How can I make my Miata faster?

Did you see the tire comparo in the latest issue? Two tires were 2 seconds faster than the RE71R.

CrashDummy said:

Tom1200 said:

In reply to CrashDummy :

You are off the brakes a bit early in various places but I suspect that's due to having to balance the oversteer. 

I had already suspected that carrying more corner entry speed and/or a deeper trailbrake might be an opportunity for more speed in some places at some tracks. I like a loose car, or rather I HATE a car the plows but I think there may be an opportunity to remove some rear bar. That might allow me to enter deeper without spinning. I appreciate you taking the time to look at the videos and provide some feedback.

Initially I wasn't sure if the car was over rotating or you were over rotating it. Once I saw you having to rapidly wind on opposite lock past the apex that's when I was convinced it was the car. Once you start having to manage the oversteer, the car is to loose. I also hate a car that pushes, I have my Datsun set up so it will still rotate ever so slightly after you finish with trail braking but not to the point it needs opposite lock.

You are also over rotating the car on corner entrances but I think that is a combination of you just trying really hard and the set up being a touch to loose. Additionally I suspect part of the reason you stay off the apex kerbs (besides needing to drive it home) is the car probably snaps sideways if you get to aggressive with the kerbs.

Your laps and Thompson looked good but as you noted the ones at Palmer were a bit choppy, you just seem to be working harder than you need to.

Finally I might also consider staying with the hard tires (if the current set isn't toast) just so you have a benchmark for any suspension changes.

I agree with what Tom said. Obviously a neutral car is best but my humble opinion is that an oversteering car is a slow car.  It looks like you're working really hard to keep that thing pointed down the track.  If my car is understeery I can adjust my braking technique and throw the car's weight around a little to accomodate. I end up braking less because I can easily scrub off speed in the corner if I overcook it a little. If it's oversteery I have to drive like there's a rattlesnake coiled up in my lap.