NC Mods conundrum

[Fattyfat]

I bought a bog standard 2006 NC 1.8 last year after owning a MK3 MR2. Although I'm a MX5 guy at heart after having had 2 MK1s previously I've found the NC a little lacking as a drivers car.

Subjectively I guess it's a bit silly to spend anything on it, perhaps moving it on to find a better spec 2.0 would be ideal but mine is low mileage and in pretty decent condition.

Any thoughts on a monetary sweet spot for a few choice mods? Suspension, wheels and tyres etc. and perhaps some sort of LSD option (would changing the open diff be worthwhile?)

I'm actually happy enough with the lack of power, means I can drive it quite hard without really pulling silly speeds!

[MagicalTrevor]

All the 2.0 engined cars have the LSD already so maybe you ought to consider just changing cars before modding?
I've just paid a little over £3k for a 2007 2.0 Option.

[Fattyfat]

That's probably the way I'll go, I have mine advertised to test the water.

[MagicalTrevor]

One option would be to contact Roddison's about their 2.5l engine conversion. That should be good for 215-220bhp with loads of torque.

He could probably fit an LSD at the same time

[Fattyfat]

MagicalTrevor said:

One option would be to contact Roddison's about their 2.5l engine conversion. That should be good for 215-220bhp with loads of torque.

He could probably fit an LSD at the same time

Interesting but probably way over any budget I'd consider.

I've a viewer coming next week, if it sells so be it. If not and after a bit of research last night, I'll throw on some Eibach springs and upgrade to 17" wheel and decent tyres and then enjoy it for another year. I can't see the car being worth substantially less in 12 months time

[MagicalTrevor]

I just put some Ohlins coilovers on mine. They aren't cheap but it's for competition. The handling now is amazing

[Fattyfat]

All academic now. A very nice chap has decided to purchase mine.

If I decide to go with another NC at some point it'll be a 2.0 for sure.

[Bertrum]

MagicalTrevor said:

One option would be to contact Roddison's about their 2.5l engine conversion. That should be good for 215-220bhp with loads of torque.

He could probably fit an LSD at the same time

Note that the 1.8 uses a 5 speed box and a different diff ratio to the 2.0L, you probably wouldn't want a 2.5 with a 1.8 gearbox...

Best to go for a 2.0 in the first place.