Friday 21st April 2017

New BBR Mazda MX-5 turbo kit

Here it is! Latest MX-5 gets 252hp and 236lb ft from BBR's new turbo upgrade

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Much of the MX-5 legend is built on its tuning potential, the scope to create pretty much whatever two-seat roadster you want from the aftermarket a very appealing prospect to a lot of owners. And for PH tastes, the work of BBR is always of interest.

Well why have you stopped driving?

We've already experienced (and enjoyed) BBR's naturally aspirated tuning on the ND MX-5, but now it's time for the big power gains with this turbo kit. While the numbers will invariably be first priority - 252hp at 7,150rpm, 236lb ft at 3,250rpm, 155mph and 60 in five seconds - the development of this turbo installation is very interesting too.

Why no supercharger? It doesn't work well with the Skyactiv-G engine, BBR's Neil McKay citing "high parasitic losses" as the problem. The charger would need a lot of boost for the power gains, which would be incompatible with the standard MX-5's high - 13:1 - compression ratio. A single-scroll turbo was also rejected; the 4-2-1 exhaust manifold of the MX-5 is very complex, to exploit exhaust scavenging technology, but a single-scroll turbo creates a lot of back pressure and lacks any potential for exhaust scavenging.

Therefore a low pressure twin-scroll turbo has been used, said to work "harmoniously" with the standard engine and delivering good power with modest boost pressures. The Stage 1 conversion runs at 7 psi, with a bespoke billet compressor and low inertia turbine for the best response possible.

The engine's internals are untouched, with the additional tweaks as part of this kit comprising a new exhaust manifold, a stainless steel downpipe, an intercooler, a dump valve, a K&N induction kit and an upgraded Starchip ECU. The various pipes and lines around the engine have been switched too.

POWER!

BBR also claims that all Mazda electronic features are retained, with MOT emissions compliance guaranteed and warranties from 12 to 36 months. The kit is fully reversible as well.

And the price? £4,395 plus VAT, or £4,995 as a 'drive in, drive out' kit at BBR in Brackley. The cheapest 2.0-litre available on PH at the moment is this Soul Red car at £17,750. And if just 250hp simply won't do, then let BBR have the last word: "With internal upgrades to the Mazda engine we know that considerably more power is available - the BBR technical team is already developing future stages to exploit this." We'll keep you posted...

[ben5575]

Now we're talking.

When do you have a test drive/video planned?

It would also be helpful if you mention the price of the suspension, wheels, exhaust upgrades in the article as well (or the follow up) so we can get a flavour of the cost of a 'complete' BBR conversion.

An 'affordable', warrantied and convenient 250bhp/ton 2 seater is a very seductive proposition. I suspect Caterham may be getting a little nervous.

[ben5575]

framerateuk said:

ben5575 said:

An 'affordable', warrantied and convenient 250bhp/ton 2 seater is a very seductive proposition. I suspect Caterham may be getting a little nervous.

I suspect not

They're entirely different propositions.

I'm not so sure. I've had several caterhams over the past 15+ years for road/track/'ring etc and I love them. I also had an original BBR turbo in the '90's.

Caterhams are obviously great on track, but you really have to want to go for a drive in one on the road. A fantastic event sure, but it's a right faff on. Much like having to put your leathers etc on before going out for a bike ride. That and sitting at roundabouts, head below door handle height of cars, imagining getting T boned/rear wheel being smashed into your pelvis.

Ah crap, I've just realised I'm a hairdresser...!

[ben5575]

framerateuk said:

but it doesn't have the special something that a Caterham has!

100% agree