Mazda MX-5 Mk3

[Deutscheblonde]

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!

[Deutscheblonde]

Good question, to which Google doesn't provide an answer. Ours doesn't seem to get a great deal louder as rpm builds. Our aftermarket exhaust (fitted when bought) made the car in our mk1. Not overly intrusive, but really quite raspy when hooning around.

[Deutscheblonde]

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.

It has been lowered and aligned by WIM (Eibach springs). Notably better, and reduced the quite ridiculous standard ride height.

[Deutscheblonde]

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.