mk2.5 models

[trashy]

Did the face-lifted Mk2 (AKA Mk2.5) come in both 1.8iS and 1.8i Sport models? Or are they the same thing?

[LukeBird]

They are the same thing.
Well worth checking out this thread if you're want a little more info as it's exactly the car I asked about before I bought mine.

[trashy]

Thanks - interesting thread. Hope you have been enjoying your new car for the last few months!

I'm looking at this car on Friday, but I'm confused about the spec. For the Mk2.5 I thought that the 1.8iS designation had been replaced with 1.8 Sport. In addition, shouldn't it have a 6 speed gearbox and 16" inch wheels?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1573408.htm

[LukeBird]

I have indeed been out enjoying the car, it's been brilliant!

You are right, the 1.8iS designation was replaced by 1.8 Sport.
That car is not a 1.8 Sport; as you say it doesn't have the 16" wheels or 6-speed 'box and it also doesn't have the 3-spoke Nardi leather steering wheel (which is lovely!) or the Torsen LSD.

[MX-5 Lazza]

As has already been said, it's not a Sport and not a 1.8 S "top spec" model. The most obvious external clue is the lack of front fogs. It will also be lacking the Sport bracing and bigger brakes.
It does look like a very nice car though...

[trashy]

Your help is much appreciated.

So what is it? A mk2.5 1.8i? Or a mk2 1.8iS? Or some mutant MX5?

Coming from an Integra Type-R (that I'm keeping!) I'm looking for an MX5 to hoon around in during the Summer months. Would this fit the bill or would I end up spending so much on extra bracing, stiffer suspension, etc that I might as well wait until a suitable mk2.5 1.8 Sport comes up?

Any advice also much appreciated.

[maser_spyder]

trashy said:

Your help is much appreciated.

So what is it? A mk2.5 1.8i? Or a mk2 1.8iS? Or some mutant MX5?

Coming from an Integra Type-R (that I'm keeping!) I'm looking for an MX5 to hoon around in during the Summer months. Would this fit the bill or would I end up spending so much on extra bracing, stiffer suspension, etc that I might as well wait until a suitable mk2.5 1.8 Sport comes up?

Any advice also much appreciated.

It's a standard Mk2.5 1.8i, possibly a special edition?

The 'S' stands for 'Sport'. They are essentially one and the same thing. This car here is neither an 'S' nor a 'Sport'.

When I was looking for ours a couple of years ago, it was a nightmare to find a 'real' sport. People kept saying "yes, it's the sport model", and when you asked if it had a 6 speed gearbox, often got a reply say "no, none of them do....".

Looks like a genuine mistake on the part of the seller, but this is NOT a 'Sport' model.

It's missing the 6 speed, it's missing the correct steering wheel, the wheels are too small, and as it's not the 'Sport' model, it will not have the 146 BHP engine. Unless it's had upgrades fitted later, or a LOT of non-original parts. Either way it's best avoided.



When we bought ours, I insisted that Mrs Maser have the top of the range model. At the time, she wasn't fussed at all, anything would be OK as long as it had airbags and was a 'new shape'. I put my foot down here and insisted that we didn't even bother looking at 1.6s or non-sports. She honestly couldn't see the point, it's only a car.

We looked for a good 6 or 8 weeks before a good one came up. Paid about £1500 more than a standard 1.6 at the time, but got a 21k mile, mint condition, FSH, heated leather seats, electric mirrors, and all the other toys.

It was absolutely the right thing to do. The heated seats are fantastic in the winter (Mrs Maser has now changed her mind about poverty spec cars....), LSD is a bit more fun, and the more powerful engine makes a good car even better.

Keep looking, a well looked after 'Sport' really is the one to go for. Don't expect to find one quickly!



And before you ask, no, we're not selling!

[MX-5 Lazza]

maser_spyder said:

it will not have the 146 BHP engine

You're right on most of your advice except this part. All 2001+ Mk2.5 1.8 have the VVT 146bhp engine

I don't think it deserves to be avoided - unless the LSD is really that important to you. The interior looks very nice and most of the Sport bracing is icing on the cake rather than a must-have. The 5-speed is actually a better gearbox than the 6 speed and many would suggest that 15" wheels are better than 16" anyway (not quite as true on a Mk2+ as it is on a Mk1 but the tyres are a lot cheaper).

