Donor car for BRSCC SuperCup mk3 mx5
Discussion
Hi there,
My friend and I have decided to embark on the journey to build a mx5 mk3 race car. and to use it in the BRSCC mx-5 supercup now and again.
For us though the build process is just as enjoyable as the racing. We're no expert mechanics though, so part of the fun will be the learning journey.
Step 1 is to find a donor car, and we had a couple of questions to determine which to go for.
Fundamentally we need to decide whether to go for an early mk3, or a mk3.5.
From reading the regs and other research we cam see that Mazda uprated the engine from 2009 with a stronger bottom end and valve springs. Therefore we're assuming that a mk3.5 engine is the way to go? (whether that's from the donor car or purchased separately - TBC)
We can also see that there are some mods permitted in the series to the gearbox for durability. Does anyone know if this is to just bring the mk3 gearbox up to mk3.5 standards or addressing weak spots regardless?
And therefore, does it make sense to get the cheapest (structurally sound) mk3 we can find and replace engine gearbox etc, or to buy a good mk3.5 (at a good 4-5k more). In my mind, given the bushes, hubs, shocks, bearing, engine, diff and gearbox are all going to be replaced - my working assumption is that the donor car doesn't matter beyond the bodywork and rust, and therefore get the cheapest, non-rusty, high miler one we can find?
Thoughts and advice welcome?
Thanks
Chris
My friend and I have decided to embark on the journey to build a mx5 mk3 race car. and to use it in the BRSCC mx-5 supercup now and again.
For us though the build process is just as enjoyable as the racing. We're no expert mechanics though, so part of the fun will be the learning journey.
Step 1 is to find a donor car, and we had a couple of questions to determine which to go for.
Fundamentally we need to decide whether to go for an early mk3, or a mk3.5.
From reading the regs and other research we cam see that Mazda uprated the engine from 2009 with a stronger bottom end and valve springs. Therefore we're assuming that a mk3.5 engine is the way to go? (whether that's from the donor car or purchased separately - TBC)
We can also see that there are some mods permitted in the series to the gearbox for durability. Does anyone know if this is to just bring the mk3 gearbox up to mk3.5 standards or addressing weak spots regardless?
And therefore, does it make sense to get the cheapest (structurally sound) mk3 we can find and replace engine gearbox etc, or to buy a good mk3.5 (at a good 4-5k more). In my mind, given the bushes, hubs, shocks, bearing, engine, diff and gearbox are all going to be replaced - my working assumption is that the donor car doesn't matter beyond the bodywork and rust, and therefore get the cheapest, non-rusty, high miler one we can find?
Thoughts and advice welcome?
Thanks
Chris
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