Looking at MK2.5 Sport-any better than other special eds?
Discussion
As per post really.
I've had a MK1 1.8 previously and loved it to bits but this one will be for the girlfriend so it needs to be a bit newer. Currently looking at MK2.5 Sport models primarily because I fancy one with the 6-speed box.
Am i right in thinking this was the only model to get this gearbox?
Also, the predominant question I need help with is it worth it? People in the know, are they really any better than some of the other special editions?
I can see that the sport comes with heated seats, 6 speed box and LSD all of which appeal but I understand some of the other special editions come close to this spec such as the Euphonic. Is the sport any different or will I not really notice the difference?
Cheers in advance,
Tom
I've had a MK1 1.8 previously and loved it to bits but this one will be for the girlfriend so it needs to be a bit newer. Currently looking at MK2.5 Sport models primarily because I fancy one with the 6-speed box.
Am i right in thinking this was the only model to get this gearbox?
Also, the predominant question I need help with is it worth it? People in the know, are they really any better than some of the other special editions?
I can see that the sport comes with heated seats, 6 speed box and LSD all of which appeal but I understand some of the other special editions come close to this spec such as the Euphonic. Is the sport any different or will I not really notice the difference?
Cheers in advance,
Tom
The Mk1 Bilsteins are considered by most as too stiff for UK roads. The Mk2.5 Bilsteins are completely different. They are stiffer than standard Mk2.5 shocks but not really "stiff". I found the shocks on mine to be softer than on my old Mk1 1.8 Berkeley.
Also, the Bilstein shocks were an option on the Mk2.5 Sport so not all of them had them.
There were a few Mk2.5 specials that had the 6-speed as well as the Sport (the sport isn't a special, it's just the top spec standard model, equivalent to the Mk1/2 1.8iS).
I think the 10AE was the only UK Mk2 special with the 6-speed but there were quite a few JDM 6-speed Mk2s.
Also, the Bilstein shocks were an option on the Mk2.5 Sport so not all of them had them.
There were a few Mk2.5 specials that had the 6-speed as well as the Sport (the sport isn't a special, it's just the top spec standard model, equivalent to the Mk1/2 1.8iS).
I think the 10AE was the only UK Mk2 special with the 6-speed but there were quite a few JDM 6-speed Mk2s.
Aizle said:
Euphonics are a great special edition. Not on Bilsteins so a bit softer on our roads, 5 speed box instead of 6 so slightly quieter when cruising.
In line with that, YHM
5 speed will be noisier when cruising as the 6-speed is higher geared In line with that, YHM
Whether the Mk2.5 Bilsteins feel better or worse to you is a matter of taste. I had to get rid of mine as I found them too soft compared to my old '98 Mk1 1.8.
Absolutely! You just need to try them really.I've recently bought a 2.5 SVT and it's brilliant. Don't worry about the suspension, it's nicely stiff but still compliant.
Before I bought mine I did some research and it seems you only get the full options on the Sport, so if you aren't bothered about the different coloured seats or wheel options I'd have the sport everytime. Also some of the specials are 5-speed and some have no LSD.
Before I bought mine I did some research and it seems you only get the full options on the Sport, so if you aren't bothered about the different coloured seats or wheel options I'd have the sport everytime. Also some of the specials are 5-speed and some have no LSD.
D_G said:
I've recently bought a 2.5 SVT and it's brilliant. Don't worry about the suspension, it's nicely stiff but still compliant.
Before I bought mine I did some research and it seems you only get the full options on the Sport, so if you aren't bothered about the different coloured seats or wheel options I'd have the sport everytime. Also some of the specials are 5-speed and some have no LSD.
Got any more info please? Im potentially buying an SVT on Saturday!Before I bought mine I did some research and it seems you only get the full options on the Sport, so if you aren't bothered about the different coloured seats or wheel options I'd have the sport everytime. Also some of the specials are 5-speed and some have no LSD.
vescaegg said:
Got any more info please? Im potentially buying an SVT on Saturday!
They are pretty much mechanically bulletproof, the clutches can judder but that's more of an annoyance than in need of immediate replacement. Most serious is rust, the sill have drains which block up causing premature corrosion, make sure you check around the sills and rear arches and generally everywhere!The 03 onwards models are fitted with the Super Fuji rear diff, there seems to be some scare stories of failures on the net but as far as I can see you won't have an issue on a road car driven normally. The rear diff needs servicing at 54k miles BTW. Earlier cars are fitted with a Torsen unit with is the best.
As with any car, condition, service history, accident damage etc need close inspection, also check the hood as once they start cracking it won't last long.
Hope the one on Saturday is a minter
D_G said:
vescaegg said:
Got any more info please? Im potentially buying an SVT on Saturday!
They are pretty much mechanically bulletproof, the clutches can judder but that's more of an annoyance than in need of immediate replacement. Most serious is rust, the sill have drains which block up causing premature corrosion, make sure you check around the sills and rear arches and generally everywhere!The 03 onwards models are fitted with the Super Fuji rear diff, there seems to be some scare stories of failures on the net but as far as I can see you won't have an issue on a road car driven normally. The rear diff needs servicing at 54k miles BTW. Earlier cars are fitted with a Torsen unit with is the best.
As with any car, condition, service history, accident damage etc need close inspection, also check the hood as once they start cracking it won't last long.
Hope the one on Saturday is a minter
Whats the cost of doing so?
Not sure about the torsen unit, I suspect it is the same. The servicing only is an oil change but it needs proper GL-5 LSD oil, it's not an expensive job. I've just done mine (earlier than scheduled) and the oil was definately in need of replacement, the gearbox oil is also due replacement at the same time. I've just checked my book and the official mileage is every 48k miles not 54k.
D_G said:
They are pretty much mechanically bulletproof, the clutches can judder but that's more of an annoyance than in need of immediate replacement. Most serious is rust, the sill have drains which block up causing premature corrosion, make sure you check around the sills and rear arches and generally everywhere!
The 03 onwards models are fitted with the Super Fuji rear diff, there seems to be some scare stories of failures on the net but as far as I can see you won't have an issue on a road car driven normally. The rear diff needs servicing at 54k miles BTW. Earlier cars are fitted with a Torsen unit with is the best.
As with any car, condition, service history, accident damage etc need close inspection, also check the hood as once they start cracking it won't last long.
Hope the one on Saturday is a minter
Picked up my SVT yesterday! It certainly was a minter! The 03 onwards models are fitted with the Super Fuji rear diff, there seems to be some scare stories of failures on the net but as far as I can see you won't have an issue on a road car driven normally. The rear diff needs servicing at 54k miles BTW. Earlier cars are fitted with a Torsen unit with is the best.
As with any car, condition, service history, accident damage etc need close inspection, also check the hood as once they start cracking it won't last long.
Hope the one on Saturday is a minter
I've never had so much fun in a car. I'll get some pics up soon 
D_G said:
Not sure about the torsen unit, I suspect it is the same. The servicing only is an oil change but it needs proper GL-5 LSD oil, it's not an expensive job. I've just done mine (earlier than scheduled) and the oil was definately in need of replacement, the gearbox oil is also due replacement at the same time. I've just checked my book and the official mileage is every 48k miles not 54k.
You should NOT be putting LSD oil into the diff on any MX5. LSD oil is for use in proper LSD's not geared torsen units.Any decent quality 80w90 or 75w90 for the Fuji units is what is needed.
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