Monday 17th September 2012

BBR Mazda MX-5 'Super 180'

Is your MX-5 feeling insecure after seeing the GT Concept? BBR has a solution

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Tuned Mazda MX-5s are like buses; you wait ages for one to come along to deliver on its potential, then all of a sudden there's three.

First, Dan drove the GT Concept MX-5. Next came a GT4 racer you can buy (if you've got deep pockets). Now, established MX-5 tuner BBR has released a rather more affordable tuning package - and we like the sound of it.

Sitting below the turbo upgrades in BBR's catalogue, the 'Super 180' kit can be fitted to 2005-on Mk 3s and 3.5s. The main mods are a 4-into-1 stainless steel exhaust manifold, a StarChip ECU remap, a BBR panel air filter and a stainless steel exhaust system featuring a high-flow cat, new silencer and twin 3.5inch tailpipes. BBR claims this boosts the 2.0-litre MX-5's power from 160hp to 183hp.

Stainless system ends in two of these

Torque peak rises from 139lb ft to 159lb ft, developed at 4250rpm. For those who crave slightly more, BBR will upgrade the silencer to a 'Supersport' variant, liberating a few extra decibels and horsepower.

BBR is offering this 180 kit on both 1.8 and 2.0-litre MX-5s, with similar percentage gains for both engines. It will cost you £1,995 to have your MX-5 tweaked by BBR to Super 180 specification. A self-build upgrade costs £1,895.

A cursory glance through the PH Classifieds shows the cheapest 2.0-litre Mk 3 MX-5s are now under £6000. You don't need me to tell you how affordable that makes a 183hp MX-5.

 

[snorkel sucker]

Would be great if Mr Harris could see if he can blag a demo car from BBR and get a Drive video review....

[405dogvan]

snorkel sucker said:

Would be great if Mr Harris could see if he can blag a demo car from BBR and get a Drive video review....

I've a feeling that whilst an owner might get their £2K's worth from it - it won't be enough to make the car stand-out over the stock item!?!?

[civicduty]

405dogvan said:

I've a feeling that whilst an owner might get their £2K's worth from it - it won't be enough to make the car stand-out over the stock item!?!?

Surely no cars would ever get modified if everyone thought this way though?

[Blackpuddin]

405dogvan said:

I've a feeling that whilst an owner might get their £2K's worth from it

That's all you need though, I bet this is a very sweet car to drive and own.

[hornetrider]

2k for a chip, air filter and an exhaust?

At a grand I'd be interested maybe, but 2k is a lot of wedge.

[Captain Muppet]

hornetrider said:

2k for a chip, air filter and an exhaust?

At a grand I'd be interested maybe, but 2k is a lot of wedge.

£2k is what my turbo mk1 MX5 cost. The whole car, not just some bits.

[hornetrider]

There's also nothing about this on the BBR website.

[beeblebrox]

hornetrider said:

There's also nothing about this on the BBR website.

They had one on the BBR stand at the MX5OC national rally yesterday. Seems legit!

[J4CKO]

2 grand for an exhaust, panel filter and remap ?

Sounds like about a grands worth to me, 20 bhp isnt going to be that big of an increase, a turbo conversion wouldnt be that much more.

[g40steve]

Well over on MX5nutz.com we are doing something similar but we are looking at mid 190's.
We have full control of ECU & have removed the throttle restricions etc to improve driver enjoyment.
Get over on Nutz & look at project 200bhp

[Penneth]

J4CKO said:

2 grand for an exhaust, panel filter and remap ?

Sounds like about a grands worth to me, 20 bhp isnt going to be that big of an increase, a turbo conversion wouldnt be that much more.

Don't forget the manifold and sportscat. A decent exhaust can easily set you back a grand these days so it seems like great value for money for the entire package.

[MrKipling43]

BBR, for me, will always mean this specific car:

1. thatisall

[Riknos]

g40steve said:

Well over on MX5nutz.com we are doing something similar but we are looking at mid 190's.
We have full control of ECU & have removed the throttle restricions etc to improve driver enjoyment.
Get over on Nutz & look at project 200bhp

I was just about to link your thread on MX5Nutz Steve, but see you've now posted on this.

I'm using you as a guinea pig, as soon as you and the guys figure out what's best and how much, I'll be following in your footsteps (and hoping it doesn't cost as much as BBR are charging!)

[Blown2CV]

is it called the super 180 because it's a bit tail happy

[rtz62]

Personally I'd save even more cash by buying an older MX5 and having it turbocharged.
Just an opinion.....

[g40steve]

405dogvan said:

I've a feeling that whilst an owner might get their £2K's worth from it - it won't be enough to make the car stand-out over the stock item!?!?

Drive a stock mk3/3.5 then mine & then report back

[steve_bmw]

yep, £6000 for the car and £2000 for the upgrade, no thanks you can buy a really nice car for that much.

[g40steve]

Riknos said:

I was just about to link your thread on MX5Nutz Steve, but see you've now posted on this.

I'm using you as a guinea pig, as soon as you and the guys figure out what's best and how much, I'll be following in your footsteps (and hoping it doesn't cost as much as BBR are charging!)

Cheers.

The remap alone is awesome total changes the way the car drives & delivers the power.

The next stage was more Power.

We have Roddisons motorsport (Max5 championship winner/car builder) Clive MR map Sigatronix & REIS are aware of everything we are doing so as this will be fully road legal & insurable.

[vz-r_dave]

steve_bmw said:

yep, £6000 for the car and £2000 for the upgrade, no thanks you can buy a really nice car for that much.

What other 2.0 convertible can you buy, same year, same power output, same rewarding chassis?

[devnull]

After seeing and hearing the MX5GT concept yesterday at the Precott Hill Climb with its glorious trumpets, throttle bodies all the way!