which mk1/NA to go for?
Discussion
im looking at joing the mx5 club but i am unsure which to choose.
unlike may marquees where there is the "top" model people aspire to such as hondas and type r's/vti's etc. it seems theres diverse opinions on which engine in the mx5.
so ive started looking for mx5's but dont know what to really search for. insurance wise its not a big drama across the range, although insurance companies and eunous's dont like me.
as far as ive came across i would like to dismiss the post 1995 1.6 (88bhp)
so what engine is considered the best? if there is one.
would the >1996 1.8 (133bhp) be the best to go for?
unlike may marquees where there is the "top" model people aspire to such as hondas and type r's/vti's etc. it seems theres diverse opinions on which engine in the mx5.
so ive started looking for mx5's but dont know what to really search for. insurance wise its not a big drama across the range, although insurance companies and eunous's dont like me.
as far as ive came across i would like to dismiss the post 1995 1.6 (88bhp)
so what engine is considered the best? if there is one.
would the >1996 1.8 (133bhp) be the best to go for?
To be honest it would make more sense to concentrate on finding a MK1 that isn't a rust bucket as thats what kills them off.
I would prefer a clean Mk1 1.6 than a later 1.8 which is starting to show signs of rusty sills/wheel arches.
I've never driven a 1.8 but the early 1.6 is still a laugh so go on condition/receipts/colour/extras over engine size.
I would prefer a clean Mk1 1.6 than a later 1.8 which is starting to show signs of rusty sills/wheel arches.
I've never driven a 1.8 but the early 1.6 is still a laugh so go on condition/receipts/colour/extras over engine size.
From my POV, the most important things are:
1. Not the 88bhp one.
2. Not rusty.
3. Not rusty.
4. Not rusty.
5. Nice hood (recently replaced - and preferably the heated glass rear screen).
6. Good general condition, evidence of being 'cared for'.
7. Long MOT.
8. Service history (ideally including a cambelt change).
9. Engine choice.
I have a P-reg 1.8 and I love it: slightly more torquey than the 1.6 and comes with the rear cabin brace, immobiliser and slightly beefed-up crash gubbins; the 1.6 is supposed to be revvier and they are lighter because of the lack of extra bracing, power to weight is near enough identical.
1. Not the 88bhp one.
2. Not rusty.
3. Not rusty.
4. Not rusty.
5. Nice hood (recently replaced - and preferably the heated glass rear screen).
6. Good general condition, evidence of being 'cared for'.
7. Long MOT.
8. Service history (ideally including a cambelt change).
9. Engine choice.
I have a P-reg 1.8 and I love it: slightly more torquey than the 1.6 and comes with the rear cabin brace, immobiliser and slightly beefed-up crash gubbins; the 1.6 is supposed to be revvier and they are lighter because of the lack of extra bracing, power to weight is near enough identical.
paulwoof said:
im looking at joing the mx5 club but i am unsure which to choose.
unlike may marquees where there is the "top" model people aspire to such as hondas and type r's/vti's etc. it seems theres diverse opinions on which engine in the mx5.
Well in a Mk1 the 1.8 is the best, no question. The 1.6 is good too at 116bhp as it's a bit lighter but with slightly less torque.unlike may marquees where there is the "top" model people aspire to such as hondas and type r's/vti's etc. it seems theres diverse opinions on which engine in the mx5.
If I was you I'd be looking at a Jap import 1.6 or 1.8 with toys.
ideally i was looking for the post 1995 cars which recieved the extra bracing and safety gubbins. and as the 1.6 got detuned to 88bhp it pretty much left the 1.8
also looking for electric windows, power steering and abs. air condition would be a nice extra but not a deal breaker.
although ive opened up my search to all 1.8's, really want to get looking soon, but there arent too many popping up locally. and also where are all the mariner blue ones gone? or red.
also looking for electric windows, power steering and abs. air condition would be a nice extra but not a deal breaker.
although ive opened up my search to all 1.8's, really want to get looking soon, but there arent too many popping up locally. and also where are all the mariner blue ones gone? or red.
