New MX5 mk2 1.8 owner looking for tips and advice
Discussion
So myself and a couple of mates finally took the plunge and picked up our first project motor for track day use. After many recommendations and research an MX5 was our first choice. We managed to find a nice cheap example (what we wanted to start with) locally that seems in surprisingly reasonable knick for price paid, with a fresh ticket. What we got is a 99 mk2 1.8 5 speed (Not 100% sure on what variations are out there) that is completely standard. Has got some rust coming through on rear arches and other spots but not too major yet and isn't a huge issue for what we want.
The car has been hardly used over the last few years and has covered a whopping 2 miles in the last nearly 2 years. So let's say the 30 mile trip home was a pretty heavy 'test' for it and it stood up to everything we gave it with no drama.
The only slight concern we got was after getting it home there was noticeable heat coming from just under the gear shift, was warm to the touch through the gaiter, hoping someone here could shine some light on that.
Was hoping to get some advice and tips on what to look out for on it that may cause issues, and key things to do first for improvements, would like to keep reasonably cheap for a little while.
We're planning on definitely uprating the brakes for track use, induction kit and some minor suspension work to start with.
Any advice given is greatly appreciated.
The car has been hardly used over the last few years and has covered a whopping 2 miles in the last nearly 2 years. So let's say the 30 mile trip home was a pretty heavy 'test' for it and it stood up to everything we gave it with no drama.
The only slight concern we got was after getting it home there was noticeable heat coming from just under the gear shift, was warm to the touch through the gaiter, hoping someone here could shine some light on that.
Was hoping to get some advice and tips on what to look out for on it that may cause issues, and key things to do first for improvements, would like to keep reasonably cheap for a little while.
We're planning on definitely uprating the brakes for track use, induction kit and some minor suspension work to start with.
Any advice given is greatly appreciated.
1: Before you spend any money on it, check the chassis rails for rust. (Google will tell you where to look)
2: Decide if you are keeping it or not.
3: Gear stick gator might be split. But ultimately they all get a bit warm in that area. I wouldn't worry about it unless it's affecting your use of the car.
2: Decide if you are keeping it or not.
3: Gear stick gator might be split. But ultimately they all get a bit warm in that area. I wouldn't worry about it unless it's affecting your use of the car.
Will look into that cheers bud ??we've got it insured on the road for a month so we're just gonna drive it as is in that time to enjoy it before taking it off the road long term and tearing it apart, will decide in that time if it's right for us as well. Right before taking it off the road will probably put it in for another mot for the sake of £30 to get a list of things that we can focus on that needs doing to start with.
Gearbox feels spot on when driving and clutch feels fine too so don't think it is too much of an issue. Forgot to say originally the car has done 150k miles in it's life, but very few over the last few years.
Gearbox feels spot on when driving and clutch feels fine too so don't think it is too much of an issue. Forgot to say originally the car has done 150k miles in it's life, but very few over the last few years.
Edited by Gearknobs on Wednesday 18th July 13:05
Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff