MX-5 / Eunos question from confused buyer!

[mycool]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy an MX-5 / Eunos and am finding conflicting info about the specs they come with what with the many special editions etc!

What i would like is:
- a post 94 Mk1 or a cheap mk2.
- 1.8 engine
- Torsen LSD
- Bilstein suspension
- A hardtop for the winter if possible but not essential.

Am I better going for a imported Eunos as i'm led to believe that the 1.8 models have a LSD and also had the Bilstein suspension as where all UK Mk1s do not.

Any help would be much appreciated as i would like to know what to look for.
Price range is probably a max of 3k as i'm selling a 2001 Corsa 1.4 SRi with 75k miles to finance it.

Thanks

[mycool]

hmm more confusion - the S Limited came with 1.6 engine only. Have seen quite a few 1.8 models with bilsteins but no mention of diff.

I was under the impression that pre 94 the Eunos only came with the 1.6l engine. post 94 gave a 1.8 option and that the jap spec models came with a viscous LSD that later was replaced by the Torsen. Either LSD being preferable to a non-LSD.

I suppose a better question would be does anyone have one for sale with the spec i'm after?

[mycool]

Is it possible to tell what kind of diff it has by looking, or is the only way to drive it (although i imagine trying a doughnut on a test drive is a no-no!)

Its annoying that there are so many variations regarding whether a LSD (and what type) was fitted!

Another problem is the adverts do not always specify whether the car is an s-limited or s-special etc making identifying the spec even harder.

Good point with the strut brace - i'm told that makes a big difference too although they are relatively cheap to add.

I'll be using the car as mostly a weekend fun car so not too worried about long commutes. Will a Bilstein fitted model be very harsh on british country / b-roads - i.e. the very ones i'd love to drive it on!?

[mycool]

hmmm an RS-limited sounds just the job. Do you know what shocks the Bilsteins have been replaced with?

Have you got any pics Brian and where is the car based?

[mycool]

A Mk1 is the one I want - i prefer the shape and it's more faithful to the original design concept of lightweight and excellent handling.

I think also I can put up with the harsh ride from the Bilsteins as its going to be a fun 2nd car and having driven my dad's mk1 elise 160 on some pretty nasty b-roads i imagine it will be no worse than that.

Now the hunt is on to find a nice example at the right price....