New mk1 owner - Exhaust and Suspension advice please!

[Chuck21]

Well after more internet searches than I can count and numerous viewings I've finally bought one; its a lovely UK 97 in red with tan and just 35k on the clock!
I need to do a service and get the chassis and sills checked but then I can make a start on some basic improvements.

My first two will most likely be exhaust and suspension and in both cases I'd be looking for noticeable but subtle improvement. For the exhaust I'm not looking for anything too raucous but do enjoy a more aggressive sound, particularly on the overrun; can anybody recommend any setups at the less expensive end of the spectrum and that will accommodate the longer cat on a 97 car - I'm happy to replace the cat section?

Suspension wise I was looking at the adjustable kyb's as I've heard they are near standard on setting 2 but wouldn't know what springs to go for; that aside I'm open to suggestion but am keen on an adjustable setup that can run a near standard ride for day to day use.

Thanks in advance!
Charlie

[Eighteeteewhy]

Pics please.

[JFReturns]

The MX5Parts SS cat back was fantastic value, probably still is. Loud, but not overly so IMO, but a small number of owners disagreed with me.

I changed my knackered shocks for ebay specials, and found them fantastic. This is a discussion for another thread though (or checking the long running one MX5oc) so won't give any more detail.

[Mellow Matt]

I've been thinking about changing my suspension, and if I take the plunge I reckon I'll be going for the Meister R Zeta-S coilovers.

I've only heard good things said of them; anyone got anything bad to say about them?

[ronime]

Mellow Matt said:

I've been thinking about changing my suspension, and if I take the plunge I reckon I'll be going for the Meister R Zeta-S coilovers.

I've only heard good things said of them; anyone got anything bad to say about them?

You need to relocate the spare wheel on a Mk1. Fasten it down using one of the bolt holes instead of the central spigot.

[Marvindodgers]

I've recently fitted the MX5Parts stainless steel exhaust (single exit) to my Mk1 and have been very pleased with the results. Very well made item that fitted on the car just fine and makes a decent sound, without being deafeningly loud!

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/stainless-steel-exhaust-...

[Tyrewrecker]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

Sorry to Pee on your pistons, but:

I recommend you don't.

I have the SS Mx5 Duallies. Love the look, and even now after alterations, find them too loud.

I poly-bushed it a few years ago too. Quite Crashey.
First things first, I would ensure 15" Rims, and good tyres.

See where you go from there-
On a positive note I gave it a good hoon out today on country roads, and I thought, really - who need more of a car, more BHP ?
At 85 on country roads it really does not need to get faster or harder.

Obviously these country roads were Private ones

The only thing I find is that I want more fun when I am getting to those speeds. Hence BBR would be perfect.

[Tyrewrecker]

Chuck21 said:

Well after more internet searches than I can count and numerous viewings I've finally bought one; its a lovely UK 97 in red with tan and just 35k on the clock!
I need to do a service and get the chassis and sills checked but then I can make a start on some basic improvements.

My first two will most likely be exhaust and suspension and in both cases I'd be looking for noticeable but subtle improvement. For the exhaust I'm not looking for anything too raucous but do enjoy a more aggressive sound, particularly on the overrun; can anybody recommend any setups at the less expensive end of the spectrum and that will accommodate the longer cat on a 97 car - I'm happy to replace the cat section?

Suspension wise I was looking at the adjustable kyb's as I've heard they are near standard on setting 2 but wouldn't know what springs to go for; that aside I'm open to suggestion but am keen on an adjustable setup that can run a near standard ride for day to day use.

Thanks in advance!
Charlie

For suspension, check out performance 5 website.

[A2Z]

I've been meaning to post a thread about late model exhausts for a while.

I have a late '97 with the 475mm cat.

It appears that the only s/s system MX5 parts will do that will fit is

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/stainless-steel-standard...

or you can change the cat. If that is a simple swap for an earlier 440mm cat or if there are some other modification need to be made in order to fit, maybe someone can enlighten us? Also, if the cat is working fine, it's just another expense to get an exhaust to fit.

I could decat, but I'm not sure if I can be arsed to swap it at the MOT.

I did find this however,

http://mongooseexhausts.com/store/shop/mazda-mx5-m...

Never heard one though but they seem to get a good write up.

Anyone got any advice?

