How reliable are turbo'd MX5's?
Discussion
Hi folks,
Complete MX5 newbie here. My MR2 turbo is being sold next week and I fancy crossing the MX5 off my list. I don't think I could live with the speed of a standard MX5 for too long so I fancy one that has been breathed on. I am just concerned about how reliable one may be that has been retro-fitted with a blower. Just how reliable are the 1.6 engines with a turbo strapped on? What kind of power do they make and will it still feel hopelessly slow compared to a 280bhp MR2?
I am going to look, with the intent of purchasing, this example next weekend -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2472260.htm
What kind of power do you reckon it's making? Is there anything I should be concerned about or should be asking? (I'm not new to cars and tuning but completely new to MX5s). Is it priced well? Is it likely to be reliable?
All advice, tips etc will be gratefully recieved.
Cheers,
Jamie
Complete MX5 newbie here. My MR2 turbo is being sold next week and I fancy crossing the MX5 off my list. I don't think I could live with the speed of a standard MX5 for too long so I fancy one that has been breathed on. I am just concerned about how reliable one may be that has been retro-fitted with a blower. Just how reliable are the 1.6 engines with a turbo strapped on? What kind of power do they make and will it still feel hopelessly slow compared to a 280bhp MR2?
I am going to look, with the intent of purchasing, this example next weekend -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2472260.htm
What kind of power do you reckon it's making? Is there anything I should be concerned about or should be asking? (I'm not new to cars and tuning but completely new to MX5s). Is it priced well? Is it likely to be reliable?
All advice, tips etc will be gratefully recieved.
Cheers,
Jamie
The engines are fairly stout providing the car has a good map. Turbo's will add stress to the other components like radiators, coolant hoses etc. If the car is maintained to a high level then I don't see any huge problems. 5 speed gearboxes are a weak point, and can be eaten up when at 250bhp.
The example you linked to is hard to say what power it'll be making. It really depends on the boost its running, width of the exhaust, size of injectors etc. From the sounds of it, I'm almost certain it'll be under 200bhp. Maybe 180 or so. Maybe best to phone him and ask.
If you're patient and get a good one at around 250bhp it'll be considerably faster than your MR2 from a rolling start.
The example you linked to is hard to say what power it'll be making. It really depends on the boost its running, width of the exhaust, size of injectors etc. From the sounds of it, I'm almost certain it'll be under 200bhp. Maybe 180 or so. Maybe best to phone him and ask.
If you're patient and get a good one at around 250bhp it'll be considerably faster than your MR2 from a rolling start.
I'd agree with all of that. The car in the ad could have anything from 180 to 250bhp but I'd suspect the lower end with a Voodoo box.
You'd be surprised how quick an FI MX5 can be though - mine was pretty much as fast as a 280bhp MR2 back when it "only" had 220bhp and mine is a fair bit heavier than a Mk1 1.6!
You'd be surprised how quick an FI MX5 can be though - mine was pretty much as fast as a 280bhp MR2 back when it "only" had 220bhp and mine is a fair bit heavier than a Mk1 1.6!
Provided it's a good quality installation and has been regually maintained it'll be perfectly reliable, even on high mileage examples. Oil changes need to be regular on a turbo, every 4k or so.
Performance will be comparable due to them weighing 200kg less or so. The short gearing will also help the performance.
You may want to look at ones with uprated brakes and suspension at this level, and a torsen diff is a must have.
Performance will be comparable due to them weighing 200kg less or so. The short gearing will also help the performance.
You may want to look at ones with uprated brakes and suspension at this level, and a torsen diff is a must have.
Provided it's a good quality installation and has been regually maintained it'll be perfectly reliable, even on high mileage examples. Oil changes need to be regular on a turbo, every 4k or so.
Performance will be comparable due to them weighing 200kg less or so. The short gearing will also help the performance.
You may want to look at ones with uprated brakes and suspension at this level, and a torsen diff is a must have.
Performance will be comparable due to them weighing 200kg less or so. The short gearing will also help the performance.
You may want to look at ones with uprated brakes and suspension at this level, and a torsen diff is a must have.
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