Preparing an MX5 for a trip to Italy...
Discussion
I bought an MX5 last November and I have to say I am really enjoying the car... So much so, we have decided to take it on out annual holiday down to the south of France and just into Italy in the 6 weeks holidays.
Its a 1995 MK1 1800 with 34k on the clock. I have decided I will keep this car for a while as its in great condition, plus it was £1000 to buy so its not worth much, and the insurance is very low on a classic policy.
I have steadily been doing work on the car anyway, so here is a list of the work so far... Can anyone think of anything I have missed doing in preparation for the trip of around 2500 miles?
Full service, all filters, Engine, gearbox, axle oil, power steering oil changed.
Plugs and leads replaced
Cam belt, aux belt and water pump replaced
Engine coolant changed
Air con top up (it was still working but I had it topped up anyway)
replaced clutch slave cylinder (it was leaking)
replaced clutch (it was OK, but it was only £120 for a new one, so I changed it anyway...)
Full brake rebuild, inc callipers and brake fluid change
All coolant hoses are OK
Anyone think of anything else I should do?
Its a 1995 MK1 1800 with 34k on the clock. I have decided I will keep this car for a while as its in great condition, plus it was £1000 to buy so its not worth much, and the insurance is very low on a classic policy.
I have steadily been doing work on the car anyway, so here is a list of the work so far... Can anyone think of anything I have missed doing in preparation for the trip of around 2500 miles?
Full service, all filters, Engine, gearbox, axle oil, power steering oil changed.
Plugs and leads replaced
Cam belt, aux belt and water pump replaced
Engine coolant changed
Air con top up (it was still working but I had it topped up anyway)
replaced clutch slave cylinder (it was leaking)
replaced clutch (it was OK, but it was only £120 for a new one, so I changed it anyway...)
Full brake rebuild, inc callipers and brake fluid change
All coolant hoses are OK
Anyone think of anything else I should do?
We're heading over to France in ours in a couple of weeks time, thoroughly looking forward to it. If you haven't already got cover then maybe European breakdown cover in case it all goes tits up.
If you have locking wheel nuts make sure you have the key with you.
Look forward to seeing some pics of the trip!
If you have locking wheel nuts make sure you have the key with you.
Look forward to seeing some pics of the trip!
As above, get the alignment done if it hasn't been done already. Makes a big difference, even if you think it already feels good.
Advance timing to 14BTDC. Gives a bit of extra midrange punch which is good for the sort of driving you'll be doing. It's not much but it's free.
Take a few spare parts with you, just in case. Belts & bulbs etc.
Advance timing to 14BTDC. Gives a bit of extra midrange punch which is good for the sort of driving you'll be doing. It's not much but it's free.
Take a few spare parts with you, just in case. Belts & bulbs etc.
Thanks guys, I am looking forward to it!
Just debating now whether to buy some beam deflectors… We don’t plan to drive in France Switzerland or Italy at night though…
NRS said:
Perhaps obvious but check pressure in tyres (including spare tyre - people often forget to check that one and only discover it's too low when needed).
I will do a final check a couple of days before... Interestingly, I had it on the ramp yesterday as I have a bit of a vibration around 65 mph… Everything checked out ok, and reading about it, seems it’s a common problem. Its just at 65 so I will cruise at a bit more or less…snotrag said:
You've covered pretty much everything.
Only thing missing - get the wheel alignment setup properly.
Other than that, just enjoy, you shouldn't gave any problems. I'm extremely jealous!
Should get 28-30mpg cruising on autoroute.
I did a geometry check a few months ago… surprisingly it was all within tolerance which suggests it had already been done. It handles like a dream, although it is a bit bumpy…Only thing missing - get the wheel alignment setup properly.
Other than that, just enjoy, you shouldn't gave any problems. I'm extremely jealous!
Should get 28-30mpg cruising on autoroute.
jonstable said:
We're heading over to France in ours in a couple of weeks time, thoroughly looking forward to it. If you haven't already got cover then maybe European breakdown cover in case it all goes tits up.
If you have locking wheel nuts make sure you have the key with you.
Look forward to seeing some pics of the trip!
I have basic cover as part of my insurance, and I have taped the wheel key to the jack. I have decided to leave the spare at home as well, so we have a bit more luggage space… I have a couple of tins of puncture repair and a small compressor… fingers crossed!If you have locking wheel nuts make sure you have the key with you.
Look forward to seeing some pics of the trip!
MX-5 Lazza said:
As above, get the alignment done if it hasn't been done already. Makes a big difference, even if you think it already feels good.
Advance timing to 14BTDC. Gives a bit of extra midrange punch which is good for the sort of driving you'll be doing. It's not much but it's free.
Take a few spare parts with you, just in case. Belts & bulbs etc.
