2005 MX5 'Launch Edition' BBR Super 200
Discussion
Was out in the car on Saturday and it's developed a creak / groaning sound when coming to a standstill / pulling away, sounds like a suspension part possibly, but will let the experts check it out. I've also just taken delivery of my Cobalt cat-back, so I've got it booked in for next week for the following: -
1. Investigate and resolve the noise
2. Fit the Cobalt exhaust (thanks to snotrag for the recommendation, excited about this!)
3. Health check
4. Get the wheels aligned
Will be interesting to see what the health check reveals, and I'm definitely looking forward to the exhaust! Should really liven up the experience I hope
1. Investigate and resolve the noise
2. Fit the Cobalt exhaust (thanks to snotrag for the recommendation, excited about this!)
3. Health check
4. Get the wheels aligned
Will be interesting to see what the health check reveals, and I'm definitely looking forward to the exhaust! Should really liven up the experience I hope
So I've just got back from AK Automotive who fitted my new cobalt back box, done a wheel alignment and investigated the rattle / creak noise I'm having.
For the latter they couldn't find anything amiss, and actually couldn't hear it, to be fair to them I do have to listen out for it and it takes time to spot, but anyway they've had a good poke around and they can't find a problem with any suspension components and whatnot so I guess that is good news, time will tell ultimately.
Now on to the fun bits, the exhaust...
First of all the appearance is so much better than the pea-shooter standard exhaust so that's the first plus point, but of course the main plus point is the noise.
All I can ask myself is why the hell did I not do this sooner, and it might have saved me from buying that disastrous Porsche.
It gives a nice burble at start up and low revs, with minimal drone when cruising, but when you rev her out, f
k me, she roars like a beast now, I'm not joking, I was laughing my head off on the way home. This is what it should have sounded like to start with and this will really help to bond with the car. It also makes a few pops and bangs when you're going for it a bit. I'm so so happy with the result 
The wheel alignment too has made a noticeable difference, the car just feels more responsive and confidence inspiring on the corners now.
Absolutely chuffed with the result, I just wish I could get to the bottom of the strange noise but it only happens when I come to a standstill or come on and off the brakes. The car feels absolutely fine in normal driving.
Can't wait to go out in her later!
The next pressing thing is the paint flaking off on the bonnet and tailgate, as seen in the pictures below.
I'm told this will likely need stripping to the metal and respraying which doesn't sound cheap. It has been suggested to me to get a replacement second hand bonnet and tailgate but to be honest I'll still need to get it sprayed unless by some miracle I can find velocity red colour in both (the launch edition colour), and then how will I know it won't happen to the replacement?
However it will give me a good excuse to debadge the tailgate which would be pretty cool I reckon.
For the latter they couldn't find anything amiss, and actually couldn't hear it, to be fair to them I do have to listen out for it and it takes time to spot, but anyway they've had a good poke around and they can't find a problem with any suspension components and whatnot so I guess that is good news, time will tell ultimately.
Now on to the fun bits, the exhaust...
First of all the appearance is so much better than the pea-shooter standard exhaust so that's the first plus point, but of course the main plus point is the noise.
All I can ask myself is why the hell did I not do this sooner, and it might have saved me from buying that disastrous Porsche.
It gives a nice burble at start up and low revs, with minimal drone when cruising, but when you rev her out, f
k me, she roars like a beast now, I'm not joking, I was laughing my head off on the way home. This is what it should have sounded like to start with and this will really help to bond with the car. It also makes a few pops and bangs when you're going for it a bit. I'm so so happy with the result The wheel alignment too has made a noticeable difference, the car just feels more responsive and confidence inspiring on the corners now.
Absolutely chuffed with the result, I just wish I could get to the bottom of the strange noise but it only happens when I come to a standstill or come on and off the brakes. The car feels absolutely fine in normal driving.
Can't wait to go out in her later!
The next pressing thing is the paint flaking off on the bonnet and tailgate, as seen in the pictures below.
I'm told this will likely need stripping to the metal and respraying which doesn't sound cheap. It has been suggested to me to get a replacement second hand bonnet and tailgate but to be honest I'll still need to get it sprayed unless by some miracle I can find velocity red colour in both (the launch edition colour), and then how will I know it won't happen to the replacement?
However it will give me a good excuse to debadge the tailgate which would be pretty cool I reckon.
cerb4.5lee said:
Upgraded exhausts always make such a difference I reckon and it is great to hear that you're really happy with it. 
Totally agree. I think I must be a young hoodlum at heart because it's rare that a decent exhaust ruins a car for me.The one I had on the boxster sounded magical when being revved but was an utter drone box which this one avoids thankfully.
The only other car that was worse for it was my old DC2 where I think Honda's are all about induction roar for me and the back box drowned that out which was a shame.
And as we both know the Z cars sound addictive with a good exhaust
However I didn't know what to expect from this and it's far surpassed my expectations. I'd be surprised if anyone who experienced it thought it didn't sound good, ok it's not a 6 pot but it now sounds absolutely awesome for a 4 pot, reminds me of an old escort rally car
TameRacingDriver said:
Totally agree. I think I must be a young hoodlum at heart because it's rare that a decent exhaust ruins a car for me.
Same. I put a full Magnex exhaust on the XR4x4 and that looked better, however it didn't really change the noise all that much though to my slight disappointment. However I decatted and put a full mongoose exhaust on the S14 200SX and that completely transformed it noise wise, plus it shot flames out of the exhaust too! 
There was a Magnex exhaust already on the 1992 RS2000 that I had and that made a lovely noise too, and I was quite addicted to the noise that made at the time for sure. I had the factory sports exhaust on the Cerbera and as you can imagine that did sound ace. Performance cars generally sound a bit too quiet to my ears as standard, so an upgraded exhaust is always worthwhile I think.
Chimune said:
FiL has his mk3 kendo booked into Ak next week for service and wheel alignment.
What settings did you use ? Factory or one of the 'fast road' setups available on interwebs ?
I didn't specify any settings, I just asked for an alignment, but if your FiL's experience is anything like mine, he will be delighted with the results (though I guess it also depends how far your FiL's wheels are out of alignment as for the results). Read on... What settings did you use ? Factory or one of the 'fast road' setups available on interwebs ?
Tonight I decided to take her out after work for a proper blast, as I only really got to drive the scenic route home on lunchtime, drove for a couple of hours over a variety of roads and roughly about 60 - 70 miles, so I've really got to grips with the changes.
First off the exhaust. Just such a great upgrade. As before, it gives a bit more bass at low revs, but doesn't really drone at cruising speeds, which is very good, but when you put your foot down, it's absolutely brilliant. Presumably, when combined with the BBR mods to the engine, it gives a perfect mixture of induction noise and a roar from the exhaust that made me laugh every time I put my foot down. If I'd never driven this car before, and you told me it had throttle bodies, I'd probably believe you now. Absolutely magnificent! I'd definitely stand by my original assessment that it sounds like an Escort rally car from the 80s. I absolutely love it, and it's now one of the best sounding 4-pots I've owned or driven. It has made a HUGE difference to the enjoyment of the car.
However, by no means least, is the difference the alignment made. I wasn't sure it would make much difference in all honesty, but I thought for the sake of a few extra quid, it was worth a try. I've always thought the car handled 'alright'. I always felt it had a little understeer, but then also a slight vagueness and nervousness that was hard to put my finger on, but whatever it was, I never fully trusted it. It's a much overused cliché for sure, but this car now feels like a go-kart. The slight bit of understeer has gone, the car now inspires confidence to push it, and you almost think it around corners. I thought I wanted coilovers, now I'm pretty sure they're not necessary, at least until things wear out. I am absolutely stunned at how much difference that has made. I will never doubt alignments again. Chimune - honestly, I can't see your FiL being disappointed, and at least you know it's set up right.
Hand on heart, I'd honestly say my lightly modded MR2 Roadster I had a few years ago was the most fun 2-seater sports car I've owned, but these two modifications, which cost all of £400 all-in have utterly transformed this little car, and this is now my favourite I've ever owned. The NC gets a lot of s
t, but clearly, it has some amazing potential. It is easily twice as much fun as it was prior to the modifications, and it feels like an absolute riot. I've never laughed as much on a drive as I did tonight. I have mixed feelings in some ways though, I am now actually annoyed with myself and embarrassed that I didn't do these modifications to start with and essentially gave up on it and bought the Porsche which utterly ruined me financially, because this car is now hands down better to drive in almost every single way, and all things considered, even sounds just as good to my ears, it's not as sonorous, but it does sound very aggressive in a grin-inducing way, yet unlike the dronebox fitted to the Pork, it's actually quiet when you want it to be. I am so pissed off with myself about that Porsche, and the money I've thrown away, but at the same time, I'm happy I've done this now.
As above, it needs some work doing to prevent rust killing it, and the bonnet and boot lid clearly need a respray, and none of that is cheap. In the future, the engine may need an expensive rebuild job if the oil use gets any worse than it already is, but given the price of cars now, and given how many boxes this car now ticks, I don't really think there's a car out there that's going to offer any more fun than this does, even when considering the cost of this upcoming work, but at least the good thing is, it doesn't need to be done all at once.
Overall though, this is clearly the best £400 I've ever spent on a car by some distance, and wished I'd done it much earlier.
Sounds like a great update TRD. A well chosen exhaust makes such a difference on any MX5. I know they will never be a V12 but having grown up watching Group A rallying and BTCC in the 90's, I still have a lot of love for a rorty 4 cylinder.
A lot to be said for fresh, well aligned OE suspension too. A lot of coil over set ups are stiffer and lower than OE even at their softest end of adjustment and I'm never sure that's a great idea on typical British roads. I appreciate a bit of compliance these days. Not just to save my aging back but because a well settled car can be much easier to get in a nice rhythm with when driving.
A lot to be said for fresh, well aligned OE suspension too. A lot of coil over set ups are stiffer and lower than OE even at their softest end of adjustment and I'm never sure that's a great idea on typical British roads. I appreciate a bit of compliance these days. Not just to save my aging back but because a well settled car can be much easier to get in a nice rhythm with when driving.
Can never resist a photo opportunity, in this case, with an S2000 What a fine pair of machines
Took Mrs TRD for the first time since I got my exhaust. Actually, she hasn't been out much with me generally, but I did today. She absolutely loved it, giggling at the noise, and loving the bendy roads. She wants to drive it now, so I'm sure I can oblige.
What a fine pair of machines Took Mrs TRD for the first time since I got my exhaust. Actually, she hasn't been out much with me generally, but I did today. She absolutely loved it, giggling at the noise, and loving the bendy roads. She wants to drive it now, so I'm sure I can oblige.
TameRacingDriver said:
Can never resist a photo opportunity, in this case, with an S2000 What a fine pair of machines
Took Mrs TRD for the first time since I got my exhaust. Actually, she hasn't been out much with me generally, but I did today. She absolutely loved it, giggling at the noise, and loving the bendy roads. She wants to drive it now, so I'm sure I can oblige.
A great photo TRD and a great combo too! What a fine pair of machines Took Mrs TRD for the first time since I got my exhaust. Actually, she hasn't been out much with me generally, but I did today. She absolutely loved it, giggling at the noise, and loving the bendy roads. She wants to drive it now, so I'm sure I can oblige.
Lovely to hear that your missus enjoyed it as well.
Following the purchase of a Mini JCW F56, I've put the Mazda up for sale: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285534446469
I've really enjoyed my time with this little car. It handles amazingly and with a 200 bhp N/A engine it really is a lot of fun for the money. I'll be sad to see it go, but ultimately, the Mini just fits my needs better at this point.
I wouldn't be surprised if I'm back in an ND, probably an ND2 RF at some point in the future.
These little MX5s are such great, fun and cool little cars. When I was taking photos, a van driver pulled up for a chat, said he absolutely loved the car, and thought I should sell the Mini instead I will miss it.
I've really enjoyed my time with this little car. It handles amazingly and with a 200 bhp N/A engine it really is a lot of fun for the money. I'll be sad to see it go, but ultimately, the Mini just fits my needs better at this point.
I wouldn't be surprised if I'm back in an ND, probably an ND2 RF at some point in the future.
These little MX5s are such great, fun and cool little cars. When I was taking photos, a van driver pulled up for a chat, said he absolutely loved the car, and thought I should sell the Mini instead
I will miss it.TameRacingDriver said:
Following the purchase of a Mini JCW F56, I've put the Mazda up for sale: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285534446469
I've really enjoyed my time with this little car. It handles amazingly and with a 200 bhp N/A engine it really is a lot of fun for the money. I'll be sad to see it go, but ultimately, the Mini just fits my needs better at this point.
I wouldn't be surprised if I'm back in an ND, probably an ND2 RF at some point in the future.
