How to get faster
 

So, i got an 86 this year and did a bunch of track days. I enjoyed it and improved a lot with practice but eventually hit a plateau. The car is currently 100% stock (except race pads and 200 tw tires). I am wondering if it is time to get some pro coaching? Or shoukd i try to modify the car first? In your experience, how much difference in lap times should i expect from tire and suspension mods (not interested in power mods)
1. 215 vs 225 vs 245 tire
2. how about 200 tw vs r compound
3. Stock suspension vs $1,500 coilovers vs $3,000 coilovers
Also, how effective is pro coaching and who would you recommend on east coast.

How fast are you compared to your local hot shoe Miatas guys?......and other similar power to weight ratio vehicles?

IMO there is no reason to starting spending a bunch on upgrades until you are as fast as (or close) others who are driving similar cars.

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Another good gauge is if you have an 86Cup Series near you, you can see those lap times compared to yours.

If you're going to do any upgrades, my recommendation would be tires and then more seat time.

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There is NEVER a bad time to get a professional, or even more experienced driver, to coach you.

SCCA has the Track Night in America program and they go to Charlotte for a track day every year. I know that's a great place to get coaching. I have a cousin who participated last year and loved it. I also have a buddy who instructs with them.

Most other organizations have instructors that may or may not be included in the track day price, you just have to ask!

coaching > than absolutely ANY vehicle modifications!

Where are you located? There are lots of great clubs in New England that have exceptional coaches. COMSCCC.ORG would be my number 1, and then probably SCDA.

You want an instructor in the car with you. It will be a night and day difference.

The best money spent is coaching.
Till you have someone next to you to telling your fualts you never knew you where doing, that pays for itself right there.

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I raced dirt cars very successfully for 10 years since I was 14 years old. Sometimes winning multiple track championships at different tracks in the same year. I thought I was a great driver.

When I started getting a little busier with work and family life I gave it up and started doing NASA track days with my FRS. I got slapped in the face with so much reality. My instructor (required with NASA for HPDE 1) was in his late 60s. He taught me so much in three days and I quickly realized I knew nothing about performance driving.

I have now been tracking for 6 years and am an instructor/coach myself. I still take other instructors out on track with me as much as I can for feedback. Never stop learning.

On top of "coaching", I'd recommend getting something like an AiM Solo and reviewing your data. Also, ask other drivers that your friends with to overlay their data with yours. This can be very eye opening (data in general).

Other info for OP.

If you replace your tires. Just get a good 200 tw tire. R-comps require a lot of attention. Starting with a 200 tw tire in oem size on your oem tire is a good foot in the door and guarantees no rubbing issues.

If you must replace your suspension buy the best you can afford. RCE Tarmac II is a great option as well as the new 949 racing Xidas.

How many track days have you been to? If you want send me a video of you driving. I would be happy to critique what I can.

Good one! Have the coach show you how to read data properly.

Also, there is a bunch of literature out there. Speed Secrets Ultimate by Ross Bently is my favorite. I read is every off-season.

Coaching is good, not all coaches are good coaches, not all of them are focused on making you faster, some only know how to make you safer.

Mods are great as well, I believe improving the car along with the driver is a more effective way than to try and squeeze every ounce of performance of an otherwise stock car before changing anything.

Driver mod> everything else (Brake fluid aside)

I'm going to go a bit against the grain and encourage anyone that wants to mod to do so.

Mods are fun and that is why we do this stuff. And learning to set up and adjust a car is a big part of being as fast as you can be.

Just be realistic about what you want to ultimately accomplish and made sure that you are buying good parts that will help you achieve that goal.