1.8i S or non-S?
Discussion
I'm considering buying a standard MX5 to use for hillclimbing in a roadgoing class. The car can be a Mk1, Mk2, or Mk2.5, with the 1.8 engine preferably.
As the Mk1 is lighter I think that is the preferred model however I note that there are 1.8i S models and non-S models available - what does the S have that is beneficial to performance over and above the non-S models?
Are there any compelling reasons why I should consider a Mk2 or Mk2.5 rather than the Mk1, e.g. 6 speed gearbox & Torsen diff?
I'm happy for anyone to point me towards other websites which may have the information I'm looking for.
Apart from Autotrader/Ebay/PH where else might I look for one within about 50 miles of Southampton?
Thanks.
As the Mk1 is lighter I think that is the preferred model however I note that there are 1.8i S models and non-S models available - what does the S have that is beneficial to performance over and above the non-S models?
Are there any compelling reasons why I should consider a Mk2 or Mk2.5 rather than the Mk1, e.g. 6 speed gearbox & Torsen diff?
I'm happy for anyone to point me towards other websites which may have the information I'm looking for.
Apart from Autotrader/Ebay/PH where else might I look for one within about 50 miles of Southampton?
Thanks.
The UK MK1 1.8 has an open Diff in both the i and iS. You can retrofit a TorSen diff from a 1.8 import if you can find one though.
UK didn't get the TorSen until the MK2.
So if you want an LSD, a UK 1.8 MK1 is probably not the way to go.
A MK1 import might be a better choice, but might also come with heavier seats, aircon, etc adding weight.
UK didn't get the TorSen until the MK2.
So if you want an LSD, a UK 1.8 MK1 is probably not the way to go.
A MK1 import might be a better choice, but might also come with heavier seats, aircon, etc adding weight.
The UK mk1 1.8i has manual steering and windup windows. The 1.8iS has power steering and electric windows, both have an open dif. So the 1.8i (c. 960kg) is a bit lighter than the 1.8iS. No other performance benefits. A Torsen can easily be sourced for about £250. Imports tend to have AC, more unnecessary weight.
Sad Weevil said:
A Torsen can easily be sourced for about £250.
Not always easy. I managed to get one for that but only after a mate of a mate had one....you then have to fit it which can be a bit of a job on a 10+ year old car. You also probably want driveshafts that match. All of the scrappys know the value and their use in various kit cars as well as the retrofit into the non-S / mk1 market. some of the scrappys quoted £650 for a Torsen diff when I was looking for one.
Because of this, they tend to command a decent value if the seller knows what they have. Ebay has one at 250 although I would be checking it carefully and others at £400.
I have a couple in the garage for this reason as do others who compete in a Mazda....
Bob
DarkMatter said:
Apart from Autotrader/Ebay/PH where else might I look for one within about 50 miles of Southampton?
I would keep an eye on gumtree as well - particularly heading into winter as you might just find a bargain. Might take a while but I tend to find better value on Gumtree than the other sites.fat80b said:
Not always easy. I managed to get one for that but only after a mate of a mate had one....you then have to fit it which can be a bit of a job on a 10+ year old car. You also probably want driveshafts that match.
All of the scrappys know the value and their use in various kit cars as well as the retrofit into the non-S / mk1 market. some of the scrappys quoted £650 for a Torsen diff when I was looking for one.
Because of this, they tend to command a decent value if the seller knows what they have. Ebay has one at 250 although I would be checking it carefully and others at £400.
I have a couple in the garage for this reason as do others who compete in a Mazda....
Bob
Ah well, they've gone up in price then. I got my 4.1 from Junkyard Dog for £250 18 months ago. Drive shafts on a uk 1.8 don't need changing, the Torsen drops straight in. Took me a couple of hours on the drive. There are also 3.9 and 4.3 ratios iirc. The other alternative is to swap the internals of the open dif for an Ashcroft ATB. I compete in my car, didn't realise the Torsen was breakable....All of the scrappys know the value and their use in various kit cars as well as the retrofit into the non-S / mk1 market. some of the scrappys quoted £650 for a Torsen diff when I was looking for one.
Because of this, they tend to command a decent value if the seller knows what they have. Ebay has one at 250 although I would be checking it carefully and others at £400.
I have a couple in the garage for this reason as do others who compete in a Mazda....
Bob
Sad Weevil said:
The UK mk1 1.8i has manual steering and windup windows. The 1.8iS has power steering and electric windows, both have an open dif. So the 1.8i (c. 960kg) is a bit lighter than the 1.8iS. No other performance benefits. A Torsen can easily be sourced for about £250. Imports tend to have AC, more unnecessary weight.
Late 1.8i Mk1s had power steering, or at least my R-reg model does.Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff