Attempting to build the perfect daily - 98 MX5 RS
Discussion
After posting a 'what car' thread, where a list of virtually impossible to achieve desires was listed, the shortlist of cars to look at grew. However, in a fit of clear fate, a car I'd sourced for a good mate a couple of years ago came up at a really cheap (too cheap, but he was desperate to get rid as his new car had arrived...). Original list included TVR T350, Elise, Caterham, Ginetta, etc. Have decided there's a lot of enjoyment creating something out of humble beginnings, plus there should be plenty left in the pot for either a decent holiday for the family, or a Phaeton. 
Bit about the car. Not a limited edition, but still pretty rare, the RS was a Japanese trim level that actually had some nice touches - 6 speed close ratio box, lower final drive torsen diff, bilstein dampers, and a few other bits. This one is in Montego Blue, which they only did for a year or two (I believe it was costly to apply), and has had some great work done on it. Fully rebuilt engine, half cage, Gaz Gold Pro shocks. Generally really well looked after (before my mate!) and assumed to be a PHer (you'll see why in a sec). Plan is to get it sorted from a body and handling perspective, sell my GTM (sniff, sniff), then give it a blower job. Few little touches here and there should make it lovely to look at and sit in. There's no rush, aim is to do this properly.
It's turned up on my drive...
Private plate needs to come off - paperwork is with dvla, just waiting on new logbook. Drove back from friendly mot centre on trade plates.
First things first, a decent clean and check over.
Cost centre three approves, although is sad that 'Lightening McQueen', my GTM, will be going.
Starting well:
Wheels need a refurb (I bought these new for my Eunos, the first set in Europe. In the intervening time they've been owned by three friends, and the centre caps have gone awol) - bought some dremel scotchbrite drums, they don't last long so will be ordering some wet n dry sheets.
Front wing needs replacing, and offside sill needs attention:
Also, now it's had all the filler filled polish removed, seventeen year old paint in desperate need of a full correction polish (handy I spent a fortune on a full kit at FoS then!). Will be held off until the bodywork is done by the MX5 Restorer.
Everyone loves a list!
Foamectomy done as temporary improvement until I've tried some different seats (more importantly, my OH has - she has a genetic condition effecting her joints so needs additional support to ensure her hips don't dislocate (a daily occurrence)). No pics, as it's a bloody boring job!
Few questions:
Is the mk2.5 console a direct replacement or do I need any other bits? Twenty odd quid on the bay of e looks like a nice way to smarten up the trans tunnel whilst giving more practical cubbies.
Driver's window doesn't work, and can be manually pushed/pulled up and down. Had the door card off and the cable is hooked up, when the switch in depressed there's a whirring sound but no movement - any clues?
Gaz Gold Pro - they've been messed with by a 'normal' garage to prevent grounding on speed bumps. As a result, the ride height is 325mm rear, 320mm front, but on going over a bump the suspension 'collapses' very quickly. Thought is that the rebound damping has been wound right down, and so the shock isn't extending back quick enough. Any guide on how to get them back into a 'typical' starting setup for ride height and damping?
Best discs/pads for front and rear? Fast road and very occasionally track use... OEM discs and mintex 1144 pads have been suggested.
Aim is to get the simple things on the list done before the 20th (it'll be tough, mental week at work ahead, a week's holiday in Norfolk, two kids and a missus to keep amused, etc.!). Off to Gareth in the morning for full alignment and body/chassis check, then up to Brackley to meet up with the Nutz crowd (who were great when I had my Eunos a few years ago, even if I never did make it to a meet!).
Oh, and have decided rotrex, but waiting on the new kits to be released from Jackson Racing and TDR. The TDR one looks really blooming nice - solid bracketry etc. Hopefully UK based installers and support...
Bit about the car. Not a limited edition, but still pretty rare, the RS was a Japanese trim level that actually had some nice touches - 6 speed close ratio box, lower final drive torsen diff, bilstein dampers, and a few other bits. This one is in Montego Blue, which they only did for a year or two (I believe it was costly to apply), and has had some great work done on it. Fully rebuilt engine, half cage, Gaz Gold Pro shocks. Generally really well looked after (before my mate!) and assumed to be a PHer (you'll see why in a sec). Plan is to get it sorted from a body and handling perspective, sell my GTM (sniff, sniff), then give it a blower job. Few little touches here and there should make it lovely to look at and sit in. There's no rush, aim is to do this properly.
