Trackdays decision
Discussion
Depends on what you want. The TTRS is a monster, especially when mapped, but driver involvement isn’t up there with the best. The Boxster/Cayman isn’t the fastest in a straight line but is a popular choice because of the way it drives.
I have to say though, there isn’t much which is quicker through the corners than a properly prepared and driven MX-5. The people from the race series often put all sorts of much more expensive machinery to shame.
I have to say though, there isn’t much which is quicker through the corners than a properly prepared and driven MX-5. The people from the race series often put all sorts of much more expensive machinery to shame.
I think it’s that ‘properly prepared’ bit that I’m deciding on. Mine is a straight out of the 2.0 and with tyres up to mid 35 psi it’s a stable good handling car with excellent brakes but just a bit short on umph. My local tracks are Snetterton and Bedford with some fine straights but I could do with more power to improve my straight line speed and hopefully lap times ( not that I’m checking obviously!). The Audi/ Porsche certainly have the power but never having tried them I’m not sure if they would be a handful on the bendy bits
charltjr said:
Depends on what you want. The TTRS is a monster, especially when mapped, but driver involvement isn’t up there with the best. The Boxster/Cayman isn’t the fastest in a straight line but is a popular choice because of the way it drives.
I have to say though, there isn’t much which is quicker through the corners than a properly prepared and driven MX-5. The people from the race series often put all sorts of much more expensive machinery to shame.
Yeah the Mazdas in full race trim are great but don't be fooled a well sorted anything will corner well, my Compact will stop and corner just as well, I am just missing the power to weight they have. I have raced against the Mazdas for years, they look great fun but I always feel a little smug when its raining I have to say though, there isn’t much which is quicker through the corners than a properly prepared and driven MX-5. The people from the race series often put all sorts of much more expensive machinery to shame.
I've got an MX5 and Snetterton is frustrating having long straights immediately after slow corners and the Bedford GT straight is just massive in an MX5 so I feel your pain on those. Definitely better suited to some tracks a bit further afield that will also be more fun but I understand your thought process... The other thing to bear in mind is that running costs will go up substantially moving to a boxster etc.
I guess the question is how much extra are you wanting to spend in terms of purchase price and also running costs?
I guess the question is how much extra are you wanting to spend in terms of purchase price and also running costs?
pablo said:
Which model is it? If it’s an NC, I’d look at BBR and see what you can get for the money, for £2k you can get the super200 kit which gives you +47 bhp and +26lb/ft torque, that’s got to be worth a look. That should give you the extra “ooomph” you are looking for!
That was my initial thinking, if the MX5 has survived several years of track use giving the engine a bit of a refresh and some upgrades to get some extra power will be a fraction of the cost of a Porsche with a similar power to weight ratio let alone MX5 running costs. Or go a bit more wild and have a stage 1 turbo conversion for around 250hp @6psi of boost, barely 5seconds to 60, a lot more poke out of the corners and down the straights. I'd expect a Cayman/Boxster would have a hard job sticking with one!!
Either of those cars will give you more straight line speed but not necessarily any improvement in cornering speed or ability. Going fast in straight lines isn’t my idea of trackday fun.
I’d upgrade your current car, less weight, better suspension and brakes, then add power.
My clio cup can keep up with gt3’s everywhere other than the straights and in some places I even gain.
I’d upgrade your current car, less weight, better suspension and brakes, then add power.
My clio cup can keep up with gt3’s everywhere other than the straights and in some places I even gain.
There are comments on another thread about oil starvation on left handers in Boxsters causing complete engine failure. Worth doing some research.
I agree with Phazed on that thread about the handling of the Boxster - having been driven round the Surrey Hills in the passenger seat of his Boxster S RS60, I can confirm that it goes round corners faster than you would believe possible.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I agree with Phazed on that thread about the handling of the Boxster - having been driven round the Surrey Hills in the passenger seat of his Boxster S RS60, I can confirm that it goes round corners faster than you would believe possible.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I normally track my Skoda but have done Combe and Cadwell with my 08 Boxster RS60.
It makes TD's super enjoyable. Not the fastest out there but the thrill of the balance, roadholding and just the "at one" feel that you get is just brilliant.
Yes, there are horror stories about oil starvation on long, high throttle left handers but as pointed out, most tracks here are clockwise and there is plenty of power to negate staying at the redline.
I would highly recommend one and lets not forget, they make a brilliant road car.
Mine has switchable suspension and sports mode which gets the most out of the car on track.....
Try one.
It makes TD's super enjoyable. Not the fastest out there but the thrill of the balance, roadholding and just the "at one" feel that you get is just brilliant.
Yes, there are horror stories about oil starvation on long, high throttle left handers but as pointed out, most tracks here are clockwise and there is plenty of power to negate staying at the redline.
I would highly recommend one and lets not forget, they make a brilliant road car.
Mine has switchable suspension and sports mode which gets the most out of the car on track.....
Try one.
vdn said:
Just bring your MX5 to Oulton Park. You'll have a new found love for your car.
I agree. Spend the money on traveling to different tracks. Cadwell, Oulton or Anglesey will all suit the Mazda better than your local tracks. If you’ve tried them and you still want more power, then modify the car you have.
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