Discussion
After spending a bit of time looking into options (and costs) for the various turbo and SC possibilities for my '89 Mk1, I've been offered a '96 Mk1 1.8 thats already been turboed, and considering it'll be about the same cost as it would be standard I'm thinking it'll save me a lot of money in the long run if I just sell mine and buy this one thats had the time and money put into it already.
As far as I can tell its all done properly (getting someone else to check it out for me as its 1500km away), GTX turbo, FMlink etc. I'd guestimate somewhere in the region of 250bhp - 1/4 mile terminal speed a few years back was just over 100mph and its gained 20-30bhp since then. Also has lower springs, Koni adjustables etc.
What I'm wondering about is what to expect when I drive the thing? Does that sort of power turn an MX5 into a rabid beast that wants to drift everywhere, or will it keep the balance and controllability of a normal one as long as I treat the pedal on the right with a bit more respect?
As far as I can tell its all done properly (getting someone else to check it out for me as its 1500km away), GTX turbo, FMlink etc. I'd guestimate somewhere in the region of 250bhp - 1/4 mile terminal speed a few years back was just over 100mph and its gained 20-30bhp since then. Also has lower springs, Koni adjustables etc.
What I'm wondering about is what to expect when I drive the thing? Does that sort of power turn an MX5 into a rabid beast that wants to drift everywhere, or will it keep the balance and controllability of a normal one as long as I treat the pedal on the right with a bit more respect?
I have a turbo'd 1.6 uk model [which I actually need to sell as I need more seats]
I bought it normally aspirated, and paid for the turbo kit and new suspension - which was a (financial) error. You are definatley doing the right thing getting one that's already done as the conversion costs for mine all in all were about £3.
Having said that, it does transform the car. I did 2 driver training days, one before and one after the conversion - to learn how to handle the car, which I think has got me out of a few scrapes. I think that you need the uprated suspension as well, which it looks like yours has got.
There is a lot of b
ks around about "the turbo suddenly coming in on a corner and taking you out" - this doesn't happen. Yes, the car has a lot more horsepower - if you have your foot mashed to the floor on a roundabout, then it will get exiciting - but the throttle is very easy to modulate.
Anyhow - If your sale falls through - and you want to come and have a look at mine - drop me a PM. I'm happy to be realistic about price!
I bought it normally aspirated, and paid for the turbo kit and new suspension - which was a (financial) error. You are definatley doing the right thing getting one that's already done as the conversion costs for mine all in all were about £3.
Having said that, it does transform the car. I did 2 driver training days, one before and one after the conversion - to learn how to handle the car, which I think has got me out of a few scrapes. I think that you need the uprated suspension as well, which it looks like yours has got.
There is a lot of b
ks around about "the turbo suddenly coming in on a corner and taking you out" - this doesn't happen. Yes, the car has a lot more horsepower - if you have your foot mashed to the floor on a roundabout, then it will get exiciting - but the throttle is very easy to modulate.Anyhow - If your sale falls through - and you want to come and have a look at mine - drop me a PM. I'm happy to be realistic about price!
GravelBen said:
phatmanace said:
Anyhow - If your sale falls through - and you want to come and have a look at mine - drop me a PM. I'm happy to be realistic about price!
Thanks for the offer but I'm on the other side of the world so that probably wouldn't work out so well
go for it - you won't regret it!
They are only rabid beasts when its cold and wet, you've got up at 6am and feel worse for ware and have not plugged brain in. Electronic boost control is then very handy, turn it down and back into a puppy.
In the dry 250bhp is perfect, I actually think my car drives better now than it did n/a, the torque feels like it makes the car bite into the tarmac.
p.s. 260bhp dyno'd car I know pulled a 108mph terminal speed at santapod, that was on normal road tyres so not that impressive a get away.
In the dry 250bhp is perfect, I actually think my car drives better now than it did n/a, the torque feels like it makes the car bite into the tarmac.
p.s. 260bhp dyno'd car I know pulled a 108mph terminal speed at santapod, that was on normal road tyres so not that impressive a get away.
Edited by Herman Toothrot on Tuesday 1st July 12:26
Sounds like my guess at power should be about right from your 1/4 mile speeds - apparently when it did the 100mph it was a crap launch on road tyres and didn't hook up until third gear, but generally the launch seems to affect ET (14.8 for that run shows up the bad launch) much more than terminal speed.That was on the standard exhaust and the initial (very conservative) base map on the FM-Link so 20-30bhp up on that seems realistic.
Its an NZ-new Mk1 special edition, leather interior lightweight 14" BBS etc.
Herman Toothrot said:
They are only rabid beasts when its cold and wet, you've got up at 6am and feel worse for ware and have not plugged brain in. Electronic boost control is then very handy, turn it down and back into a puppy.
yup - agree with that. if it's wet and you're not pointing in a straight line - be very careful with the loud pedal :-)Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff