forced induction MX-5

Author
Discussion

Wadeski

Original Poster:

8,339 posts

220 months

Friday 27th July 2007
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Hi guys,

i am currently juggling between an MX-5 with a blower/turbo or an MR2T. Both seem like great buys.

however, I need to buy from a dealer as i want to P/X my current car.

Does anyone know any dealers in the South that trade the turbo models? maybe some of the ones that do the tuning? Im a total Mx-5 noob so any help appreciated.

I want an Elise!

680 posts

218 months

Friday 27th July 2007
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I don't know anything about MR2's, but I can absolutely guarantee you that you'll have a fantastic time in the '5 !

HTH !

Matt230

138 posts

214 months

Sunday 29th July 2007
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Sell your car privately and buy this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/207070.htm

Matt

MX-5 Lazza

7,954 posts

226 months

Sunday 29th July 2007
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Matt230 said:
Sell your car privately and buy this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/207070.htm

Matt
I agree. Almost exactly the same set-up as my car which was dyno'd at Surrey Rolling Road (which usually reads low compared to other dynos) at 215bhp and 170lb/ft. A stunning car which Matt has treated impeccably and the workmanship by Phil at Performance5 is better than Mazda's own standards.

Wadeski

Original Poster:

8,339 posts

220 months

Sunday 29th July 2007
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little steep for my budget :/

steve bowen

1,268 posts

231 months

Monday 30th July 2007
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Had an MR2T got an Eunos Turbo, if I could have only one then it'd be the Eunos, however I'm saving to get another MR2T to run alongside the Eunos... both great cars.

Wadeski

Original Poster:

8,339 posts

220 months

Monday 30th July 2007
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wow, as someone who has had both what are the pros/cons of each? very interested to know.

steve bowen

1,268 posts

231 months

Tuesday 31st July 2007
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MR2T

Looks great, practical (loads of storage space), handles well, brakes are fantastic (1992+ cars), easily tuned (but costly to do it right), In tin top or sunroof guise feels nice and snug (I don't like T-bars they look dated and leak), bit lardy standard 1270Kg Tin top, 1320Kgs T-Bar, not at all chuckable in the wet, not that chuckable in the dry, absolute git to work on, very limited geometry adjustment as standard, pre 1994 cars powers peaks at 5500rpm an boost tails off making it feel more GT motorway car than sports, fixed on 1994+ cars. Tall gearing 65mph in 2nd for example means you don't think to change to 5th untill almost 140mph very license loosing top end. Pre 1992 cars I wouldn't consider, small brakes, weak gearboxes, narrow rear track making lift off oversteer more present than most like.

Eunos T

So much massively more chuckable, less practical, loads lighter and feels it at 50bhp deficit will see the same speed car, much easier to work on, much cheaper to run in all aspects (petrol, tyres, insurance, parts), attracts less Chav attention, Proper roofless driving and less leaky than T-Bar MR2's, better handling, much more predictable and easy to correct, less outright grip so you can use the speed much more easily, low geared compared to the MR2 so isn't as motorway friendly however it means you don't go over 125mph.

Mr2 for dual carriageway commuting, Eunos for B-road fun.

Wadeski

Original Poster:

8,339 posts

220 months

Tuesday 31st July 2007
quotequote all
Thanks Steve...i was all set on the MR2 but ill check out insurance on a MX-5 Turbo...(im with Admiral atm as they were wayyyy cheaper than anyone on the Saab).

do you have to buy a blown MX-5 privately or do any of the tuning shops that do conversions "recycle" customer cars? I would rather trade my car in than sell privately as everyone i know has had to re-list their cars due to fraudsters...

Munter

31,326 posts

248 months

Tuesday 31st July 2007
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Wadeski said:
Thanks Steve...i was all set on the MR2 but ill check out insurance on a MX-5 Turbo...(im with Admiral atm as they were wayyyy cheaper than anyone on the Saab).

do you have to buy a blown MX-5 privately or do any of the tuning shops that do conversions "recycle" customer cars? I would rather trade my car in than sell privately as everyone i know has had to re-list their cars due to fraudsters...
Might be worth a chat with these guys. www.everythingmx5.com they sometimes have cars for sale. As for your car if your prepared to take trade in values for it wheel it down to a 2nd hand car dealer and see what they'll give you for it. I have known dealers buy cars at the right price....

steve bowen

1,268 posts

231 months

Tuesday 31st July 2007
quotequote all
Wadeski said:
Thanks Steve...i was all set on the MR2 but ill check out insurance on a MX-5 Turbo...(im with Admiral atm as they were wayyyy cheaper than anyone on the Saab).
..
Expect it to half the cost of an MR2 T, i'm 30 and the MR2t is about £740, n/a MR2 £370 to insure, blown MX5 £400, n/a mx5 £200

Wadeski

Original Poster:

8,339 posts

220 months

Tuesday 31st July 2007
quotequote all
any insurers look especially kindly on blown 5s?

(will probably shop around A-plan, Flux etc as im not sure Admiral would do a turbo converted car)

steve bowen

1,268 posts

231 months

Tuesday 31st July 2007
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A-Plan, AON, Sky i find are best

phatmanace

672 posts

216 months

Wednesday 1st August 2007
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I was at this crossroads a while ago - I had a unmodified mk1 mx5 and wanted more grunt. I toyed with the idea of getting a blown MR2 - even drove a couple. in the end I got my '5 turbo'd - and I think it was the right choice.

observations on the MR2:
- felt more of a GT cruiser - perhaps a little insulated, although would be nice on a run
- more of a muscle car image I think - some may prefer that, some may not.

observations on the blown MX
- a lot more raw, when the turbo comes in - you know about it!
- actually suprisingly comfortable on a long run, although short gearing means lots of stops at BP!
- attracts less attention.

if you had neither - try and get one with most of the mods you want already done. The mistake I made was that I payed for them all to be done - v expensive, and you'll never get the cash back!

-Ace

Wadeski

Original Poster:

8,339 posts

220 months

Wednesday 1st August 2007
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great advice, thanks!

juzzyp

167 posts

235 months

Wednesday 1st August 2007
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My turbocharged MK2 MX5 is up for sale.

Can't find it on PH For Sale section but it's there.

Blown 5's are great fun but I think Steve summed it up nicely.

therevday

374 posts

216 months

Saturday 4th August 2007
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I have just had a deal with a guy where I swapped a MR2 turbo for MX5 turbo and some cash! I agree with everyone here especialy having driven the cars back to back. The MX5 is the more fun to drive and they seem to have been left alone by the boy racer brigade thus the police seem less interested in them!

steve bowen

1,268 posts

231 months

Sunday 5th August 2007
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therevday said:
I have just had a deal with a guy where I swapped a MR2 turbo for MX5 turbo and some cash! I agree with everyone here especialy having driven the cars back to back. The MX5 is the more fun to drive and they seem to have been left alone by the boy racer brigade thus the police seem less interested in them!
beer