1996 MX-5 1.8iS
Discussion
I've never posted a readers car thread before, having just carried out a few upgrades to my 'fun' car I decided it was about time.
My car, or rather vehicle history, generally follows a tried and tested formula of something practical and economical (often a company car) with something a little more fun alongside for weekends and sunny days. When I was younger most of my fun was had on two wheels; a couple of Honda CBR600's a VFR1000, a triumph TT600, nice import only GSXR400RR and the one I wish I kept... a RGV250 (silly money these days).
My four wheeled forays tended to be 2 seat roadsters; a Mk3 MR2 (leaked a lot of oil), Mk3 MX5 and a 350z shared with my ex wife.
The clue is above, but divorce meant some things had to give and I found myself eventually with only a 1.6TDCi Focus to my name. It was a great car to be honest, well equipped in Titanium trim and very, very cheap to run but it really was dull.
So my solution was a hot hatch... one car to do it all, without the expense of multiple insurance, tax, servicing etc...
The blue 2014 TDCi Titanium (of which I cannot find a single photograph!) was traded in for this;
Rubbish photo but that was the night I picked it up, ST3 (petrol) in Tangerine Scream. I hadn't test driven one of these before I ordered it, which might be considered naive, but my thought process was that the old car with more than double to power would be fine... It's more than fine, it's a brilliant car! OK, it lacks the headline figures of the super hatches (RS, R, AMG etc..) and it might not be as refined as a Golf GTI nor as raw as a Megane but in my humble opinion it makes a truly fantastic daily drive; plenty of power, gadgets, decent ride and handling as well as great seats. The colour and styling is a little marmite, but I love it and have had loads of positive reactions particularly to the colour over the years. Only once did I ever get an overly aggressive plonker in a white diesel audi telling me it 'says everything about me'!
But anyway, after a while I was pretty settled again; new home, new partner; with family, which proved just how much the focus works as an allrounder. I started to hanker after fun car again, something I could tinker with too. I decided on a MX-5, and an older one this time - something for around a grand I decided. Unfortunately it was 2019 by then and Mk1 values were already firming up, plus being late spring didn't help. A quick (not!) trip from the North East to Corby, and after more than tripling my budget I picked up a 96 1.8iS. Not a perfect car but it seemed honest and in good order with very little signs of rust. My dad came with me and drove back in the focus (which he loved) and we met up with my brother in his ND at Leeming Bar for a photo opportunity;
I did unfortunately find it wasn't quite as rust free as hoped on poking round inside the arches, but £400 later my partner and I had a pretty brilliant summer of mazda adventures when work, childcare and weather allowed. We're pretty big parkrun fans so many of our trips incorporated some tourism including trips to the Lake District and North Wales, the car served us well and carried an often impressive amount of kit.
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My car, or rather vehicle history, generally follows a tried and tested formula of something practical and economical (often a company car) with something a little more fun alongside for weekends and sunny days. When I was younger most of my fun was had on two wheels; a couple of Honda CBR600's a VFR1000, a triumph TT600, nice import only GSXR400RR and the one I wish I kept... a RGV250 (silly money these days).
My four wheeled forays tended to be 2 seat roadsters; a Mk3 MR2 (leaked a lot of oil), Mk3 MX5 and a 350z shared with my ex wife.
The clue is above, but divorce meant some things had to give and I found myself eventually with only a 1.6TDCi Focus to my name. It was a great car to be honest, well equipped in Titanium trim and very, very cheap to run but it really was dull.
So my solution was a hot hatch... one car to do it all, without the expense of multiple insurance, tax, servicing etc...
The blue 2014 TDCi Titanium (of which I cannot find a single photograph!) was traded in for this;
Rubbish photo but that was the night I picked it up, ST3 (petrol) in Tangerine Scream. I hadn't test driven one of these before I ordered it, which might be considered naive, but my thought process was that the old car with more than double to power would be fine... It's more than fine, it's a brilliant car! OK, it lacks the headline figures of the super hatches (RS, R, AMG etc..) and it might not be as refined as a Golf GTI nor as raw as a Megane but in my humble opinion it makes a truly fantastic daily drive; plenty of power, gadgets, decent ride and handling as well as great seats. The colour and styling is a little marmite, but I love it and have had loads of positive reactions particularly to the colour over the years. Only once did I ever get an overly aggressive plonker in a white diesel audi telling me it 'says everything about me'!
