Just bought an MX5 Mk3
Discussion
roddo said:
Be careful with the BBR turbo on track, BBR will not cover any track use warranty.
Also meisterR suspension will be far superior on track & road..... I have 2 customers just removed BBR suspension for something better.
Hi Roddo.Also meisterR suspension will be far superior on track & road..... I have 2 customers just removed BBR suspension for something better.
I have read and researched various options before deciding on the BBR conversion, there really isn’t anything bad to find about it, most owners love the product and regard the quality of work highly. Warranty isn’t covered for track, and I guess whilst most of their promotion shows their modified cars on track it is a little ridiculous warranty is void, however I’m fine with this.
I think after the standard suspension set up I’m going to find BBR’s great! There are alternatives, some better some not so, but sometimes geography plays a part, BBR is an hour from me, saying that he has customers travelling from Europe so BBR must be doing something good.
I'll feed back into this thread, with pics and video and try to give a candid review.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
hey if you use an iPhone 6 I've got a secure mount for one to use as a HD Video cam, pm me if you're interested 
Hi. I've got a dash cam to go in, and I don't use Apple products, but thanks for the offer.Not much progress at the moment. Bought a lovely rear can from Gandahar and had a spin in his BBR turbo MX5, lovely car, the torque is sublime, it's a fantastic product that BBR supply, anyway the exhaust is off the car for now.
I've bought trim items, some service bits, EBC brakes and pads and other stuff but waiting until the turbo and suspension is fitted before the car gets a good going over.
So off she goes this Saturday for a couple of weeks!
I'm pondering a lighter flywheel and unrated clutch but going to wait to see.
Hoping the EBC Yellow Stuff avoids this:
BMW standard pads after a few laps of Silverstone...
Edited by knitware on Thursday 12th May 00:47
knitware said:
Hello! For those interested!
So I picked up the car today - 2.0 Sport
2005, 67k and HPI clear, £3500!
First thoughts are good, nice bodywork apart from two dings, a scuff on the rear bumper, bonnet paint blistering, 3 places and this: (I'll get a quote from Chips Away)
The lady who I got it from bought the car from Mazda 3 years go and since then had it serviced locally, no record of course.
She had an oil change in January but as the car is now 11 years old what should be done to bring it up to date. I'm thinking:
Brake fluid
Renew coolant
Diff oil
Gearbox oil
Engine oil
Filters
Driving home, motorway, the tyres made an awful roar, mostly over the horrid concrete sections of road. The previous owner had new tyres put on, Maxxis Victra Sport so I'm going to take them off... I found Kwik Fit had a really good deal on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 at the mo, fitted at £430, so that's this Friday afternoon's job.
I really hope these cure the noise. I also found the wheel balancing off, there was noticeable speed wobble at around 70mph, balancing will help.
BBR is booked in 14th May they'll have the car for a couple of weeks; suspension, stage 1 turbo and hopefully the servicing.
Baaaahhh, Super Sport silencer of their Touring silencer or just stick with stock, the vid of the BBR MX Sport exhaust sounds good!
I took a B Road to home for a few miles and I can see this car's potential, really looking forward to the tweaks!
That's it for now!
EDIT: Quite a few have complained about the noise http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Maxxis/MA-Z1-Vic...
Just watch that arch corrosion as it looks pretty advanced, I would make sure you take it back to metal and get it treated properly, unfortunately this is one of the main points of corrosion on the MK3.So I picked up the car today - 2.0 Sport
2005, 67k and HPI clear, £3500!
First thoughts are good, nice bodywork apart from two dings, a scuff on the rear bumper, bonnet paint blistering, 3 places and this: (I'll get a quote from Chips Away)
The lady who I got it from bought the car from Mazda 3 years go and since then had it serviced locally, no record of course.
She had an oil change in January but as the car is now 11 years old what should be done to bring it up to date. I'm thinking:
Brake fluid
Renew coolant
Diff oil
Gearbox oil
Engine oil
Filters
Driving home, motorway, the tyres made an awful roar, mostly over the horrid concrete sections of road. The previous owner had new tyres put on, Maxxis Victra Sport so I'm going to take them off... I found Kwik Fit had a really good deal on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 at the mo, fitted at £430, so that's this Friday afternoon's job.
I really hope these cure the noise. I also found the wheel balancing off, there was noticeable speed wobble at around 70mph, balancing will help.
BBR is booked in 14th May they'll have the car for a couple of weeks; suspension, stage 1 turbo and hopefully the servicing.
Baaaahhh, Super Sport silencer of their Touring silencer or just stick with stock, the vid of the BBR MX Sport exhaust sounds good!
I took a B Road to home for a few miles and I can see this car's potential, really looking forward to the tweaks!
That's it for now!
EDIT: Quite a few have complained about the noise http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Maxxis/MA-Z1-Vic...
Edited by knitware on Monday 25th April 22:48
Edited by knitware on Monday 25th April 23:29
Also check behind the indicators in the front wings for corrosion and bubbling, as well as around the spot welds on the boot lid (specifically around the rear reg lights.
Have you had a good nose underneath for any corrosion? I personally would get it done after the BBR changes.
I would also clean up the calipers whilst you are tidying everything else up.
In relation to the voiding warranty on the track it is down to the manifold failing and distorting, primarily because there is so few studs for it to bolt to, a very well known issue on MX5 Nutz in relation to BBR Turbo versions (the US versions have worked around this problem much better than BBR).
The coolant will need changing (due every 11 years for change), but make sure you get FL22, MX5 parts sell it for about £15 pre-mixed as it has an unusual strength mix of 55/45. You will probably need two bottles of it.
Edited by Ninja59 on Friday 13th May 09:04
Ninja59 said:
Just watch that arch corrosion as it looks pretty advanced, I would make sure you take it back to metal and get it treated properly, unfortunately this is one of the main points of corrosion on the MK3.
Also check behind the indicators in the front wings for corrosion and bubbling, as well as around the spot welds on the boot lid (specifically around the rear reg lights.
Have you had a good nose underneath for any corrosion? I personally would get it done after the BBR changes.
I would also clean up the calipers whilst you are tidying everything else up.
In relation to the voiding warranty on the track it is down to the manifold failing and distorting, primarily because there is so few studs for it to bolt to, a very well known issue on MX5 Nutz in relation to BBR Turbo versions (the US versions have worked around this problem much better than BBR).
The coolant will need changing (due every 11 years for change), but make sure you get FL22, MX5 parts sell it for about £15 pre-mixed as it has an unusual strength mix of 55/45. You will probably need two bottles of it.
Hi,Also check behind the indicators in the front wings for corrosion and bubbling, as well as around the spot welds on the boot lid (specifically around the rear reg lights.
Have you had a good nose underneath for any corrosion? I personally would get it done after the BBR changes.
I would also clean up the calipers whilst you are tidying everything else up.
In relation to the voiding warranty on the track it is down to the manifold failing and distorting, primarily because there is so few studs for it to bolt to, a very well known issue on MX5 Nutz in relation to BBR Turbo versions (the US versions have worked around this problem much better than BBR).
The coolant will need changing (due every 11 years for change), but make sure you get FL22, MX5 parts sell it for about £15 pre-mixed as it has an unusual strength mix of 55/45. You will probably need two bottles of it.
Edited by Ninja59 on Friday 13th May 09:04
The first thing i'm going to do is to fix the rear arch, it's not too bad so should be an easy fix. The front wing indicators are really good, I swapped out the yellow repeaters, the boot is great too. I had the carpet and covers out and the rear plate is fine.
I've had a good look underneath and apart from surface rust all seems sold, i'll treat that to a covering of thick sht.
Just the arches! Will be as good as new soon. I have already bought brake cleaner for the calipers and i'll give those a lick of paint.
BBR will swap the coolant and other fluids.
Nothing much else to report. I've cleaned a little of the interior and sound insulated the boot and the inner doors, I did the doors to get the speaker clarity better.
Ninja59 said:
In relation to the voiding warranty on the track it is down to the manifold failing and distorting, primarily because there is so few studs for it to bolt to, a very well known issue on MX5 Nutz in relation to BBR Turbo versions (the US versions have worked around this problem much better than BBR).
I think you mean a very well known issue for BBR turbos fitted by Roddison.Edited by Ninja59 on Friday 13th May 09:04
SmilerFTM said:
I think you mean a very well known issue for BBR turbos fitted by Roddison.
