RE: BBR unveils Super 200/220 power hikes for MX-5

RE: BBR unveils Super 200/220 power hikes for MX-5

Thursday 13th June 2019

BBR unveils Super 200/220 power hikes for MX-5

184hp in a new MX-5 is fun; now imagine that engine with 220hp...



Perhaps the greatest praise that can be heaped on the latest 2.0-litre MX-5 is that it feels like an old engine; it thrives on revs, responds eagerly and makes an authentic, appealing noise. Yet it also complies with all the latest emissions regs, and can achieve nearly 50mpg in a 1,000kg MX-5 - it's an absolute gem of a powerplant.

Now BBR, long-time tuners of Mazda's eponymous roadster, has worked its magic on the latest engine. Even working with the pre-facelift MX-5 Mk4 it's results were impressive; with a more inspiring base to work from this time, expectations are high. The new kits are the Super 200 and Super 220, as before available as DIY kits or drive in, drive out installations at BBR's Brackley HQ.


The 220 is of most interest; not just because it's the most powerful - though that's a valid claim to importance - but because it represents the first time an MX-5 engine has yielded more than 100hp per litre without internal mods. That's according to BBR's Neil McKay, and what he doesn't know about MX-5s would leave space on a post-it note.

Making a 220 involves a 4-into-1 stainless steel exhaust manifold, a StarChip ECU calibration, a cold air intake system including K&N filter and BBR's high performance cams, valve springs and retainers - no doubt turbos will come in time, but that sounds pretty good for now.

Peak power is a claimed 221bhp (224hp) at a dreamy 7,800rpm, with 4,350rpm required for the 166lb ft torque peak when tested with 99-octane fuel. BBR says the upgrade delivers "sparkling, easy to drive, accessible performance" that is unique to them. The Super 220 kit costs £2,235 plus VAT as a DIY pack, or £2,895 plus VAT for BBR to do the work.


For the Super 200, you can read as above but take away the cams, springs and retainers. That means 205hp and 165lb ft, delivered at 7,300rpm and 3,950rpm respectively. (Interestingly, both BBR models reach maximum torque at lower revs than the standard car, which needs 4,850rpm for 154lb ft.) BBR says the 200 offers "significant extra urge and throttle response, making for unforgettable, exhilarating motoring." It costs £1,245 plus VAT as a self-install, or £1,445 plus VAT as an in house BBR job.

As well as warranties for the work from one to three years, BBR has launched with these power packs a 2.5-inch centre exhaust section and choice of rear silencers for both models. No harm in making a bit more noise (and power) with your tuned MX-5, is there? Both Super 200 and 220 are available to purchase now, and yes, we're doing everything in our power to drive BBR's 220 demonstrator as soon as possible...


Inspired? Search for a used MX-5 here

Author
Discussion

VanquishRider

Original Poster:

496 posts

151 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
The modern/new alternative to an S2000? Wonder how they would compare back to back? I'll let you tell me Pistonheads

steveb8189

473 posts

190 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
VanquishRider said:
The modern/new alternative to an S2000? Wonder how they would compare back to back? I'll let you tell me Pistonheads
Why not? A "modern alternative" doesn't need to be compared back to back. A car is a modern alternative to a horse and cart but that's not to say you'd pick the latter if you had a choice in 2019.

Comparison wise; both are high revving, light weight, two seater convertible sports cars with a 2.0 N/A reasonably economical engine. I can perfectly understand why you could consider this a modern alternative to an S2000. I've had an S2000 and wouldn't buy one again and likewise never buy one of these - another similarity!

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
I'm confused or have I misread the article.

No internal engine mods, but has new cams and associated parts??? eh confused

Slipperywang

83 posts

75 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
steveb8189 said:
VanquishRider said:
The modern/new alternative to an S2000? Wonder how they would compare back to back? I'll let you tell me Pistonheads
Why not? A "modern alternative" doesn't need to be compared back to back. A car is a modern alternative to a horse and cart but that's not to say you'd pick the latter if you had a choice in 2019.

Comparison wise; both are high revving, light weight, two seater convertible sports cars with a 2.0 N/A reasonably economical engine. I can perfectly understand why you could consider this a modern alternative to an S2000. I've had an S2000 and wouldn't buy one again and likewise never buy one of these - another similarity!
Do you do parties ?

steveb8189

473 posts

190 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
Slipperywang said:
Do you do parties ?
Why, are you a comedian looking for work?

VanquishRider

Original Poster:

496 posts

151 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
steveb8189 said:
VanquishRider said:
The modern/new alternative to an S2000? Wonder how they would compare back to back? I'll let you tell me Pistonheads
Why not? A "modern alternative" doesn't need to be compared back to back. A car is a modern alternative to a horse and cart but that's not to say you'd pick the latter if you had a choice in 2019.

Comparison wise; both are high revving, light weight, two seater convertible sports cars with a 2.0 N/A reasonably economical engine. I can perfectly understand why you could consider this a modern alternative to an S2000. I've had an S2000 and wouldn't buy one again and likewise never buy one of these - another similarity!
I would buy another one. But it would have to be a 3rd generation one with stability control. As lifting off the throttle at well into three figures on a motorway curve should not induce an un-catchable (at least by me) spin.

fido

16,752 posts

254 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
No internal engine mods, but has new cams and associated parts??? eh confused
Internal as in opening up the engine - taking the rocker cover off and changing cams/springs is drive-in drive-out on the day. I think.

That's a pretty tasty four-pot - 221bhp at 7,800rpm is not far off S2000-levels of bhp/litre.

