Fancy an mx5, got a question

[LeeBash]

Afternoon all,

Went on one of these drift experience days a few weeks back and got to drive a mk2 mx5, came away wanting one and to top it off my mate at work has a mk1 mx5 too.

Problem is, at 6'5 it was a squeeze- the mk2 I drove at the drift experience was ok ish, however my knees were up very high- i couldn't move my hands around the wheel properly without letting go, and my right knee was firmly wedged between the wheel and the door card, left knee being the same but with the centre console. Door wouldn't close properly unless I had my legs in a specific way.

My mates mk1, again my knees being high are a massive issue- to the point I don't think I could drive it at all.

So my main question is, is there anything I can do about this? Wouldn't be driving too far in it, it'd be a weekend play thing, all it would take is for the seat to go backwards and down a bit, or for the wheel to go up slightly- not sure if the column is adjustable?

Cheers!

[Munter]

I don't think you'll gain enough space to be comfortable. But look up "foamectomy".

[anonymous-user]

Bucket seats and no runners, with smaller wheel?

[MX-5 Lazza]

Lotus Elise S2 seats bolted to the floor would get you low enough and are decent enough for some track use. I'm 6'2" and had room to spare when I had some in mine.

[Lazygraduate]

I'm 6ft2 and wearing a jacket or not is enough to make the difference between gettting back ache on 30min+ journeys. It's that tight for me. But then again new seats might help...

ETA must admit I didn't read your post properly. Regarding your legs and the steering wheel and lower seats I have no idea. Sorry!

[tallstevef]

I had exactly the same experience as the OP with a MK2 MX5, I'm 6ft 6 and had all the issues mentioned - plus you might find (as did I) that you can't actually can't take your left foot off the clutch peddle as there isn't any room to put it! It can get quite sore after a long run!

I had mine for 2 or 3 years and just put up with it - was a fun car to drive, and for the most part I was doing small journeys with occasional motorway stuff (which hurt!).

Steering column isn't adjustable (as far as I remember!)

Maybe swapping to a aftermarket seat? Smaller steering wheels are common too which might give more knee / hand room

Good luck - I'm still trying to find a suitable replacement for my old one!

Edited by tallstevef on Sunday 3rd February 09:43

[JonnyFive]

Have you tried removing the foot rest next to the cluch? Quite abit more room without it there for your left foot.

[lilwashu]

I think the steering column goes up and down, but not very far up.

[JonnyFive]

lilwashu said:

I think the steering column goes up and down, but not very far up.

Not until the MK3..

[Sad Weevil]

Have a look at this:

http://forum.jassperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=1...

[kazman]

Foamectomy makes a really big difference, providing more leg room getting your head below the roof line!
I'm 6'3, and with the mod I can fit in with a helmet on and the roof up.
As always, it will depend somewhat on leg:torso ratio.

[LeeBash]

Cheers for the replies- something to think about! like I've said, it won't be for a while- I'm getting a daily driver first and I'd have to part with my current car which might take some doing, although im in the same position there, its not the most comfortable to drive but I've made do with it and its still a hoot to drive.

My mate reckons he might get lotus seats for his soon so I'll try it then and see.