mk2 import lsd?
Discussion
Hello,
I am looking for a weekend/track day car. I have narrowed down the search to either a e36 m3 or a mx5. I am a BMW fan and love the idea of a m3. But the cheaper running costs of a mx5 and the fact they look good fun have interested me.
Anyway I saw a 1999 mk2 1.8 import with a 6 speed box today. It was in really good condition with no rust and had only done 66k.
Now I have a few questions, firstly will it have a LSD or uprated suspension (I did notice the redline was 7500 if that helps identify it). Is the mk2 as good on track as a mk1 as this is what I was originally looking for? And finally although I really enjoyed the test drive what would an mx5 be like on track compared to the BMW, I know it will obviously be down on power but is there enough to still have fun and will it still power overseer easily?
Thanks for reading
I am looking for a weekend/track day car. I have narrowed down the search to either a e36 m3 or a mx5. I am a BMW fan and love the idea of a m3. But the cheaper running costs of a mx5 and the fact they look good fun have interested me.
Anyway I saw a 1999 mk2 1.8 import with a 6 speed box today. It was in really good condition with no rust and had only done 66k.
Now I have a few questions, firstly will it have a LSD or uprated suspension (I did notice the redline was 7500 if that helps identify it). Is the mk2 as good on track as a mk1 as this is what I was originally looking for? And finally although I really enjoyed the test drive what would an mx5 be like on track compared to the BMW, I know it will obviously be down on power but is there enough to still have fun and will it still power overseer easily?
Thanks for reading
Edited by Mortey on Sunday 23 January 23:59
Can't help you with the LSD or suspension questions directly, but I don't think the 6sp 'box was fitted to that many versions, so if you can track down exactly what the version is then a quick google should tell you the spec. The Dandy Cars web-site has some good FAQs.
NB FAQ
As for a track day car I'd take the MX5 every time. It won't be as quick on the straights, but I'd imagine the corners would be a whole lot more fun. There's be less grip, so more sliding around at lower speeds, plus with the roof off it'll feel much better. All IMO of course.
NB FAQ
As for a track day car I'd take the MX5 every time. It won't be as quick on the straights, but I'd imagine the corners would be a whole lot more fun. There's be less grip, so more sliding around at lower speeds, plus with the roof off it'll feel much better. All IMO of course.
I think all 6-speeds are matched to Torsen LSD.
The Mk2 is almost exactly the same under the skin as the Mk1 with just a minor change to the suspension (I think the wishbones are slightly longer) to improve comfort without adding roll. Mk2 suspension tends to be softer than Mk1 but that doesn't matter as you will probably want to replace it with something like GAZ Gold Pro anyway.
As standard it won't have enough power to power oversteer except on really tight bends or when already close to the limit but there are other ways to get the tail out and to be honest, power-oversteer isn't the best way to go about things. It's easy to add that extra power though
The Mk2 is almost exactly the same under the skin as the Mk1 with just a minor change to the suspension (I think the wishbones are slightly longer) to improve comfort without adding roll. Mk2 suspension tends to be softer than Mk1 but that doesn't matter as you will probably want to replace it with something like GAZ Gold Pro anyway.
As standard it won't have enough power to power oversteer except on really tight bends or when already close to the limit but there are other ways to get the tail out and to be honest, power-oversteer isn't the best way to go about things. It's easy to add that extra power though
Thanks for all the info guys.
I am still feeling a little undecided. I think it might be a RS, its red and has a really nice body kit. Don't want to miss it although don't like the feeling of rushing in especially when its a second car.
Another question is how difficult is it to fit a proper roll bar? And how much would it cost if I can't do it myself? I think I would need one before going on track.
Thanks again
I am still feeling a little undecided. I think it might be a RS, its red and has a really nice body kit. Don't want to miss it although don't like the feeling of rushing in especially when its a second car.
Another question is how difficult is it to fit a proper roll bar? And how much would it cost if I can't do it myself? I think I would need one before going on track.
Thanks again
Are you sure it's an import? Red with nice body kit, 6-speed, 7.5k red line. Could be a UK Mk2 Sport Special Edition. If not then probably an RS thougf I think that would have an RS sticker on the wing (The Mk1 RS did anyway).
Roll bars are easy enough to fit if you have the tools. I've fitted one and I'm not a great mechanic.
Roll bars are easy enough to fit if you have the tools. I've fitted one and I'm not a great mechanic.
MX-5 Lazza said:
Are you sure it's an import? Red with nice body kit, 6-speed, 7.5k red line. Could be a UK Mk2 Sport Special Edition. If not then probably an RS thougf I think that would have an RS sticker on the wing (The Mk1 RS did anyway).
Roll bars are easy enough to fit if you have the tools. I've fitted one and I'm not a great mechanic.
Lazza correct me if i'm wrong but I thought the UK sport models only had a 5 speed box and the first uk model with the 6 speeder was the 10AE. Sounds like an RS to me.Roll bars are easy enough to fit if you have the tools. I've fitted one and I'm not a great mechanic.
Sounds like an RS - iirc, the only official Mk2 UK spec car to get the 6 speeder was the 10th Anniversary.
The RS has the aforementioned 6 speed box (tougher than the 5 speeder, by all accounts - Good for up to 300bhp, if web forums are to be believed), TorSen LSD, Bilstein suspension, 500rpm extra on the rev limiter, and a lightened flywheel.
I recently bought one as a basis for a track toy - Lots of cages come up for sale secondhand on MX5 Nutz - TR Lane are also a good source of cages, but be aware that they're not FIA approved, if you're looking to hillclimb / sprint the car.
The RS has the aforementioned 6 speed box (tougher than the 5 speeder, by all accounts - Good for up to 300bhp, if web forums are to be believed), TorSen LSD, Bilstein suspension, 500rpm extra on the rev limiter, and a lightened flywheel.
I recently bought one as a basis for a track toy - Lots of cages come up for sale secondhand on MX5 Nutz - TR Lane are also a good source of cages, but be aware that they're not FIA approved, if you're looking to hillclimb / sprint the car.
VladD said:
Can't help you with the LSD or suspension questions directly, but I don't think the 6sp 'box was fitted to that many versions, so if you can track down exactly what the version is then a quick google should tell you the spec. The Dandy Cars web-site has some good FAQs.
NB FAQ
As for a track day car I'd take the MX5 every time. It won't be as quick on the straights, but I'd imagine the corners would be a whole lot more fun. There's be less grip, so more sliding around at lower speeds, plus with the roof off it'll feel much better. All IMO of course.
Thanks, that answers the LSD question for my VS!NB FAQ
As for a track day car I'd take the MX5 every time. It won't be as quick on the straights, but I'd imagine the corners would be a whole lot more fun. There's be less grip, so more sliding around at lower speeds, plus with the roof off it'll feel much better. All IMO of course.
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