Saved from the "Scene" Mk1 MX5 rescue-ish
Discussion
I recently became the (soon to be) proud owner of this...
..."Stance'd", stretched tyres, sticker bombed and plastidip example of a MX5
I'll start with the good.
1.8 UK model.
Coilovers so it's an adjustment away from being okay.
Brake upgrades.
Full Stainless exhaust (no cat' but I can weld a high flow in there before the MOT is due.
Bucket seats.
Purposeful roll cage.
Hard top.
The bad.
9x16 rear wheels with 205 tyres stretched on and so much camber I'm basically driving on the sidewalls.
8x16 front wheels with 195/40/16 all with so much pressure I can run over a catseye and tell if it had been neutered.
Buckets, cage but standards seat belts.
The ugly
Yellow plastidip that has faded so you can see the green under it. In the right light it looks like baby sick.
Not too bad sticker bombing and most of it will come off with the plastidip.
Hand cuffs hanging from the tow eye that sounded like the rear subframe was about to fall off.
After a quick wash and pretty sunset it's not looking that bad at all.
No offense to anyone who likes this sort of thing but it's not for me.
As this car will be replacing my mighty Fiat Bravo track day car I need a few things.
1/ Wheels with tyres that are safe.
2/ Suspension height so I can use it on the road.
3/ Harnesses. Buckets and seat belts are a broken collar bone waiting to happen.
4/ Paint (actual paint not rubbish).
5/ As my mate is doing a V8 MX5 I may need to find some quick bits.
(Quick bits because my Bravo is currently the quicker car so something needs to be done)
That's the introduction. Feel free to add your thoughts comments and ideas. Advice will be greatly appreciated as well as constructive critique.
..."Stance'd", stretched tyres, sticker bombed and plastidip example of a MX5
I'll start with the good.
1.8 UK model.
Coilovers so it's an adjustment away from being okay.
Brake upgrades.
Full Stainless exhaust (no cat' but I can weld a high flow in there before the MOT is due.
Bucket seats.
Purposeful roll cage.
Hard top.
The bad.
9x16 rear wheels with 205 tyres stretched on and so much camber I'm basically driving on the sidewalls.
8x16 front wheels with 195/40/16 all with so much pressure I can run over a catseye and tell if it had been neutered.
Buckets, cage but standards seat belts.
The ugly
Yellow plastidip that has faded so you can see the green under it. In the right light it looks like baby sick.
Not too bad sticker bombing and most of it will come off with the plastidip.
Hand cuffs hanging from the tow eye that sounded like the rear subframe was about to fall off.
After a quick wash and pretty sunset it's not looking that bad at all.
No offense to anyone who likes this sort of thing but it's not for me.
As this car will be replacing my mighty Fiat Bravo track day car I need a few things.
1/ Wheels with tyres that are safe.
2/ Suspension height so I can use it on the road.
3/ Harnesses. Buckets and seat belts are a broken collar bone waiting to happen.
4/ Paint (actual paint not rubbish).
5/ As my mate is doing a V8 MX5 I may need to find some quick bits.
(Quick bits because my Bravo is currently the quicker car so something needs to be done)
That's the introduction. Feel free to add your thoughts comments and ideas. Advice will be greatly appreciated as well as constructive critique.
Today hasn't gone according to play.
"Operation Stancy Pants"
I have won a set of Mk2 Enkei (Ecky Thump?) wheels on eBay as the brakes are either already mk2 or will be later.
The plan was to drive up to Bolton and collect them in person via Sheffield there (Snake road and Snakepass) and Matlock Bath back (A623 and more interesting parts of the A6). Family stuff instead so they are being delivered.
In the mean time I'm raising the suspension 20mm all round so the drive shafts don't rub the adjusters and the front has some travel.
"Operation Stancy Pants"
I have won a set of Mk2 Enkei (Ecky Thump?) wheels on eBay as the brakes are either already mk2 or will be later.