But anyway, after a while I was pretty settled again; new home, new partner; with family, which proved just how much the focus works as an allrounder. I started to hanker after fun car again, something I could tinker with too. I decided on a MX-5, and an older one this time - something for around a grand I decided. Unfortunately it was 2019 by then and Mk1 values were already firming up, plus being late spring didn't help. A quick (not!) trip from the North East to Corby, and after more than tripling my budget I picked up a 96 1.8iS. Not a perfect car but it seemed honest and in good order with very little signs of rust. My dad came with me and drove back in the focus (which he loved) and we met up with my brother in his ND at Leeming Bar for a photo opportunity;
I did unfortunately find it wasn't quite as rust free as hoped on poking round inside the arches, but £400 later my partner and I had a pretty brilliant summer of mazda adventures when work, childcare and weather allowed. We're pretty big parkrun fans so many of our trips incorporated some tourism including trips to the Lake District and North Wales, the car served us well and carried an often impressive amount of kit.
[url]Unfortunately with lockdown came far less opportunity to use the car, along with more workload and childcare pressures we decided to move house and all spare time was duly consumed with DIY getting the place in top order ready to sell. I also had no off road park there so even simple tasks like washing the car were a chore, sadly this all took it's tole on the little Mazda and by the time our house was sold the car was in need of some attention.
Some scrote nicked the badge from the bonnet, someone else nudged and cracked the number plate holder, a scratch on the bootlid appeared and the wheels which had always needed some attention started to lose air.
A decent clean and polish had the car looking much better after a weekends work;
I was initially going to leave the badge off and stick a plate directly to the bonnet; but I'm nothing if not indecisive! Spotting another original car convinced me to restate plate plinth (though I used my sticky plate) and badge.
I had not long after buying the car picked up a set of later Enkei 15" wheels to give better tyre choice, but changing my mind again I decided I preferred the originals and considering they are the very light hollowspokes decided to refurbish them instead. Selecting the best tyres I could find in that size (Toyo Proxes CF2) the car was once again looking good.
By this time moving day was looming and the car was neglected again for a few weeks, it was only days after moving I realised the MOT was imminently due... in hast I booked it into the local Kwik Fit. Ten minutes into the test the guy called me... 'if you think I'm passing it with that exhaust (IL Motorsport, on when I got it) then think again.. oh and you've a hole in the sill...' Bugger.
Some scrote nicked the badge from the bonnet, someone else nudged and cracked the number plate holder, a scratch on the bootlid appeared and the wheels which had always needed some attention started to lose air.
A decent clean and polish had the car looking much better after a weekends work;
I was initially going to leave the badge off and stick a plate directly to the bonnet; but I'm nothing if not indecisive! Spotting another original car convinced me to restate plate plinth (though I used my sticky plate) and badge.
I had not long after buying the car picked up a set of later Enkei 15" wheels to give better tyre choice, but changing my mind again I decided I preferred the originals and considering they are the very light hollowspokes decided to refurbish them instead. Selecting the best tyres I could find in that size (Toyo Proxes CF2) the car was once again looking good.
By this time moving day was looming and the car was neglected again for a few weeks, it was only days after moving I realised the MOT was imminently due... in hast I booked it into the local Kwik Fit. Ten minutes into the test the guy called me... 'if you think I'm passing it with that exhaust (IL Motorsport, on when I got it) then think again.. oh and you've a hole in the sill...' Bugger.
I got a chance to have a quick look on the ramp and sure enough there was a 50p sized hole on the inside of the sill where it was evident a previous repair had been carried out.
After scratching my head for a few minutes I called Mazdadudes in Darlington who I've followed a while on facebook, a quick call later and I was on my way down.
The initial plan was to cut away and repair the affected (passenger side sill), but while it was there the guys poked around a little underneath and also showed me shiny bits and work they were doing to other cars. I left on the train with the plan now being to cut away and rebuild both sills, a section of the frame rail, drop both subframes to replace with refurbished items and rebush the lot along with fresh underseal/rust treatment. It was going to cost more than I would have liked but I was sure would be worth it.
