mk2.5 handling upgrades

[Loafers92]

Looked around but can't find much (could be that I just suck at searching for topics) but was wondering what's the next step to upgrade an mx5 in the handling department? I have a mk2.5 sport that has been hit by a deer last month and haven't driven since, so I'm thinking it's the opportunity to upgrade it a bit...

Drove an s1 elise recently and while I really love it and it's handling, I still can't afford one just yet. Right after that, I tried a friends mk1 mx5 and I was very surprised at how fun it still felt. It was a completely stock example with no powersteering or assisted brakes, except for some headers and exhaust upgrades. It was *very* nice, and reminded me of how much fun an mx5 can be.

So on my list there is: Gaz Gold Pro coilovers, TR lane roll bar, roddinsons brake pads (already bought them) and maybe some stickier tires (ad00rs?) Plan is to use it for everything- b roads, trips, and trackdays 2 or 3 times a year.

Am I missing out on anything else? Will the coilovers and roll bar improve the handling as much as I expect it to? Of course, I'll need to get a pretty decent alignment too..

[griffdude]

Have been sprinting & hill climbing a MK2.5 for the last 3 years with reasonable success & what you propose looks good. Although you might want to consider MeisterR CRD coilovers. Ride height & geo really comes into play on these great little cars as everything is adjustable.

These make a difference to the front end too...
https://pacomotorsports.com/product/strong-arms/

Edited by griffdude on Monday 22 July 15:58

[Loafers92]

griffdude said:

Have been sprinting & hill climbing a MK2.5 for the last 3 years with reasonable success & what you propose looks good. Although you might want to consider MeisterR CRD coilovers. Ride height & geo really comes into play on these great little cars as everything is adjustable.

These make a difference to the front end too...
https://pacomotorsports.com/product/strong-arms/

Edited by griffdude on Monday 22 July 15:58

Interesting, do you think the Meister Rs are that much better than the Gaz gold pros? Have heard that theyre close (BC racing as well) .

Had no idea about the strong arms! Need to investigate....Thanks!

[BEN99W]

There are myriad little tweaks you can make to enhance the handling.

I haven't tried the front arm braces mentioned above yet, but in addition to the structural roll bar and quality dampers, I rate frame rails. Tower braces supposedly don't make a difference, but I run one that also ties to the bulkhead, and if I drive with it removed, I can definitely feel it missing.

As a sport model, yours would have been fitted with the most significant underbody structural reinforcements, but the frame rails still make a big difference.

I'll reiterate the need for a good geo set up too. I went to a supposedly good garage for one, who charged me £100 to set it to factory tolerances. However this was underwhelming, so I went to a garage that really knows mx5s and the transformation was marked. Factory tolerances do not make the most of the cars potential.

Ben

[TVRees]

Also, what about the condition of the suspension bushes ?

Maybe these need replacing too.

Anyone out there know of any good sources ?

[Loafers92]

Interesting. Seriously considering the rails and maybe the strong arms. All this plus the roll bar and coilovers should help massively I think. As for bushes, they seem ok but I do need to change the diff bushes are they're absolutely shot..

Any opinions on Gaz vs Meisters and BC racing coilovers?

[griffdude]

I’ve won 3 championships using MeisterR shocks.
How do you know the diff bushes are u/s?
Have a look at diff void fillers, they’re an easy way of stiffening up the mounts.

Edited by griffdude on Friday 26th July 08:15

[Loafers92]

griffdude said:

I’ve won 3 championships using MeisterR shocks.
How do you know the diff bushes are u/s?
Have a look at diff void fillers, they’re an easy way of stiffening up the mounts.

Edited by griffdude on Friday 26th July 08:15

So which one do you think is a good model for road and track? And they just look absolutely rotten + squeaking at the back. Will take a look at diff void fillers, thanks!

[griffdude]

These are very good.
https://www.meisterr.co.uk/products/meisterr-zetac...
Diff void fillers.
https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/differential-void-fille...

[Loafers92]

Cheers! Will order some! As for roll bars, any difference between Tr lane and GC fabrications roll bars?