Can An NC2 Sport Tech Be Made Fun ?
Discussion
I recently bought an NC2 Sport Tech - one owner full Mazda history
I'm a huge fan of the Mk1 and appreciate the MK2 is similar just a bit more refined which is good / bad depending upon your age / use
I have driven an NC in the past and thought it was a decent car - but not an MX5
I bought this one because the Sport Tech is supposed to be better and I thought why not try it
I've been out this morning for an hour long blast along the country lanes - I soon discovered it has far too much grip and far too little feedback to be fun on country lanes.
I then tried sweeping A roads and it's better on them but frankly my wife's old Mazda 6 Sport was a better and more exciting drive.
The lack of body shake is welcome, the heated seats are good and supportive, the gear change is good and the nanny systems can be switched off.
However the throttle appears to be connected via an elastic band, there is very little intake or exhaust noise, the power is fine but it's delivery is dull, I had no idea what was under the front or rear wheels.
My MK1 - which I still own - is highly modified but even when standard was so communicative and fun to drive - is this really progress ?.
Is it possible to get some fun into a MK3.5 or do I have to try a MK4 ?
I'm not selling my MK1 but I'd like my wife / daughter to have a fun convertible with better safety.
I'm a huge fan of the Mk1 and appreciate the MK2 is similar just a bit more refined which is good / bad depending upon your age / use
I have driven an NC in the past and thought it was a decent car - but not an MX5
I bought this one because the Sport Tech is supposed to be better and I thought why not try it
I've been out this morning for an hour long blast along the country lanes - I soon discovered it has far too much grip and far too little feedback to be fun on country lanes.
I then tried sweeping A roads and it's better on them but frankly my wife's old Mazda 6 Sport was a better and more exciting drive.
The lack of body shake is welcome, the heated seats are good and supportive, the gear change is good and the nanny systems can be switched off.
However the throttle appears to be connected via an elastic band, there is very little intake or exhaust noise, the power is fine but it's delivery is dull, I had no idea what was under the front or rear wheels.
My MK1 - which I still own - is highly modified but even when standard was so communicative and fun to drive - is this really progress ?.
Is it possible to get some fun into a MK3.5 or do I have to try a MK4 ?
I'm not selling my MK1 but I'd like my wife / daughter to have a fun convertible with better safety.
Yes.
For reference I had an mx5 mk2.5 and as standard the mk3 is poor in comparison. The mk3 I had was standard other than eibach springs, geometry and exhaust and it was still lacking in excitement and feedback. I then drove an n/a bbr mx5 mk3 with eibach springs rx8 arb's and my mind was made up, I put a deposit down there and then, completely transformed the car.
For reference I had an mx5 mk2.5 and as standard the mk3 is poor in comparison. The mk3 I had was standard other than eibach springs, geometry and exhaust and it was still lacking in excitement and feedback. I then drove an n/a bbr mx5 mk3 with eibach springs rx8 arb's and my mind was made up, I put a deposit down there and then, completely transformed the car.
I went for a BBR 185 kit with full exhaust on a Mk3.5. It completely transforms the throttle & noise - before the mods it felt terrible and I wanted to sell the car! Rear arbs are a touch soft on the Sport Tech as well - obviously down to personal preference but I find the standard suspension okay. I didn't like the Mk2 and struggled to fit in it anyway.
Edited by fido on Sunday 6th January 15:51
fido said:
I went for a BBR 185 kit with full exhaust on a Mk3.5. It completely transforms the throttle & noise
Rear arbs are a touch soft on the Sport Tech
I find the standard suspension okay.
I suspect I'll need to drive one to check - but I'm loathe to spend £2k ish to fix a design flaw - my MK1 supercharger kit cost that much !Rear arbs are a touch soft on the Sport Tech
I find the standard suspension okay.
I didn't think mine was too bad (for what it is)
My shocks are pretty worn so I can't really judge them fairly
V8RX7 said:
Evoluzione said:
Yes mod the f
k out of it, it can't be that hard to understand can it?
