Mk1 MX5 track hack - Quick enough?
Discussion
Hi folks.
I don't fancy taking my E46 M3 on track due to it's weight and cost of tyres, brakes etc. Not to mention the risk of damaging it.
I'm considering picking up a cheap MK1 Eunos and doing some track mods to brakes and suspension etc. My question is, will it be quick enough to be entertaining on track? Anyone offer any advice on this? I don't want to spend all my track time checking my mirrors for people overtaking.
There may be scope in the future to add forced induction but for the time being it will run a standard engine.
Thanks.
I don't fancy taking my E46 M3 on track due to it's weight and cost of tyres, brakes etc. Not to mention the risk of damaging it.
I'm considering picking up a cheap MK1 Eunos and doing some track mods to brakes and suspension etc. My question is, will it be quick enough to be entertaining on track? Anyone offer any advice on this? I don't want to spend all my track time checking my mirrors for people overtaking.
There may be scope in the future to add forced induction but for the time being it will run a standard engine.
Thanks.
It'll be slow releative to the M3 but will surprise you how much speed you cna carry through the bends. It'll teach you to be delicate with your brakes steering throttle so as to conserve momentum. Go for it!
editied to add I took a std eunos to spa with gold track spent most of the time on the limiter but by god it was fun
editied to add I took a std eunos to spa with gold track spent most of the time on the limiter but by god it was fun
Edited by 
boy on Tuesday 15th March 10:51
boy on Tuesday 15th March 10:51I've been tracking a standard Mk1 eunos for a while and never really been bothered about the pace of it, even at the 'ring.
I mostly use Lotus On Track, partly because the driving standards are so good, but also because there are less huge speed differentials.
You might get bored at a 'power' track like Silverstone, but it comes into its own at a place like Brands, Cadwell, Anglesey or Snetterton (especially after the revisions recently).
I mostly use Lotus On Track, partly because the driving standards are so good, but also because there are less huge speed differentials.
You might get bored at a 'power' track like Silverstone, but it comes into its own at a place like Brands, Cadwell, Anglesey or Snetterton (especially after the revisions recently).
I bloody hope so, 'cos I've just bought one!
Had an Elise for a number of years, but the eye watering expense of repairs following a small off track excursion made me think about something cheaper.
Picked a Eunos up for the princely sum of £970 Got a set of Gaz Golds in the garage waiting for me to get some spanner time together, then it just needs new pads before I can start spanking it properly. Can't wait.
Ported etc head will follow later - should still get me plenty of change from the Elise!
Excuse slight (but relevant) thread hijack, can anyone recommend a specialist to do the head work??
Had an Elise for a number of years, but the eye watering expense of repairs following a small off track excursion made me think about something cheaper.
Picked a Eunos up for the princely sum of £970 Got a set of Gaz Golds in the garage waiting for me to get some spanner time together, then it just needs new pads before I can start spanking it properly. Can't wait.
Ported etc head will follow later - should still get me plenty of change from the Elise!
Excuse slight (but relevant) thread hijack, can anyone recommend a specialist to do the head work??
Thanks for the advice.
I used to own a Mk1 RS-Limited which was a cracking car and had 'enough' power for the road, just. Does anyone know if there's a noticeable difference in pace between the 1.6 and 1.8 (both JDM)?
I quite fancy the 1.6 as it's meant to be a little more revvy. I can also bolt on a cheap turbo or SC at a later date as these appear on the second hand market from time to time.
I used to own a Mk1 RS-Limited which was a cracking car and had 'enough' power for the road, just. Does anyone know if there's a noticeable difference in pace between the 1.6 and 1.8 (both JDM)?
I quite fancy the 1.6 as it's meant to be a little more revvy. I can also bolt on a cheap turbo or SC at a later date as these appear on the second hand market from time to time.
I don't think there is a car you can have more fun in for the price. If anything, the low powr will be an asset to you and you'll be able to focus on getting your skills sharpened at a relatively low speed. You'll be able to concentrate on braking points, following the right line, cornering correctly, preserving momentum etc etc.
You may well find that doing things very well at a lower speed is much more exciting than doing them sloppily at higher speeds! And you'll see an improvement in your driving if you take a faster car out too as you've spent time learning the track. They are very popular as tuition cars for this reason.
Not only that, but they're cheap and painless to run, and made for fun. I'd advise you to go with a Mazda!
You may well find that doing things very well at a lower speed is much more exciting than doing them sloppily at higher speeds! And you'll see an improvement in your driving if you take a faster car out too as you've spent time learning the track. They are very popular as tuition cars for this reason.
Not only that, but they're cheap and painless to run, and made for fun. I'd advise you to go with a Mazda!
They are still good fun, but depending on experience you may start to find the lack of pace a frustration after awhile, as said fine on their own on an empty track but you are always looking in your mirrors due to much faster cars on the straights passing and then holding you up in the corners. I sold mine after about 6 track days as I felt I wanted something faster.
mikey P 500 said:
They are still good fun, but depending on experience you may start to find the lack of pace a frustration after awhile, as said fine on their own on an empty track but you are always looking in your mirrors due to much faster cars on the straights passing and then holding you up in the corners. I sold mine after about 6 track days as I felt I wanted something faster.
this is very true. if you are experienced then after a while the lack of power on straights will frustrate you on some tracks. also idiots who dont listen at briefings will pee you off, as you climb all over the back of them on a series of bends only for them to blow you away on each straight.an mx5 tho with 150-200bhp (reliable) would be pretty devastating if set up well. great car for fun and to learn with tho regardless of power. we got rid of ours after a season or two, never let us down and embarrased lots of quick cars on track.
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