Is a basic early Mk2 1.6 any good

[jamiebae]

As above really, I want a second car to tinker with and having had a Mk1 last year I fancy another MX-5. My Mk1 was a 1.8 with no PAS and whatever I buy now needs PAS as my wife needs to drive it too and she refused to use the old one as it was too much work to park (not helped by coilovers and 195/50 15s...)

I've found a tidy and cheapish looking UK 1.6 litre Mk2 which ticks all the boxes, with the exception of the 1.8 litre one. I know there was a low compression 1.6 in the Mk1 but this appears to be the 110bhp version. Can it be turbo or supercharged easily and is the performance acceptable?

Thanks!

[PGD5]

I'd be wary of rust issues on an early NB tbh

[Richyvrlimited]

jamiebae said:

As above really, I want a second car to tinker with and having had a Mk1 last year I fancy another MX-5. My Mk1 was a 1.8 with no PAS and whatever I buy now needs PAS as my wife needs to drive it too and she refused to use the old one as it was too much work to park (not helped by coilovers and 195/50 15s...)

I've found a tidy and cheapish looking UK 1.6 litre Mk2 which ticks all the boxes, with the exception of the 1.8 litre one. I know there was a low compression 1.6 in the Mk1 but this appears to be the 110bhp version. Can it be turbo or supercharged easily and is the performance acceptable?

Thanks!

As PDG says look out for rust specifically in the engine bay as that where it's most prove over a MK1.

MK2 1.6 engines are completely different to the MK1 version, hence the higher specific output. There's a member Eafy on MX5Nutz who has a supercharged 1.6. it's just as capable an engine.

[biper]

NB?

[PGD5]

biper said:

NB?

NA is MK1, NB is a MK2.. NC is, you guessed it

Watch for rust around the rear arches and rear sill area by the wheel

[Mx5guy]

Another place for rust that seems quite common is a bit above the hinges on the door (at the front of the door when it is open). Sorry if that is not explained well. If you want I can upload a picture to help?

It seems to be the metal used in a MX-2 was not as good as that on the Mk. 1 due to cost savings.

[jamiebae]

Well my wife is trying very hard to veto this particular one as it's orange, but personally I like them in that colour.

It has been garaged for the last few years and the seller says it's solid with no rot, and sounds like he knows about the cars.

How much is a budget hard-top worth? This car has one but without a heated screen and in black so not a proper Mazda one and I don't think I want it if I do buy the car.

[Mx5guy]

jamiebae said:

Well my wife is trying very hard to veto this particular one as it's orange, but personally I like them in that colour.

It has been garaged for the last few years and the seller says it's solid with no rot, and sounds like he knows about the cars.

How much is a budget hard-top worth? This car has one but without a heated screen and in black so not a proper Mazda one and I don't think I want it if I do buy the car.

I remember reading here the engine area rusts from inside out so you can't see it until it's too late, but I guess someone else can help more with that.

I think hard tops go for a few hundred. Orange sounds great, and I don't think it's such a common colour.

[MX-5 Lazza]

That orange colour is lovely IMO.

And I'd probably buy the HT off you if it's a budget one and it's cheap enough. We need one for our track car so we don't need the heated window or lining and aren't even bothered if it's in tatty condition

[GC8]

Better orange than black. Mine is far too stealthy - every time I return to it I expect to see that someone else has rubbed it...

[MX-5 Lazza]

MX-5 Lazza said:

That orange colour is lovely IMO.

Actually, I've reread your post. The colour you mean is the early Mk2 Racing Bronze. Very much a Marmite colour and not the one I was thinking of that I think is lovely
Still, some people like Marmite and if you like it (and convince the Mrs) then go for it.

[hornetrider]

Racing Bronze. Quite possibly the most challenging MX5 colour ever made.

[Eighteeteewhy]

hornetrider said:

Racing Bronze. Quite possibly the most challenging MX5 colour ever made.

The turquoise is also an interesting colour.

[Willie Dee]

I would hold out for a 1.8, they come with much better equipment such as better brakes etc

[Pints]

A workmate has a very early 1.6. He never cleans it, it's battered to hell and generally doesn't seem to be bothered about its condition, yet it's never failed an MOT and appears to be the UK's most reliable snotter.

[Richyvrlimited]

jamiebae said:

How much is a budget hard-top worth? This car has one but without a heated screen and in black so not a proper Mazda one and I don't think I want it if I do buy the car.

Just because it doesn't have a heated screen doesn't mean it's not genuine Mazda. Early Hardtops were unlined and had no heating element.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Willie Dee said:

I would hold out for a 1.8, they come with much better equipment such as better brakes etc

Equipment levels between Mk2 1.6 & 1.8 base models were pretty much the same. All Mk2 have the same brakes. Only the Mk2.5 Sport has bigger brakes.