Most hardcore mk2/2.5?
Discussion
What's the most driver-focused mk2?
Prompted by a spot of window shopping where I noticed a mk2 RS-Ltd. I had an original RS-Ltd and I know there were about a million other special edition mk1s, but I didn't realise they did any 'go-faster' mk2s.
I've never driven a mk2, but I've heard they're a tiny bit less focused, yet somewhat more refined... Can you get a special edition with the refinement of the mk2 and the driver appeal of the mk1?
I do quite like the idea of a mk2 RS daily driver. And a supercharger.
Prompted by a spot of window shopping where I noticed a mk2 RS-Ltd. I had an original RS-Ltd and I know there were about a million other special edition mk1s, but I didn't realise they did any 'go-faster' mk2s.
I've never driven a mk2, but I've heard they're a tiny bit less focused, yet somewhat more refined... Can you get a special edition with the refinement of the mk2 and the driver appeal of the mk1?
I do quite like the idea of a mk2 RS daily driver. And a supercharger.
Yep, you can get a Mk2 RS but they are all imports. Standard 1.8 output, but with Bilstein dampers, 6 speed box, LSD, front upper strut brace and some talk of higher redline/ lighter flywheel, but i'm not sure if that's definite or just rumour. No lovely Recaros like the original RS though 
I don't think they were a limited edition like the Mk1, it just seems to be a level of trim for JDM models, rather than being a special edition as such. I stand to be corrected, but i'm under the impression that the UKDM Mk2.5 S-VT Sports had nearly all of the same equipment.
The UK 10AE had all the same equipment as the RS AFAIK and came in a great colour too.
I don't think they were a limited edition like the Mk1, it just seems to be a level of trim for JDM models, rather than being a special edition as such. I stand to be corrected, but i'm under the impression that the UKDM Mk2.5 S-VT Sports had nearly all of the same equipment.
The UK 10AE had all the same equipment as the RS AFAIK and came in a great colour too.
Edited by RDE on Saturday 21st August 13:53
RDE said:
Yep, you can get a Mk2 RS but they are all imports. Standard 1.8 output, but with Bilstein dampers, 6 speed box, LSD, front upper strut brace and some talk of higher redline/ lighter flywheel, but i'm not sure if that's definite or just rumour. No lovely Recaros like the original RS though
I think the lighter flywheel and higher rev limiter (7500RPM I believe) are confirmed, it's just whether anything else was done to the engine to get to the claimed 160bhp...RDE said:
I stand to be corrected, but i'm under the impression that the UKDM Mk2.5 S-VT Sports had nearly all of the same equipment.
Yeah, I think that's the case.Mine has Bilsteins, 6 speed 'box & the Torsen LSD.
Would love a go in a Mk2.5 RS to see how it compares to my UK car.
What's the Torsen/viscous division on the later cars? Also, what's the VED like on the mk2.5s - would it be worth keeping an eye out for an early mk2 (pre-CO2 tax bands?)
Do quite like the idea of having a 'jump in and go' sports car again. Done the mk1 MX5 and not sure I can justify the cost of a mk3.5, so that really leaves the 2s and 2.5s.
Do quite like the idea of having a 'jump in and go' sports car again. Done the mk1 MX5 and not sure I can justify the cost of a mk3.5, so that really leaves the 2s and 2.5s.
The Mk2 RS's all make 140bhp as far as I know. I've been looking for a decent one at a reasonable price for a while, and have noticed a fair few advertised as having 160bhp, which people on mx5nutz.com assure me is just plain lies.
I believe the error happens because there was a Mk2.5 RS with 160bhp, but that doesn't get imported to the UK for some legal or certification issue, or so I understand it.
I believe the error happens because there was a Mk2.5 RS with 160bhp, but that doesn't get imported to the UK for some legal or certification issue, or so I understand it.
Chris71 said:
Also, what's the VED like on the mk2.5s - would it be worth keeping an eye out for an early mk2 (pre-CO2 tax bands?)
