Mazda MX5 mk2.5 1.8 - crystal blue
Discussion
Following up my recent post about my 996 C4S, I thought I'd update with the latest addition to my fleet after a Saturday beer influenced eBay session!
The car is a Crystal Blue (I think) Mk2.5, 1.8 with 147K miles and came in at a very reasonable price.
My intention is to turn the car into a dedicated track car as I have the 911 for day to day and road thrills.
Had a quick trawl through the history last night which seems pretty good and shows 3 cambelt changes in the right spots for the mileage/age. I'll be giving the car a basic service in the next week or so and refreshing the fluids. Then the track build will begin once I decide on parts/spec - advice on that welcomed.
Here are some pictures taken bright and early this morning (First chance I had to view the car as arrived last night in the dark after my Dad collected it during the day with his trailer while I was at work).
030 by rich_irons, on Flickr
025 by rich_irons, on Flickr
040 by rich_irons, on Flickr
Having now seen the car in the flesh (and in the light!) I'm very happy with my purchase. There is a small (50p size) rust spot on the driver's side rear arch and a small scuff on the rear bumper. The arches all feel very solid, but yet to get the car in the air to check the sills and front rails. No advisories on the MOT that was renewed in Feb, so should be in fine health.
Not so sure about the big 17"s - they are very much in need of a refurb and in all likelihood I'll be getting shot of them and replacing with some 15s with track rubber. Looks like it also has a nice Nardi wheel and the Alpine head unit has an iPod connection - although the full stereo will be going. Seems to be missing a rear view mirror though - so best get one of those.
Any hints/tips about ownership or converting to track use will be welcomed.
Once I start work on the car I'll post some updates and progress pictures.
Rich
The car is a Crystal Blue (I think) Mk2.5, 1.8 with 147K miles and came in at a very reasonable price.
My intention is to turn the car into a dedicated track car as I have the 911 for day to day and road thrills.
Had a quick trawl through the history last night which seems pretty good and shows 3 cambelt changes in the right spots for the mileage/age. I'll be giving the car a basic service in the next week or so and refreshing the fluids. Then the track build will begin once I decide on parts/spec - advice on that welcomed.
Here are some pictures taken bright and early this morning (First chance I had to view the car as arrived last night in the dark after my Dad collected it during the day with his trailer while I was at work).
030 by rich_irons, on Flickr
025 by rich_irons, on Flickr
040 by rich_irons, on Flickr
Having now seen the car in the flesh (and in the light!) I'm very happy with my purchase. There is a small (50p size) rust spot on the driver's side rear arch and a small scuff on the rear bumper. The arches all feel very solid, but yet to get the car in the air to check the sills and front rails. No advisories on the MOT that was renewed in Feb, so should be in fine health.
Not so sure about the big 17"s - they are very much in need of a refurb and in all likelihood I'll be getting shot of them and replacing with some 15s with track rubber. Looks like it also has a nice Nardi wheel and the Alpine head unit has an iPod connection - although the full stereo will be going. Seems to be missing a rear view mirror though - so best get one of those.
Any hints/tips about ownership or converting to track use will be welcomed.
Once I start work on the car I'll post some updates and progress pictures.
Rich
Ha - yes - it is the only part of the interior (apart from the missing rear view mirror) that seems tatty - perhaps the previous owner had a taste for sprouts!
042 by rich_irons, on Flickr
The bolsters seem pretty good though so just wear on the cloth in those areas.
042 by rich_irons, on Flickr
The bolsters seem pretty good though so just wear on the cloth in those areas.
Yep - looking at wheel and tyre options now. Tempted to go for some matt black rota slipstreams with some Federal 595 RSRs fitted. Will hopefully get a few £££ for the current wheels as there are bound to be some people that think bigger is better.
I'm hoping to get the car up in the air soon so I can check the rails and sills. Fingers crossed they are okay or at least if they are bad, are repairable.
Arrange the insurance yesterday (£310 with planned mods) and just picked up the new tax - so tonight I can actually drive it for the first time.
I'm hoping to get the car up in the air soon so I can check the rails and sills. Fingers crossed they are okay or at least if they are bad, are repairable.
Arrange the insurance yesterday (£310 with planned mods) and just picked up the new tax - so tonight I can actually drive it for the first time.
Bit of an update on this as we've been busy this weekend finishing off the transition to track toy.
photo 1 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 2 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 3 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 4 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 5 by rich_irons, on Flickr
I have fitted the following:
BBS 15" wheels
Federal 595 RSR 195/55/15
Yellow Stuff Pads
Racing brake fluid
Meister R coilovers
Cobra Monaco Pro seats
Vindi Double Retro Rollbar
Fujitsubo Exhaust
Just got to fit the pair of 4 point harnesses (bolts all in place) and book some track time.
photo 1 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 2 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 3 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 4 by rich_irons, on Flickr
photo 5 by rich_irons, on Flickr
I have fitted the following:
BBS 15" wheels
Federal 595 RSR 195/55/15
Yellow Stuff Pads
Racing brake fluid
Meister R coilovers
Cobra Monaco Pro seats
Vindi Double Retro Rollbar
Fujitsubo Exhaust
Just got to fit the pair of 4 point harnesses (bolts all in place) and book some track time.
What do the 1.8's actually go like?
I know people say they're poor compared to the likes of 172/182's and stuff like that which is fair enough but a 140bhp engine coupled with a lightweight car is surely not to be sniffed at.
Sub 8 seconds 0-60 isn't that bad is it.
Really fancy one of these and I love the roll bar and seats in the OP's car.
I know people say they're poor compared to the likes of 172/182's and stuff like that which is fair enough but a 140bhp engine coupled with a lightweight car is surely not to be sniffed at.
Sub 8 seconds 0-60 isn't that bad is it.
Really fancy one of these and I love the roll bar and seats in the OP's car.
Mine is not great (or rubbish) on the straights, and much slower than Clios on straights etc.
However, it is missing the point.
The cars are quick enough to have lots (and lots) of fun.
Depending what mood I am in on track, I either run R888s for pure grip, followed by horrid slides (bite hard), or my Nankangs - no grip, understeer but with some agressive driving, fun handling.
However, it is missing the point.
The cars are quick enough to have lots (and lots) of fun.
Depending what mood I am in on track, I either run R888s for pure grip, followed by horrid slides (bite hard), or my Nankangs - no grip, understeer but with some agressive driving, fun handling.
Agreed - it'll never be the fastest car down the straights, but well set up it should be great through the corners.
I toyed with the idea of a 172/182 having owned a 182 back in 2004. However, the higher cost to purchase and the FWD put me off. To be honest, I hadnt really made my mind up fully and only got this car after a beer induced ebay bid.
I toyed with the idea of a 172/182 having owned a 182 back in 2004. However, the higher cost to purchase and the FWD put me off. To be honest, I hadnt really made my mind up fully and only got this car after a beer induced ebay bid.
Great car, I had a crystal blue 1.8i M2.5 from new, in 2002.
Great fun on track, I took mine on a few Lotus on track days, really entertaining fun. Don't put anything too sticky on it though, mine was much more fun on the stock 14" steelies, both on track and in the alps. Much more grip and they just feel underpowered.
Enjoy!
Great fun on track, I took mine on a few Lotus on track days, really entertaining fun. Don't put anything too sticky on it though, mine was much more fun on the stock 14" steelies, both on track and in the alps. Much more grip and they just feel underpowered.
Enjoy!
Does anyone know the paint code for Crystal Blue metallic (as per the MX5)? If I search for it by name it brings up the newer Deep Crystal Blue Mica which is a completely different colour.
Really suits the MX5 and is a VERY close match for my classic car (not an MX5) hence the question.
Really suits the MX5 and is a VERY close match for my classic car (not an MX5) hence the question.
MjWard said:
Does anyone know the paint code for Crystal Blue metallic (as per the MX5)? If I search for it by name it brings up the newer Deep Crystal Blue Mica which is a completely different colour.
Really suits the MX5 and is a VERY close match for my classic car (not an MX5) hence the question.
Paint code should be 23C.Really suits the MX5 and is a VERY close match for my classic car (not an MX5) hence the question.
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