Then, yet again, I changed my mind! Back in my bike days I did a few trackdays and I've always fancied having a go in a car so decided that I would get the Mazda up to scratch accordingly. I agreed with the guys at Mazdadudes that I would buy most of the bits for them to fit;
First up was brakes, nothing radical, just a refresh with a pad upgrade, new calipers also went on the rear with a refurbished caliper at the front;
Bushes, I was going to go for the IL Motorsport OEM+ style rubber, but in yet another change of mind I cancelled the order and went superpro polypushes - from everything I read they are well designed to retain lubricant and negate the draw backs of poly. Time will tell!
I initially order a set of Meister R Zeta CRD coilovers from Bofi, but found they were not expected in stock for some time, Bofi gave me the option of waiting or they would sort me a set of BC BR series for the same price - after a quick chat with them I plumbed for the BR which offer a slightly stiffer spring set up
A fresh set of droplinks (these were polybushed too) and alignment bolts I thought were also worthwhile whilst the car was in bits;
While I was busy ordering stuff, the guys were busy chopping into the car; it was certainly worse than expected and it appears to have had a poor repair previously;
After scratching my head for a few minutes I called Mazdadudes in Darlington who I've followed a while on facebook, a quick call later and I was on my way down.
The initial plan was to cut away and repair the affected (passenger side sill), but while it was there the guys poked around a little underneath and also showed me shiny bits and work they were doing to other cars. I left on the train with the plan now being to cut away and rebuild both sills, a section of the frame rail, drop both subframes to replace with refurbished items and rebush the lot along with fresh underseal/rust treatment. It was going to cost more than I would have liked but I was sure would be worth it.
Then, yet again, I changed my mind! Back in my bike days I did a few trackdays and I've always fancied having a go in a car so decided that I would get the Mazda up to scratch accordingly. I agreed with the guys at Mazdadudes that I would buy most of the bits for them to fit;
First up was brakes, nothing radical, just a refresh with a pad upgrade, new calipers also went on the rear with a refurbished caliper at the front;
Bushes, I was going to go for the IL Motorsport OEM+ style rubber, but in yet another change of mind I cancelled the order and went superpro polypushes - from everything I read they are well designed to retain lubricant and negate the draw backs of poly. Time will tell!
I initially order a set of Meister R Zeta CRD coilovers from Bofi, but found they were not expected in stock for some time, Bofi gave me the option of waiting or they would sort me a set of BC BR series for the same price - after a quick chat with them I plumbed for the BR which offer a slightly stiffer spring set up
A fresh set of droplinks (these were polybushed too) and alignment bolts I thought were also worthwhile whilst the car was in bits;
While I was busy ordering stuff, the guys were busy chopping into the car; it was certainly worse than expected and it appears to have had a poor repair previously;
As the car would be sitting lower, and be much firmer, a friend suggested I look at the JAS type frame rails. I couldn't see any reason not to, so also ordered a set of these - turns out they were a bit of a faff to fit requiring the seats and carpet out. but I think worth it.
With handback date looming, Mark from Mazdadudes took the car for another MOT - no issues this time! He sent me a couple of shots under the car and of the rebuilt sills, all looking good and he reported the car to drive really well.
The handbrake was adjusted to take up from the pads bedding in and the guys polished the car ready for pick up. So it was back on the train to pick it....
It was a bit of a damp day last Saturday weatherwise, the car still needed an alignment/set up and both Mark and Andy made a point of telling me to go easy with the yellow stuff pads until they had some heat in them so I set of with some trepidation. Initial impressions were that it seemed very low (which I liked), but also that it was still pretty compliant over the bumpy stuff dispelling any concern that the polybushes and firmer spring rates would turn it into some kind of go kart undriveable on the road with out a gum shield. The only time we found it a little harsh was on the A19 going through roadworks where the change in road surface felt a little like dropping off a cliff.
As I started to feel more confident with it I could totally understand why Mark described it as one of the nicest Mk1's they have had through. It feels more planted, corners really flat and yet remains compliant. Brilliant!