I have a black S-Special that I have just completely restored. Brand new sills both sides with new repair panels, a full respray, and a brand new MK2 hood with heated glass rear screen. Being the S-Special it has an LSD, Bilstein suspension, etc. and a few other extras like PS and surround sound. I've also had the interior flocked black, stuck some MK2 Sport seats in it, a brand new Momo Race wheel and new gaiters and other little bits and bots like a K&N panel filter etc. It's MOT'd and TAX'd and only done 90K. I just want to break even on it as I've found another project now, so if you wanna decent 1.6 MK1 with NO RUST anywhere and no leaks and other nasties, drop me a message.
I would look out for an advert and car just like mine (sorry my old one):
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2872233.htm
Mods: It is now sold (
) so I presume it is okay to directly link to it just as an example of a good car/advert...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2872233.htm
Mods: It is now sold (
) so I presume it is okay to directly link to it just as an example of a good car/advert...
hornetrider said:
If you've paid market rates for all that work, I'm afraid you'll be very lucky to do that! Sounds lovely mind.
Well I was thinking £1500 as I did a lot of work myself and got the car for a good price. That'll break me even as I'm not counting the extra mods or servicing costs etc. I paid more than that for one not nearly as nice before I bought this one.
As for top standard model I'm no real expert but I would say its the 1.8 RS limited.
Personally however I've only had forced induction Mk1s & with aftermarket mods, just sold this one- so a link is ok mods if its sold I guess-
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7...
I'd only had 1.8s before & still have another more focused SC mk1, but I really liked the more rev happy engine of the 1.6 actually & the SC punch makes it a cracking power plant with more character then the regular 1.8 (RS is im told a bit more rev happy, lower final drive certainly but think they have dif cams too?)
Personally however I've only had forced induction Mk1s & with aftermarket mods, just sold this one- so a link is ok mods if its sold I guess-
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7...
I'd only had 1.8s before & still have another more focused SC mk1, but I really liked the more rev happy engine of the 1.6 actually & the SC punch makes it a cracking power plant with more character then the regular 1.8 (RS is im told a bit more rev happy, lower final drive certainly but think they have dif cams too?)
Not so sure the RS is the top model. Yes it's the sportiest model with lower final drive and Recaro bucket seats but the Bilstein suspension is too hard, the buckets are no lower than standard seats and the low final drive makes for a noisy car. Personally I'd consider one of the JDM specials to be a better overall car, one with AC, leather, electrics, LSD and (for me) the 1.8 engine for it's improved mid-range torque or even the UK 1.8iS (though these are rare with AC).
paulwoof said:
....and as the 1.6 got detuned to 88bhp it pretty much left the 1.8
Hi guys, I'm also ready to jump into MX5/Eunos ownership (Mk 1), and just wondered if anyone can clarify the pre/post 95 88hp situation? Is it as simple as every 1995 1.6 has 115bhp, and every 1996 1.6 has 88bhp, or is there a cross-over between those years (i.e. could a 95 ever have only 88 or a 96 have 115)? Is there any other way to tell?Also, does this apply to the JDM cars or just the UK ones?
Thanks,
Tim
All JDM 1.6 are 114bhp.
Uk 1.6 up to 94 are 114bhp. It was discontinued in UK when 1.8 was introduced.
UK reintroduced the 1.6 in 95 with a lower power 88bhp engine.
I think I've got that right...
p.s. from what I've seen the 88bhp cars usually make nearer 100bhp on the dyno. At the same time the 114bhp usually loses a bit so there isn't usually a lot of difference between them.
Uk 1.6 up to 94 are 114bhp. It was discontinued in UK when 1.8 was introduced.
UK reintroduced the 1.6 in 95 with a lower power 88bhp engine.
I think I've got that right...
p.s. from what I've seen the 88bhp cars usually make nearer 100bhp on the dyno. At the same time the 114bhp usually loses a bit so there isn't usually a lot of difference between them.
MX-5 Lazza said:
Not so sure the RS is the top model.
Well...... it is though isn't it. That and the R-Ltd. Certainly as a ltd they are the most desireable ones.MX-5 Lazza said:
Yes it's the sportiest model with lower final drive and Recaro bucket seats but the Bilstein suspension is too hard, the buck no lower than standard seats and the low final drive makes for a noisy car.
All the S-Specials have billies don't they? At thus age you'd want new shocks anyway. Also final drive makes about 3mph difference at 3000 rpm so hardly the end of the world 
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