The Swift's replacement is here

[identti]

I initially intended to buy a Mk1 MX5 and gradually modify it to a decent trackday spec. However, when I saw this 55k 1.6 Jap import, with zero rust and all the modifications I could have wanted and more, I knew it was the right car. Got a full RAC inspection done on it, where they confirmed its chassis was perfect with no rust at all, and for an old car it was mechanically sound.

The car is modified by RS Aizawa Japan, one of the top MX5/Eunos tuners in Japan, with plaques to prove it. The engine was totally rebuilt with new components just 7000 miles ago. Need to get it onto a rolling road to see what power it's putting out - the rev limit is now at 8600rpm!

Modifications: throttle bodies, possibly cams, fuelling, HKS ECU and full exhaust system, Ohlins coilovers all round, Watannabe RS wheels, Roll bar, Strut braces, Chassis bracing, Leather seats, Bridgestone Potenza RE01R tyres, LSD.

Anyway, pictures is what you really wanted:

[TheArchitect]

very nice!

[Planet Claire]

Lovely, and TB too - you don't seem many with them.

How about getting to our new Berkshire meet - next one is on the 25th March in Bracknell.
Details here - need to bump it (although there are more people going than just me and Lazza if you check out the Nutz thread!).

[VerySideways]

First of all:

Secondly, it occurs to me that you may want to consider some sort of air filtration system

[patmahe]

Sounds like some list of mods, hope it goes well for you, certainly looks like lots of fun and I'd say you've saved yourself a fortune buying one ready modified. Enjoy

[John D.]

Love it!! Well done mate

That is exactly the kind of MX5 I would want to get. Mk1 is far better looking with the cool pop-up headlights too. LSD should be fun

Much better car than the Swift dare I say it.

[identti]

VerySideways said:

First of all:

Secondly, it occurs to me that you may want to consider some sort of air filtration system

Cheers. It's got Pipercross filter socks on it now, the trumpets were only open when the car was stored inside

Like these:

Edited by identti on Thursday 11th March 14:14

[identti]

John D. said:

Much better car than the Swift dare I say it.

No you're right, it's a real drivers car, and the Ohlins suspension makes the car unbelievably stable yet agile at speed. I still think the Swift was a great all rounder though, was certainly a nicer place to be for the 450 miles back from Scotland!

[Emeye]

I bought my Mk1 Eunos already modded - was the only car I ever regretted selling. Loved it. Was great on track.

[John D.]

identti said:

John D. said:

Much better car than the Swift dare I say it.

No you're right, it's a real drivers car, and the Ohlins suspension makes the car unbelievably stable yet agile at speed. I still think the Swift was a great all rounder though, was certainly a nicer place to be for the 450 miles back from Scotland!

Exactly. I had similar feelings about my old Clio tbh; wondering why I hadn't considered buying a decent MX5 for the same money. Never occured to me at the time though.

Have you put many miles on it yet?

ETA - where did you get the car from? I spotted a similar white MX5 hanging the tail out on a roundabout locally towards the end of last summer

Edited by John D. on Thursday 11th March 14:20

[T0M]

Wow, that looks immense fun! Congratulations. As a matter of interest how steep was the insurance hit being an import + Mods + age etc?

Tom

[identti]

John D. said:

identti said:

John D. said:

Much better car than the Swift dare I say it.

No you're right, it's a real drivers car, and the Ohlins suspension makes the car unbelievably stable yet agile at speed. I still think the Swift was a great all rounder though, was certainly a nicer place to be for the 450 miles back from Scotland!

Exactly. I had similar feelings about my old Clio tbh; wondering why I hadn't considered buying a decent MX5 for the same money. Never occured to me at the time though.

Have you put many miles on it yet?

I bought it in Northern Ireland (mad I know, but I had to have this particular car due to its condition and spec) and drove it home via Scotland, so yes, about 500 miles already! Not brilliant on the motorway, but bearable. Fantastic on backroads though, firm but compliant with no roll, and I reckon it'll be even better on a track.

[identti]

T0M said:

Wow, that looks immense fun! Congratulations. As a matter of interest how steep was the insurance hit being an import + Mods + age etc?

Tom

I've ceased to be a teenager in the last year, 2 years NCB (had to cancel my last policy and therefore lost my near 3rd years NCB), all mods declared. Insured through Adrian Flux its a couple of hundred over £1k with a limited mileage and garaged.

[Emeye]

identti said:

T0M said:

Wow, that looks immense fun! Congratulations. As a matter of interest how steep was the insurance hit being an import + Mods + age etc?

Tom

I've ceased to be a teenager in the last year, 2 years NCB (had to cancel my last policy and therefore lost my near 3rd years NCB), all mods declared. Insured through Adrian Flux its a couple of hundred over £1k with a limited mileage and garaged.

Did you check out AON insurance using the mx5oc.co.uk owners club discount? You can tell them you are going to join, just make sure you do if you get a good quote. Remember you can cancel most insurance within a couple of weeks without charge.

ETA: You need to check this discount still exists!

[John D.]

identti said:

John D. said:

identti said:

John D. said:

Much better car than the Swift dare I say it.

No you're right, it's a real drivers car, and the Ohlins suspension makes the car unbelievably stable yet agile at speed. I still think the Swift was a great all rounder though, was certainly a nicer place to be for the 450 miles back from Scotland!

Exactly. I had similar feelings about my old Clio tbh; wondering why I hadn't considered buying a decent MX5 for the same money. Never occured to me at the time though.

Have you put many miles on it yet?

I bought it in Northern Ireland (mad I know, but I had to have this particular car due to its condition and spec) and drove it home via Scotland, so yes, about 500 miles already! Not brilliant on the motorway, but bearable. Fantastic on backroads though, firm but compliant with no roll, and I reckon it'll be even better on a track.

Wow! Good work

[identti]

Emeye said:

identti said:

T0M said:

Wow, that looks immense fun! Congratulations. As a matter of interest how steep was the insurance hit being an import + Mods + age etc?

Tom

I've ceased to be a teenager in the last year, 2 years NCB (had to cancel my last policy and therefore lost my near 3rd years NCB), all mods declared. Insured through Adrian Flux its a couple of hundred over £1k with a limited mileage and garaged.

Did you check out AON insurance using the mx5oc.co.uk owners club discount? You can tell them you are going to join, just make sure you do if you get a good quote. Remember you can cancel most insurance within a couple of weeks without charge.

ETA: You need to check this discount still exists!

I am a member of the MX5 OC, and got a discount with Adrian Flux Cheers for the info though.

[ironictwist]

I'm a little jealous & I've only had my new one for less than a fortnight!

[nonuts]

Did you enjoy the road from Stranraer out to civilisation? I still remember that drive back in the pissing rain after having picked my car up and only driven it about 2 miles to the ferry terminal.

Looks lovely, top job!

[T0M]

identti said:

T0M said:

Wow, that looks immense fun! Congratulations. As a matter of interest how steep was the insurance hit being an import + Mods + age etc?

Tom

I've ceased to be a teenager in the last year, 2 years NCB (had to cancel my last policy and therefore lost my near 3rd years NCB), all mods declared. Insured through Adrian Flux its a couple of hundred over £1k with a limited mileage and garaged.

That's an encouraging quote, I am very tempted to get a MK1 Myself but will have to be in a year or so being at uni. I'd be keeping it outside though

[John D.]

T0M said:

I'd be keeping it outside though

Don't see the big deal with that. Depends where it is kept outside of course

Edited by John D. on Thursday 11th March 17:07