What model is this MX5? Plus what are these dials...

[T0M]

Hi all, I'm a loooong time lurker in this (and various other Mx5 relate forums). Wondered if you could help.

This mk1 roadster has unusual dials/gauges where the heater vents usually are. Anyone know what they are?

Also this looks like a V-Special, but is it? Don't have a pic of the door sticker unfortunately - what are the chances of it having a diff?

The Nardi steering wheel also looks different to other mk1 steering wheels - does it just have the covers on? Or is it a later mk2 wheel?

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|http://thumbsnap.com/0A17Lwtl[/url]

[Gad-Westy]

It does look like a V-Special (floor mats being the main clue). By diff, do you mean a limited slip diff? If so, it's an import so it will have a LSD. How well it's working is another matter!

The dials are a popular mod. They'll be 52mm dials in the standard eyeball housing.

The steering wheel could be from a late MK1. Not sure to be honest.

[T0M]

Thanks, I guess I'll find out soon enough on the LSD

[Richyvrlimited]

Gad-Westy said:

If so, it's an import so it will have a LSD. How well it's working is another matter!

Not all imports have LSD's only the special editions. Granted the vast majority of imported cars are special editions, but there are the odd one or two which aren't.

Looking at the wing mirrors, they're the electric version, which points to the car being a 1.8. If it is a 1.8, it won't have a viscous LSD which can wear out (but doesn't happen as often as the 'internet' implies it does). If there is an LSD fitted it'll be a Torsen.

Based on it being a 1.8 I don't think it's a V-Spec, the green is too dark in the photos, (though photos can be deceiving. I think it's a 1998 VS Spec which has the following spec. Mats are far to easily changed to be a guide on model version.

VS Equipment
Grey Green Mica (basically metallic BRG, the same colour as the VR Limited combination 'b')
Tan leather trim
Wood rimmed steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever
CD Stereo
6 speed gearbox
Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob

[Gad-Westy]

Richyvrlimited said:

Gad-Westy said:

If so, it's an import so it will have a LSD. How well it's working is another matter!

Not all imports have LSD's only the special editions. Granted the vast majority of imported cars are special editions, but there are the odd one or two which aren't.

Looking at the wing mirrors, they're the electric version, which points to the car being a 1.8. If it is a 1.8, it won't have a viscous LSD which can wear out (but doesn't happen as often as the 'internet' implies it does). If there is an LSD fitted it'll be a Torsen.

Based on it being a 1.8 I don't think it's a V-Spec, the green is too dark in the photos, (though photos can be deceiving. I think it's a 1998 VS Spec which has the following spec. Mats are far to easily changed to be a guide on model version.

VS Equipment
Grey Green Mica (basically metallic BRG, the same colour as the VR Limited combination 'b')
Tan leather trim
Wood rimmed steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever
CD Stereo
6 speed gearbox
Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob

Thought VS spec was MK2? If not, I've learnt something knew as I certainly didn't realise there were MK1's with the 6 speed box.

[T0M]

It's definitely a 1.8, not sure on 5 or 6 speed box. Thanks for the reply and info. The other pics also show it as dark as this green.

[Richyvrlimited]

Gad-Westy said:

Thought VS spec was MK2? If not, I've learnt something knew as I certainly didn't realise there were MK1's with the 6 speed box.

Yeah you're right, it's not a VS, I'm being a numpty.

That makes it a VSpecII IMO.

[Gad-Westy]

Richyvrlimited said:

Yeah you're right, it's not a VS, I'm being a numpty.

That makes it a VSpecII IMO.

Could be certainly. Out of interest, what is the give away that it has electric mirrors? Is the mirror base wider?

[T0M]

Gad-Westy said:

Could be certainly. Out of interest, what is the give away that it has electric mirrors? Is the mirror base wider?

Thanks for working out the model apparently the passenger electric window doesn't motor down, will need to get the door card off and have a look. A new motor looks expensive on MX5PARTS.

Also, is that the original cd/tape player? Looks a different colour plastic to the rest of the dash, but seems a strange aftermarket replacement

[Gad-Westy]

T0M said:

Gad-Westy said:

Could be certainly. Out of interest, what is the give away that it has electric mirrors? Is the mirror base wider?

Thanks for working out the model apparently the passenger electric window doesn't motor down, will need to get the door card off and have a look. A new motor looks expensive on MX5PARTS.

Also, is that the original cd/tape player? Looks a different colour plastic to the rest of the dash, but seems a strange aftermarket replacement

Drop me a line if you need another passenger window mechanism. I have two of them spare, both working (I'm breaking a Eunos and my other is being swapped to keep fit windows soon).

Suspect the stereo is original only because I've seen a few other cars with what looks like the same model.

[T0M]

Gad-Westy said:

T0M said:

Gad-Westy said:

Could be certainly. Out of interest, what is the give away that it has electric mirrors? Is the mirror base wider?

Thanks for working out the model apparently the passenger electric window doesn't motor down, will need to get the door card off and have a look. A new motor looks expensive on MX5PARTS.

Also, is that the original cd/tape player? Looks a different colour plastic to the rest of the dash, but seems a strange aftermarket replacement

Drop me a line if you need another passenger window mechanism. I have two of them spare, both working (I'm breaking a Eunos and my other is being swapped to keep fit windows soon).

Suspect the stereo is original only because I've seen a few other cars with what looks like the same model.

Fantastic! I'll definitely be in touch. I'm collecting it on Saturday so will drop you a PM then once I've taken a closer look.

[Gad-Westy]

T0M said:

Gad-Westy said:

T0M said:

Gad-Westy said:

Could be certainly. Out of interest, what is the give away that it has electric mirrors? Is the mirror base wider?

Thanks for working out the model apparently the passenger electric window doesn't motor down, will need to get the door card off and have a look. A new motor looks expensive on MX5PARTS.

Also, is that the original cd/tape player? Looks a different colour plastic to the rest of the dash, but seems a strange aftermarket replacement

Drop me a line if you need another passenger window mechanism. I have two of them spare, both working (I'm breaking a Eunos and my other is being swapped to keep fit windows soon).

Suspect the stereo is original only because I've seen a few other cars with what looks like the same model.

Fantastic! I'll definitely be in touch. I'm collecting it on Saturday so will drop you a PM then once I've taken a closer look.

Check the switch first as it's far quicker and less messy than taking door card off.

[T0M]

Ah yes, I've heard of this strange switch! Will definitely try it first. Thanks for the heads up

[Richyvrlimited]

Gad-Westy said:

Could be certainly. Out of interest, what is the give away that it has electric mirrors? Is the mirror base wider?

Correct

[Gad-Westy]

Richyvrlimited said:

Gad-Westy said:

Could be certainly. Out of interest, what is the give away that it has electric mirrors? Is the mirror base wider?

Correct

Cheers. I have a follow up question then. My 97 UK car has electric mirrors but the switch is and ugly afterthought of a lump on the centre console under the radio. I assume the JDM switch sits in the switch housings to the right of the steering wheel. If so, is it possible to convert a UK car's switch to that position with relevant change to loom? Sorry for the slight hijack.

[VladD]

Richyvrlimited said:

Gad-Westy said:

Thought VS spec was MK2? If not, I've learnt something knew as I certainly didn't realise there were MK1's with the 6 speed box.

Yeah you're right, it's not a VS, I'm being a numpty.

That makes it a VSpecII IMO.

If it's a V-Special 2, then that's a replacement steering wheel as that's not the original Nardi one.