I find it impossible to comprehend how that answers my questions.k out of it, it can't be that hard to understand can it?I suspect there is something not quite right with your car if a 6 is more fun.
I went from NA to NC and yes the NA was more raw and arguably more fun but in would say my NC was 90% if not more of the fun and with a load of added bonus' like it being stiffer and more comfortable.
I guess going from skinny 14" wheels to relatively wide 17" and increasing the track as well does mean it wont slide about like an NA, but it should still be playful. The extra power over a standard NA helps there.
Has the geo been done recently? It makes a huge difference...
I went from NA to NC and yes the NA was more raw and arguably more fun but in would say my NC was 90% if not more of the fun and with a load of added bonus' like it being stiffer and more comfortable.
I guess going from skinny 14" wheels to relatively wide 17" and increasing the track as well does mean it wont slide about like an NA, but it should still be playful. The extra power over a standard NA helps there.
Has the geo been done recently? It makes a huge difference...
V8RX7 said:
Evoluzione said:
The basics of buying and owning a car seem to be a mystery to you, I can only conclude you're beyond help and you need to buy a Mazda 6.
As the English language seems to be a mystery to you, I suggest an education.That you have a highly modified NA and are trying to compare that to a standard NC and a boring four door saloon car.
You've been on this motoring forum for over 16yrs and not grasped the car ownership 'thing' which is a bit strange. Shall I see if I can put it into a flowchart for you?
Evoluzione said:
V8RX7 said:
Evoluzione said:
The basics of buying and owning a car seem to be a mystery to you
As the English language seems to be a mystery to you, I suggest an education.That you have a highly modified NA and are trying to compare that to a standard NC and a boring four door saloon car.
You've not grasped the car ownership
I have mentioned that a good family car is more fun than a dull, sportscar and whether the sportscar can be improved.
As I have all the cars outside I can make that comparison - along with around 20 others - I have buying and owning to an art, it's selling I need to get around to.
V8RX7 said:
I recently bought an NC2 Sport Tech - one owner full Mazda history
I'm a huge fan of the Mk1 and appreciate the MK2 is similar just a bit more refined which is good / bad depending upon your age / use
I have driven an NC in the past and thought it was a decent car - but not an MX5
I bought this one because the Sport Tech is supposed to be better and I thought why not try it
I've been out this morning for an hour long blast along the country lanes - I soon discovered it has far too much grip and far too little feedback to be fun on country lanes.
I then tried sweeping A roads and it's better on them but frankly my wife's old Mazda 6 Sport was a better and more exciting drive.
The lack of body shake is welcome, the heated seats are good and supportive, the gear change is good and the nanny systems can be switched off.
However the throttle appears to be connected via an elastic band, there is very little intake or exhaust noise, the power is fine but it's delivery is dull, I had no idea what was under the front or rear wheels.
My MK1 - which I still own - is highly modified but even when standard was so communicative and fun to drive - is this really progress ?.
Is it possible to get some fun into a MK3.5 or do I have to try a MK4 ?
I'm not selling my MK1 but I'd like my wife / daughter to have a fun convertible with better safety.
If the car has had a geo it may have a fast road setup. This is indeed very quick because it will grip like a limpet. You need to have some oversteer dialled in by a reputable geo outfit.I'm a huge fan of the Mk1 and appreciate the MK2 is similar just a bit more refined which is good / bad depending upon your age / use
I have driven an NC in the past and thought it was a decent car - but not an MX5
I bought this one because the Sport Tech is supposed to be better and I thought why not try it
I've been out this morning for an hour long blast along the country lanes - I soon discovered it has far too much grip and far too little feedback to be fun on country lanes.
I then tried sweeping A roads and it's better on them but frankly my wife's old Mazda 6 Sport was a better and more exciting drive.
The lack of body shake is welcome, the heated seats are good and supportive, the gear change is good and the nanny systems can be switched off.