Who fitted them is slightly irrelevant, the fact that there have been issues is worth noting. Furthermore, the very fact that BBR no longer warranty track work for one says it all (and has no bearing on who fitted it). Added to that is the level of development the US guys had to do on this area to make it better on the track and why the likes of Blink (who look after mine, which I would like to be a turbo at some point in the future) ended up looking at US suppliers for the turbo kit they have developed.
Edited by Ninja59 on Saturday 14th May 15:44
Edited by Ninja59 on Saturday 14th May 15:47
knitware said:
Hi,
The first thing i'm going to do is to fix the rear arch, it's not too bad so should be an easy fix. The front wing indicators are really good, I swapped out the yellow repeaters, the boot is great too. I had the carpet and covers out and the rear plate is fine.
I've had a good look underneath and apart from surface rust all seems sold, i'll treat that to a covering of thick sht.
Just the arches! Will be as good as new soon. I have already bought brake cleaner for the calipers and i'll give those a lick of paint.
BBR will swap the coolant and other fluids.
Nothing much else to report. I've cleaned a little of the interior and sound insulated the boot and the inner doors, I did the doors to get the speaker clarity better.
Sounds like you found a good one to start from.The first thing i'm going to do is to fix the rear arch, it's not too bad so should be an easy fix. The front wing indicators are really good, I swapped out the yellow repeaters, the boot is great too. I had the carpet and covers out and the rear plate is fine.
I've had a good look underneath and apart from surface rust all seems sold, i'll treat that to a covering of thick sht.
Just the arches! Will be as good as new soon. I have already bought brake cleaner for the calipers and i'll give those a lick of paint.
BBR will swap the coolant and other fluids.
Nothing much else to report. I've cleaned a little of the interior and sound insulated the boot and the inner doors, I did the doors to get the speaker clarity better.
knitware said:
... and sound insulated the boot and the inner doors, I did the doors to get the speaker clarity better.
Do you mind providing more information on this? Something I've been considering on mine, the speakers aren't too bad (depending on the input...), I'm more interested in bringing the road noise down a bit, don't mind adding a few kgs (means I'm more likely to leave the hardtop off!)Ninja59 said:
SmilerFTM said:
I think you mean a very well known issue for BBR turbos fitted by Roddison.
Who fitted them is slightly irrelevant, the fact that there have been issues is worth noting. Furthermore, the very fact that BBR no longer warranty track work for one says it all (and has no bearing on who fitted it). Added to that is the level of development the US guys had to do on this area to make it better on the track and why the likes of Blink (who look after mine, which I would like to be a turbo at some point in the future) ended up looking at US suppliers for the turbo kit they have developed.
You don't have a turbo conversion yet so just reporting internet hearsay of course. I do have a BBR conversion so can comment. Pros and cons. And I have posted the cons....
Looking at the blink turbo conversion you mention
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2...
variable boost up to 12 psi and 335bhp. Golly ..
Well, enjoy and let us know how it all goes. If you ever fit it
Edited by Gandahar on Saturday 14th May 20:04
knitware said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
hey if you use an iPhone 6 I've got a secure mount for one to use as a HD Video cam, pm me if you're interested
Hi. I've got a dash cam to go in, and I don't use Apple products, but thanks for the offer.Not much progress at the moment. Bought a lovely rear can from Gandahar and had a spin in his BBR turbo MX5, lovely car, the torque is sublime, it's a fantastic product that BBR supply, anyway the exhaust is off the car for now.
I forgot to mention, when doing Brands hatch track day only 87dB so well within all limits. Really nice to meet another MX5 NC fan. How much do you weigh? 4/10ths of a second as measured by racelogic vbox! Let us know how you get on with the conversion.
Gandahar said:
How much do you weigh? 4/10ths of a second as measured by racelogic vbox!
Let us know how you get on with the conversion.
I'm 4/10ths of a second! I'll have to fix that, lol!Let us know how you get on with the conversion.
I'll keep up to date with developments, only just dropped the car off today.
To further other comments. I saw a cast manifold at BBR, it was sat in reception, it big, heavy and substantial hopefully it's enough! I also saw someones MX3 NC on the dyno with 330 bhp...