It's turned up on my drive...
Private plate needs to come off - paperwork is with dvla, just waiting on new logbook. Drove back from friendly mot centre on trade plates.
First things first, a decent clean and check over.
Cost centre three approves, although is sad that 'Lightening McQueen', my GTM, will be going.
Starting well:
Wheels need a refurb (I bought these new for my Eunos, the first set in Europe. In the intervening time they've been owned by three friends, and the centre caps have gone awol) - bought some dremel scotchbrite drums, they don't last long so will be ordering some wet n dry sheets.
Front wing needs replacing, and offside sill needs attention:
Also, now it's had all the filler filled polish removed, seventeen year old paint in desperate need of a full correction polish (handy I spent a fortune on a full kit at FoS then!). Will be held off until the bodywork is done by the MX5 Restorer.
Everyone loves a list!
Foamectomy done as temporary improvement until I've tried some different seats (more importantly, my OH has - she has a genetic condition effecting her joints so needs additional support to ensure her hips don't dislocate (a daily occurrence)). No pics, as it's a bloody boring job!
Few questions:
Is the mk2.5 console a direct replacement or do I need any other bits? Twenty odd quid on the bay of e looks like a nice way to smarten up the trans tunnel whilst giving more practical cubbies.
Driver's window doesn't work, and can be manually pushed/pulled up and down. Had the door card off and the cable is hooked up, when the switch in depressed there's a whirring sound but no movement - any clues?
Gaz Gold Pro - they've been messed with by a 'normal' garage to prevent grounding on speed bumps. As a result, the ride height is 325mm rear, 320mm front, but on going over a bump the suspension 'collapses' very quickly. Thought is that the rebound damping has been wound right down, and so the shock isn't extending back quick enough. Any guide on how to get them back into a 'typical' starting setup for ride height and damping?
Best discs/pads for front and rear? Fast road and very occasionally track use... OEM discs and mintex 1144 pads have been suggested.
Aim is to get the simple things on the list done before the 20th (it'll be tough, mental week at work ahead, a week's holiday in Norfolk, two kids and a missus to keep amused, etc.!). Off to Gareth in the morning for full alignment and body/chassis check, then up to Brackley to meet up with the Nutz crowd (who were great when I had my Eunos a few years ago, even if I never did make it to a meet!).
Oh, and have decided rotrex, but waiting on the new kits to be released from Jackson Racing and TDR. The TDR one looks really blooming nice - solid bracketry etc. Hopefully UK based installers and support...
MT - will do. You've made me start thinking of the odd sprint... You're a bad influence!
Geek - cheers, I'll drop them a line. Don't fancy getting me a discount on a refurb do you?!
In other news, first parcel arrived today from Amazon - some rustoleum primer and satin black. All the things that should be black, will be black again...
Geek - cheers, I'll drop them a line. Don't fancy getting me a discount on a refurb do you?!
In other news, first parcel arrived today from Amazon - some rustoleum primer and satin black. All the things that should be black, will be black again...
Looks like a cracking little project you've got there, having had an ex-girlfriend with this model I can attest to its 'borrowability'.
However, experience also tells me that it's a bloody awful choice for a decent daily drive. Freezing/frozen in winter, excessive noise at motorway speed, tiny fuel tank, relatively poor economy and small boot would be the things that put me off - each to their own, of course.
However, experience also tells me that it's a bloody awful choice for a decent daily drive. Freezing/frozen in winter, excessive noise at motorway speed, tiny fuel tank, relatively poor economy and small boot would be the things that put me off - each to their own, of course.
Dave200 said:
Looks like a cracking little project you've got there, having had an ex-girlfriend with this model I can attest to its 'borrowability'.
However, experience also tells me that it's a bloody awful choice for a decent daily drive. Freezing/frozen in winter, excessive noise at motorway speed, tiny fuel tank, relatively poor economy and small boot would be the things that put me off - each to their own, of course.
Indeed - take a look at my profile for the current daily - this is bloody civilized in comparison! This week I ticked over the 20k mark in my ownership...However, experience also tells me that it's a bloody awful choice for a decent daily drive. Freezing/frozen in winter, excessive noise at motorway speed, tiny fuel tank, relatively poor economy and small boot would be the things that put me off - each to their own, of course.
Geeks - thanks for the offer, but I couldn't take advantage of your friendship for my gain. If they need refurbing they'll get it at normal rates, although I doubt they'll need it for a year or two.
