MX5 Rs 2 ltd

[Simon Rs]

Hi everyone. New to PH. I'll cut to the chase...I have a Mk 2.5 jap import which is I believe to be an RS 2 ltd. Only thing is, I can't find much info online about it. Can anyone help?

[VladD]

I found this on the MX5 Owners Club.

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The mk2 rs has the bp05 intake camshaft as used on the USA mazdaspeed turbo models which gives 145 bhp as opposed to the bp4w in the uk models

The MK2 RS was a trim level and not a limited edition so there were no limited numbers...loads about.

The oem alloys were the mazda (enkei) 5 spokes

suspension was a lowered bilstein affair

lightweight flywheel as standard 14lbs

redline is actually 7250rpm but the gauges goto 7500

the oem aero kit was an optional extra..ie , front lip , skirts, boot spoiler , and mudflaps

3 spoke nardi airbag and leather 6 speed knob

bose sound system which is really quite rubbish

I have 3 mk2 rs's and tbh they are by far the best out of the lot, the 6 speed box makes all the difference.

keep an eye on your oil level as the mk2 engines are oil burners , also make sure your cooling system is working properly

[Sbloxxy]

I also have a Mk2 RS import and you're right - just brilliant to drive and country miles ahead of a Mk1.
However the Mk2.5 RS is a different beast again and actually quite rare. Its rumoured to have getting on for 160bhp thanks for a S-VT engine tuned for power rather than emissions

I imported one from Japan a few years ago and it was certainly very quick..

[RowntreesCabana]

Are rust problems on the chassis rails a problem on the 2.5?

[Ryan_T]

RowntreesCabana said:

Are rust problems on the chassis rails a problem on the 2.5?

Very much so.

[GravelBen]

Sbloxxy said:

However the Mk2.5 RS is a different beast again and actually quite rare. Its rumoured to have getting on for 160bhp thanks for a S-VT engine tuned for power rather than emissions

I imported one from Japan a few years ago and it was certainly very quick..

They claimed 160bhp IIRC, some people have questioned whether it really had more than the Mk2 RS so its good to hear that it did feel quicker. a Mk2.5 RS would certainly be one of my preferred choices if/when I have another MX5 in future.

[Sway]

These things are always a little subjective - I've had three very experienced Mx5 tuners/owners tell me my nb1 rs is the quickest 'stock' mx5 they've ever driven...

When I say stock, it's been rebuilt, with forged rods in prep for (a now dropped) plan for a supercharger. Stock ecu, stock intake, manifold back exhaust.

The rs is nice, but no different really from a vs (which had a bit more 'luxury'). 10AE another step again with the higher ratio diff (which I really want to get hold of) and some real unique bits.

[MX-5 Lazza]

160ps. Which is the same as the standard 1.8vvt at 146bhp.

[finishing touch]

I own a 1.8 S-VT Sport 146, and the 160 RS I drove last week was way quicker.

[GravelBen]

MX-5 Lazza said:

160ps. Which is the same as the standard 1.8vvt at 146bhp.

160ps = 158bhp though?

[cheddar]

GravelBen said:

MX-5 Lazza said:

160ps. Which is the same as the standard 1.8vvt at 146bhp.

160ps = 158bhp though?

Correct Ben

[Simon Rs]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Good to know. Just put the RS through its mot this week and will post some pics when I get back from Tenerife. Decided to replace the rear calipers and underseal it, seeing as its a Jap import.

It seems from your comments that the car is quite rare, I must admit I have never seen another like it in the UK. Does anyone else have one? It needs a good clean and polish now. The interior is one of the best things about it, IMO.Red alcantara seats and door inserts, air con as standard and Lockwood dials. Nice built in Bose amp, too. Pity the CD player doesn't work...only plays Japanese CDs!

[Simon Rs]

Hi everyone. Going to put the RS up for sale. Change of circumstances. Need some advice on pricing.

[skinny]

Miles, condition, colour etc?
Could be worth anything from 2-8 grand!

Its a mk2.5 RS right? Sounds quite rare too me, normally it's only mk1 or mk2 RS...

Edited by skinny on Wednesday 21st February 20:21

[Simon Rs]

Thanks for the pointers. It's in good condition, not mint, but could be with a wheel refurb / wet polish. 12 months mot, 100,000 miles, just undersealed it. Usual minor dings and scrapes. Had some minor rust issues on the sills, now sorted (filled and sprayed by local bodyshop). New battery, only one advisory ( which I can't remember now, but I'll sort before selling).
Red Alcantara seats, 6 speed, Lockwood dials, 160 ps, air con.Put 2 brand new rear brake calipers just before mot. Uprated Bilsteins, big brakes, underbracing. Full RS 2.5 spec, basically.

Any feedback appreciated...