However the throttle appears to be connected via an elastic band, there is very little intake or exhaust noise, the power is fine but it's delivery is dull, I had no idea what was under the front or rear wheels.
My MK1 - which I still own - is highly modified but even when standard was so communicative and fun to drive - is this really progress ?.
Is it possible to get some fun into a MK3.5 or do I have to try a MK4 ?
I'm not selling my MK1 but I'd like my wife / daughter to have a fun convertible with better safety.
Yes, the Mk3 does need some modifications to get the best out of it.
When I bought my NC Sport I was slightly underwhelmed as my only other experience had been my Mk1 race car which is as raw as it gets, not mega powerful of course but brilliant fun to drive with no abs or power steering.
The Mk3 felt heavy, the throttle did feel 'detached' and it didn't feel that planted. As has been said in other threads about this car, to make them an enjoyable drivers car, the 421 Manifold is essential. This needs to be complemented with a re map, this will transform the throttle response, although it still isn't quite as immediately responsive as the cable set up on a properly set up Mk1 with a skimmed head for example. You can add a de-cat mid pipe and a stainless back box and still (just) pass an MOT if you want it loud.
This needs to be complemented with a decent geo set up as is the case on all cars, and in my opinion, a set of after market coilovers. My buddy has a similar car on lowering springs, it is OK but lost on track. My car on Meister Rs rides just as well on a soft setting, but is nice and flat when on track with a stiffer set up. Plus they look 1000 times better when low.
Tyres are also key, initially I used Khumo KU39 which are recommended for the NC and allow you to have a bit of slidey fun as they aren't too grippy. I now run AD08Rs which are very impressive and allow some exciting corner speeds to be achieved.
£2500 spent on modifying a Mk3 will give you a great fun car with character.
When I bought my NC Sport I was slightly underwhelmed as my only other experience had been my Mk1 race car which is as raw as it gets, not mega powerful of course but brilliant fun to drive with no abs or power steering.
The Mk3 felt heavy, the throttle did feel 'detached' and it didn't feel that planted. As has been said in other threads about this car, to make them an enjoyable drivers car, the 421 Manifold is essential. This needs to be complemented with a re map, this will transform the throttle response, although it still isn't quite as immediately responsive as the cable set up on a properly set up Mk1 with a skimmed head for example. You can add a de-cat mid pipe and a stainless back box and still (just) pass an MOT if you want it loud.
This needs to be complemented with a decent geo set up as is the case on all cars, and in my opinion, a set of after market coilovers. My buddy has a similar car on lowering springs, it is OK but lost on track. My car on Meister Rs rides just as well on a soft setting, but is nice and flat when on track with a stiffer set up. Plus they look 1000 times better when low.
Tyres are also key, initially I used Khumo KU39 which are recommended for the NC and allow you to have a bit of slidey fun as they aren't too grippy. I now run AD08Rs which are very impressive and allow some exciting corner speeds to be achieved.
£2500 spent on modifying a Mk3 will give you a great fun car with character.
The MK3 and MK3.5 Sports I've driven didn't feel necessarily underpowered for an MX5, just pretty aloof in the chassis department.
I found them pretty twitchy and lacking composure over any ridges, even exiting roundabouts. Really strange for something lowish powered when other RWD cars driven on the same road with a ton more power are pretty composed with much better traction. It's like the damping and spring rates are mismatched.
Balancing it on the throttle wasn't much fun and they never felt as planted or predictable (or enjoyable), as NA/Bs, or the later ND. Poor throttle response and steering feel didn't help either.
I stumbled across that fifth gear video where Vicky compares an NA and NC on track. She spun the NC and found it unpredictable
I'd love to try a modded one someday.
I found them pretty twitchy and lacking composure over any ridges, even exiting roundabouts. Really strange for something lowish powered when other RWD cars driven on the same road with a ton more power are pretty composed with much better traction. It's like the damping and spring rates are mismatched.