Looking for scotchbrite to finish off the wheel rim refurb. Have various grades of wet'n'dry, and my quick test with dremel based discs shows me that it'll be pretty simple (if laborious) to clean off the lacquer and corrosion. However, I'd like a nice finish, and so I've been told scotchbrite is the answer.
Looking online there's a myriad of types/prices/colours/etc. Don't want a mirror polish, but a nice lightly brushed finish - what do I need? Amazon link would be very helpful.
Hopefully gonna be painting bits tonight - whip them off, quick scratchup then prime tonight, then satin black tomorrow for refitting on Friday. At least, that's the plan...
Sway said:
MT - will do. You've made me start thinking of the odd sprint... You're a bad influence!
What can I say? In Bristol we run an MX5 Championship http://bristolmc.org.uk/mx5challenge/ Clearly you're a bit far away but your local club is likely to either run something similar or at least have a classification that you can slot into.
Not too expensive and you just need a couple of bits like helmet, gloves and overalls.
MX5s are awesome fun
Sway said:
Dave200 said:
Looks like a cracking little project you've got there, having had an ex-girlfriend with this model I can attest to its 'borrowability'.
However, experience also tells me that it's a bloody awful choice for a decent daily drive. Freezing/frozen in winter, excessive noise at motorway speed, tiny fuel tank, relatively poor economy and small boot would be the things that put me off - each to their own, of course.
Indeed - take a look at my profile for the current daily - this is bloody civilized in comparison! This week I ticked over the 20k mark in my ownership...However, experience also tells me that it's a bloody awful choice for a decent daily drive. Freezing/frozen in winter, excessive noise at motorway speed, tiny fuel tank, relatively poor economy and small boot would be the things that put me off - each to their own, of course.
Geeks - thanks for the offer, but I couldn't take advantage of your friendship for my gain. If they need refurbing they'll get it at normal rates, although I doubt they'll need it for a year or two.
Looking for scotchbrite to finish off the wheel rim refurb. Have various grades of wet'n'dry, and my quick test with dremel based discs shows me that it'll be pretty simple (if laborious) to clean off the lacquer and corrosion. However, I'd like a nice finish, and so I've been told scotchbrite is the answer.
Looking online there's a myriad of types/prices/colours/etc. Don't want a mirror polish, but a nice lightly brushed finish - what do I need? Amazon link would be very helpful.
Hopefully gonna be painting bits tonight - whip them off, quick scratchup then prime tonight, then satin black tomorrow for refitting on Friday. At least, that's the plan...
I have no hair to cut.
I'm prepared to be told that both sills are completely rotten, the rear arches need doing and the front chassis rails are made of Swiss cheese when I take it for inspection in a couple of weeks time. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Helps sweeten the pill if the news is expensive. So maybe not that tidy for the age!
In classic 'about to go on holiday so work is mental preparing for me to forget about it' mode, I'm one day into my plan, and one day behind. f
k it, if necessary I've got four straight days to get the bulk of my initial list done before taking it across for inspection (and it's first meet same day).
Doing lots of reading on various engine options. I think that I'm currently planning:
Rotrex c30-94 supercharger
Chargecooler
Injectors
MS3 or the new ME211 ecu
Air con delete
Plus a few other odds and sods should net me a nice 230bhp with great throttle response and subtle sound. Not sure whether I'll need to uprate valves/springs but think I'll benefit from a raised rev limit considering increased power and low final drive?
Body/chassis is primary objective however at the moment. Looking for wishbones etc. to clean up and rebush (really not sure whether I'm going superpro poly or oem rubber considering the miles I do). Plan is get everything needed sorted by end of September, sell the Libra then start acquiring engine bits ready for installation between Christmas and new year.
I'm prepared to be told that both sills are completely rotten, the rear arches need doing and the front chassis rails are made of Swiss cheese when I take it for inspection in a couple of weeks time. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Helps sweeten the pill if the news is expensive. So maybe not that tidy for the age!
In classic 'about to go on holiday so work is mental preparing for me to forget about it' mode, I'm one day into my plan, and one day behind. f
k it, if necessary I've got four straight days to get the bulk of my initial list done before taking it across for inspection (and it's first meet same day).Doing lots of reading on various engine options. I think that I'm currently planning:
Rotrex c30-94 supercharger
Chargecooler
Injectors
MS3 or the new ME211 ecu
Air con delete
Plus a few other odds and sods should net me a nice 230bhp with great throttle response and subtle sound. Not sure whether I'll need to uprate valves/springs but think I'll benefit from a raised rev limit considering increased power and low final drive?
