Looking for some recommendations

[neilj37]

Looking to get an MX5 for trackdays and have pretty much decided it will either be a MK1 or MK2 purely as I don't want to spend to much money. Would rather spend it on upgrades. Is there any benefit getting the MK2 over the MK1?

Would preferably like a 1.8, no AC, no power steering. windy windows etc to reduce weight.

[Evangelion]

MK 1 handles better, also an early Mk 1 is less likely to have power steering, ABS, aircon, leccy windows etc than a Mk 2. Go for a 1.8 if you can, watch 1.6's carefully - you don't want the 90bhp version!

[KevSeymour]

I think you'll probably find what you're looking for in a UK Spec car, as they tended to be lower sepc'd than the imports, from what i found while looking for mine anyway.

In fact i test drove a car that meets your exact criteria in Hitchin, it even had weight saving rust!

[MX-5 Lazza]

Mk1 doesn't handle better than Mk2. They are pretty much the same car but Mk2 feels more comfortable while still having the same cornering ability. Mazda on Track are using Mk2s as their track cars.

[Simbu]

The mk2 weighs a bit more, but has a more powerful engine.

If you want a LSD, you'll only find it on a mk2 with UK spec cars (IIRC). Older mk1s have a viscous LSD as opposed to the better torsen one found on later mk1s and all mk2s.

I think all mk2s come with PAS and ABS, although i might be mistaken there. The 1.8 has a stronger chassis and drivetrain, so can be pushed harder with FI modding.

[rovermorris999]

I have a 1998 Mk2 1.8 RS import. It has Torsen diff, aircon, no ABS, leccy windows, Bilstein suspension, pas, 6 speed, factory chassis bracing, lightened flywheel so revs to 7500 rpm.
A good basis for a track car if you can find one, getting rid of the aircon would save a few kgs but unless you're the Stig, I doubt you'd notice.

[skinny]

teh main advantage of the 1.8 is the brakes and drivetrain. in reality they aren't much quicker adn i actually prefer the 1.6 engine.

mk1 or 2, wont make bugger all difference.

[neilj37]

Thanks for the replies guys, hoping to look at a MK1 1.6 with turbo next week. Also emailed a guy about a MK1 1.8 with supercharger but no reply yet. Seen a couple of unmodified MK2 1.8s so may check them out to.

Looking to track the car so quite happy to get an unmodified one and spend time upgrading.

Besides the sills are there any other areas I should check out that may cause a problem.

[rovermorris999]

If you are thinking of forced induction it'll be cheaper to buy one with it done already. The kit is relatively big bucks. With the proviso that it has been done properly of course.