High. £215 last time around. I think it's £245 next time...RDE said:
The Mk2 RS's all make 140bhp as far as I know. I've been looking for a decent one at a reasonable price for a while, and have noticed a fair few advertised as having 160bhp, which people on mx5nutz.com assure me is just plain lies.
I believe the error happens because there was a Mk2.5 RS with 160bhp, but that doesn't get imported to the UK for some legal or certification issue, or so I understand it.
I thought the UK Mk2.5 is quoted at 146bhp, or slightly higher for other markets...I believe the error happens because there was a Mk2.5 RS with 160bhp, but that doesn't get imported to the UK for some legal or certification issue, or so I understand it.
Given the 2.5 RS is import only, surely 160bhp is the magic number!
O/T you need one Rich!
Mk1 & Mk2 RS both have standard power (Mk1 130bhp Mk2 138bhp). Mk2.5 has 146bhp and Mk2.5 RS is supposed to have 160ps which is a bit under 160bhp.
Personally I'd just go for any 1.8 Mk2/2.5 and replace the suspension with something better.
Personally I'd just go for any 1.8 Mk2/2.5 and replace the suspension with something better.
Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Sunday 22 August 22:23
There is always a lot of confusion with the various RS models but as far as I'm aware only the Mk2.5 version had more power and I don't think that has been verified on a dyno.
To me the ultimate Mk2+ model is the UK Mk2 Sport which was a limited edition Mk2 in no way related to the Mk2.5 Sport which is just the Mk2.5 top model equivalent to the Mk1/2 1.8iS.
To me the ultimate Mk2+ model is the UK Mk2 Sport which was a limited edition Mk2 in no way related to the Mk2.5 Sport which is just the Mk2.5 top model equivalent to the Mk1/2 1.8iS.
BCA said:
160bhp? Doubt it. Maybe 145-150, max. Only difference is a higher rev limit, a lighter flywheel and different exhaust cams IIRC.
160 would be perfect though... hmm.
It's the inlet camshaft that is supposedly different on some models, I believe - my UKDM Mk2 10 AE has the BP5A inlet camshaft as opposed to the BP4W that I'm led to believe is fitted to "normal" Mk2s. It's supposed to be good for around 6 bhp.160 would be perfect though... hmm.
I'm wondering what other differences there are between a Mk2 RS and Mk2 10 AE, my 10AE pulls noticeably harder with a sharper engine than a 1.8iS I drove, but that was a bit of a dog even though my 10AE has significantly more miles on the clock.
The performance bits that the 10AE has over the 1.8iS are as follows, as far as I can tell:
- BP5Z ECU
- BP5A inlet cam
- Front strut tower brace
- 6 speed box
- Bilstein shocks
- [reshaped airbox scoop with moveable collar and BP5W code on it - not checked this against others though]
The 10AE redlines at 7,000 rpm on the dial, with a 7,300 rpm indicated limiter, which I believe is 6,900 rpm actual and is the same as the standard Mk 2.
I've seen pictures of the Mk 2 RS speedo which shows a 7,500 rpm redline.
I'm unsure about the flywheel on the 10AE, as I haven't really tried to compare it to others. The revs don't seem to drop overly quickly, but then my other car has a very light flywheel that requires a blip of the throttle when changing up if you're not quick.
Although that is what is always suggested it's not really fair. The Mk2 is indeed more refined than the Mk1 and the Mk1 does initially feel a bit sharper than the Mk2 but that doesn't really make it any more focused. The Mk2 will turn-in just as quick as the Mk1 but does it with less fuss. The fact is that the Mk2+ has better suspension set-up and stiffer chassis which allows the suspension to be a touch softer without losing body control and the result is an improved ride without compromising handling.
The real problem with all JDM specials is that there is very little info available on any of them over here that can be verified & trusted. So it looks like Mk2 RS has a higher rev limit so probably has a lighter flywheel & probably different intake cam & ecu so could well have a bit more power. Won't be 160bhp though, that's the Mk2.5 (and I think that's 160ps).
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