SP Rides: The ‘Black Mamba’
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Aaron Thipphavong
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
Hobbies: Cars and work
Year, Make, Model: 1993 Mazda Miata
Color: Brilliant Black
Engine: RSR 4-1 headers, Enthuza test pipe, Garagestar Ex Mag-inspired exhaust, K&N filter, CSF aluminum radiator, Circuit Sports overflow tank, Mazdaspeed oil cap, Mazdaspeed plug wires, Project-G dipstick handle, advanced timing
Exterior: RS Actives type 2 headlights, Zest-inspired turn signal intake, RS Aizawa headlight cover duct, CarbonMiata flares, OEM R package front and rear lip, Track Dog Racing splitter, GarageVary XL carbon fiber canards, Craftsquare carbon fiber mirrors, Project-G side skirts, Jetstream hardtop spoiler, Mazdaspeed A Spec type 1 wing, GarageVary style panel with OEM Mazda porter lamps, RyokuRob tow hook
Interior: Mazdaspeed D cut wheel, Mazdaspeed lap timer, ArtWorksDewa gauge cluster, KG Works starter, Miataroadster short shifter, Nielex Tombstone and hazard/headlight switch, ARC teardrop titanium shiftknob, Aerodramatics door handles, Rev9 Autosport aluminum pedals, Blackbird Fabworx GT3 rollbar, Garagestar e- brake handle, Retromodern ignition cover and cigarette dummy plug, RSpeed vent rings
Suspension: Ground Control coilovers, Koni yellow shocks and Eibach springs, Flyin Miata extended rear tophats, Racing Beat front and rear sway bars with endlinks
Wheels: Work Meister S1, 15-by-9-inch -2 offset with 5mm Spacer, Kumho Ecsta 205/50r15
Aaron Thipphavong is a Miata enthusiast through and through. At only 23 years of age, his owned-vehicle list is short, but dedicated to the Miata heritage. Three years ago, Thipphavong was inspired by his friends, who all owned Miatas. Although he considered a Honda Prelude, the chance to experience such a pure, unadulterated driving experience in such a compact and affordable package has kept him coming back again and again. He’s owned three of these little RWD rockets now, and he hasn’t looked back.
This Miata is an LE model with a limited run of 1500 units, which provides some value for a ride that is unmistakably known as cheap and easy to mod while dominating on the track amongst its peers. This affords it some nice, shiny bits and pieces here and there, but that’s not what makes this car unique.
For starters, the exterior has been given a makeover to include a great many modifications on the body. Chief among these are the GarageVary XL set of carbon fiber canards, Craftsquare carbon fiber mirrors, and Project-G side skirts. A Jetstream hardtop spoiler fits nicely alongside the Mazdaspeed A-Spec Type 1 wing while both the headlights and taillights include a grip of dress-up parts as well.
Thipphavong is most proud of the added CarbonMiata flares, even though the body had to be cut to include them, he feels they were well worth the purchase and installation due to the incredibly aggressive stance they provide. Low profile RS Actives Type 2 headlights really change the look of the car as well.
The interior is stunning thanks to a mixture of red and silver accents tastefully strewn throughout the cockpit area. These include a Mazdaspeed D Cut Wheel, a very rare ArtWorksDewa gauge cluster, a MiataRoadster short shifter attached to an expensive ARC teardrop titanium shift knob, and Garagestar e-brake handle for strong pulls. Of special note is the Blackbird Fabworx GT3 rollbar, which stands out impressively. There’s plenty more that’s not covered here, but the interior is absolutely brilliant with all sorts of bells and whistles.
The suspension features Ground Control coilovers mated to Koni Yellow shocks and Eibach Springs. Racing Bet front and rear sway bars and endlinks round out the package while gorgeous Work Meister S1s in 15-by-9 all around peak beneath the fender flares.
Already known for its impressive handling, additional power is made thanks to a throaty combination of RSR 4-1 headers, an Enthuza test pipe, and Garagestar EX Mag Inspired exhaust. The engine has had its timing advanced and includes some reliability mods such as a CSF aluminum radiator and Circuit Sports overflow tank. Combined with the rest of the goodies, this rocket has its “go to flow” with its show.
Although he’s not all about the flash, the show is still a bit important as Thipphavong does appreciate a little bit of attention. This black mamba Miata is clean and smooth, but has just enough to catch your eye — and that’s good stuff.
