MX5 Tuning

[Andy Meads]

Hello all.

I put this on the "General Gassing" page and we redirected to this forum, which I am glad to have been shown!

I have a Mk 3 MX5 2.0 Sport. I bought it after deciding to sell my 996 to avoid the worst of the fall in values and in the hope that the Mazda would stand me in good stead value-wise come the summer, when my normal "disorder" (ahem, I mean enthusiasm for cars) would typically impel me to consider changing it. However, the MX5 has got under my skin and I am enjoying every mile I drive in it, even the mundane trips. It really reminds you that a car doesn't need much to be a great drive.

That said, I do feel its exhaust is quite restrictive. I am considering replacing it and, whilst I am at it, freeing up the induction side of things too. I am not looking for loads more power, but a bit more power and, more to the point, torque, would be welcome. I do not want to sound like a boy racer either, but something better than the present "buzz" would be good. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good induction/exhaust upgrade which will not see me spending half the value of the car? Is a remap worthwhile? I have seen some interesting bits on mx5parts.co.uk, but since I have never modified a bicycle, let alone a car, I am uncertain as to the best route.

Any advice would be appreciated. Except "buy a Boxster"*, which is a whole new debate.

• I realise that is unlikely on this page, but it was part of my original post...

[Andy Meads]

Thanks for the pointers!

[Andy Meads]

Red Firecracker said:

Have you got the lower Eibach springs on it yet? Those and a good geo would be my first port of call.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Sunday 18th January 08:36

Not at the moment. The car is completely standard. Do the Eibachs give good damping too? The standard (Bilsteins?)don't always ride that well, but the handling is good, of course.

While I'm at it, is it normal for the gearbox to be a bit reluctant when cold? Mine certainly is and a mate with the same car says his is too.

[Andy Meads]

Chris71 said:

Mk3 you say?

Simple: Cosworth supercharger kit.

I do like the sound of that! Does it come with 30mm Browning Cannons like the good old Spit?

[Andy Meads]

Thanks to everyone for their input. Certainly a lot to chew over. Time to follow up on these leads...

[Andy Meads]

So far, so good: I am about to book into Wheels In Motion for the new springs to be fitted and the geometry to be sorted out. They were very helpful over the 'phone.

[Andy Meads]

It gets better: High Command has authorised supercharging.

[Andy Meads]

Munter said:

Andy Meads said:

It gets better: High Command has authorised supercharging.

Bloody hell.
A)You checked.
B)She said yes
...
C)Stay away from my OH.... I dont know what you did to your wife, but if the OH gets wind of it I'm for it.

Thats funny...now laugh ok..

You can't teach it: it's a gift.

[Andy Meads]

Herman Toothrot said:

maz8062 said:

Andy Meads said:

It gets better: High Command has authorised supercharging.

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/1574

Edited by maz8062 on Tuesday 27th January 17:05

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/product...

Edited by Herman Toothrot on Tuesday 27th January 20:44

Thanks. I called Cosworth last week and they confirmed it was available in the UK for £3k plus the dreaded VAT. They also said it would be on mx5parts.co.uk "soon", which was obviously true!

Apparently it takes 12 to 14 hours for a competent fitter to install.

[Andy Meads]

Toecutter said:

MX-5 Lazza said:

US rwhp usually equates to crank hp over here. It'll be interesting to see the first UK car on a UK dyno

Theres a chap on MX-5.com who is going to have a Cosworth Supercharger fitted here in the UK, I hope he takes it to an independent rolling road to verify what the car is producing.

From my enquiries, it's 240bhp at the flywheel. If you go onto the Cosworth UK site, look at the Performance Parts Catalogue and go to about page 34 or so, it's all there. I think there's a graph for power and torque, too. The installation is really tidy - more so than the original, I reckon.

I called mx5parts.co.uk today. They take one week to come in on back order. The cost is £3400-odd, including VAT. You get all you need in the box. Except tools and a good spannerman.

Apart from the expenditure, I am struggling to see a downside to it. Apparently, mx5parts have tested it on their MK3 and the chassis is more than up to it. I suppose the warranty will be down the toilet and insurance could be interesting, but hey - you only live once.

One last bit of info: your car must have a/c and power steering in order for the kit to fit. There will shortly be another kit for those cars not having these.

Cheers.

[Andy Meads]

Here's some interesting footage...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RYrQjbZafbk&NR=1

[Andy Meads]

According to Goodwin in this week's Autocar (Ask Goodwin), the supercharger might not be such a good idea. He thinks the gearbox and diff are at risk. I disagree. Any thoughts?