MX5 mk1 tuning

[k-ink]

The tyre prices are so low! A full set will cost what a single CLS rear tyre went for.


Any thoughts on roll bars which fit without any mods / cutting?

[Jobbo]

I don't know which roll bars fit easily, but a word of warning - my car came with a roll bar (came into the country with it fitted, I believe) and it seriously restricts the rearward travel of the seat. I'm 5'5" tall and have the seat back as far as it'll go. You could be quite cramped.

Don't think a style bar is a substitute though; they're not structural so the only thing they'll do is stop your bouffant blowing about quite as much in the breeze.

[Evanivitch]

k-ink said:

The tyre prices are so low! A full set will cost what a single CLS rear tyre went for.


Any thoughts on roll bars which fit without any mods / cutting?

TR Lane do a variety of roll bars.

All will require some modification, otherwise it won't be attached well and will simply be a useless style bar.

[Sway]

k-ink said:

The tyre prices are so low! A full set will cost what a single CLS rear tyre went for.


Any thoughts on roll bars which fit without any mods / cutting?

GC Fabrications. Far nicer than the other off the shelf ones (hard dog excepted, but they're mucho dollar for mainly cosmetic benefits over GCF).

However, no roll bar fits without mods or cutting - by default you need to cut the (completely non structural) panel under the parcel shelf carpet, and drill holes for the fixings. Preferably through welded spreader plates.

The ones that work with the soft top (less clearance than the hardtop) are a worry in a rear impact if you're over about 5'9" and in standard seats. I did a 'foamectomy' on my seats and they were superb. Unfortunately can't do the same for my mk2 seats, so looking for a nice seat of Elise probax seats to fit.

[k-ink]

Good advice, thanks! I may fit my carbon seats, then see what may fit after.

Right, just ordered a set of Enkei direct from Enkei. I don't trust Ebay as there are so many fakes.

I need to order some tyres, so 195/50/15... I'll do a bit more research on those...

[Jobbo]

Sway said:

The ones that work with the soft top (less clearance than the hardtop) are a worry in a rear impact if you're over about 5'9" and in standard seats. I did a 'foamectomy' on my seats and they were superb. Unfortunately can't do the same for my mk2 seats, so looking for a nice seat of Elise probax seats to fit.

Another good point. Which reminds me - there's no way you'd be able to replace the plastic rear window with a glass one in my car due to the roll bar. Not sure if that's true for all bars. Fine with me, since I bought an MX5 specifically to leave the roof down and don't care about the slightly opaque rear plastic window; I so rarely ever use it.

[k-ink]

Another good point. I actually want a glass screen fitted for motorway use, for one long trip every 2 weeks. So perhaps the roll bar will be the last thing to look at.

[Sway]

My bar is fine with the glass window, as is the GCF one (mine is the TR Lane one, installed before GCF released theirs).

There's a little trick pinching the roof bars behind your head as you drop the roof that makes it simple.

[Jobbo]

I don't know the origin of my bar - presumably some random Japanese thing. But the bracing bits are what I assume would block a glass window. Surely all roll bars have similar brace bars to this?

[k-ink]

I've ordered a set of Michelin PS3, as they seem highly rated all round and I've had them before. So that's the wheels sorted out.

Right, dampers... is it worth leaving it alone as is? My only issue is it looks a bit high. Although I want to keep it practical for taking crappy bumpy roads in its stride. So I have discounted the cheap import dampers. I will either stick to OEM, or the Meister dampers seem to be well rated for comfort. KW and Bilstein have a great rep for quality, although I'm not sure about comfort. Ohlins appear to be "the best" but at mega money.

What would you do if you want comfort, but a small lowering (20mm or maybe a touch more, very roughly).

Thoughts?

[k-ink]

Drums said:

If you want old skool style mirrors without leaving holes or compromising visibility then I'd recommend a set of Runabout mirrors

Thanks Drums, I just ordered some M2. I never knew what they were called before, but I've seen them around in photos over the years.

Oh, plus clear reflectors. Getting there.

[Sway]

Bushes (I'm going for superpro poly - have driven a car with those fitted back to back with one with fresh oem rubber and there's zero extra nvh, but nicer suspension control).

Meister CRD (or Gaz Gold Pro). The advantage the CRDs have over the GGPs is that preload is independent to ride height. Shouldn't make much difference with only a small drop (my GGPs are approx 40mm drop and are fine. Would have better small bump performance if I had CRDs I'm sure).

In between those and Ohlins are someone like Quantum in Pulborough, West Sussex. Custom damper manufacturers, they'll make you some that are designed entirely for your intended use, and aren't as expensive as you'd think...

Done. No need for strut braces or anything like that. Chassis rail reinforcements do a lot to stiffen up the chassis (meaning the suspension does its work in a controlled manner).

[k-ink]

Thanks. I had a look at the Quantum website. They mention being designed in the UK, but nothing about where they are made.

I then looked at the Ohlins website and their history. Want. Probably will never need. But want. I've seen them for £1500. Man maths says thats "only" 500 more.

[Drums]

k-ink said:

Thanks Drums, I just ordered some M2. I never knew what they were called before, but I've seen them around in photos over the years.

Oh, plus clear reflectors. Getting there.

Good man! They'll look the nuts. Keep us updated with pictures when you've fitted them.

[k-ink]

I guess I'll use this thread for asking the dumb questions, then start a new thread with pics when it all arrives. Not sure which will arrive first... wheels, tyres, mirrors, reflectors, errr what was that other thing? Oh yeah, the car

Now do I tell the missus before or after the car transporter arrives? Maybe the boxes will have to be explained too. Oh well, she bought shoes last week. Seems fair.

[k-ink]

Oh, how do I attach the number plate off to one side, or down the bottom under the intake? Does anyone make a bracket? Also are the small euro plates legal here?

[Drums]

http://www.jassperformance.com/shop/Offset_License...

[Drums]

Oh and small plates are fine. Not legal obviously and won't pass an MOT with them but you won't have any trouble.

I have no front plate on my car, live 2 minutes from the compound where most of Guildford's Police cars are kept and have never had any trouble for it. Now I've said it I know I'll get pulled over.

[k-ink]

Thanks once again! You'd make a great personal shopper. Purchased

[AmiableChimp]

k-ink said:

Good advice, thanks! I may fit my carbon seats, then see what may fit after.

Right, just ordered a set of Enkei direct from Enkei. I don't trust Ebay as there are so many fakes.

I need to order some tyres, so 195/50/15... I'll do a bit more research on those...

Good man.

I bought some Enkei RPF1s from Meister last year when they did a group buy on Nutz.

I went for 14" running 195/60/14 for the retro balloon tyre look and I love them.