Is there anything better than a naturally-aspirated engine running independent throttle bodies? News that BBR has mounted a set of CNC billet ITBs to the familiar 2.0-litre motor under Mazda’s NC MX-5 is a welcome antidote to all those remapped VAGs. In doing so, the firm has created the Super 225 with only intake, exhaust and software changes, meaning you get 225hp – a jump of 67hp over standard – from an atmospheric four-pot engine. Cue the collective weakening of knees.
To achieve that impressive power gain and a 36lb ft hike in torque (now rated at 174lb ft) BBR has created 45mm throttle body assemblies, controlled by the car’s OEM drive by wire, an aluminium ram air pipe and stainless steel four-to-one manifold. There’s also a high-performance intake and exhaust camshafts, 3.5-inch-tipped exhaust system and new software - but not via an aftermarket ECU. BBR’s modifications retain the factory unit – and require no under bonnet body, chassis or mount modifications. All changes are fully reversible.
A BBR spokesperson affirmed to PH that while under normal circumstances the engine and exhaust noise is fairly restrained, under a wide-open throttle, you’re greeted with an aggressive intake bark. Lovely. Better still, the motor produces its peak power at 7,550rpm, with maximum torque arriving at 5,950rpm, although over 170lb ft is said to be available between 4,000-6,000rpm, with 150 lb ft possible at 3,000rpm. That ought to make it a revvy, but also muscular setup. BBR to us that demand was driven largely by ongoing requests from track enthusiasts for a beefier upgrade. That speaks volumes about the standard of engineering at hand.
Moreover, the Brackley-based firm says the setup has only reached market after an extensive testing and fine-tuning period, where all driving scenarios – from touring to track – have been catered for in all engine and control settings. BBR has consistently proved its talents with other models (most recently the Super 220), so we look forward to verifying its claims that the Super 225 upgrade boosts both performance and drivability - all without requiring any changes to the car’s suspension, brakes or surrounding rolling componentry. Although BBR can of course cater to that, should a customer request it.
While the MZR LF-VE 2.0-litre is inevitably at its best when drinking from the high-octane pump, BBR has ensured the final setup still runs perfectly well on RON 95. Buyers can also cherry pick the bits of the upgrade they want, should they not want to go full Super 225. The complete pack costs £3,495 for DIY assembly, or £4,295 for BBR to carry out the work for you. Alternatively, you can get the ITBs for £1,795.00 with the optional BBR foam air filter an additional £78.
That latter option works not just on the NC 2.0 but also the 1.8 or converted cars running 2.3 and 2.5-litre motors. If you’re not familiar with them, BBR says those wanting the most potent naturally-aspirated BBR MX-5 experience should see the firm’s ‘Maxi’ high compression forged engine builds, which go up to 2.5 litres. But beware, it’s a slippery slope of investigation. Whatever level of upgrade a customer opts for, BBR is offering a 10 per cent discount on all ITB DIY orders placed by the 31st July. For those feeling left out, BBR assured us that ITB packages are under development for other generations of MX-5. We’ll just leave this link to the classifieds here in case you need it…
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