Mk3.5 MX-5 Supercharged Best Base Model?
Discussion
Could someone please guide me on the MX-5 NC Mk3.5 (post-2008)variants?
I'm looking at picking up a 2.0L model to supercharge and I want to make sure that I get the right base model.
So, I'm picking the largest engine size and Mk3.5 (post 2008)due to the higher rev limit, but are their models within this range that have different power outputs, or are they all the same?
I've seen adverts quoting anything from 124 bhp to 158 bhp for the 2.0L?
Also, are there any models that have superior brakes or dampers etc?
Many thanks for any advice offered.
I'm looking at picking up a 2.0L model to supercharge and I want to make sure that I get the right base model.
So, I'm picking the largest engine size and Mk3.5 (post 2008)due to the higher rev limit, but are their models within this range that have different power outputs, or are they all the same?
I've seen adverts quoting anything from 124 bhp to 158 bhp for the 2.0L?
Also, are there any models that have superior brakes or dampers etc?
Many thanks for any advice offered.
Great, thanks.
So, how do I verify that a car advertised as a Sport is actually a Sport?
I assume the Bilstein dampers are yellow, so I should be able to sneak a peak under the wheel arches and check, but what about from an advert (I'm loathed to travel to see a mis-described car)?
Do they have unique alloys, or some other visible feature?
Take this car for example:
So, how do I verify that a car advertised as a Sport is actually a Sport?
I assume the Bilstein dampers are yellow, so I should be able to sneak a peak under the wheel arches and check, but what about from an advert (I'm loathed to travel to see a mis-described car)?
Do they have unique alloys, or some other visible feature?
Take this car for example:
I think the 6 speed gearbox might be the best give away. 
(I think that only comes with the sport....)
But yes the billies are yellow.
Plus that's a MK3 you have pictured there. The 3.5 has a different bumper on it.
(Seems like 3.5 sports are called "Sport Tech", boggo MK3 like mine is just "Sport")
(I think that only comes with the sport....)But yes the billies are yellow.
Plus that's a MK3 you have pictured there. The 3.5 has a different bumper on it.
(Seems like 3.5 sports are called "Sport Tech", boggo MK3 like mine is just "Sport")
Just to add - don't discount a non-sport (2.0) - the engine is same, and it has an LSD, so has the key bits. The sport just adds the 6-speed box, Bilsteins (which you might later swap anyway with a supercharger), heated leather seats and a pretty superfluous front strut brace - oh, and 17" rather than 16" wheels (but all on 205-section tyres).
browno said:
Just to add - don't discount a non-sport (2.0) - the engine is same, and it has an LSD, so has the key bits. The sport just adds the 6-speed box, Bilsteins (which you might later swap anyway with a supercharger), heated leather seats and a pretty superfluous front strut brace - oh, and 17" rather than 16" wheels (but all on 205-section tyres).
Great, thanks. What are the other differences between the Sport and non-Sport 2.0 (is it called an "SE")?
Are the engine and rpm limit identical?
I think the Bilsteins and 6 speed make the Sport the attractive option, not overly fussed about the wheels either way. The heated seats will make it an easier sell to the wife too.
I could also be tempted by a Roadster Coupe (folding hard top). Is there anything I need to know (relevant to supercharging) about the differences between those and a Sport?
Good luck with the project, let us know how you get on. It's something I've always thought about, see here -
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
scz4 said:
Good luck with the project, let us know how you get on. It's something I've always thought about, see here -
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I read your thread a couple of days ago and have now bumped it to see how steveti is getting on with his. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It seems there aren't many of these conversions around in the UK and there are concerns about their reliability when pushed hard?
Reading around on the Miata forum it seems that Flyin Miata sell a rebranded Cosworth Supercharger kit and that seems to get good reviews?
From when I was looking at getting mine it seemed like the Sport Tech had all the 6 speed gearbox, the Bilsteins, the bigger wheels and all the bling over the 2.0 SE, I wouldn't be fussed either way on them for supercharging, as you'll probably want to sort the suspension out anyway, as it is still a bit high.
Craikeybaby said:
From when I was looking at getting mine it seemed like the Sport Tech had all the 6 speed gearbox, the Bilsteins, the bigger wheels and all the bling over the 2.0 SE, I wouldn't be fussed either way on them for supercharging, as you'll probably want to sort the suspension out anyway, as it is still a bit high.
The car will primarily be used on the road, so I may well drop some lowering springs on, but that will probably be the limit of suspension tuning, so starting with the Bilstein dampers will definitely be an advantage. I also like the idea of the 6 speed gearbox, I'm assuming this is paired with a lower final drive LSD (as with the Mk 2), so this is also a benefit.
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