Upgrades to make my MK1 Faster.
Discussion
I have a 1991 eunos V-Special
So far I have done the following:
Stainless Steel Twin exit exhaust, Straight through.
Lowered
15inch alloys
front splitter
uprated plugs and leads
major service inc cam belt
K&N cone filter
timing adjusted.
I know have £1000 coming to spend on the MX5 but what I want to know is what can I get for my money to upgrade the power. I am ok to DIY stuff, so if I can do something for 1k thats for me to fit thats ok. If not the 1k is to include someone labour.
I am currently speaking to MX5ives but after your thoughts as well.
Cheers
James
So far I have done the following:
Stainless Steel Twin exit exhaust, Straight through.
Lowered
15inch alloys
front splitter
uprated plugs and leads
major service inc cam belt
K&N cone filter
timing adjusted.
I know have £1000 coming to spend on the MX5 but what I want to know is what can I get for my money to upgrade the power. I am ok to DIY stuff, so if I can do something for 1k thats for me to fit thats ok. If not the 1k is to include someone labour.
I am currently speaking to MX5ives but after your thoughts as well.
Cheers
James
Without blowing my own trumpet, my driving skills are pretty good.
I have done a few tuition track days in caterhams and often go on spirited days out driving with fellow MX5ers from Worcester.
On the twisty roads I can keep up with the MK2's and 3's ok, but its straight line speed that lets my car down.
The old girl just needs some more get up and go.
I have done a few tuition track days in caterhams and often go on spirited days out driving with fellow MX5ers from Worcester.
On the twisty roads I can keep up with the MK2's and 3's ok, but its straight line speed that lets my car down.
The old girl just needs some more get up and go.
If it is simply straight line speed you want, then NOS is a good solution per buck spent. Iknow many people have very divided opinions on NOS. Though I don't currently use it, I do like it & have had quite a bit of fun with it.
There is a lot of ignorance & misinformation about NOS but as is with most power applications, like FI for example, a well set up NOS system does what it says on the tin & won't destroy your engine. Contrary to popular belief, It doesn't actually rely on satanic influence or witchcraft either
There is a lot of ignorance & misinformation about NOS but as is with most power applications, like FI for example, a well set up NOS system does what it says on the tin & won't destroy your engine. Contrary to popular belief, It doesn't actually rely on satanic influence or witchcraft either
Edited by tuttle on Thursday 27th May 16:21
Although there are a few MX5's running high-lift cams and ITB's about, they're few and far between and cost a fair chunk of money.
Since the drivetrain and engine block are so sturdy in the MX5 - they originated from the 323 rally car - a forced induction route is relatively cheap. Plus, if you go down the turbo/supercharger route you'll have scope to upgrade in the future; once you've done your work on a NA engine you're about stuck for getting more power, whereas a basic turbo package can be upgraded with intercoolers, free-flow exhausts, fully managed ECU's and stronger internals taking you up to 300BHP and beyond.
Personally, I'd hang keep saving until a 2nd hand kit is available and then take the plunge. You can use the additional time to save more cash because, lets face it, if you go down a FI route you're going to need to take a good look at the brakes too!
Since the drivetrain and engine block are so sturdy in the MX5 - they originated from the 323 rally car - a forced induction route is relatively cheap. Plus, if you go down the turbo/supercharger route you'll have scope to upgrade in the future; once you've done your work on a NA engine you're about stuck for getting more power, whereas a basic turbo package can be upgraded with intercoolers, free-flow exhausts, fully managed ECU's and stronger internals taking you up to 300BHP and beyond.
Personally, I'd hang keep saving until a 2nd hand kit is available and then take the plunge. You can use the additional time to save more cash because, lets face it, if you go down a FI route you're going to need to take a good look at the brakes too!
There's a few choices...
Super or turbo charger will give you more bangs for your buck, I had one on mine, looking at about 30% or so with the basics
Sell yours and buy one already done?
Get a proven induction kit, ie arc chamber, Jackson racing induction kit and ecu if you want to stay na
Lose weight (from the car, and from you if you're a fat bastarrd)
driver training (but that won't help too much on the straights)
though I have to say, I think the second option is best and aim for one with about 200 bhp or so. Mine had I estimate about 170ish and now I don't have it the only thing I miss was the sound and midrange torque, flat out it still wasn't enormously quick tbh, but your mileage may vary...
Mine is an RS special edition though so 1.8 with the same weight as the early 1.6 and it definitely does not feel slow to me, so a diet could be a worthwhile option...
Super or turbo charger will give you more bangs for your buck, I had one on mine, looking at about 30% or so with the basics
Sell yours and buy one already done?
Get a proven induction kit, ie arc chamber, Jackson racing induction kit and ecu if you want to stay na
Lose weight (from the car, and from you if you're a fat bastarrd)
driver training (but that won't help too much on the straights)
though I have to say, I think the second option is best and aim for one with about 200 bhp or so. Mine had I estimate about 170ish and now I don't have it the only thing I miss was the sound and midrange torque, flat out it still wasn't enormously quick tbh, but your mileage may vary...
Mine is an RS special edition though so 1.8 with the same weight as the early 1.6 and it definitely does not feel slow to me, so a diet could be a worthwhile option...
Edited by pbirkett on Thursday 27th May 17:23
Wilburo said:
What gains can someone see from NA tuning? I appreciate that NA is much more expensive than FI...
Also, one guy on here had individual throttle bodies... I presume that's far from cost effective?
IIRC, WGT Autos had a customer running a highly modified NA 1600 engine. Was running at 170bhp, but had had a LOT of money spent on it (getting close to 5 figures)Also, one guy on here had individual throttle bodies... I presume that's far from cost effective?
Yamaha throttle bodies and some very lumpy cams I believe. The owner used to have a c 500bhp mx5 which some prat smashed into.
One modification that always appealed was a 13b engine. Suits the car perfectly; lightweight, high-reving, powerful.
Hmmm. Perhaps we should get onto Mazda an pitch the MRX5 to them?
jay140285 said:
Without blowing my own trumpet, my driving skills are pretty good.
I have done a few tuition track days in caterhams and often go on spirited days out driving with fellow MX5ers from Worcester.
You're never good enough. Ever. In 2008 I did 12 trackdays (all with at least an hour of instruction) and two trips to the ring. Early 2009 I booked another trackday, and the ex-touring car driver who was my instructor asked to have a go of my car, just to to show me what it could actually do.I have done a few tuition track days in caterhams and often go on spirited days out driving with fellow MX5ers from Worcester.
We were catching everything on track, bar the better driven Caterhams, in a FWD hatchback with 140bhp. His skill was amazing. No matter how good you think you are, there's always room for improvement.
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