talk to me about mx-5 engines

[Disco You]

I'm talking specifically about the 1.6 engine on UK cars here.

My understanding is: the 1.6 (115bhp) was available on the mk1 from 1989 until mid 1993 when it was replaced by the 1.8

Then it was re-introduced in mid 1995 but it had been detuned to 90 bhp.

Then on the mk2 the 1.6 was 110 bhp.

So I guess my questions are:
Is everything I've said correct?
Is the 1.6 in the mk2 the same 1.6 as in the mk1?
What are the differences between mk2 and mk 2.5s? Is it just a facelift or is there anything else?
And which mx-5s have an LSD?

[NiceCupOfTea]

That sounds broadly corret. IMHO, buy a 1.6 up to 93 and a 1.8 afterwards.

Don't know about engine differences between mk.1 & mk.2 - I think they were basically the same but the mk.2 lost the troublesome hydraulic lifters in lieu of ones that need adjusting occasionally. Power up slightly.

Mk.2-2.5 - again, not entirely sure but I think it's mostly cosmetic and the mk.2.5 has a low fuel light!

As for LSDs, on the Mk.1s I think only imports had them.

[71notout]

I think Mk2/2.5 Sports have LSD

2.5 has different lights to mk2 inc projector style headlight.

Different centre console

Other stuff

[MX-5 Lazza]

Ok, there are a number of questions here so I'll start at the top...

In UK Mk1 1.6 was 114bhp until 94 when it was replaced with 130bhp 1.8. In 95 an 88bhp 1.6 was introduced as a cheaper insurance option.
JDM Mk1 1.6 stayed at 114bhp right through to 98.

Mk2 1.6 is 110bhp and 1.8 is 138bhp. Mk2.5 1.6 is the same 110bhp and 1.8 has 146bhp.

Most JDM Mk1 1.6 have Viscous LSD as do some UK Mk1. All UK Mk1 & Mk2 1.8iS have Torsen LSD - I think all JDM 1.8 have the same but not sure. Mk2.5 Sport has Torsen LSD. Some UK special edition Mk2/2.5s also have Torsen.

There are a number of differences between Mk2 & Mk2.5:
Redesigned front end with new more aggressive styled bumper and improved headlights. 1.8 engine has VVT. Seats have one piece high-back but are also higher which is a problem for some. Stereo is double-din "modular" system. Centre console is remodelled so that the ashtray is positioned annoyingly where your elbow wants to go. Later Mk2.5 has low fuel light and boot light (mine is 2001 and has neither). 1.8 Sport has 16" alloys. Dash has white dials with orange lighting and chrome rings on main dials. Sport has additional chassis bracing.

I'm sure there are other things I've forgotten but I need another drink

[LukeBird]

MX-5 Lazza said:

There are a number of differences between Mk2 & Mk2.5:
...Later Mk2.5 has low fuel light and boot light (mine is 2001 and has neither).

An internal boot light? I have no idea if my car has that!

Mine is a 2003 and has the former though.

[Odie]

The main way of telling a 2 for a 2.5 is the front fog lamps/grilles in the lower part of the front bumper. 2.5 doesn't look as round as the 2.

[MX-5 Lazza]

LukeBird said:

MX-5 Lazza said:

There are a number of differences between Mk2 & Mk2.5:
...Later Mk2.5 has low fuel light and boot light (mine is 2001 and has neither).

An internal boot light? I have no idea if my car has that!

Mine is a 2003 and has the former though.

Not internal - the number plate lights light up when you open the boot

Ooh, I remembered a couple of other things - Mk2.5 Sport has heated leather seats and heated electric mirrors. Also has EBD added to the ABS. Door cards are reshaped. Around 2003 Mk2.5 (I think) swaps the black modular stereo for a silver one.

[LukeBird]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Not internal - the number plate lights light up when you open the boot

I thought you may have meant that! In which case, my car has both.

MX-5 Lazza said:

Ooh, I remembered a couple of other things - Mk2.5 Sport has heated leather seats and heated electric mirrors. Also has EBD added to the ABS. Door cards are reshaped. Around 2003 Mk2.5 (I think) swaps the black modular stereo for a silver one.

Didn't realise it had EBD, I thought it was just ABS. My car is on an '03 plate and has the black stereo as well.

[Disco You]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, some very helpful information.

NiceCupOfTea said:

That sounds broadly corret. IMHO, buy a 1.6 up to 93 and a 1.8 afterwards.

The conclusion that I came to was that if I wanted a 1.6 (which I do) it should either be up to 93 or a mk2.

I'm leaning towards a mk2 as it's much newer, even if pop-up headlights are massive win. I take it that the mk2 1.6 is as good/ nearly as good as the mk 1 1.6?

Also, the differences between the 1.6 and the 1.8 that I understand are:
chassis bracing
brakes.

Now the bracing is pretty easy to bolt on is it? Just go down a scrappy and find one of many broken 1.8s and nab it?
As for the brakes, they use the same callipers and just different discs don't they? So is that just a case of changing the discs (and probably pads) and Bob's your uncle?

[GravelBen]

Disco You said:

Now the bracing is pretty easy to bolt on is it? Just go down a scrappy and find one of many broken 1.8s and nab it?
As for the brakes, they use the same callipers and just different discs don't they? So is that just a case of changing the discs (and probably pads) and Bob's your uncle?

Bracing bolts on easily yes, either from a scrappy or a seller of MX5 bits, there a few different aftermarket brace options.

I think you need a different bracket to fit the caliper onto the 1.8 disk, but tbh I wouldn't worry about it with standard power levels - I never felt the 1.6 brakes to be lacking even with pretty heavy track use, it stopped hard every time without a hint of fade. Just make sure you have decent pads and fluid.

[Evangelion]

If you use the larger 1.8 discs you have to fit 15 inch wheels.

[Howard-]

Evangelion said:

If you use the larger 1.8 discs you have to fit 15 inch wheels.

No you don't, 14s fit fine

[MX-5 Lazza]

With Mk1 it's a close call between early 1.6 & late 1.8 because the early cars are lighter which makes up for having less power. Mk2 the weights are the same so personally I wouldn't consider a 1.6 Mk2.

On Mk2 brakes & chassis bracing is the same - only Mk2.5 1.8 Sport has additional bracing over the "lesser" models.

Mk1 1.8 has bigger callipers than 1.6 as well as bigger discs but you can fit 1.6 callipers with 1.8 pads and fit them to 1.8 brackets so 1.8 discs can be fitted.

1.8 brakes should fit in 14" wheels but not Mk2.5 1.8 Sport brakes.

Oh yes - that's another Mk2.5 1.8 Sport thing; it has bigger brakes

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Sunday 27th June 17:05

[GravelBen]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Oh yes - that's another Mk2.5 1.8 Sport thing; it has bigger brakes

Which can also be fitted to a Mk1

[maser_spyder]

GravelBen said:

MX-5 Lazza said:

Oh yes - that's another Mk2.5 1.8 Sport thing; it has bigger brakes

Which can also be fitted to a Mk1

And a stiffer chassis.

No doubt about it, the 2.5 Sport is the one to go for.

As standard, it's miles better than our early Mk1 1.6 (we have one of each). You need to do quite a lot of mods to an early 1.6 to make it as good as the later 2.5 Sport.

Best way - go out and drive them!