Sound insulation!
I used this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Coat-187x265mm-Dea...
I should have took pics, i'll get images when the car is back! I fitted these tiles in the boot and behind the doors, you'll need about 30 tiles. I only took the car out once since doing it and it's better but not perfect so next I need to put some more under the floor carpet. I think i'm going to get some insulating linerhttp://www.deadening.co.uk/collections/ccf-closed-cell-foam?gclid=CNvbgaDE2swCFSQW0wodBKQBdw
I have these arriving soon though so should help a little more:
http://www.carbonmiata.com/shop/mazda-mx-5/floor-m...
I asked about right hand manual drive version so they are making me a right hand drive set and a quilted liner for the boot.
It will never be silent, i'm just aiming to lower the road tyre roar on some surfaces.
Just a note, besides the thread between a certain garage owner and others regarding BBR manifold I haven't found any other negative reviews. Seeing the garage today and a couple of installs all I can say is that the work seems excellent.
I was also shown an Aston Martin (i think Virage)? with 800 bhp
knitware said:
Gandahar said:
How much do you weigh? 4/10ths of a second as measured by racelogic vbox!
Let us know how you get on with the conversion.
I'm 4/10ths of a second! I'll have to fix that, lol!Let us know how you get on with the conversion.
I'll keep up to date with developments, only just dropped the car off today.
To further other comments. I saw a cast manifold at BBR, it was sat in reception, it big, heavy and substantial hopefully it's enough! I also saw someones MX3 NC on the dyno with 330 bhp...
Sound insulation!
I used this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Coat-187x265mm-Dea...
I should have took pics, i'll get images when the car is back! I fitted these tiles in the boot and behind the doors, you'll need about 30 tiles. I only took the car out once since doing it and it's better but not perfect so next I need to put some more under the floor carpet. I think i'm going to get some insulating linerhttp://www.deadening.co.uk/collections/ccf-closed-cell-foam?gclid=CNvbgaDE2swCFSQW0wodBKQBdw
I have these arriving soon though so should help a little more:
http://www.carbonmiata.com/shop/mazda-mx-5/floor-m...
I asked about right hand manual drive version so they are making me a right hand drive set and a quilted liner for the boot.
It will never be silent, i'm just aiming to lower the road tyre roar on some surfaces.
Just a note, besides the thread between a certain garage owner and others regarding BBR manifold I haven't found any other negative reviews. Seeing the garage today and a couple of installs all I can say is that the work seems excellent.
I was also shown an Aston Martin (i think Virage)? with 800 bhp
Hello!
Just a couple today after a few mods fitted. This is pre polish and tarting up so not too bad as a starter.
Major changes from original; BBR suspension, BBR Turbo at 260 bhp and EBC discs, yello pads with Sparco wheels.
A really quick review:
Very quick in line, quick though the corners and quick out of corners, simply too much fun! The TC light likes to light up!
Just a couple today after a few mods fitted. This is pre polish and tarting up so not too bad as a starter.
Major changes from original; BBR suspension, BBR Turbo at 260 bhp and EBC discs, yello pads with Sparco wheels.
A really quick review:
Very quick in line, quick though the corners and quick out of corners, simply too much fun! The TC light likes to light up!
Edited by knitware on Saturday 4th June 19:01
A 1 minute vid. Nothing too exciting but there to show acceleration from around 4k to 6k. I have had it to 7k and changed up where it continues to gather speed at a silly rate. Overtaking is a doddle.
https://youtu.be/1_njOf3S07w
The BBR suspension is a revelation, it goes through the bends so flat with so much control and feedback. The EBC brakes and yellow stuff pads are fantastic too, stopping makes your brain squish to the front of your skull.
I'm picking up the newly covered steering wheel this Saturday I then need to tackle the carpets and spray the rear arches.
https://youtu.be/1_njOf3S07w
The BBR suspension is a revelation, it goes through the bends so flat with so much control and feedback. The EBC brakes and yellow stuff pads are fantastic too, stopping makes your brain squish to the front of your skull.
I'm picking up the newly covered steering wheel this Saturday I then need to tackle the carpets and spray the rear arches.
Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff