Wednesday 31st August 2016

BBR Super 200 MX-5 upgrades

Want more from your Mazda? BBR's latest upgrade takes 2.0-litre MX-5 to 200hp and beyond...

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Not enough zoom-zoom in the new MX-5 to inspire you? Maybe news that BBR's latest Super 200 tuning package can unlock as much as 225hp from the 2.0-litre version will make you prick up your ears...

In standard 160hp/148lb ft form the 2.0 Skyactiv-G powered MX-5 is perfectly brisk enough, especially when it's got a few miles under its belt to loosen up if experience on our recent comparison test against the Fiat 124 Spider is anything to go by. The turbocharged Fiat has less power at 140hp but more torque with 177lb ft. Given how ... chuckable the MX-5 can be with just this entry level power output just imagine how much more fun it could be with rather more...

BBR has vast experience tuning up both the previous shape NC MX-5 and now the new ND - indeed it started work on the latter's engine long before the car was on sale, using a Mazda 3 with the same engine as its development hack. That investment is now paying off handsomely.

We've driven the Super 190 package, which improves breathing via a new cold air intake system, exhaust manifold and 2.5-inch exhaust system. Complete with BBR's Starchip ECU upgrades it beefs up the mid-range with 176lb ft of torque (up from the standard 148lb ft) from 1,400rpm sooner than the stock engine and increases overall power to 190hp. Want more? Hopefully you'll have seen the note on BBR's release that mentioned the stainless steel four-into-one exhaust manifold that gives you another 2hp and provides a basis for the Super 200 package...

Available as a standalone package for £2,795 fitted (or £2,295 DIY) Super 200 comprises that manifold, the ECU upgrade, cold air intake and new billet cams for 205hp and 180lb ft by BBR's graphs. Add the 2.5-inch centre section and backbox from the Super 190 kit - £495 and £395 respectively - and you're up to 214hp and 183lb ft. Go the whole hog and get the head ported and you're looking at 225hp - substantial upgrades from the stock package while expanding on the MX-5's revvy, naturally-aspirated character. To keep that all under control there are various chassis upgrades too, including a Koni-damped suspension kit for £995 fitted and a couple of Willwood four-pot brake options costing from £695 fitted. All prices are quoted less VAT.

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it! We'll be driving the car next week to see how it all comes together too so stay tuned to find out if the numbers add up...

[Derek Chevalier]

Any idea how much the capacity is increased by, as 183lbft from NA 2 litres sounds ambitious?

[Derek Chevalier]

TBKBABAB said:

U.S. Tuners claiming 180 Whp and 180lb ft with long tube 4/2/1 manifold and complete exhaust plus tune,
So doesn't seem outrageous. Go to Goodwin racings website.

My understanding was that US dynos tend to give different numbers when compared to UK

[Derek Chevalier]

Honeywell said:

Nothing could be simpler than taking it to a dynometer of your preference, printing out the test results and then lodging a claim in the small claims court fir a refund of your BBR bill if they were lying about the results of their modifications.

One such victory would destroy their reputational brand value. So I don't think they are bullstting.

Modern engines are always pushing boundaries.

How would you validate that the dyno was giving accurate numbers?

[Derek Chevalier]

Honeywell said:

It would be up to BBR to prove their dyno was accurate, which is what is alleged to be the issue in this debate.

In my experience the most accurate is the Rototest, but that gives a hub power output rather than estimated flywheel. I guess the best thing may be to take rotottest after/rototest before and then compare that to BBR/manufacturer.

[Derek Chevalier]

Honeywell said:

There is a load of utter arse hoop here on this thread.

Out of interest, what is your engineering/automotive background to make a call either way?

[Derek Chevalier]

Luther Blisset said:

I don't think F1 cars are the zentith in terms of BMEP, NA era DTM and BTCC cars reputedly made 98lbft/litre.

Any idea what fuel they were allowed to use?