MkI 1.6 90bhp - getting more power?
Discussion
Dear all,
When I purchased my beloved '5 quite some time ago, I hadn't done my research properly. It was some time afterwards that I realised I had haplessly bought the least powerful '5 they produced.
I have since spent a lot of time and money on the car, fitted adjustable gas shocks, lowered springs, replaced wishbones, etc (1500 quid of work due to the rusted on bolts). I have replaced the rear window, fitted a chin spoiler and put on a sticky numberplate. I have had her on a rolling road and played with the ignition timing.
I really love this car and it's now unique to me.
But the paint is getting tatty and so is the hood, not very bad but they're on the 'to do' list. I am also pricing up an air filter and new exhaust, as money is burning a hole in my pocket due to being busy at work.
Before I splash out an all this exhaust, body work and hood, I'd like to explore options at getting the power output a bit better. The car is adequate for me, but I don't have much to compare it to. I have had it over at the Nurburgring where she still managed to entertain me. But it's still only around 90bhp.
My questions: Is it worth pouring all this cash into the least desirable '5 of them all? Should I cut my losses and get an earlier 1.6 or a 1.8 despite the cash I have already spent on this car? Is there a way of getting the power up to more acceptable levels (my preferred option)?
I'm not too worried about how much it would cost. If I do keep this car it would be for a long time. And I don't plan on making any decent money from it should I sell it, so I don't care how much the car is worth.
Thanks for any advice you lot.
When I purchased my beloved '5 quite some time ago, I hadn't done my research properly. It was some time afterwards that I realised I had haplessly bought the least powerful '5 they produced.
I have since spent a lot of time and money on the car, fitted adjustable gas shocks, lowered springs, replaced wishbones, etc (1500 quid of work due to the rusted on bolts). I have replaced the rear window, fitted a chin spoiler and put on a sticky numberplate. I have had her on a rolling road and played with the ignition timing.
I really love this car and it's now unique to me.
But the paint is getting tatty and so is the hood, not very bad but they're on the 'to do' list. I am also pricing up an air filter and new exhaust, as money is burning a hole in my pocket due to being busy at work.
Before I splash out an all this exhaust, body work and hood, I'd like to explore options at getting the power output a bit better. The car is adequate for me, but I don't have much to compare it to. I have had it over at the Nurburgring where she still managed to entertain me. But it's still only around 90bhp.
My questions: Is it worth pouring all this cash into the least desirable '5 of them all? Should I cut my losses and get an earlier 1.6 or a 1.8 despite the cash I have already spent on this car? Is there a way of getting the power up to more acceptable levels (my preferred option)?
I'm not too worried about how much it would cost. If I do keep this car it would be for a long time. And I don't plan on making any decent money from it should I sell it, so I don't care how much the car is worth.
Thanks for any advice you lot.
Of course the head will say swap the car for one with the right engine - 114bhp 1.6 or a 1.8, then the power isn't a problem. If you can afford to buy before you sell you could then swap the new parts from the old to the new car.
However, if you are now attached to your car the heart will be telling you to keep it and do the work needed to add the power. That choice can only be yours but you should bear in mind the costs involved.
There is a lot you can do to the engine - top of the list being to fit a head from a full-fat 1.6. However, the pistons are different giving lower compression so you still won't get the full power. Try posting on MX5 Nutz as there are a few guys on there that have added power to the 88bhp engine (mostly through FI though).
IMO the cheapest and ultimately easiest option is an engine swap. Either fit a 114bhp 1.6 (they are cheap to buy from MX5Heaven/Autolink and the like) or even a 1.8 though that gets a bit more expensive.
Like I say though, try posting on Nutz to get some better first-hand advice.
However, if you are now attached to your car the heart will be telling you to keep it and do the work needed to add the power. That choice can only be yours but you should bear in mind the costs involved.
There is a lot you can do to the engine - top of the list being to fit a head from a full-fat 1.6. However, the pistons are different giving lower compression so you still won't get the full power. Try posting on MX5 Nutz as there are a few guys on there that have added power to the 88bhp engine (mostly through FI though).
IMO the cheapest and ultimately easiest option is an engine swap. Either fit a 114bhp 1.6 (they are cheap to buy from MX5Heaven/Autolink and the like) or even a 1.8 though that gets a bit more expensive.
Like I say though, try posting on Nutz to get some better first-hand advice.
I was going to say - I think all the heads are the same on 1.6's - I think it's the cams that are different. Alas I don't have cams.
WIth FI too - you'll need to be careful with cams - you don't go for overlap like you do with building a high power naturally aspirated motor - has a nasty habit of blowing the air-fuel mixture straight out down the exhaust!
WIth FI too - you'll need to be careful with cams - you don't go for overlap like you do with building a high power naturally aspirated motor - has a nasty habit of blowing the air-fuel mixture straight out down the exhaust!
I'm saying Engine swap. I have no idea what price you'll pay for a 94spec 1.8 ltr, but it can, surely, be THAT much?
If your going from a book 90hp to a book 128ish, thats a fair increase? And the swap itself is not THAT complex I dont think if you stick to an early 1.8 engine.
It all depends on your skills, how much you can do yourself, and having the right tools etc.
It sounds like you have a sorted chassis setup.
your other option is to buy a later 1.8 car, sawp your nice bits over, then sell the 1.6 as a complete car.
The only problem with this is the need for a lot of cash upfront.
If your going from a book 90hp to a book 128ish, thats a fair increase? And the swap itself is not THAT complex I dont think if you stick to an early 1.8 engine.
It all depends on your skills, how much you can do yourself, and having the right tools etc.
It sounds like you have a sorted chassis setup.
your other option is to buy a later 1.8 car, sawp your nice bits over, then sell the 1.6 as a complete car.
The only problem with this is the need for a lot of cash upfront.
Well mx5heaven.co.uk sell full used 1.8 engines for £415.00.
http://www.mx5heaven.co.uk/acatalog/1800_MK1.html
Dunno how easy that would be to slot in; I'll look it up on nutz.
Defo worth considering. Actually that is such a reasonable price I am quite tempted to do that fairly soon.
http://www.mx5heaven.co.uk/acatalog/1800_MK1.html
Dunno how easy that would be to slot in; I'll look it up on nutz.
Defo worth considering. Actually that is such a reasonable price I am quite tempted to do that fairly soon.
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