Body/chassis is primary objective however at the moment. Looking for wishbones etc. to clean up and rebush (really not sure whether I'm going superpro poly or oem rubber considering the miles I do). Plan is get everything needed sorted by end of September, sell the Libra then start acquiring engine bits ready for installation between Christmas and new year.
Hey Lee, thanks. Hoping it'll be fun yet relatively tame in the deep dark depths of winter on unfamiliar roads...
Not me I'm afraid - mine is red, as per about 90% of Libras it seems! If I remember correctly, yours had the little engine originally and you had the VVC put in along with the better dash etc.?
Not me I'm afraid - mine is red, as per about 90% of Libras it seems! If I remember correctly, yours had the little engine originally and you had the VVC put in along with the better dash etc.?
Sway said:
Body/chassis is primary objective however at the moment. Looking for wishbones etc. to clean up and rebush (really not sure whether I'm going superpro poly or oem rubber considering the miles I do). Plan is get everything needed sorted by end of September, sell the Libra then start acquiring engine bits ready for installation between Christmas and new year.
I'm in the middle of sorting out the suspension on my 1.6 NA, have Gaz Gold Pro coil overs, front fitted, and am working out what to do about bushes. I had/have been offered a Polybushed set of wishbones but the perceived wisdom seems to be that the IL Motorsport bush set (MX5 Parts) is a good option. So I think I'll be looking for some s/h wishbones and swap them out.Will be following your engine plans, supercharger would be nice.
Progress has been slow - work and holiday put paid to a lot of my plans...
Insured it yesterday and took it to Garath at the MX5 Restorer - really nice chaps and know more about rusty Japanese tin than anyone.
Needed a new cam cover gasket - pools of oil in the spark plug wells, but otherwise a normal service. Then full rust inspection. As mentioned above, I was prepared to be told the sills, arches and chassis rails would need doing, in the event it only needs both sills, and one rear arch. Result.
Booked in for that to be done along with wing repair ('new' second hand wrong bought yesterday) and full underseal/cavity wax at the end of October. Buggered plans a little as the aim was to have sold the Libra by the end of September. Oh well.
Today, I swapped the centre console for a mk2.5 one. So much nicer, and very cheap.
Old and New:
Next job is a wheel refurbish. Or replacement of both window motors and regulators, depending on what I find time to do. It desperately needs a machine polish too, but don't know if I can be arsed when it's booked in for body work. If I leave it it's unlikely I'll get appropriate weather until spring...
Insured it yesterday and took it to Garath at the MX5 Restorer - really nice chaps and know more about rusty Japanese tin than anyone.
Needed a new cam cover gasket - pools of oil in the spark plug wells, but otherwise a normal service. Then full rust inspection. As mentioned above, I was prepared to be told the sills, arches and chassis rails would need doing, in the event it only needs both sills, and one rear arch. Result.
Booked in for that to be done along with wing repair ('new' second hand wrong bought yesterday) and full underseal/cavity wax at the end of October. Buggered plans a little as the aim was to have sold the Libra by the end of September. Oh well.
Today, I swapped the centre console for a mk2.5 one. So much nicer, and very cheap.
Old and New:
Next job is a wheel refurbish. Or replacement of both window motors and regulators, depending on what I find time to do. It desperately needs a machine polish too, but don't know if I can be arsed when it's booked in for body work. If I leave it it's unlikely I'll get appropriate weather until spring...
jumare said:
Sway said:
Body/chassis is primary objective however at the moment. Looking for wishbones etc. to clean up and rebush (really not sure whether I'm going superpro poly or oem rubber considering the miles I do). Plan is get everything needed sorted by end of September, sell the Libra then start acquiring engine bits ready for installation between Christmas and new year.
I'm in the middle of sorting out the suspension on my 1.6 NA, have Gaz Gold Pro coil overs, front fitted, and am working out what to do about bushes. I had/have been offered a Polybushed set of wishbones but the perceived wisdom seems to be that the IL Motorsport bush set (MX5 Parts) is a good option. So I think I'll be looking for some s/h wishbones and swap them out.Will be following your engine plans, supercharger would be nice.
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