So I've finally got the track rat Miata back on the street, breaking in the clutch and just generally putting some miles on it to make sure everything is OK for the upcoming track weekend.
It's super obvious the exhaust is getting sucked back into the cabin, 1. I can smell it. 2. My clothes will be drenched in the "gas" smell when I get done with even a short drive.
I realize a hard top is the best solution, but right now $1000 buys A LOT of track time and that's more important right now.
Are there any cheap solutions to help keep the air from coming back into the cabin? Would a little spoiler work, like this: http://flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4544&parentid=0&stocknumber=29-77575%20%201990-97
Any other suggestions?
considering millions of Miatae have been on the road without exhaust fume issues... I would start there. Look at the factory car and see what is different about it's exhaust placement and aero compared to your's and mimic what you can for more performance and less fumes
The has a full exhaust with no cat. 
Plexiglas wind blocker? http://keith.miata.net/images/windblok.jpg
Mine had no cat and didn't make me stink...
I'd try a wind blocker first I guess, but you shouldn't be that stinky
SVreX
MegaDork
3/16/13 9:30 a.m.
Do you have a soft top?
Something is not right. Could be as simple as your tailpipe is too short.
Holes in floor? Leaks through firewall? Bad welding?
I'd be looking for the problem before I tried an expensive bandaid such as aero.
EvanB
PowerDork
3/16/13 11:29 a.m.
I have no cat and no problem with fumes in the cabin. Even when I had an open downpipe that dumped right behind the driver seat I didn't notice any unless it was sitting still and idling.
RossD
UberDork
3/16/13 11:42 a.m.
Do you have a leak in the engine compartment? Hold a tissue near the connection points of the exhaust components and watch for it to flutter.
Doesn't look like it will matter for awhile.
Seems as though the 1.6 has developed the "crank pulley wobble"
Dammit. 
z31maniac wrote:
The has a full exhaust with no cat.
That's part of the problem. the exhaust has not been purified.
But as all have said, Thousand of convertibles run with no exhaust smell.