Edited by fido on Thursday 13th June 14:32

steveb8189

473 posts

190 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
VanquishRider said:
I would buy another one. But it would have to be a 3rd generation one with stability control. As lifting off the throttle at well into three figures on a motorway curve should not induce an un-catchable (at least by me) spin.
Exactly the same happened to me. Motorway inside lane bottom of hill under bridge and a small river flowing across the road. 180 degrees later and parked safely on the hard shoulder with brown boxers. Mine was a 2001, I didn't realise the later ones came with stability control.

Krikkit

26,500 posts

180 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
fido said:
300bhp/ton said:
No internal engine mods, but has new cams and associated parts??? eh confused
Internal as in opening up the engine - taking the rocker cover off and changing cams/springs is drive-in drive-out on the day. I think.
Correct, no head-off or bottom end apart jobs is what they really mean.

Sounds magnificent, 220hp in a sub-ton package.

steveb8189

473 posts

190 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
Krikkit said:
Correct, no head-off or bottom end apart jobs is what they really mean.

Sounds magnificent, 220hp in a sub-ton package.
I don't think these are that light in 2.0 form unfortunately

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
Krikkit said:
fido said:
300bhp/ton said:
No internal engine mods, but has new cams and associated parts??? eh confused
Internal as in opening up the engine - taking the rocker cover off and changing cams/springs is drive-in drive-out on the day. I think.
Correct, no head-off or bottom end apart jobs is what they really mean.

Sounds magnificent, 220hp in a sub-ton package.
I think in any language a cam swap is "internal" engine mods.

i have just re-read it. I think it is trying to say the lower package with just a tune, intake and exhaust is no internal mods. But it's confusing as they are talking about the main package when it says it.

griffdude

1,819 posts

247 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
That’s very impressive. More power than my supercharged MK2.5.

Simon Owen

798 posts

133 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
Pros & cons of the ND are well documented, but I don't really think the work BBR do on the NA Mazda 4 pot gets the praise it deserves in the emissions led world of forced induction we live in. The skyactive canvas Mazda provided BBR to work with in the ND is a cracking engine. And taking away some of the emissions constraints results in a really sweet, responsive, old school free reving 4 pot with cracking low down grunt and nice top end. It doesn't race to the redline like an old school vtec but it certainly likes to rev.

I don't know why but the engine itself doesn't sound amazing but with the roof down and BBR's exhaust it makes a nice noise.

Aftermarket is not for everybody (me included really) but I don't really see any downsides to this, it feels very OEM, you can get a warranty and in NA form I don't think the mods particularly stress the engine / clutch much more than stock.

We are coming up to 3 years in on the old model (214bhp) with 100% reliability.

Not really a big consideration for us but economy beggars belief given the performance on offer.

( Being NA and seemingly very reliable I always wonder what this powerplant would be like in an Elise or Caterham at these kind of power levels ?!?! )


Kawasicki

13,041 posts

234 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
steveb8189 said:
VanquishRider said:
I would buy another one. But it would have to be a 3rd generation one with stability control. As lifting off the throttle at well into three figures on a motorway curve should not induce an un-catchable (at least by me) spin.
Exactly the same happened to me. Motorway inside lane bottom of hill under bridge and a small river flowing across the road. 180 degrees later and parked safely on the hard shoulder with brown boxers. Mine was a 2001, I didn't realise the later ones came with stability control.
I followed a mid 90’s MX5 on the motorway that spun out in front of me in heavy rain. Driver error, though.

kambites

67,461 posts

220 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
Simon Owen said:
Pros & cons of the ND are well documented, but I don't really think the work BBR do on the NA Mazda 4 pot gets the praise it deserves in the emissions led world of forced induction we live in.
It's worth noting that the BBR modifications almost certainly haven't been through type approval and as such are almost certainly not compliant with modern emissions regulations. Still a wonderful engine, but by the (entirely ignored, at least in the UK) letter of the law probably not a road legal one.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
VanquishRider said:
I would buy another one. But it would have to be a 3rd generation one with stability control. As lifting off the throttle at well into three figures on a motorway curve should not induce an un-catchable (at least by me) spin.
1. Stability control unlikely to save you or solve the issue.
2. Motorways have a 70mph limit, WTF are you doing 100mph+ on one?
3. Lift off Oversteer affects FWD and even AWD cars too
4. Lifting off at speed on a curve is driver error

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

195 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
If I could still get away with two seats one of these would be spot on for an every day car. As it is, it just about doesn’t feel special enough for a weekend car.

Completely different kettle of badgers but I think I’d rather a lotus or Porsche as an occasional toy.

Having said that, my year of MX5 ownership was absolutely brilliant, no BBR mods but a few suspension tweaks.

n4aat

457 posts

211 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
VanquishRider said:
I would buy another one. But it would have to be a 3rd generation one with stability control. As lifting off the throttle at well into three figures on a motorway curve should not induce an un-catchable (at least by me) spin.
That was in 2007 on the north side of the M25 was it?

Simon Owen

798 posts

133 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
kambites said:
It's worth noting that the BBR modifications almost certainly haven't been through type approval and as such are almost certainly not compliant with modern emissions regulations. Still a wonderful engine, but by the (entirely ignored, at least in the UK) letter of the law probably not a road legal one.
Interesting point which I'm sure somebody will know the answer to ? Our car has a CAT and will still pass the MOT so I'm struggling to understand why it would be illegal.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
Simon Owen said:
kambites said:
It's worth noting that the BBR modifications almost certainly haven't been through type approval and as such are almost certainly not compliant with modern emissions regulations. Still a wonderful engine, but by the (entirely ignored, at least in the UK) letter of the law probably not a road legal one.
Interesting point which I'm sure somebody will know the answer to ? Our car has a CAT and will still pass the MOT so I'm struggling to understand why it would be illegal.
Maybe not illegal, but not type approved. And wouldn't pass type approval, hence why this sort of thing exists only in the aftermarket and not directly from mass market car makers.