Mazda MX-5 BBR Supercharged

[baronbennyt]

I’ve gone and bought BBR’s Mazda MX-5 Supercharged Stage 1 demonstrator that was featured by PistonHeads a while back:

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/mazda-m...

The spec, as reported by PH is as follows:

Engine: 1,999cc 4-cyl, supercharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 250@7,000rpm (160@7,000rpm)
Torque (lb ft): 213@5,350rpm (147@5,050rpm)
0-60mph: 5.3sec (7.9sec)
Top speed: 145mph (est.) (136mph)
Weight: 1,248kg (standard car)
MPG: 36.2mpg (standard, NEDC combined)
CO2: 181g/km (standard)
Price: c. £20k, assuming £10k purchase price for standard car. This one equipped with BBR Stage 1 Supercharger kit (£5,994), BBR 4-1 manifold (£534), BBR GT Silencer (£594), Tein Flex Z Damper Kit (including 4-wheel alignment), OZ Formula HLT wheels (£1,235), including VAT and fitting, for a total spend of £9,551.

I’m having a few other bits and pieces fitted by BBR before collection, on which I’ll report shortly. It should be ready to join the track day season this summer. Fingers crossed!

[dapper]

Nice. I'd love to test out what difference the supercharger makes. I think it's definitely worth buying one that's already done by BBR you can trust the work and will likely be cheaper than buying one and sending it to them.

[baronbennyt]

dapper said:

Nice. I'd love to test out what difference the supercharger makes. I think it's definitely worth buying one that's already done by BBR you can trust the work and will likely be cheaper than buying one and sending it to them.

I’d never driven an MX-5 before the test drive but BBR’s demonstrator certainly felt good for its Stage 1 supercharged horses!

The technical specification of the BBR Stage 1 Mazda MX-5 2005-2015 MX-5 Supercharger upgrade includes:-

C30-94 Rotrex Supercharger
Rotrex Oil reservoir
BBR Oil Cooler
BBR High Quality Anodised CNC Rotrex brackets
BBR High Quailty Anodised CNC Tensioner brackets
Supercharger and revised ancillary belt
BBR 250BHP intake restrictor
BBR CAIS - Cold Air intake system with serviceable air filter
BBR Front mounted intercooler
BBR branded Intercooler silicone hoses
BBR Mandrel Bent intercooler pipe work
BBR Branded Breather hoses
Bosch EV14 BBR spec Injectors
BBR / Bosch MAP / Temperature sensor
BBR Recirculating piston type dump valve in factory black finish
BBR Starchip EcuTek calibration software with driver switchable modes (MK3.5 and later models only)

[Jonmx]

Awesome. I had a blast in a supercharged NB around Coombe a few years ago and that was embarrassing a few far more expensive cars. Having an NC now, I can imagine it's a great base for a bit more power. Great purchase!

[DaveK-S1]

Interesting choice , are the other cars in the fleet, getting too expensive / valuable to track ?

[baronbennyt]

Jonmx said:

Awesome. I had a blast in a supercharged NB around Coombe a few years ago and that was embarrassing a few far more expensive cars. Having an NC now, I can imagine it's a great base for a bit more power. Great purchase!

I plan to enjoy the engine as it is this year (Stage 1, 250bhp) and then go for the Stage 2 kit next year (300bhp). BBR have informed me the car can reliably take it: every other aspect of the car is suitably upgraded.

[baronbennyt]

DaveK-S1 said:

Interesting choice , are the other cars in the fleet, getting too expensive / valuable to track ?

I’m now doing 30+ track days a year so I need something to spread the load. A supercharged MX-5 has been an itch I’ve wanted to scratch for some time. Fast, fun and affordable - hopefully!

[TheOctaneAddict]

Love it, you will have a blast with this on track. I had an NB with a Supercharger and it was immense fun, all MX5s should have the power and torque that it brings. Really makes the car come alive and will slide on command when you want it to.

[braddo]

Great purchase! I look forward to hearing how it compares to your other vehicles. I'd be interested to hear if the throttle response of a Rotrex is as immediate as a conventional supercharger (akin to a NA engine) or are they somewhere between an Eaton and a turbo?

[baronbennyt]

braddo said:

Great purchase! I look forward to hearing how it compares to your other vehicles. I'd be interested to hear if the throttle response of a Rotrex is as immediate as a conventional supercharger (akin to a NA engine) or are they somewhere between an Eaton and a turbo?

I have to say during the test drive it didn’t feel like it had forced induction but rather a bigger capacity NA configuration. It still revs super cleanly all the way to the red line but it’s not accompanied by a traditional supercharger whine which suits me just fine.

[Turbofun]

Congratulation on the car, I could not agree more.
I picked a MX5 BBR Turbo 2 years ago before they offered a SC version. Been on many Hoons, trips to Europe and a few track days... The only suggestion I would make is to upgrade the front brakes now you have a little extra under the bonnet then standard . I went for the Wilwoods 4 pot Midilite and they are great and give good confidence even on the most challenging road courses.

[baronbennyt]

Turbofun said:

Congratulation on the car, I could not agree more.
I picked a MX5 BBR Turbo 2 years ago before they offered a SC version. Been on many Hoons, trips to Europe and a few track days... The only suggestion I would make is to upgrade the front brakes now you have a little extra under the bonnet then standard . I went for the Wilwoods 4 pot Midilite and they are great and give good confidence even on the most challenging road courses.

Excellent, I’ve done some research and the Wilwoods come recommended. Great to have the validation. Loving your BBR turbo.

[TameRacingDriver]

Lucky bugger, that looks great

I've got a BBR Super 200 Launch Edition, and while it feels strong for what it is, I always feel like it could handle more. I bet this feels wonderful to drive

[DaveK-S1]

baronbennyt said:

DaveK-S1 said:

Interesting choice , are the other cars in the fleet, getting too expensive / valuable to track ?

I’m now doing 30+ track days a year so I need something to spread the load. A supercharged MX-5 has been an itch I’ve wanted to scratch for some time. Fast, fun and affordable - hopefully!

Makes sense , i've gone the 2.5 ltr route , so should be similar power and torque once i've finished messing with it

[TameRacingDriver]

DaveK-S1 said:

Makes sense , i've gone the 2.5 ltr route , so should be similar power and torque once i've finished messing with it

I've always been curious about this, what does this push out as standard, does it weigh any more, do they sound better?

[braddo]

DaveK-S1 said:

Makes sense , i've gone the 2.5 ltr route , so should be similar power and torque once i've finished messing with it

I was at a goodwood track day recently and there was a stripped NC MX5 with 2.5L. It was going very well indeed.

[CABC]

awesome!
great track car that's not too uncomfortable getting to/fromTD.
What are you doing about seats? I think it's problematic getting buckets through an MoT as the NC has seat airbags. need an MoT for "motorsport" if that works? or swap seats out once a year.

[baronbennyt]

CABC said:

awesome!
great track car that's not too uncomfortable getting to/fromTD.
What are you doing about seats? I think it's problematic getting buckets through an MoT as the NC has seat airbags. need an MoT for "motorsport" if that works? or swap seats out once a year.

I’ll ask BBR. For now the plan is to fit bucket seats, harnesses and roll bar + Michelin 4S tyres.

[EdmondDantes]

This is really cool, enjoy OP.

[MDMA .]

That looks really nice. Bet it’s great fun to drive too.