1.8 mk1 manifold will it fit a mk2.5?

[Tom-rilyi]

Hi guys
First time posting here
I've just bought myself a 2004 1.8 svt-sport
Now as most people do (I'd guess they would) as soon as you get a new car the first thing to do is set about changing a few bits and seeing as I'll be doing a few track days a stainless steel exhaust manifold was my first choice I have however looked at the purchase again (while less excited and while paying more attention) and it seems I may have bought a manifold and down pipe to fit a mk1 so now I'm thinking will it still fit anyways?
Please see picture or the link

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160836603002

JAPSPEED MAZDA MX5 MK1 MK2 1.8 89-00 STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST MANIFOLD & DOWNPIPE

So I guess in short..... am I skrewed?
Any help would be massively appreciated
Cheers guys
Tom

[MX-5 Lazza]

Doesn't fit. Not sure I'd trust them anyway as they say 1.8 89-00 and the 1.8 wasn't introduced until 93. If you want a manifold as a performance upgrade then you want one from someone who has done their research and has designed something that is an improvement over stock... which brings me to my second point. The Mk2.5 manifold is actually very good already and even a very well designed and engineered item will give very little gains. Replacing the rest of the exhaust system is is more important (though the gains are still very small).
Mk2.5 exhaust system is different from all previous models and only the rear box is the same fitment between Mk2 &Mk2.5.

[fatjon]

It will bolt up to the head OK but pretty much no chance it will mate up to the rest of the exhaust, I seem to remember some changes made in 2000 to how the system matches up to the downpipes.
The 2000 on head was changed substantially on the inlet side to change the angle of the inlet manifold to the back of the valves so don't get caught out buying an early inlet for a later engine.

[MX-5 Lazza]

That's correct. The Cat & mid pipes are different so while a Mk1 & Mk2 manifold will bolt to the head it will not fit the cat. The alternative is to replace the whole system, manifold, cat & mid pipe. That's expensive for very small gains though.

[Tom-rilyi]

Thanks for the info guys
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351714830697

MAZDA MX5 MX-5 MK2.5 1.8 16V STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST MANIFOLD & DOWNPIPE

What about this one? Seems to have a hole for the lamda sensor on the down pipe which fits with the usual 2.5 description

[MX-5 Lazza]

As long as that's not a picture of the actual item then it should be ok. I wouldn't expect to see any performance gains though.

[Tom-rilyi]

To be honest bud I'm more looking for a dirty noise and some shiny bits when I open the bonnet
If I gained 5hp I'd have been happy haha
Thanks for your help

[MX-5 Lazza]

For noise you need to replace the back box. That will give more volume and a deeper note. Then the mid pipe, if you find one that does away with the resonator then you will get a nice rasp on acceleration. A manifold will add a bit but if the rest is stock, very little.

A nice induction kit will add a nice growl on acceleration and looks good. Better if it has a heat shield.

And I'd be surprised if you gained much more than 5bhp from a tuned complete exhaust system!

[Tom-rilyi]

Ahh I did replace the backbox and mid pipe with stainless but it appears to just be a standard replacement so looks like I'll have to remove some baffles to give me some noise again (I've emptied the cat already but made very little difference other than throwing up an engine light haha)
I'll empty the backbox next and if that still doesn't do the trick I'll move onto the midsection box
Cheers for the help

[MX-5 Lazza]

That's a very good way to fail the mot but still not get any performance gain. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts and to get a good system you need to pay the money for decent parts.
Mine sounds great with stock manifold, Racing Beat Power Pulse dual back box and Larini Sport midpipe & cat. Sounds & feels great.