Balancing it on the throttle wasn't much fun and they never felt as planted or predictable (or enjoyable), as NA/Bs, or the later ND. Poor throttle response and steering feel didn't help either.
I stumbled across that fifth gear video where Vicky compares an NA and NC on track. She spun the NC and found it unpredictable
I'd love to try a modded one someday.
Seb27 said:
The Mk3 felt heavy, the throttle did feel 'detached' and it didn't feel that planted... the 421 Manifold is essential. This needs to be complemented with a re map, this will transform the throttle response
This needs to be complemented with a decent geo set up as is the case on all cars
£2500 spent on modifying a Mk3 will give you a great fun car with character.
It seems a manifold is circa £400 and a remap is circa £600 - as I wasn't really after more power it seems a lot to overcome a crap OEM throttleThis needs to be complemented with a decent geo set up as is the case on all cars
£2500 spent on modifying a Mk3 will give you a great fun car with character.
I've had a couple of cars set up and I didn't find much difference in how they felt - perhaps they weren't that far out to begin with or perhaps my wife's right - I'm insensitive
I need to try one before spending any more as I doubt it will replace my MK1
Thanks
CousinDupree said:
Balancing it on the throttle wasn't much fun and they never felt as planted or predictable (or enjoyable), as NA/Bs, or the later ND.
Poor throttle response and steering feel didn't help either.
I stumbled across that fifth gear video where Vicky compares an NA and NC on track. She spun the NC and found it unpredictable
I'm glad to know I'm not alonePoor throttle response and steering feel didn't help either.
I stumbled across that fifth gear video where Vicky compares an NA and NC on track. She spun the NC and found it unpredictable
Found it thanks - I agree with her that I prefer the MK1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhfwYgBvd_E
V8RX7 said:
I've been out this morning for an hour long blast along the country lanes - I soon discovered it has far too much grip and far too little feedback to be fun on country lanes.
I then tried sweeping A roads and it's better on them but frankly my wife's old Mazda 6 Sport was a better and more exciting drive.
The lack of body shake is welcome, the heated seats are good and supportive, the gear change is good and the nanny systems can be switched off.
Grip wise, as already suggested you could have the geo changed to something that offers a bit more of the handling traits you prefer, or get some less grippy tires/ smaller wheel and tire combo.I then tried sweeping A roads and it's better on them but frankly my wife's old Mazda 6 Sport was a better and more exciting drive.
The lack of body shake is welcome, the heated seats are good and supportive, the gear change is good and the nanny systems can be switched off.
Out of curiosity, what was it that you liked more about the Mazda 6? My Mum had a mk1 6 Sport and whilst good, I wouldn't say it offered anything over and above the NC in driving fun.
V8RX7 said:
However the throttle appears to be connected via an elastic band, there is very little intake or exhaust noise, the power is fine but it's delivery is dull, I had no idea what was under the front or rear wheels.
Throttle wise... either a remap, or you could try disconnecting the battery for a bit. I'm not sure if this was just a placebo, but I was doing some work on the car that required the battery to be disconnected. When I reconnected the battery, the car had to re-learn to idle (takes a while), but the throttle felt a lot sharper (or maybe it just seemed that way as I kangaroo-ed about the place!)Noise wise... intake changes would probably be the cheapest way to get some more noise. A free (but slightly chav) option could be a ye olde drilled airbox. Or a cone filter (which might even give you a less linear power curve as the heat soaks in...)
V8RX7 said:
My MK1 - which I still own - is highly modified but even when standard was so communicative and fun to drive - is this really progress ?.
For most people, yes. Sadly. V8RX7 said:
Is it possible to get some fun into a MK3.5 or do I have to try a MK4 ?
If you feel detached in the NC, I doubt the ND would be any better. At least the NC has a modicum of steering feel compared to the ND. Plus the ND feels even more of a tight fit than the NC.Edited by Codswallop on Wednesday 9th January 10:09
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