MK1 cabin heat from engine.

[Dino D]

Hi Chaps,

A mate has recently picked up a mint MK1. The car is completely standard apart from an aftermarket airtake and exhaust manifold.

He says the cabin gets hot, especially around his legs. Is this normal in this cars? Any fixes? Missing insulation maybe?

The car is in Brisbane, Aus which certainly means it gets warmed allot quicker!

[MX-5 Lazza]

Getting warm around the transmission tunnel is normal - especially around the passenger side as the exhaust manifold runs very close to the tunnel.
I'd guess that the upper & lower gear gaiters are probably shot and in need of replacement which will help a bit (and if he tops up the turret oil it will improve the gear-change too )

[stemll]

Like the man says they do that. The Mk2s do too thought can't comment on the latest ones.

[bramley]

My feet always get really warm driving my Mk1 even with the heater off feet. Passengers have commented on warm feet syndrome too.

[Dino D]

bramley said:

Passengers have commented on warm feet syndrome too.

Maybe cos they peed down their leg?!

Cheers for the tips guys. I told him to check the bits mentioned above as well as what sort of heat insulation is around the exhaust as it passes near the body-maybe it is missing/old/or never there in the first place?

[MX-5 Lazza]

Dino D said:

Cheers for the tips guys. I told him to check the bits mentioned above as well as what sort of heat insulation is around the exhaust as it passes near the body-maybe it is missing/old/or never there in the first place?

Heat insulation? On a Mk1 MX-5?

I'd just say not to worry about it. It's something they all do.
Replacing the top & bottom gaiters will help but not by much. It will keep the gear-stick cooler though.