Just bought an NB mk2.5 Sport
Discussion
Hi All,
Just bought myself a little track toy and had a few questions for those in the know. The car is a Sport but the owner was unsure of whether it had an lsd. He mentioned something about knowing from the VIN number but I have never heard of that before - I thought all sport models of the mk2.5 had lsd's, it has the 6sp box and nardi wheel etc.
Also there is a little slack in the drivetrain so I was wondering whether its common for the engine or gearbox mounts to wear and if so what is the best fix - new rubber or poly mounts.
Just bought myself a little track toy and had a few questions for those in the know. The car is a Sport but the owner was unsure of whether it had an lsd. He mentioned something about knowing from the VIN number but I have never heard of that before - I thought all sport models of the mk2.5 had lsd's, it has the 6sp box and nardi wheel etc.
Also there is a little slack in the drivetrain so I was wondering whether its common for the engine or gearbox mounts to wear and if so what is the best fix - new rubber or poly mounts.
I thought as much but its nice to hear it from someone else.
I think either one of the rear wheel bearings is failing, the exhaust is lightly touching the bodywork or the diff oil needs replacing as there is a an odd noise from the rear that seemingly is at its worst at around 30mph. I need to get a specialist to give it a look over I reckon - my near east one seems to be Rotechnics but one of my friends had an issue with them years ago which makes me wonder if I should go elsewhere - any suggestions of people near Reading that are good for Mazda work?
I think either one of the rear wheel bearings is failing, the exhaust is lightly touching the bodywork or the diff oil needs replacing as there is a an odd noise from the rear that seemingly is at its worst at around 30mph. I need to get a specialist to give it a look over I reckon - my near east one seems to be Rotechnics but one of my friends had an issue with them years ago which makes me wonder if I should go elsewhere - any suggestions of people near Reading that are good for Mazda work?
Hey Lazza
I am very close to you in that case - just off the A327 - I'd like to take a look at your car sometime it looks like a beast!! I really like the front plate too - was it an easy fit and have you had any grief from BiB? I went to Rotechniks yesterday and they diagnosed a rear wheel bearing. They also said the rear gearbox seal was weeping so that needs changing too. I got a good look at the underside and its in very good shape - I'll spray some por15 all over it to keep the salt from it though.
Ordered some diff oil last night - went with Mobil 1. Also ordered some Yokohama's, osram diadem bulbs for the front indicators, new leather gaitor and handbrake cover in black with red stitching and some clear side indicators. Hopefully this should all reach before the weekend.
Next thing I am looking at doing is the gearbox upper and lower seals and the bush.
I am very close to you in that case - just off the A327 - I'd like to take a look at your car sometime it looks like a beast!! I really like the front plate too - was it an easy fit and have you had any grief from BiB? I went to Rotechniks yesterday and they diagnosed a rear wheel bearing. They also said the rear gearbox seal was weeping so that needs changing too. I got a good look at the underside and its in very good shape - I'll spray some por15 all over it to keep the salt from it though.
Ordered some diff oil last night - went with Mobil 1. Also ordered some Yokohama's, osram diadem bulbs for the front indicators, new leather gaitor and handbrake cover in black with red stitching and some clear side indicators. Hopefully this should all reach before the weekend.
Next thing I am looking at doing is the gearbox upper and lower seals and the bush.
Edited by lordlee on Wednesday 25th September 08:56
Yes, get yourself along to the Bracknell Meet. I've just posted up the details for the next one, which will be on Thursday 17 October.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Skinny has beaten me to it, but I was going to suggest Sparkes Engineering in Bisley. I go to Mazda at Farnham common to get mine serviced, if you don't mind paying extra (but I do get 10% discount for OC membership).
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Skinny has beaten me to it, but I was going to suggest Sparkes Engineering in Bisley. I go to Mazda at Farnham common to get mine serviced, if you don't mind paying extra (but I do get 10% discount for OC membership).
Will be there for the next meet. I think the car should be happier with being seen by then. Why Sparkes over Rotechnics? Do they have a bad rep with MX owners? I have my car booked in there on Tuesday so I have time to shift my business if need be.
Been busy with the car today but without much success - tried to change spark plugs but I need a thinner spark plug tool. Changed the air filter, sidelight bulbs for LED's, clear side indicators with chrome bulbs and some new headlight bulbs.
Been busy with the car today but without much success - tried to change spark plugs but I need a thinner spark plug tool. Changed the air filter, sidelight bulbs for LED's, clear side indicators with chrome bulbs and some new headlight bulbs.
Nice pics 
Did you get the car serviced at Rotechnics? If so, how were they?
They used to be very good but then their prices went up a lot. I believe they have changed hands since then though and I haven't heard anything about them for a few years so it would be good to get some up to date feedback on them.

Did you get the car serviced at Rotechnics? If so, how were they?
They used to be very good but then their prices went up a lot. I believe they have changed hands since then though and I haven't heard anything about them for a few years so it would be good to get some up to date feedback on them.
Hey Lazza, they seemed great but they are expensive on their hourly rate and one thing they did grated a little. When I went there the guy put it on the ramp and had a look over it and diagnosed the wheel bearing. I left there very happy that the car was diagnosed and that I had got see the underneath on a ramp. At no point was this mentioned as chargeable so I was a little unhappy to see it on the bill - if I had gone elsewhere for the work it would have been free (as I had left with no talk of charge) but as I went with them I got charged. Don't get me wrong I know how business works and they are well within their rights to charge me but as a potential long term customer they could have done the diagnostic for free which would have offset the higher hourly charge and I would have left a happier man.
I have booked the car into C&C Sparkes in Bisley for the gearbox seal to be done so at least I can then compare the two experiences and see who I want to use again in the future.
I have booked the car into C&C Sparkes in Bisley for the gearbox seal to be done so at least I can then compare the two experiences and see who I want to use again in the future.
Off to rustmaster in Hatfield soon to get the bottom treated for rust now and in the future. A front sill needs treating too and I'd like the clutch replaced to remove the judder but a lovely wee car none the less. Glad I got one but wasn't expecting to deal with rust on a modern 2003 car. She'll be sweet soon.
This acts as my 2nd car with a GTV cup as the first, the GTV feels massive inside now LOL
I like the idea of having a quickest front wheel car and a rear drive convertible for fun
This acts as my 2nd car with a GTV cup as the first, the GTV feels massive inside now LOL
I like the idea of having a quickest front wheel car and a rear drive convertible for fun
Planet Claire said:
Car looks nice and clear - will we be seeing you at the Bracknell meet next week.
My OH got a quote for his clutch at Rotechnics last year and to be honest it wasn't that much different to quote from the Mazda dealership I go to. Post up your experience of Bisley when you go.
The car is in having some rust treated before the winter salt rears it ugly head so not sure if I'll have the MX ready - I did ask him not to rush the job. If you don't mind a Boxster among the ranks for one meet that would be great!!My OH got a quote for his clutch at Rotechnics last year and to be honest it wasn't that much different to quote from the Mazda dealership I go to. Post up your experience of Bisley when you go.
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