I did the 14 degree modification a while ago… In fact, I compromised a bit and set it at 13 degrees… It did make a bit of a difference.Advance timing to 14BTDC. Gives a bit of extra midrange punch which is good for the sort of driving you'll be doing. It's not much but it's free.
Take a few spare parts with you, just in case. Belts & bulbs etc.
Just debating now whether to buy some beam deflectors… We don’t plan to drive in France Switzerland or Italy at night though…
Beam deflectors are a good idea since there are quite a few two-way tunnels if taking the scenic route.
I just cut mine out of black Fablon (B&Q) every trip.
Any ideas for your route/destination?
We're not long back from France/Italy and found some interesting routes.
Drop me a message for more info.
Cheers, Pewe.
PS sounds obvious but don't forget to apply the sun-screen each morning - top down motoring in Mediterranean sun can be roasting experience.
I just cut mine out of black Fablon (B&Q) every trip.
Any ideas for your route/destination?
We're not long back from France/Italy and found some interesting routes.
Drop me a message for more info.
Cheers, Pewe.
PS sounds obvious but don't forget to apply the sun-screen each morning - top down motoring in Mediterranean sun can be roasting experience.
buzzer said:
Interestingly, I had it on the ramp yesterday as I have a bit of a vibration around 65 mph… Everything checked out ok, and reading about it, seems it’s a common problem. Its just at 65 so I will cruise at a bit more or less…
buzzer said:
I did a geometry check a few months ago… surprisingly it was all within tolerance which suggests it had already been done. It handles like a dream, although it is a bit bumpy…
The 65mph vibration (or 65mph shimmy as Americans call it) is usually cured by having the alignment reset. Don't use Mazda specifications, they are so wide open a decent technician could probably set it by eye and be close!pewe said:
Beam deflectors are a good idea since there are quite a few two-way tunnels if taking the scenic route.
I just cut mine out of black Fablon (B&Q) every trip.
Any ideas for your route/destination?
We're not long back from France/Italy and found some interesting routes.
Drop me a message for more info.
Cheers, Pewe.
PS sounds obvious but don't forget to apply the sun-screen each morning - top down motoring in Mediterranean sun can be roasting experience.
Good idea with the fablon, I already have some stick carbon fibre which will do!I just cut mine out of black Fablon (B&Q) every trip.
Any ideas for your route/destination?
We're not long back from France/Italy and found some interesting routes.
Drop me a message for more info.
Cheers, Pewe.
PS sounds obvious but don't forget to apply the sun-screen each morning - top down motoring in Mediterranean sun can be roasting experience.
Point taken about the sun screen... I am afraid we learnt the hard way last year when we hired a Camaro convertible in the states... I looked like Larry Lobster! and it was dull on the day I got burnt!
As for the route... Midlands, to Dover, to Calais, Metz, Jungfraujoch (we are doing the railway) Annecy, Valbonne, Monaco, (then a trip into Italy, not sure yet...) then home via a stop in Dijon... all hotels booked except a few...
Edited by buzzer on Wednesday 3rd July 11:34
MX-5 Lazza said:
The 65mph vibration (or 65mph shimmy as Americans call it) is usually cured by having the alignment reset. Don't use Mazda specifications, they are so wide open a decent technician could probably set it by eye and be close!
Thats interesting.... do you have any suggested settings? I used the ones off Autodata (Which I cant access right now as the PC with it on is not connected up...)so I guess they are the standard settings. I chose in the middle for the toe and camberbuzzer said:
MX-5 Lazza said:
The 65mph vibration (or 65mph shimmy as Americans call it) is usually cured by having the alignment reset. Don't use Mazda specifications, they are so wide open a decent technician could probably set it by eye and be close!
Thats interesting.... do you have any suggested settings? I used the ones off Autodata (Which I cant access right now as the PC with it on is not connected up...)so I guess they are the standard settings. I chose in the middle for the toe and camberhttp://www.miata.net/garage/alignment/
A warning triangle and reflective jacket are compulsory kit in Italy, so best to carry them in case you get stopped by the rozzers.
I'd take a spare coil pack if I were you. Mine went at the Le Mans classic last year (my fault entirely) resulting in me having to leave my car in France while they ordered the part. I had to get recoved home, then had to fly back the following weekend to pick it up to be greeted by quite a hefty repair bill. Fortuntely most of the travel costs were covered due to great breakdown insurance, but it was quite inconvientient (apart from getting to do three laps of most of the Le Mans circuit and then driving to the ferry without the missus in the car telling me to slow down.
).
I'd take a spare coil pack if I were you. Mine went at the Le Mans classic last year (my fault entirely) resulting in me having to leave my car in France while they ordered the part. I had to get recoved home, then had to fly back the following weekend to pick it up to be greeted by quite a hefty repair bill. Fortuntely most of the travel costs were covered due to great breakdown insurance, but it was quite inconvientient (apart from getting to do three laps of most of the Le Mans circuit and then driving to the ferry without the missus in the car telling me to slow down.
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