. Drove the pickup down pulling a trailer with about 9 ads printed off. The third car was the right one and gave $4500 for the thing with just short of 100K. Loaded the car and headed back to Denver. The price was about half what the asking price for the couple I saw locally.

I ordered the Flying Miata stage two suspension (shock/springs and sways). That installed I went autocrossing. ($900)

The next upgrade was 15x9 wheels and 225 RS3 Hankooks. ($890)

Then an e-bay Raceland header ($125 delivered) went on to replace the cast iron manifold.

A couple months ago after two days of test and tune type autocross runs. 40 runs on Sat and another 30 on Sunday the car developed a knock. Turns out oil is necessary to keep things working. I was three quarts low when number three rod bearing gave out. Pulled the engine and sent the short block out to a machine shop. $1300 I had a fresh bottom end (.020 over pistons), new rod, balance job and the head was reworked.

Last week I ran it at the autocross and beat three S2000's. My daughter still beat me in a S2000 and I came in second in class to an S2000.

I didn't realize the motor went.

Didn't say anything, since it way my fault the oil ran low. It always needs some oil between events (8 or so runs and some street miles). I was too busy Sunday morning with registration to check the car before Amanda took it out.

At least now I have a fresh engine for the next 100+K miles of abuse.