Since I'm probably taking the miata to the track next monday, should I get the hardtop on or leave it? Is the (feeling of) improved handling/stiffnes worth the weight on top?

 

Yes keep the hardtop on for sure.

 

I like to have the top down, hard top off. I like listening to the exhaust, other cars, corner workers yelling at me, ect.

 

Is the aero benefit worth it for the added weight?

I like the top down.

 

Will your head fit under the hard top with a helmet? If it will I would try a few laps with and without and see if it does anything.

 

fitment is not an issue, although I don't wear a helmet. The hardtop does give some more rearview because of the larger rear window.. we'll see

 

According to the SM guys, yes it is.

 

All the SM guys run with hardtops on. The weight is more than compensated for by the better aerodynamics and stiffness.

What track lets you run without a helmet? I guess in a country where it's legal to light up, shoot up and pay for girlfriends by the 1/2 hour, it shouldn't suprise me you can drive your car on a track naked.

 

You don't have to wear a helmet, unless you have a rollcage..since I'm only driving in the slow-as-****-class I'm not bothered...

 

Hardtop is worth 5+mph on the straightaway, according to SM guys.

This isn't really scientific, but I did a drive a little while ago where the group was able to open the taps a bit. I spun the motor out to about 6k in 4th gear, and there was a green Miata behind me with the top down. We stopped, and he asked me what was under the hood. I've got advanced timing and a DIY Randall cowl intake, but it turned out he had a fresh JRSC supercharger setup with a water/air intercooler in the crossover tube. He said he was flat-chat and he was not pulling on me.

The difference? He had his top down; I had my hardtop on.

 

top down creates lots of drag, but was just wondering wether the hardtop was more aerodynamic than the softtop..
I'll probably put it on anyways

 

For a HPDE trackday event or a w2w race?

Put the top down and enjoy the sounds of buffeting wind down the straight and squealing tires around the corners. Unless it's a timed event for points or a race, I wouldn't get caught up with how many hundreds of a second quicker you MIGHT be with the top on.

 

I normally run top down but at straight line fast tracks I will go top up. I don't have a hard top but I would think it would help to have the top up in the straights.

I can't believe you don't ware a helmet, you have got to be off your rocker. I would not track any car without a helmet. If your driving fast enough to get in an accident your are driving fast enough for a helmet.

 

here's the track, running the longest config.

 

just got back, was friggin' awesome. hope to get some pics up soon

 

I want to hit it!!! PICS PICS PICS!!!!!!

I would totally run that top up once I was comfortable with the track.

 

I did put the hardtop on, I liked how it felt..I'm waiting for the trackphotographer to up the pics to his site. My passenger only took a few so-so photo's with my phone.
still had tons of fun, even on shot stock shocks and springs...

 

here's a vid of one lap, shot from the pax seat with my phone: http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r...t=MOV00194.flv

 

damn that's a crowded track...

 

this was a quiet day, during office hours. imagine the weekends...
here's a pic of last year: