2005 MX5 'Launch Edition' BBR Super 200

[TameRacingDriver]

Hey Gad Westy, the ITB setup is essentially the BBR Super 225 setup which is the next stage up from the Super 200 I have now. I'm not aware of any specific reliability issues with it, but they are quite expensive to buy and fit so it would be something in the distant future, however yes it's definitely worth mentioning given then issue I had with the Porsche as the Super 200 is a reliable setup.

Have a look here at the ITB part: https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-mx-5-nc-individual...

And here is the full Super 225 kit: https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-mx-5-nc-super-225

All that said though you're right it turns a cheap fun car into a not so cheap car so I'm not certain to be doing this, it was just a thought that IF I have to rebuild the engine, that maybe it would be in for a penny, in for a pound. I do really value your opinion however and it keeps my feet on the ground. Never again will I be taking huge risks.

In the meantime I succumbed and ordered the cobalt exhaust so that should go a long way in addressing one of my main complaints about the car, the lack of a decent noise!

[TameRacingDriver]

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

[TameRacingDriver]

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, fk 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.

[TameRacingDriver]

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]

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...

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 st, 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.

[TameRacingDriver]

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.

[TameRacingDriver]

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.

[TameRacingDriver]

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...

[TameRacingDriver]

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.

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.

[TameRacingDriver]

Well, it hasn't sold - it turns out the bid was from a mate who did it after having a few pints to do me a favour on a Saturday night

Probably the lack of MOT and wrong time of year to be selling such a car.

Will most likely stick 12 months on it, get it serviced, and try again in a few weeks.

If it was practical to wait until Spring I'd have done that, but I can't SORN it and I'm assuming I still have to keep my insurance going - I'm guessing my fully comp cover on my new car wouldn't really cover me for the MX5 even though I barely drive it at the minute.

Nobody will ever get a cheaper Mk3 BBR MX5 than this, but it seems to be a very niche market.

[TameRacingDriver]

Update - it's past its MOT, so that's out of the way until Jan 2025, which should help me sell it.

The tester was a bit of an MX5 enthusiast himself, and complimented it on the condition of the underside; although it did have an advisory for surface corrosion, he said that's all it was and most MX5s he sees of that age are absolute rot boxes, so that's a positive to take away.

While it's not the best time to be selling it most likely, I don't really have anywhere to store it, and in reality, even with its new MOT, I can't see it being worth all that much given the mileage and the fact it does need a little TLC. Also I'd also guess I'll get a little insurance and tax back, and lessen the chance of anything else going wrong in the interim. It's also becoming a bit of a chore, as I feel I need to give it reasonably regular runs out to stop it from seizing up, so on balance it'd be nice to see it gone before 2024.

It's been a cool little car though and I still enjoy driving it, and maybe if I had a garage / more space, and a need for a second or third car, then I'd probably hang on to it, alas, the Mini is fitting my lifestyle perfectly, and is just as much of a hoot in it's own way.

[TameRacingDriver]

MC Bodge said:

I do wonder why Mazda didn't do more to prevent rust on the various versions of the MX5.

Seems to be a Japanese thing, especially in the modern era, I guess because they don't salt their roads, and I'd guess they make no real alterations for markets outside of Japan?

Another thing is I'm finding hard is deciding how much this thing will be worth, given it does need some TLC, high mileage, but is a limited edition and does have the sought after BBR Super 200 kit. I think I probably overpaid for this in the beginning what with all the covid madness, but the arse does seem to be falling out of the market.

I'm selling at the wrong time of year. On that point, I guess there could be a case made for hanging on a few months but I really can't truly guarantee it'll be worth that much more, something may go wrong in the interim, and I'm losing insurance and tax money every month.

I'd definitely be happy with £4k but realistically, I may have to be prepared to take a fair bit less.

[TameRacingDriver]

Craikeybaby said:

Having previously owned MX-5s, one of which rusted badly, I don't think it is a Japanese thing, as my MR2 is much better. I have had to replace the rear subframe, but it is a bolt on part. The actual bodywork seems much better.

To be fair I also don't remember having any real issues on my MR2 either, although I didn't really keep it long enough to find out. Certainly I remember reading lots about old Honda's rusting, although I agree the mx5 seems to have (possibly deservedly) the worst reputation for it, and it's a costly one. I must admit I was always paranoid about taking it out in winter for that reason. That was probably one reason that mine isn't actually too bad. However it's very nice to not have to worry about so much on my much newer mini that's for sure

[TameRacingDriver]

So I'm not really getting any interest in this which is probably not surprising at this time of year. I'm now thinking maybe I should just keep it over winter and maybe look to sell in the spring? I'm sure someone might buy it now but it's gonna go for rock bottom price, I've got a feeling I may even get double what I could get now in the spring?

[TameRacingDriver]

snotrag said:

100%. Literally the worst possible time currently.

Even if you wait till March - its not THAT far away, but the first semi-sunny weeked, the market for old MX-5s and suchlike changes - its very, very seasonal. I've done it many, many times.

Park it up on a battery tender, get it out in 3 months, fresh photos, fresh ad, itll sell easy.

thanks mate, thought as much, will do that

[TameRacingDriver]

The end of the road has arrived in this chapter of the cars life; I finally managed to get it sold this morning to a lovely fella in Wales, who sent up a trailer and his friend to collect it. I'm very pleased that it's gone to a good home.

The chap is aware of its foibles, and it even sounds like he read this very thread! He sounds more than capable of giving it the TLC it deserves, and I hope he enjoys the car as much as I did. It should soon be arriving with him at his home within the next few hours.

If only all sales of cars could be this pleasant Obviously I got nothing like what I paid for it originally, but I felt the price was fair, all things considered.

Farewell to the red rocket. I may be back to an MX5 at some stage in the future, although if I do it'll most likely be a 2.0 ND2 RF, but for now, I'm happy with my JCW.

[TameRacingDriver]

It did get a farewell drive of sorts. My last drive was yesterday to the crematorium to pay my respects to a long time good mate of mine that died before his time, in a way, it seemed a fitting end to my ownership of the car, and I will admit, I still enjoy driving it, and I will definitely miss the experience of it on a warm spring or summers day. My JCW has the pano roof and it's great to be fair, but having a sunroof open is not the same as having the roof down proper!

As for the JCW, it's a complete change and exactly what I needed; the added practicality has been welcome, I love the comfort for day to day and long distance driving, the latter I'm doing a lot more these days. Yet it still goes around corners like something possessed, the engine and exhaust note is addictive, as is the 'ample' torque; it's a car that definitely feels over-engined in a good way! It's even quite impressive on petrol for the performance. I think these cars are quite underrated and can see me with it for a few years. Modest remap to give it a bit more higher up the rev range and it would be more or less perfect for me. Properly rapid little weapon with character and comfort!

I treated the Mini to a valet tonight, it does scrub up quite well I reckon

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 21st February 21:22

[TameRacingDriver]

buccal said:

I must admit you are making me want an F56.

Are the standard cooper S's just as much fun or is the JCW part critical?

My BBR will be staying tucked up until April ....

Personally, if you can stretch to the difference, then I'd just go straight to the JCW over the Cooper S.

I reckon if I'd gone for the MCS I definitely would have ended up modding, as it's a little "restricted" out of the box. The JCW has 40 extra BHP, stronger internals, shaper suspension setup, much better brakes, more tunable, and just looks and feels more special... The thing is if I don't want to mod then the JCW is the real deal for me whereas the CS would have fallen just slightly short, I always knew I wanted the JCW though to be fair.

But that said you can easily turn an MCS into a beast, as my mate did with his, same engine really at the end of the day, but his was very stealthy, a real Q car as it was so understated, which might appeal.

An F56 and an MX5 would make a sweet 2 car combo though, they're very different cars.