RE: Mazda MX-5 BBR Super 220 | Driven
Discussion
stickleback123 said:
I was told this too when I ordered one. No factory orders, channel/dealer stock only.
I intend to get this BBR package when my Mazda warranty expires in three years, it sounds like I'd better not try a car with it until then. I'm very keen to try a car with the Mazda eibach lowering springs too, I'll be using the car a lot so don't want spine shattering ride or constant grinding on speedramps!
I have the Mazda lowering kit on my ND2 and there are no issues with ramps and the ride is as good as standard I intend to get this BBR package when my Mazda warranty expires in three years, it sounds like I'd better not try a car with it until then. I'm very keen to try a car with the Mazda eibach lowering springs too, I'll be using the car a lot so don't want spine shattering ride or constant grinding on speedramps!
Simon Owen said:
Power and torque delivery of the BBR SkyActive 4 pot is really impressive, feels surprisingly good low down but revs and pulls cleanly to the red line, if anything it's a bit too linear !! My comments are made in ref to the mk1 ND .... the later car revs slightly higher so likely a bit more exciting in this regard.
I'm rather tempted with this N/A setup instead of a Stage One turbo. I had c.190bhp in an MX-5 NC and it never felt lacking even on A-roads. Of course if they fix/upgrade the gearbox (which seems to be a weak spot with the ND) for a Stage Two then that would be even better ..Evoman said:
Does sound well worth a test drive...
Weird how the article says BBR has done this without touching the internals yet in the same sentence clearly that is exactly what they've done with new cams, valve springs and retainers... NA tuning afterall
Sorry, yep, my error! The Super 200 kit does achieve that, the 220 then upping it but obviously altering the internals. Too much time in the sun yesterday it would seem...Weird how the article says BBR has done this without touching the internals yet in the same sentence clearly that is exactly what they've done with new cams, valve springs and retainers... NA tuning afterall
DStanley1809 said:
SFO said:
why are they stopping further imports for 8 months?
The salesman we bought our MX-5 from earlier this month said they're stopping production to re-tool for an updated MX-5. He claimed it would be a hybrid.We were told we couldn't place a factory order at the moment and had to choose from current stock in the dealer network.
Anyway I *love* mine and it's only the 160hp one...
Simon Owen said:
Interesting reading a review about something you have had much exposure too.
I would concur with much of what is said, the good bits far outweigh the bad stuff but there are some compromises that the reviewer fails to mention. It's been done to death I know but I can't believe that chassis stiffness / 'average' EPAS system don't get mentioned more in these articles.
I agree on the steering point.I would concur with much of what is said, the good bits far outweigh the bad stuff but there are some compromises that the reviewer fails to mention. It's been done to death I know but I can't believe that chassis stiffness / 'average' EPAS system don't get mentioned more in these articles.
If one thing should have been carried over from the NC to the new one should have been the steering, which has been accused of being too light, however still gives you lots of feel.
Considering the MX5 is modded so much is modding it with hydraulic steering not possible, not much expected demand or simply too expensive for that demand I wonder? I know little of the mechanics of steering technicals.
BigChiefmuffinAgain said:
Hi All
Apologies as suspect I am about to make a very silly comment ( but don't have time to research ).
I thought BBR ( or someone else ) made a turbo kit for the MX 5 , which seemed to deliver more power upgrades at about the same cost ?
Does this replace it, or is it targeted at those who really really want to stay NA ?
BBR do both NA and Turbo kits, personal choice as to which you prefer, they are both very well executed. For what it's worth I'd say the power to weight of this set up in NA tune is a pretty good sweet spot and suits the car really well for road use. The power vs grip ratio feels really nice, i.e. not lacking grip but not overly endowed either. Some big improvements running say PS4 boots as opposed to stock rubber in my experience.Apologies as suspect I am about to make a very silly comment ( but don't have time to research ).
I thought BBR ( or someone else ) made a turbo kit for the MX 5 , which seemed to deliver more power upgrades at about the same cost ?
Does this replace it, or is it targeted at those who really really want to stay NA ?
Edited by Simon Owen on Tuesday 20th August 13:07
Edited by Simon Owen on Tuesday 20th August 13:18
markj113 said:
"Thought 100hp per litre through normal aspiration was now only the preserve of hypercars?"
achieved by the mitsubishi FTO GPX from 1994, progress lol
The point was that it was relatively easy to get 100hp/litre without forced induction, and now it's relatively hard due to modern regulations and expectations.achieved by the mitsubishi FTO GPX from 1994, progress lol
dxg said:
DStanley1809 said:
SFO said:
why are they stopping further imports for 8 months?
