MX5 mk1 tuning

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Assuming a mint rust free MX5 mk1 1.8 can be found, please list the best mods which can be added to it. This would be for fast road use, over bumpy UK country roads, plus motorway trips. Things like super badgers (auto correct changed that from supercharger ), decent dampers etc. List up your top spec component wish list...

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Would it make sense to import a rust free car then do the work? Or would this be a waste of money? Of course it might be cheaper to buy one already modified, but then will it be rust free?!

Interesting replies so far. Especially the ones saying don't do too much. A refresh, better brakes, rubber, bushes, dampers then power was my line of thought. It would be good to have it capable on track for once a year. Bust mostly for road fun.

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The Crack Fox said:

"Super badger"! I now want one of those

I know, sounds so much better than a supercharger



Excellent replies chaps. I wouldn't have an issue spending say £10k on an MX5, including the car and all mods. This should make a fairly decent mk1, no? The other car options I'm looking at are at least 50% more with nothing left for mods at all. I like things like the BMW Z4 and GT86 etc, but each have issues and would soak up a ton of tuning (or maybe repairs with the German) on top. So the MX5 route would save a wedge and no doubt be way more reliable.

I've only ever driven the mk2, but stories of rust put me off those. I thought the mk3 was not so great as a drivers car? Interesting to hear you rate them. Another option! Especially with a BBR turbo

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Sway said:

The perfect mk1 for me would be a flowed and throttle bodied engine with top end exhaust from manifold to tip. Ohlins or Quantum dampers, upgraded discs and pads. Everything else fully refreshed, IL motorsport bushings, POR15 on any metal surface. Aluminium rad and coolant reroute. Oil cooler. 3.6:1 torsen diff.

Think that'd do it, and Bl!nk motorsport or Skuzzle would be the guys depending on your location. That'd be one hell of a sweet car for road driving.

Or there's a lovely BBR supercharged mk3 in the classifieds, that would be pretty nice, albeit in a much more grown up manner.

Seems like that would be a good car. So are Bl!nk motorsport and Skuzzle the "go to" guys for building modified MX5? Any other companies to consider? It would be ideal to find a rust free donor, drop it off and let someone build it for me (due to lack of time and my garage is full of stuff!)

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What are peoples views of:

Mk1 with throttle bodies and old school NA tuning v supercharging.

Then comparing the above with a modern turbo mk3?

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That engine swop sounds interesting. Is it a nightmare or fairly simple? I know there are the extremes of V8 conversions. What other engines are people putting in these?

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Well that sounds pretty damn good!

Are there any garages in the UK doing these engine swops?

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Hi all, update...



So... I was looking at sensible cars. Then something happened. I bought a mint UK mk1 MX5.




I'm going to keep it looking very tidy and respect it. Sort of. Except I also plan on modifying it, SENSIBLY. Then use it as intended. So far it is being protected underneath and in the cavities with rust preventative products. It has never been welded, has all original arches, sills and spot welds visible, as it was kept in a garage. Although I will be using this, I want to keep it fresh.

So, onto the mods... What shall I do?


Suspension
First of all I want to fit fresh dampers as the originals will be old. Maybe adjustable ones? I have been recommended Meister R. Alternatively the German made KW are supposed to be bullet proof. It will be for road use, so it has to be fine with the odd bump! Ideas? I have also been told rubbers may be a better bet than poly bushings for road use. So Just a general refresh and maybe better dampers. Help and advice please.

Tyres
These have to work in all weathers. So wet traction is as important as dry. Ideas?

Wheels
I don't want to roll the arches or anything like that. So I was going to stick to 15"x7" wheels / tyres with a sensible ET like 20 (max) or so. Thoughts? I saw this guide:
http://www.driftworks.com/mazda-mx5-wheel-guide/#i...

Interior
I have some spare carbon fibre adjustable seats (from my daily Alfa) which I may pop in there. Other than that, I like it plain black and basic. So no real changes there.

Exterior
I quite like those old fashioned alloy bullet style side mirrors. So long as they don't leave OE holes? Maybe a mohair black roof with glass heated window at some point down the line. I'll probably move the front number plate to the side or bottom as well. It looks a bit daft at the very front like that.

Engine
Not sure yet. But NA tuning with ITBs and a Racing Beat full manifold / exhaust system would probably sound amazing. Faster, but not daft or changing the fun nature too much. So perhaps an MX5 +1. 180bhp (max) of screaming NA power should be enough for a smile, no?



If you have any ideas please share them...

All work will probably be done by Nick and Mark at Scuzzle Motorsport.



Thanks again! Oh, car arrives tuesday, so pics possible then.

Edited by k-ink on Tuesday 9th August 22:15

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I am far from knowing much about wheels, but so far the ones I've seen are +7kg or something. So yours look like a massive saving! I was into the retro look, but your idea looks better.



These are just random things I liked...


1 by s_worksair, on Flickr

3 by s_worksair, on Flickr

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NO!

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This will probably make your hair fall out...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

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Great stuff, thanks.

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The looks of yours is really good. If mine comes out like that, but silver, it'll be what I had in mind from the start. Do you know how much your wheels weigh? Maybe I should stick to 14" and have a taller side wall to the tyre. That might be better for pot holes!

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eltax91 said:

I've got a (nearly) rusty mk2. Might be persuaded to strip the full supercharger kit off for the right price.

I have been advised the supercharger kits can be fiddly to get running correctly. So I was going to stick to NA. I think. Dither, dither!


I do love the sound of the ITBs! Scuzzle said they can do two stages for me:

1, new cams, full exhaust system etc.
2, add the ITB later on (to spread the cost).

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Rickyy said:

Not sure how much you know about MX5s and their foibles, but have a feel around the rear of the cylinder head and check the CAS (camshaft angle sensor) for an oil leak, then check the heater matrix hoses directly below it.

Mine was leaking...

Roughly, bugger all I'll be taking it to scuzzle for a full service, inspection, fettle on day 1.

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Drums said:

if you can find a set of Wats then go for it!

"If"... bugger. So it's not a case of click and buy then Mmm...

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Ok thanks! So I guess these are rare then. That ET of 14 looks small! Will they even fit without modifying the arches?



Right, I've found these. Are they crap?...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141742627011?_trksid=p20...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182196862147?_trksid=p20...



Or some Mazda rims, look ok...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252444505114?_trksid=p20...

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Looking at the link for the Wats, we have these sizes...

14x6.5 +14.5

14x7 +8

I presume the wheels above have an ET of 14.5 and 8. Is that correct?

Will they fit without modding the arches?

Which would you prefer, bearing in mind tyres and feel?

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ps

I just did a conversion from USD to GBP. Those wheels are mad expensive.

15" doesn't look so bad after all

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^
Yours look great!

I can afford them. But not sure I can justify them!!