--- title: "1990 Mazda Miata Dragster Is a Bite-Size Quarter-Mile Missile" description: "This 1990 Mazda Miata for sale was converted into a drag racer and looks like an incredibly fun quarter-mile missile." date: "2023-11-12" modified: "2023-11-12" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/1990-mazda-miata-dragster-is-a-bite-size-quarter-mile-missile" categories: - "Mazda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "mazda" - "miata" - "sports car" --- # 1990 Mazda Miata Dragster Is a Bite-Size Quarter-Mile Missile ![]() *Facebook* I don't know about you but when I think of [drag racing](), I think of those long, skinny Funny Cars that shoot flames from their exhausts and run quarter-mile times that would embarrass most sports cars' 0-60 mph times. What I certainly *do not* think of is a first-gen (NA) [Mazda ]()Miata. That's why this 1990 Miata drag racer for sale on[ Facebook Marketplace]() is so delightfully incongruous that I can't help but want it. Seeing something as small as a [Miata ]()with a massive dragster scoop on its hood, a wheelie bar, and Hoosier drag radials is objectively funny, like seeing Danny Devito in Football pads. It gets even better when you see the massive Kaiser racing engine under its hood. The car is currently being sold as a roller, without the engine or transmission, for $22,000 but the seller will consider selling it as a complete running car for $39,000. ![]() **Facebook** ![]() **Facebook** ![]() **Facebook** The engine itself is [also for sale]() separately. It's a 322-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) Kaiser racing engine, based on a Chevy V8 with an Aurora short-deck block, Bryant crankshaft, and Jesel Keyed lifters, among many other goodies. It makes 855 horsepower, which is hilarious in something as small and light as a stripped-out Miata. Even without the powertrain, though, this Miata dragster still comes with a Chromoly 8.50 certified roll cage, a custom-fabricated Chromoly four-link rear end with Strange Engineering double-adjustable coilovers, a 40-spline aluminum differential, carbon fiber driveshaft, Hoosier slicks wrapped around beadlock wheels, a wheelie bar, and a new parachute. ![]() **Facebook** ![]() **Facebook** ![]() **Facebook** ![]() **Facebook** The build quality looks great, too. Without getting your paws on it in person, there's no way of telling truly how well made it is but it passes the eye test. If you're looking for a pint-sized drag racer, this little Miata seems like an absolute blast. Plus, you can buy it with its powertrain or without, so you can choose your engine. I've never seen a Miata drag racer before today but now that's the only kind I want to see. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()