Perhaps the biggest news of the evening: Check out this slice of pizza I got while at the Orlando Roadster meet.
Photography by David S. Wallens
When do you worry that your car’s been sitting too long? A week? A month? A year?
Our Garage Rescue Miata knows all about sitting too long as it did an eight-year spell a while back. But that was five years ago, and we’ve kept it busy since: autocross, weekend drives, club meets.
This summer, though, has been a little slow. First, the heat. Second, been autocrossing our Club Spec Mustang this year. And, finally, have you ever thought about our production schedule?
After sitting for close to two months, though, it was time to meet up with our friends from Orlando Roadsters. It had been a while.
First, unhook the battery from a tender.
Before turning the key, the usual prep: check oil, tires and lugs.
Then, the moment of truth: The engine came to life on the first try. No drama, no smoke. Just that sewing machine hum from our little 1.6-liter engine.
The Miata had a quarter of a tank of fuel. Filled it up on the way to the highway.
The event itself? Hot. Welcome to Florida in July. But, again, we had a full house of Miatas and other roadsters–and a few non-roadsters.
So, where’s your worry point regarding a car that’s been sitting?
Perhaps the biggest news of the evening: Check out this slice of pizza I got while at the Orlando Roadster meet.
Where is the PINEAPPLE?
In reply to RacingComputers :
Pineapple does not belong on (my) pizza.
I've done 6 months and didn't like it. My engine donor was 4 years and that freaked me out a lot. I really like to run my cars at least weekly.
Other than when the Miata’s battery told me to kiss off after sitting for more than half a year in June, the Miata doesn’t seem to mind.
Famous last words, I know.
Outlaw Bug during the hot summer... every three weeks. The leaded VP110 race fuel has great shelf life. Even so, I don't like it sitting in the Webers too long. It cost over $600 to clean up those carbs when the PO left them sit for 10 years.
In the cooler months its fun to drive it more often.
Car? Which one?
It sits as long as it takes to aquire the nessessary funds to buy parts in which to make it move.
David S. Wallens said:Other than when the Miata’s battery told me to kiss off after sitting for more than half a year in June, the Miata doesn’t seem to mind.
Famous last words, I know.
The Manic Miata is... far from stock. Many many things could potentially make it crabby about sitting.
But I park it in early November or so with no prep. Sometime in December or January I remember to throw the battery tender on it.
In March or April I disconnect the tender, turn the key, and in less than 30 seconds it's idling pretty normally.
So, 4 months? It's astoundingly reliable.
RacingComputers said:Where is the PINEAPPLE?
L'ananas e spazzatura...........
Other New Yorkers will be along directly to chastise you...........
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