K, so, I bought the SVTF, kept the R.
New predicament: I think I actually do want a Miata. But a fast Miata. Anyone have any insights as to the reliability of boosted NA's? Nothing crazy obviously, just the base FM kit which is apparently good for 165whp.
There is also the option of an NB Mazdaspeed MX5 and the FM kit for that, which is is supposed to be about 200whp, but that might be a bit much.
Granted, right now it is hard for me to imagine life without the R as the roads have been covered in snow and ice since Wednesday, but I really like the idea of a turbo MX-5.
I can't add a poll, so:
1. Get an NA, buy the Flying Miata kit.
2. Buy an NB Mazdaspeed with the FM kit.
3. Buy any NA/NB and keep it NA.
4. You're an idiot, just stop going around in circles with cars and keep the Volvo.
Sorry I missed this before.
I have a '96 base Miata with the discontinued FM Ubercharger blower on it. It's got standalone engine management with wideband O2, intercooler, increased fuel delivery, header, intake, etc. It dynoed at around 239hp/180fp at the rear wheels; about 10 pounds per horsepower. It goes like stink and makes nearly all of its torque from around 2000 all the way through 6000 or so.
Mine has around 108,000 miles on it and has been wearing the add-ons for the last 35,000 miles or so, including track days and a lot of autocross. The engine sounds great and I don't see any reason it won't last another 40,000 miles or more unless I kill it.
The only real driveability issues are this:
1) The standalone tuning is NOT OBD II compliant, which means every 2 years I have to dismount all the fun bits, reinstall the factory ECU, and putt through the emissions test line. That's a pain in the ass, frankly.
2) The fuel economy both sucks and blows at the same time.
3) It's a Miata, with all the compromises in utility that entails.
It's set up to be a trackday car and autocrosser, so it is low and stiffly sprung and heavily damped. It's pretty hard core for a daily driver, but if you didn't mind that, it would be fine. During the summer I'll drive it to work a couple of times a week, but it's not made for cruising to the drive-in with your wife.
A lower-output turbo kit might require less in the way of tolerance. The big thing would be either to make sure the installed kit is OBD II compliant, or start with a pre-'96 car which does not need to be. For a daily, I could stand for less power if it meant less tinkering, but this car's primary mission is to go fast, and I actually enjoy tinkering. If you don't have knowledge or facilities to do most of it yourself, I would definitely sacrifice optimum power for ease of care.
I will vouch for the quality of Flyin' Miata's equipment and service, though. Both are top notch.
I don't know what your budget is. If you're for looking something turnkey, I would look at getting a Mazdaspeed Miata and then pursue some of the simpler bolt-ons as time and money allow. If you're looking for a real project car, I would find a clean '95 Miata from somewhere around Atlanta, open the FM catalog, and start ordering parts.
I suspect that an NA NA (pardon the pun) will not satisfy you if you are a power junkie. If you can appreciate what a low-power Miata was designed to be, then of course, that would be fine. However it might get dull if it is stuck paddling back and forth to work every day, where it doesn't get a chance to shine in its natural habitat.
I still enjoy the driving experience. 