These little MX5s are such great, fun and cool little cars. When I was taking photos, a van driver pulled up for a chat, said he absolutely loved the car, and thought I should sell the Mini instead I will miss it.
Fair enough. You need to do what suits you best at the time.I've really enjoyed my time with this little car. It handles amazingly and with a 200 bhp N/A engine it really is a lot of fun for the money. I'll be sad to see it go, but ultimately, the Mini just fits my needs better at this point.
I wouldn't be surprised if I'm back in an ND, probably an ND2 RF at some point in the future.
These little MX5s are such great, fun and cool little cars. When I was taking photos, a van driver pulled up for a chat, said he absolutely loved the car, and thought I should sell the Mini instead
I will miss it.The eBay ad is very comprehensive and honest too.
TameRacingDriver said:
Following the purchase of a Mini JCW F56, I've put the Mazda up for sale: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285534446469
I've really enjoyed my time with this little car. It handles amazingly and with a 200 bhp N/A engine it really is a lot of fun for the money. I'll be sad to see it go, but ultimately, the Mini just fits my needs better at this point.
I wouldn't be surprised if I'm back in an ND, probably an ND2 RF at some point in the future.
These little MX5s are such great, fun and cool little cars. When I was taking photos, a van driver pulled up for a chat, said he absolutely loved the car, and thought I should sell the Mini instead I will miss it.
I think you are reducing your buyer pool/ the amount you will get for it by not putting a fresh MOT on it. Selling a car with only 2 months of test looks fishy (I am not saying you are, it just looks it).I've really enjoyed my time with this little car. It handles amazingly and with a 200 bhp N/A engine it really is a lot of fun for the money. I'll be sad to see it go, but ultimately, the Mini just fits my needs better at this point.
I wouldn't be surprised if I'm back in an ND, probably an ND2 RF at some point in the future.
These little MX5s are such great, fun and cool little cars. When I was taking photos, a van driver pulled up for a chat, said he absolutely loved the car, and thought I should sell the Mini instead
I will miss it.Disco You said:
I think you are reducing your buyer pool/ the amount you will get for it by not putting a fresh MOT on it. Selling a car with only 2 months of test looks fishy (I am not saying you are, it just looks it).
I always follow TRD's posts with interest but agree with this point. If nothing to hide then pop a new MOT on it.Yes in hindsight I probably should have done that, I guess I'm just trying to get rid as cheaply and as conveniently as possible. It takes weeks to get one booked around here and it's costing me insurance and tax money all the while, and the parking situation isn't ideal either with 3 cars and only 2 spaces.
That said if it fails to sell them I'll bite the bullet, as I'm aware it's not ideal, not that I expect it to fail, but knowing my luck...
That said if it fails to sell them I'll bite the bullet, as I'm aware it's not ideal, not that I expect it to fail, but knowing my luck...
It's a very honest advert and would probably do the same in your position. I'm just a natural worrier when it comes to cars so the short MOT would put me off as a buyer...not helped by me being unlucky with cars and also useless at mechanics!
The car does look lovely mind. I had a standard mx5 15 years ago and enjoyed every minute of it.
Fingers crossed it sells.
The car does look lovely mind. I had a standard mx5 15 years ago and enjoyed every minute of it.
Fingers crossed it sells.
Hoink said:
It's a very honest advert and would probably do the same in your position. I'm just a natural worrier when it comes to cars so the short MOT would put me off as a buyer...not helped by me being unlucky with cars and also useless at mechanics!
The car does look lovely mind. I had a standard mx5 15 years ago and enjoyed every minute of it.
Fingers crossed it sells.
Thanks mate, it is still a very nice looking car I think, and I have enjoyed my time with it very much. The car does look lovely mind. I had a standard mx5 15 years ago and enjoyed every minute of it.
Fingers crossed it sells.
I certainly know what you mean though, I'm much the same as you would be as a buyer, I'm kind of just hoping that it goes to someone with more time and skill than me to give the car the love it deserves. I just don't have that luxury ultimately, and in any case my tastes have begun to change a bit recently.
We shall see on Friday if it sells, hopefully it will, I don't think I've ever seen a BBR breathed on mx5 go for less money than I've got this up for, so hopefully that will tempt someone. Ultimately, it'd have been better to sell it in spring with a full MOT but it's not a luxury I have.
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