ETA: oh, and while the Sport model does have Bilstein suspension, it isn't like the Mk1 billies - I still had to replace mine as I felt they were too soft, certainly much softer than a standard (non-Bilstein) Mk1.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Thursday 8th April 08:55

[trashy]

This all really useful info - thanks very much.

I would probably end up getting a stiffer suspension on any purchase eventually. What shocks/springs do people recommend?

A 5-speed box is fine.

What extra bracing do people recommend?

The lack of LSD is a bit of a bind - I've got it on my Integra Type-R and it's definitely a nice to have. This might be the show-stopper for me.

[maser_spyder]

MX-5 Lazza said:

maser_spyder said:

it will not have the 146 BHP engine

You're right on most of your advice except this part. All 2001+ Mk2.5 1.8 have the VVT 146bhp engine

I don't think it deserves to be avoided - unless the LSD is really that important to you. The interior looks very nice and most of the Sport bracing is icing on the cake rather than a must-have. The 5-speed is actually a better gearbox than the 6 speed and many would suggest that 15" wheels are better than 16" anyway (not quite as true on a Mk2+ as it is on a Mk1 but the tyres are a lot cheaper).

ETA: oh, and while the Sport model does have Bilstein suspension, it isn't like the Mk1 billies - I still had to replace mine as I felt they were too soft, certainly much softer than a standard (non-Bilstein) Mk1.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Thursday 8th April 08:55

Ah, as the american 'yoof' would say, my bad.

What I didn't realise, is the 'Sport' (the real one), has extra chassis stiffening as well as the other bits mentioned.

Wiki said:

Added for top models (designated 'Sport' in the U.K) were 16-inch (410 mm) wheels with 205/45VR16 low-profile tires, larger brakes at the front and rear, additional chassis stiffening braces, a limited slip differential, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and leather heated seats. The upgraded tires and suspension allowed the new model to pull 0.88 g in lateral grip in tests by Car and Driver magazine. The body was strengthened, gaining 16% in bending rigidity and 22% in torsional rigidity.

The other thing I've spotted is that they did some rather nice versions elsewhere in the world.... A factory standard 211 BHP turbo for Aussie market only, and a 178 BHP turbo for Japan only. Shame they never came over here!

[Dakkon]

How does all this compare to the RS model variant?

[MX-5 Lazza]

maser_spyder said:

The other thing I've spotted is that they did some rather nice versions elsewhere in the world.... A factory standard 211 BHP turbo for Aussie market only, and a 178 BHP turbo for Japan only. Shame they never came over here!

Mazdaspeed Turbo - there are a few in this country (I saw one being "tweaked" at Performance5 once)

Dakkon said:

How does all this compare to the RS model variant?

Mk2.5 RS? There is a JDM only RS limited edition but I don't know much about it.

[Dakkon]

MX-5 Lazza said:

maser_spyder said:

The other thing I've spotted is that they did some rather nice versions elsewhere in the world.... A factory standard 211 BHP turbo for Aussie market only, and a 178 BHP turbo for Japan only. Shame they never came over here!

Mazdaspeed Turbo - there are a few in this country (I saw one being "tweaked" at Performance5 once)

Dakkon said:

How does all this compare to the RS model variant?

Mk2.5 RS? There is a JDM only RS limited edition but I don't know much about it.

Yes the JDM RS model, from what I can find on the net they are supposed to have bilstien suspension, ,torson lsd, lightened flywheel which help is rev up to 7500 (normal 1.8's 7000) also some say the car has a high compression engine giving it 160 bhp?

I am fully expecting some or all of that to be untrue?

[BCA]

JDM RS is a higher rev limit and different cam (said to be worth 5bhp ish ATW.)

I have not yet managed to find anywhere confirming the higher compression/ other rumours...

[thewildblue]

I have a JDM RS Mk2 (not 2.5). It does rev to 7500, has the torsen and the billys etc.

As mine is a Mk2 its only supposed to be 145bhp instead of the 160 of the 2.5.

[HereBeMonsters]

Do all MK 2 variants of the S have the 6 speed 'box?

[MX-5 Lazza]

HereBeMonsters said:

Do all MK 2 variants of the S have the 6 speed 'box?

Nope. Mk1 & Mk2 1.8iS have 5-speed. Only some special editions and the Mk2.5 1.8 Sport has the 6-speed.