[Tyrewrecker]

A2Z said:

I've been meaning to post a thread about late model exhausts for a while.

I have a late '97 with the 475mm cat.

It appears that the only s/s system MX5 parts will do that will fit is

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/stainless-steel-standard...

or you can change the cat. If that is a simple swap for an earlier 440mm cat or if there are some other modification need to be made in order to fit, maybe someone can enlighten us? Also, if the cat is working fine, it's just another expense to get an exhaust to fit.

I could decat, but I'm not sure if I can be arsed to swap it at the MOT.

I did find this however,

http://mongooseexhausts.com/store/shop/mazda-mx5-m...

Never heard one though but they seem to get a good write up.

Anyone got any advice?

Unlucky - this one is 40 quid cheaper(up to 96) and on the basis of this thread I have just ordered!
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/stainless-steel-exhaust-...

Order the first one, I wouldn't bother spending 400 on a mongoose.

[Tyrewrecker]

To de-rail in typical PH fashion. Has anyone used these pads? Good for track?
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/discs-pads-package-deal-...

[A2Z]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

I bought the more General size to suit the other Cat size, and cut / shut the centre pipe to the right length. A lot cheaper and allowed access to a range of supplies / Pipes.

Interesting. Thanks.

Did you use a fabricator to do it (cost?) or are you quite handy yourself?

[Mellow Matt]

ronime said:

Mellow Matt said:

I've been thinking about changing my suspension, and if I take the plunge I reckon I'll be going for the Meister R Zeta-S coilovers.

I've only heard good things said of them; anyone got anything bad to say about them?

You need to relocate the spare wheel on a Mk1. Fasten it down using one of the bolt holes instead of the central spigot.

Ah ok, cheers

[Little Bob]

Mellow Matt said:

ronime said:

Mellow Matt said:

I've been thinking about changing my suspension, and if I take the plunge I reckon I'll be going for the Meister R Zeta-S coilovers.

I've only heard good things said of them; anyone got anything bad to say about them?

You need to relocate the spare wheel on a Mk1. Fasten it down using one of the bolt holes instead of the central spigot.

Ah ok, cheers

This is the case with any (easily) adjustable coilovers with the dial on the top of the shock - which is pretty much all of the quality ones.

[Tyrewrecker]

Marvindodgers said:

I've recently fitted the MX5Parts stainless steel exhaust (single exit) to my Mk1 and have been very pleased with the results. Very well made item that fitted on the car just fine and makes a decent sound, without being deafeningly loud!

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/stainless-steel-exhaust-...

Does it pop
N bang?!

[thecremeegg]

I have the MX5parts single exit exhaust with a decat and whatever anyone says, it's loud! Go through town and it becomes apparent....some people don't like the attention you get, I on the other hand do most of the time

[Tyrewrecker]

Mellow Matt said:

ronime said:

Mellow Matt said:

I've been thinking about changing my suspension, and if I take the plunge I reckon I'll be going for the Meister R Zeta-S coilovers.

I've only heard good things said of them; anyone got anything bad to say about them?

You need to relocate the spare wheel on a Mk1. Fasten it down using one of the bolt holes instead of the central spigot.

Ah ok, cheers

You should get the suspension from performance 5 - they know what they are doing

[JFReturns]

[matts4]

Tyrewrecker said:

You should get the suspension from performance 5 - they know what they are doing

Just a shame you can't seem to get hold of it. The reviews would suggest its a great product but supply is an issue.

[snotrag]

I had a rather loud setup on my Mk1.

Fujitsubo Manifold, Mx5Parts Decat and MX5Parts Single exit. So it was all aftermarket front to back, all stainless. It sounded ACE, pops and bangs, even flames when hot. But yes - not for the faint hearted and a more shy/retiring type wouldnt like the noise level particularly on the motorway.

From experience though, its the manifold that made the biggest difference to the 'tone' and type of sound that came out. The difference between CAT or not is not actually that much. If you want a good sound, get a good quality (Japanese) manifold first and work backwards.


little video here, tiny microphone doesnt really do the noise justice though. You can here the popping and burbling though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V31JDe5Q7VM&fea...


I've just been out in my MK2 earlier today and I've decided that the lack of noise is half the reason I find it a bit less exciting at the moment. so loud exhauast and decat on the cards after MOT time next month!