MX5 tuning options?
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I'm thinking about getting a mk1 or 2 MX5. The thing is, I'd like a bit more straightline performance than the stock 1.8 can give.
The obviosu answer is to supercharge it, but I'm a bit worried about the insurance implications and tales of engines not lasting very long after thats been done.
So, what is the reliability like for supercharger conversions? (they seem to go up to about 200hp usually)
What are my other options for tuning an MX5? I'm not necesarily after 200hp, but a noticable increase on the standard 128bhp. Not too worried about fuel economy concerns, but I've got to maintain a vaguely reasonable standard of drivaiblity and reliability is paramount. I don't really want anything 'high maintanence'.
So, what would people recommend?
Mainly interested in the engine, but as a footnote, what do people think about aftermarket suspension kits - are they worthwhile on bumpy british b-roads or are they more of a track option/max power gimmick?
I'm thinking about getting a mk1 or 2 MX5. The thing is, I'd like a bit more straightline performance than the stock 1.8 can give.
The obviosu answer is to supercharge it, but I'm a bit worried about the insurance implications and tales of engines not lasting very long after thats been done.
So, what is the reliability like for supercharger conversions? (they seem to go up to about 200hp usually)
What are my other options for tuning an MX5? I'm not necesarily after 200hp, but a noticable increase on the standard 128bhp. Not too worried about fuel economy concerns, but I've got to maintain a vaguely reasonable standard of drivaiblity and reliability is paramount. I don't really want anything 'high maintanence'.
So, what would people recommend?
Mainly interested in the engine, but as a footnote, what do people think about aftermarket suspension kits - are they worthwhile on bumpy british b-roads or are they more of a track option/max power gimmick?
Not really aiming for 200hp though. It'd be nice, but I don't think I'd need that much.
Want to avoid turbochargers as I detest anything that slows down the engine response. Supercharging is an option, but strikes me as quite an extreme step.
I was aiming more for 150-160hp at a guess - basically whatever was the limit without running into huge budgets, drivability problems or noticably reduced engine life.
Hmm, I'm confused - thought the MX5 remainded virtually the same until the recent (mk3 or 4?) one? Can anyone give me an idea of bhp and performance figures for the various factory built 1.8's ....anything thats on the second hand market for, say, sub £6k.
As for whether to buy or modify, the spec I'm looking theoretically remains the same whether I pick up someone elses project on start my own. The only think is if I ran a mildly tuned or standard model for a few months (as opposed to a 20 minute test drive!) I might decide it was perfectly addequate and not incur the expense of modifying it (or buying a higher specced car in the first place)
Want to avoid turbochargers as I detest anything that slows down the engine response. Supercharging is an option, but strikes me as quite an extreme step.
I was aiming more for 150-160hp at a guess - basically whatever was the limit without running into huge budgets, drivability problems or noticably reduced engine life.
Hmm, I'm confused - thought the MX5 remainded virtually the same until the recent (mk3 or 4?) one? Can anyone give me an idea of bhp and performance figures for the various factory built 1.8's ....anything thats on the second hand market for, say, sub £6k.
As for whether to buy or modify, the spec I'm looking theoretically remains the same whether I pick up someone elses project on start my own. The only think is if I ran a mildly tuned or standard model for a few months (as opposed to a 20 minute test drive!) I might decide it was perfectly addequate and not incur the expense of modifying it (or buying a higher specced car in the first place)
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