Original BBR turbo – good idea?

[drgoatboy]

So I wasn’t looking for one but I have stumbled across a 1991 BBR turbo car for sale.
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on these and if there is anything to look out for?

I was just about to go down the route of spending a lot of money on my Eunos to get it looking and driving fit and healthy but this has thrown a spanner in the works…

Kinda thinking this is a future classic and well worth spending some time and money on?
Is there anything in particular to look out for? I think it is an unmolested original example which is nice. Has over 120k miles on the clock though, is the turbo likely to be on its last legs?
Suspension hasn’t been refreshed for at least 15 years so will need new shocks at least. It doesn’t seem to have any of the optional BBR upgrades as its on Daisy wheels and looks to be standard ride height and completely standard from the outside…

Haven’t viewed it yet but I’m finding the idea of an original BBR turbo very tempting! Am I mad?

(sorry for slightly rambling post….)

[paul99]

Sounds like a nice find, I recall they have a very poorly designed intercooler setup as standard, a lot of BBR owners fit an aftermarket IC which lowers temperatures significantly.

It won't be very quick (~150bhp) but the extra bit of power is nice to have, assuming the chassis and sills are in good order a well sorted Mk1 is only going to go up in value.

[Esders]

I seem to remember that one thing to look at is the exhaust manifold as they sometimes crack.

[drgoatboy]

Esders said:

I seem to remember that one thing to look at is the exhaust manifold as they sometimes crack.

Thanks, Yep I have discovered that nugget. I actually range BBR and they confirmed that too.

[NitrousRuss]

It's only the manifolds cracking to really watch for, but with so many other companies out there doing turbos for mx5s I'm sure it won't be an issue, also like you say original mx5s bbr turbos if kept in great condition with go up in value as they become more rare. The only thing I would say it will be a mk1 depends how much money you have or want to spend, I have a MK3 with a bbr stage 2 conversion with over 300hp, if it was me I would go down that route, the only downside it might not became a classic, but the fun and enjoyment and every day ease of use is just brilliant

Russell

[drgoatboy]

NitrousRuss said:

It's only the manifolds cracking to really watch for, but with so many other companies out there doing turbos for mx5s I'm sure it won't be an issue, also like you say original mx5s bbr turbos if kept in great condition with go up in value as they become more rare. The only thing I would say it will be a mk1 depends how much money you have or want to spend, I have a MK3 with a bbr stage 2 conversion with over 300hp, if it was me I would go down that route, the only downside it might not became a classic, but the fun and enjoyment and every day ease of use is just brilliant

Russell

I have considered going down the mk3 route but there are several reasons I won't.
- classic car insurance on Mk1 = very cheap
- I don't fit in a mk3 and with all the airbags and gubbins its harder to modify the interior
- Pop-up headlights are awesome!

[drgoatboy]

Well I put a deposit down. Time will tell if I made the right decision!