The plan was to drive up to Bolton and collect them in person via Sheffield there (Snake road and Snakepass) and Matlock Bath back (A623 and more interesting parts of the A6). Family stuff instead so they are being delivered.
In the mean time I'm raising the suspension 20mm all round so the drive shafts don't rub the adjusters and the front has some travel.
I have often been told by women that an extra couple of centimeters makes the world of difference. It means I can reach stuff they can't.
Well 20mm added to the ride height all round has transformed the MX5 into a car. High tyre pressure means the handling is still a bit skittish but nowhere near as bad as before and I can hit a bump mid bend without the front wheels leaving the tarmac.
The camber has reduced by a good five or six degrees so the rear tyre is almost on the ground. Looking forward to the Ecky Thump wheels arriving by the weekend.
Well 20mm added to the ride height all round has transformed the MX5 into a car. High tyre pressure means the handling is still a bit skittish but nowhere near as bad as before and I can hit a bump mid bend without the front wheels leaving the tarmac.
The camber has reduced by a good five or six degrees so the rear tyre is almost on the ground. Looking forward to the Ecky Thump wheels arriving by the weekend.
The first of my eBay parts arrived today.
How can you sell a car without a keyfob?
That would have been a deal breaker if I knew about it.
I also peeled the plastisquit from the filler cap to get a preview of what the paintwork could be. I already know or fear the worst that chunks of filler, rust and kebab will come off when I peel the whole car and I'm waiting for the new wheels to arrive to see if I will need to flare the aches before tackling the bodged body but I did not expect to find a half arsed rattle can job on the filler flap.
This does not bode well.
Okay. I like yellow cars but the MX5 was originally green and as plastisquit is a "temporary" coating still green on the log book.
Do I find a nice green or spray the ca yellow with paint?
What do you guys think?
It will not be a Mazda colour or anything too "custom" as there are so many modified MX5's out there I spent an hour on Google searching the colour by name with Miata/Eunos/MX5 in the bar and came with one yellow (that I really like) and a couple of greens that had zero results.
How can you sell a car without a keyfob?
That would have been a deal breaker if I knew about it.
I also peeled the plastisquit from the filler cap to get a preview of what the paintwork could be. I already know or fear the worst that chunks of filler, rust and kebab will come off when I peel the whole car and I'm waiting for the new wheels to arrive to see if I will need to flare the aches before tackling the bodged body but I did not expect to find a half arsed rattle can job on the filler flap.
This does not bode well.
Okay. I like yellow cars but the MX5 was originally green and as plastisquit is a "temporary" coating still green on the log book.
Do I find a nice green or spray the ca yellow with paint?
What do you guys think?
It will not be a Mazda colour or anything too "custom" as there are so many modified MX5's out there I spent an hour on Google searching the colour by name with Miata/Eunos/MX5 in the bar and came with one yellow (that I really like) and a couple of greens that had zero results.
I was thinking Lotus Carlton green as it's an Elan replica.
It certainly has been modified to a budget. The previous owner did a reasonable job with the cage, engine work, filter, exhaust (4-2-1 manifold, decat' and back to a twin exit box) but the wheels, paint (plastisquit) and suspension not so much.
Sorry most of the stickers are gone now.
It certainly has been modified to a budget. The previous owner did a reasonable job with the cage, engine work, filter, exhaust (4-2-1 manifold, decat' and back to a twin exit box) but the wheels, paint (plastisquit) and suspension not so much.
Sorry most of the stickers are gone now.
I have had a revelation.
All this time I have been looking for a spiritual successor to the Mini.
Small Fiats are a little too niche, sure they have a cult following and depending on the model fierce fanatics but they don't have or will ever have the popularity or availability of the Mini. Back in the late 90's you could get a pretty good one for paper round money and modify it to your hearts content as the parts market was huge.
The only car that is as available, as fun to drive, handles as well and is as embraced by the aftermarket these days is the MX5
So as my MX5 is green on the log book and desperately needs a respray how about the same Oplime green as my old Mini "Emily"?
Also I don't like the pop rivet on arches that every other MX5 has. They didn't look good on a Mini twenty years ago they look just as good on an MX5 now.
Bit of an after thought, compromise or lack of ability (laziness) if you ask me. I have never been a fan.
How about X7 Group B aches on the MX5?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX3Wn8082Jg
In case you're wondering...
"Why the gesticulation?"
...the "Next day delivery wheels from Tuesday still haven't arrived.
I did get some work done however.
The stickers are all gone.
I don't mind stickers on cars...
...but they mean something to the one who stuck them there.
It's a bit like going out with someone who has a tattoo with the name of their ex' on their arm. Sure it's a nice gesture and they can be well done (with varying degrees) but do you want to see it?
So my MX5 is no longer part of a "Locally Hated" member of "Static Crew" "Made in Japan" etc, etc, blah, blah she's back to being an MX5 (with crap paint and dodgy tyres).
All this time I have been looking for a spiritual successor to the Mini.
Small Fiats are a little too niche, sure they have a cult following and depending on the model fierce fanatics but they don't have or will ever have the popularity or availability of the Mini. Back in the late 90's you could get a pretty good one for paper round money and modify it to your hearts content as the parts market was huge.
The only car that is as available, as fun to drive, handles as well and is as embraced by the aftermarket these days is the MX5
So as my MX5 is green on the log book and desperately needs a respray how about the same Oplime green as my old Mini "Emily"?
Also I don't like the pop rivet on arches that every other MX5 has. They didn't look good on a Mini twenty years ago they look just as good on an MX5 now.
Bit of an after thought, compromise or lack of ability (laziness) if you ask me. I have never been a fan.
How about X7 Group B aches on the MX5?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX3Wn8082Jg
In case you're wondering...
"Why the gesticulation?"
...the "Next day delivery wheels from Tuesday still haven't arrived.
I did get some work done however.
The stickers are all gone.
I don't mind stickers on cars...
...but they mean something to the one who stuck them there.
It's a bit like going out with someone who has a tattoo with the name of their ex' on their arm. Sure it's a nice gesture and they can be well done (with varying degrees) but do you want to see it?
So my MX5 is no longer part of a "Locally Hated" member of "Static Crew" "Made in Japan" etc, etc, blah, blah she's back to being an MX5 (with crap paint and dodgy tyres).
Still waiting for the Ecky Thump (Enkei) wheels to arrive. Tomorrow apparently according to the eBayist. Stuff, things, dog eating homework, etc, blah-blah. We'll see.
I have performed my first modification.
I hate the afterthought UK spec' fog light. Sure it was done by Mazda UK to bring the car up to UK Construction and Use requirements and it had to be done to a budget but come on; such a curvy car should never have had a square cut in the middle of the bumper and a 70's reject fog light screwed in place.
With previous MX5's I have dress fitted modern fog lights to the bumper (usually a Peugeot 206 one) but this time I have removed the drivers side reverse light loom and fitted a red bulb in there.
Plumbed in the original fog light loom and it's good to go. I'll probably need a brighter bulb (Cree LED lumenmebob one) for the MOT but I like it.
I can now either get a smooth bumper or fit a rear diffuser.
I have performed my first modification.
I hate the afterthought UK spec' fog light. Sure it was done by Mazda UK to bring the car up to UK Construction and Use requirements and it had to be done to a budget but come on; such a curvy car should never have had a square cut in the middle of the bumper and a 70's reject fog light screwed in place.
With previous MX5's I have dress fitted modern fog lights to the bumper (usually a Peugeot 206 one) but this time I have removed the drivers side reverse light loom and fitted a red bulb in there.
Plumbed in the original fog light loom and it's good to go. I'll probably need a brighter bulb (Cree LED lumenmebob one) for the MOT but I like it.