Couple of shots when I got home, looking lovely, focus relegated from the drive...
It's off to AK Motorsport next week, for a set up, really excited to see what that brings.
With handback date looming, Mark from Mazdadudes took the car for another MOT - no issues this time! He sent me a couple of shots under the car and of the rebuilt sills, all looking good and he reported the car to drive really well.
The handbrake was adjusted to take up from the pads bedding in and the guys polished the car ready for pick up. So it was back on the train to pick it....
It was a bit of a damp day last Saturday weatherwise, the car still needed an alignment/set up and both Mark and Andy made a point of telling me to go easy with the yellow stuff pads until they had some heat in them so I set of with some trepidation. Initial impressions were that it seemed very low (which I liked), but also that it was still pretty compliant over the bumpy stuff dispelling any concern that the polybushes and firmer spring rates would turn it into some kind of go kart undriveable on the road with out a gum shield. The only time we found it a little harsh was on the A19 going through roadworks where the change in road surface felt a little like dropping off a cliff.
As I started to feel more confident with it I could totally understand why Mark described it as one of the nicest Mk1's they have had through. It feels more planted, corners really flat and yet remains compliant. Brilliant!
Couple of shots when I got home, looking lovely, focus relegated from the drive...
It's off to AK Motorsport next week, for a set up, really excited to see what that brings.
I seem to have slipped under the radar with this thread… but to further update… I dropped the car off for corner weighting and alignment this morning. A few more miles covered and I’m still impressed with how it rides as it stands.
Should have it back early in the week, but while I was there I took the opportunity to discuss timing options; primarily turbo vs. Throttle bodies.
While a turbo would undoubtedly achieve much more impressive figures for similar outlay I think I’m leaning towards throttle bodies. The sound, throttle response and N/A power delivery just really appeal. I need to have a good think though.
Should have it back early in the week, but while I was there I took the opportunity to discuss timing options; primarily turbo vs. Throttle bodies.
While a turbo would undoubtedly achieve much more impressive figures for similar outlay I think I’m leaning towards throttle bodies. The sound, throttle response and N/A power delivery just really appeal. I need to have a good think though.
enjoyed reading that.I've had the car back a few weeks now and enjoyed using it when I can - haven't managed a trackday yet and I think realistically it will be next year now.
Couple of minor issues with the car recently, one of which was definitely my fault! Left the side lights on and totally killed the battery, however on replacing it I realise that the original clamp is actually missing, so while the battery is wedged in it's not very secure.
We took it for a weekend away last week, Sunderland to Skegness - managed to take in a few decent roads and really enjoyed the drive. On the way back however it developed a hot starting issue (we were against the clock to be home for the kids) after stopping for breakfast.
I was convinced it was to do with the ageing Sigma immobiliser, but short on time and losing patience I dropped it with a local auto electrician. Dreading a(nother!) big bill I answer his call to find he'd traced it to the starter motor connections. £80 later and touch wood it seems all good.
I couldn't be happier with how it is driving though, it just feels so much more predictable and feels like you can be so cheeky with the throttle on longer bends and roundabouts.
I have a set of Delrin door bushes to go on and then I think that's it for this year, aside from a decent winter cover - I have a rented garage but it is miles from home
Couple of minor issues with the car recently, one of which was definitely my fault! Left the side lights on and totally killed the battery, however on replacing it I realise that the original clamp is actually missing, so while the battery is wedged in it's not very secure.
We took it for a weekend away last week, Sunderland to Skegness - managed to take in a few decent roads and really enjoyed the drive. On the way back however it developed a hot starting issue (we were against the clock to be home for the kids) after stopping for breakfast.
I was convinced it was to do with the ageing Sigma immobiliser, but short on time and losing patience I dropped it with a local auto electrician. Dreading a(nother!) big bill I answer his call to find he'd traced it to the starter motor connections. £80 later and touch wood it seems all good.
I couldn't be happier with how it is driving though, it just feels so much more predictable and feels like you can be so cheeky with the throttle on longer bends and roundabouts.
I have a set of Delrin door bushes to go on and then I think that's it for this year, aside from a decent winter cover - I have a rented garage but it is miles from home
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