The salesman we bought our MX-5 from earlier this month said they're stopping production to re-tool for an updated MX-5. He claimed it would be a hybrid.We were told we couldn't place a factory order at the moment and had to choose from current stock in the dealer network.
Anyway I *love* mine and it's only the 160hp one...
I think CarPlay as standard, maybe an update to the new infotainment system from the Mazda 3, and if we're really lucky adaptive cruise for 2020. Given the CO2 limits maybe it'll be 1.5 models only for the EU...
dinkel said:
No need to grab a Caterfield when Mazda does such a wonderful job. This conversion seems to nail it.
I’m not sure about that. A well sorted MX-5 at about a tonne is a nice thing. But it’s not a 600kg road racer where you sit over the rear axle.This sounds like a very appealing prospect as a practical daily sports car. I would certainly choose this over the turbo conversion. If they did something about the steering it’d be almost irresistible.
stickleback123 said:
I was told this too when I ordered one. No factory orders, channel/dealer stock only.
I intend to get this BBR package when my Mazda warranty expires in three years, it sounds like I'd better not try a car with it until then. I'm very keen to try a car with the Mazda eibach lowering springs too, I'll be using the car a lot so don't want spine shattering ride or constant grinding on speedramps!
It's fine. A little more pattery over rough patches at low speed but not remotely uncomfortable. I highly recommend them. They remove most of the body roll just leaving enough to help judge the limits. I intend to get this BBR package when my Mazda warranty expires in three years, it sounds like I'd better not try a car with it until then. I'm very keen to try a car with the Mazda eibach lowering springs too, I'll be using the car a lot so don't want spine shattering ride or constant grinding on speedramps!
Ali_T said:
stickleback123 said:
I was told this too when I ordered one. No factory orders, channel/dealer stock only.
I intend to get this BBR package when my Mazda warranty expires in three years, it sounds like I'd better not try a car with it until then. I'm very keen to try a car with the Mazda eibach lowering springs too, I'll be using the car a lot so don't want spine shattering ride or constant grinding on speedramps!
It's fine. A little more pattery over rough patches at low speed but not remotely uncomfortable. I highly recommend them. They remove most of the body roll just leaving enough to help judge the limits. I intend to get this BBR package when my Mazda warranty expires in three years, it sounds like I'd better not try a car with it until then. I'm very keen to try a car with the Mazda eibach lowering springs too, I'll be using the car a lot so don't want spine shattering ride or constant grinding on speedramps!
SpudLink said:
I’m not sure about that. A well sorted MX-5 at about a tonne is a nice thing. But it’s not a 600kg road racer where you sit over the rear axle.
This sounds like a very appealing prospect as a practical daily sports car. I would certainly choose this over the turbo conversion. If they did something about the steering it’d be almost irresistible.
The steering is very, very sensitive to alignment and tyre pressure and Mazda are really bad at sending new cars out with bad alignment! Having had mine done when the Eibach springs were added, it's been transformed.This sounds like a very appealing prospect as a practical daily sports car. I would certainly choose this over the turbo conversion. If they did something about the steering it’d be almost irresistible.
dxg said:
That seems really early for a full model replacement...
Anyway I *love* mine and it's only the 160hp one...
Not going to happen. The ND will last another 4 years at least. The NG is not confirmed either (NE and NF were the 124 Spider in Europe and North America). Anyway I *love* mine and it's only the 160hp one...
The reason for them stopping importation for a while is entirely emissions related. The current emissions penalties to manufacturers are based around not only the CO2 but also there's a softening of the cost for heavier cars. The ND2 being both light and having higher emissions than other Mazdas would raise the median value and cost too much. Expect the MX5 to be imported sparsely in future until regulations change or they replace the Skyactiv G with the X. However, the X just isn't as nice. In fact, the new 2.0 has been underrated to make them look similar. Most dynos of stock cars are showing 170bhp at the wheels so 181bhp is either underrated or Mazda have an amazing ability to avoid transmission losses that nobody else knows about!
shantybeater said:
Can't help but think this is a perfect modern day upgrade to an s2000. Just need to wait for prices to drop a bit!
not sure why you would though?build quality?
There'd have to be a large upgrade in a lot of areas for me to consider changing mine. I don't care that mine is 13 years older. This is not 13 years better imo….
Bloody lovely, jut not better enough
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