Mazda MX-5 Mk3
Discussion
Recently acquired an Mk 3 MX-5. 2.0l engine, feels pokey, but completely non-eventful with an almost silent exhaust. I’ve had the springs/geometry sorted by Wheels in Motion, wheels refurbed in a darker colour and side repeaters changed to clear from orange.
Initial impressions were… it’s a mk1 with a facelift! Quite cramped, cheap plastics. Coming from a Z3 3.0 it feels slow, but a hoot! Z3 was quick, but completely disconnected.
Plans are exhaust, rear light wrap in red film (current Lexus light alert), manifold, slight spacers to enhance looks, enjoy the summer!
Initial impressions were… it’s a mk1 with a facelift! Quite cramped, cheap plastics. Coming from a Z3 3.0 it feels slow, but a hoot! Z3 was quick, but completely disconnected.
Plans are exhaust, rear light wrap in red film (current Lexus light alert), manifold, slight spacers to enhance looks, enjoy the summer!
LaurasOtherHalf said:
Yeah, it's a bit of a strange one-everyone said to fit a fruity exhaust but I think it sounds great when pressing on.
Anyway, they're great little cars, are you planning any suspension tweaks?
It turns out the 3.5 & 3.75 do have different dimension exhausts (slightly longer), so maybe explains a difference in noise. Anyway, they're great little cars, are you planning any suspension tweaks?
It has been lowered and aligned by WIM (Eibach springs). Notably better, and reduced the quite ridiculous standard ride height.
I've been loving the car in this recent weather. There’s nothing like top down (car, not me) motoring. I’ve noticed the Bose stereo adjusts itself and ramps up the volume when the roof goes down which is cool. I did have a slight issue the other day when playing MP3 and Bruno Marrs came on at the traffic light when surrounded by hospital colleagues – my wife’s addition, honestly your honour. I’m starting to really appreciate the handling. It’s definitely softer than my mk1 but I’m enjoying the comfort… and the ability to overcome speed bumps. Still sticks like a bugger to the road, have only unsettle the rear once or twice in the dry. I have realised that I have to disengage the DSC every time I get in. I’m no drifter but I find it incredibly intrusive. Only recent issue is some sod bumped it in the work car park.
No cctv evidence.
Still debating what to do exhaust wise. I often think it’s way too quiet... but occasionally will be in the modified Clio (cams/induction/exhaust) and yearn for the blissful silence of the Mazda.
I will go louder, but not too obtrusive. I’ve also decided to get some red film for the rear lights. The standard ones are awful, and as much as I want to upgrade to Mk3.5/3/75 rear lights it’s just a bit too much when the laminate looks decent and is a mere fraction of the price.
No cctv evidence.
Still debating what to do exhaust wise. I often think it’s way too quiet... but occasionally will be in the modified Clio (cams/induction/exhaust) and yearn for the blissful silence of the Mazda.
I will go louder, but not too obtrusive. I’ve also decided to get some red film for the rear lights. The standard ones are awful, and as much as I want to upgrade to Mk3.5/3/75 rear lights it’s just a bit too much when the laminate looks decent and is a mere fraction of the price.
Deutscheblonde said:
/.../ as much as I want to upgrade to Mk3.5/3/75 rear lights /.../
MK3.5+ rear tails don't fit in place of MK3 tails as their size is somewhat different. For a perfect fit you'd also have to replace the rear panel and/or bumper. In other respects, good car. I also went from a Clio 172 to an MK3 MX-5 and always thought the MK3 would be sublime if it only had the manic revhappy engine of the 172 
chillbill said:
MK3.5+ rear tails don't fit in place of MK3 tails as their size is somewhat different. For a perfect fit you'd also have to replace the rear panel and/or bumper. In other respects, good car. I also went from a Clio 172 to an MK3 MX-5 and always thought the MK3 would be sublime if it only had the manic revhappy engine of the 172
They are excellent value at the minute.Fit some clear indicator bulbs and it will look a good bit better.
Mine is here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I noticed with the DSC if you long press the button it does something else.
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