I can now either get a smooth bumper or fit a rear diffuser.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
I'd like to keep to the Mazda identity as much as possible (even though the Jaguar V6 could be M&F shared unit based on the old MX6/Mondeo/Probe one). I'm looking at the Renesis six port 13B. Dirt cheap the 231 with the six speed box weighs give or take the same as the 1.8 and five speed. Mounted lower and further back from the front axle line can't be a bad thing.
The biggest hurdle will be electrical. The RX8 has all sorts of sensors, immobilisers and coded ECU stuff and ballast. If I can get a simple stand alone ECU for it I should be able to adapt it to various stages.
1/ Standard 231 (100bhp more than the 1.8)
2/ Ported and bigger injectors (300+bhp)
3/ Add boost.
That's long term. I need to get the chassis and body sorted first. Hopefully starting today.
The Enkei Thump wheels have arrived and are fitted.
Yes the wheel nuts sticking out further than the rim/arches are an MOT failure. I'll add it to the list.
Yesterday I critiqued the Mazda afterthought rear fog light. Today I'm doing something else I like to do to make them a little safer.
Even without the tint spray the side lights are a bit crap. Too low and not very bright at all. So I get hold of a pair of Mini H4 conversion lights and fit them...
...with secondary side lights. Also being designed for the Mini instead of flat lenses that aren't exactly aerodynamic, pedestrian friendly or very good at projecting light the new headlights are domed.
It was the first job I did to my X-1/9 and will continue to do it to any flat lens seven inch round headlight car I get.
Yes the wheel nuts sticking out further than the rim/arches are an MOT failure. I'll add it to the list.
Yesterday I critiqued the Mazda afterthought rear fog light. Today I'm doing something else I like to do to make them a little safer.
Even without the tint spray the side lights are a bit crap. Too low and not very bright at all. So I get hold of a pair of Mini H4 conversion lights and fit them...
...with secondary side lights. Also being designed for the Mini instead of flat lenses that aren't exactly aerodynamic, pedestrian friendly or very good at projecting light the new headlights are domed.
It was the first job I did to my X-1/9 and will continue to do it to any flat lens seven inch round headlight car I get.
Good-ish bad news. I was lied to about the brakes. They are standard Mk1 1.8 brakes with cheap discs and greenstuff pads.
Bad I was lied to and bought a set of Enkei 16's thinking I had to fit over the Mk2 brakes. Good because now I can get some 15's for the track and there are loads more tyres to choose from.
Bad I was lied to and bought a set of Enkei 16's thinking I had to fit over the Mk2 brakes. Good because now I can get some 15's for the track and there are loads more tyres to choose from.
Evanivitch said:
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
With a Jaguar D Type body? I can dream...
Today's question.
Keep or sell the hard top?
For...
Quieter, stealthier, dryer and safer (to a degree) if I roll.
Against...
Ballast, quieter, windows have to remain closed on track days, pain in the faff to take off and when it rains.
It's a proper metal one so worth £200-300 if I peel the yellow crap off and prep' it for colour matching £more?
Keep or sell the hard top?
For...
Quieter, stealthier, dryer and safer (to a degree) if I roll.
Against...
Ballast, quieter, windows have to remain closed on track days, pain in the faff to take off and when it rains.
It's a proper metal one so worth £200-300 if I peel the yellow crap off and prep' it for colour matching £more?
That's even better.
I was looking at Mk2 bootlids with the lip so I could bin the Mk2 Escort style duck lip spoiler.
On the hard top...
...or not...
...debate I have just noticed something. There isn't a lot of room between the hard top and my head. Even with the seat mounted on the floor and as far back as it will go.
[Just off to try the car with my helmet on and putting my helmet on in the car]
Bugger!
I was looking at Mk2 bootlids with the lip so I could bin the Mk2 Escort style duck lip spoiler.
On the hard top...
...or not...
...debate I have just noticed something. There isn't a lot of room between the hard top and my head. Even with the seat mounted on the floor and as far back as it will go.
[Just off to try the car with my helmet on and putting my helmet on in the car]
Bugger!
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