Buying a turbo/supercharged NC

[C70R]

I have a budget of about £10k, and I want something not-too-heavy, RWD and forced-induction. I've seen a number of forced-induction NCs around my budget (and significantly below in some cases).

Some questions:
- Turbo or supercharger? What are the pros and cons?
- I don't think my budget is going to stretch to a NC2, but is there a compelling reason it should? If not, are there any drawbacks of buying the NC1 Sport?
- What's the longevity of the engine like with +100bhp over stock? What fails, and after what sort of time?
- Other than BBR, whose are the conversions I should be looking for? Any to avoid?
- What sort of supporting work is recommended? And what's to be avoided?
- Can these be tracked without having a significant impact on reliability? Any upgrades recommended?
- What's worth knowing about the ownership prospect in general?
- Are there any known specialists in/around London to maintain it?

[Evoluzione]

http://www.duratecnc.co.uk/?p=52

There is also a blog entry on turbo or NA on there which poses the question to you; is this for road or track use?

There seems to be no middle ground with BBR, you either hate them with a passion or are an embarrassing Fanboy.

[C70R]

That's a hugely useful site. Thank you for sharing.

[roddo]

You don't need masses of power to make a great track car......suspension & brakes along with tyres is key.
For 10k you could have a mk3 with a 2.5 duratec n/a at 230bhp that will run forever.

For the record Bbr won't cover anything on track.....other companies will

[Johnnybee]

C70R said:

- I don't think my budget is going to stretch to a NC2, but is there a compelling reason it should? If not, are there any drawbacks of buying the NC1 Sport?

I'm pretty sure the NC2 engine has a forged crank and higher redline.

[C70R]

roddo said:

You don't need masses of power to make a great track car......suspension & brakes along with tyres is key.
For 10k you could have a mk3 with a 2.5 duratec n/a at 230bhp that will run forever.

For the record Bbr won't cover anything on track.....other companies will

I was under the impression that the 2.5 is a really uncommon upgrade over here, due to scarceness of the engine. Is that not the case?

[C70R]

Johnnybee said:

C70R said:

- I don't think my budget is going to stretch to a NC2, but is there a compelling reason it should? If not, are there any drawbacks of buying the NC1 Sport?

I'm pretty sure the NC2 engine has a forged crank and higher redline.

The website above would suggest you're right.

[Evoluzione]

C70R said:

roddo said:

You don't need masses of power to make a great track car......suspension & brakes along with tyres is key.
For 10k you could have a mk3 with a 2.5 duratec n/a at 230bhp that will run forever.

For the record Bbr won't cover anything on track.....other companies will

I was under the impression that the 2.5 is a really uncommon upgrade over here, due to scarceness of the engine. Is that not the case?

I would estimate there being less than 5 in the country, probably nearer 2.

It's not the availability, it's the expense. MX5 drivers aren't known for spending money unless it's on pointless tat.

Edited by Evoluzione on Thursday 9th April 16:42

[roddo]

I know of double figured 2.5 conversion cars........most doing track work

[Jonstar]

Go for the BBR Turbo, I've driven a stage 2 MK3.5 and with the upgraded suspension it was absolutely EPIC, great noise and felt quicker than it was, probably on par with my Z4M for similar money.