MX5 Tuning

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Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Saturday 17th January 2009
quotequote all
Hello all.

I put this on the "General Gassing" page and we redirected to this forum, which I am glad to have been shown!

I have a Mk 3 MX5 2.0 Sport. I bought it after deciding to sell my 996 to avoid the worst of the fall in values and in the hope that the Mazda would stand me in good stead value-wise come the summer, when my normal "disorder" (ahem, I mean enthusiasm for cars) would typically impel me to consider changing it. However, the MX5 has got under my skin and I am enjoying every mile I drive in it, even the mundane trips. It really reminds you that a car doesn't need much to be a great drive.

That said, I do feel its exhaust is quite restrictive. I am considering replacing it and, whilst I am at it, freeing up the induction side of things too. I am not looking for loads more power, but a bit more power and, more to the point, torque, would be welcome. I do not want to sound like a boy racer either, but something better than the present "buzz" would be good. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good induction/exhaust upgrade which will not see me spending half the value of the car? Is a remap worthwhile? I have seen some interesting bits on mx5parts.co.uk, but since I have never modified a bicycle, let alone a car, I am uncertain as to the best route.

Any advice would be appreciated. Except "buy a Boxster"*, which is a whole new debate.

  • I realise that is unlikely on this page, but it was part of my original post...

Munter

31,326 posts

248 months

Saturday 17th January 2009
quotequote all
Here you go: http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=5634&am...

That'll free up the exhaust I'm sure... (And your bank account!)

hehe

I'd have a phone call with http://www.performance5.com/ and see if Phil has anything for the NC MX5.

Hovis

7 posts

232 months

Saturday 17th January 2009
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Call Karl or Russ at MX5Mad.com - they do their own make Mk3 exhaust which is the dogs danglies....

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Saturday 17th January 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for the pointers!

Red Firecracker

5,299 posts

234 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
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Have you got the lower Eibach springs on it yet? Those and a good geo would be my first port of call.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Sunday 18th January 08:36

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
Red Firecracker said:
Have you got the lower Eibach springs on it yet? Those and a good geo would be my first port of call.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Sunday 18th January 08:36
Not at the moment. The car is completely standard. Do the Eibachs give good damping too? The standard (Bilsteins?)don't always ride that well, but the handling is good, of course.

While I'm at it, is it normal for the gearbox to be a bit reluctant when cold? Mine certainly is and a mate with the same car says his is too.

Red Firecracker

5,299 posts

234 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
Andy Meads said:
Red Firecracker said:
Have you got the lower Eibach springs on it yet? Those and a good geo would be my first port of call.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Sunday 18th January 08:36
Not at the moment. The car is completely standard. Do the Eibachs give good damping too? The standard (Bilsteins?)don't always ride that well, but the handling is good, of course.

While I'm at it, is it normal for the gearbox to be a bit reluctant when cold? Mine certainly is and a mate with the same car says his is too.
Can't help you re: the gearbox, but I believe it is very worthwhile getting car back down to its designed ride height, not the namby EU kind to pedestrians ride height.

Tony at Wheels in Motion ( www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk ) can give you some better info on the ride height and associated geo work.

Chris71

21,548 posts

249 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
Mk3 you say?

Simple: Cosworth supercharger kit.

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
Chris71 said:
Mk3 you say?

Simple: Cosworth supercharger kit.
I do like the sound of that! Does it come with 30mm Browning Cannons like the good old Spit?

Cafe Racer

166 posts

192 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
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Andrew,

I've not owned or even driven a MK3 so cannot help you with set-up but may be able to point you in the right direction for sound upgrades.

Try Larini Systems. There are a few people on here who have them on their cars and they do sound pretty good for a 4-banger. They're alos exceptionally well made and easy to install.

Here is a youtube clip to give you an idea:

clicky

OR you could try IL Motorsports who I hear have a very good reputation and a decent sound. It's made by BBK and is sold through MX5 Parts

Whatever you get though, it probably won't be cheap, but from past experiences, they will add to you enjoyment of the car.

maz8062

2,613 posts

222 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
It really does depend on your budget, but your best bet is to do lots of reading on this site

http://forum.miata.net/vb/index.php?

The Cosworth SC will double your power output - There's a turbo on offer from Begi and there are other minor mods that'll offer upwards of 20bhp.

Based on what I've read about this car, the eibach springs and a WIM alignment should be first on your list.

Good luck

MX-5 Lazza

7,954 posts

226 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
The Eibach springs are only springs, the dampers stay as they are.
The car was actually designed for the Eibach springs and in Japan that is what is fitted. For the European market they fit taller springs to conform to pedestrian safety regulations. Because of this the Mk3 has some handling issues that can only be corrected to a point with geometry. Fitting the Eibach springs and getting the geometry sorted by WiM (or someone he recommends) is the only way to get the handling/ride/looks to be as Mazda designed it to be.

As for the exhaust: Larini Systems

Chris71

21,548 posts

249 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
Andy Meads said:
Chris71 said:
Mk3 you say?

Simple: Cosworth supercharger kit.
I do like the sound of that! Does it come with 30mm Browning Cannons like the good old Spit?
Nah, you need a TVR for the balistic option. wink

But the Cosworth system looks like a well engineered neat installation and they supply everything you need to fit it. They're really trying to push it [commercially] at the moment too, so I suspect they'll become quite popular soon.

eta: Tried to find a link, but this is the best I could do.

http://www.bishopsales.com/lines_cosworth_mx5_supe...

Edited by Chris71 on Sunday 18th January 13:30

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Sunday 18th January 2009
quotequote all
Thanks to everyone for their input. Certainly a lot to chew over. Time to follow up on these leads...

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Friday 23rd January 2009
quotequote all
So far, so good: I am about to book into Wheels In Motion for the new springs to be fitted and the geometry to be sorted out. They were very helpful over the 'phone.

hms

164 posts

205 months

Friday 23rd January 2009
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If you can, before you go, think about how you drive and how you would like the car set up. Mazda spec, fast road etc?
Tony will set the car up to your needs.
He will also explain what he's doing as he does the alignment, and the effects that those changes will have.
h

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Saturday 24th January 2009
quotequote all
It gets better: High Command has authorised supercharging.


Munter

31,326 posts

248 months

Saturday 24th January 2009
quotequote all
Andy Meads said:
It gets better: High Command has authorised supercharging.
Bloody hell.
A)You checked.
B)She said yes
...
C)Stay away from my OH.... I dont know what you did to your wife, but if the OH gets wind of it I'm for it.

Thats funny...now laugh ok..

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

210 months

Saturday 24th January 2009
quotequote all
Munter said:
Andy Meads said:
It gets better: High Command has authorised supercharging.
Bloody hell.
A)You checked.
B)She said yes
...
C)Stay away from my OH.... I dont know what you did to your wife, but if the OH gets wind of it I'm for it.

Thats funny...now laugh ok..
You can't teach it: it's a gift.

SunDiver

780 posts

244 months

Tuesday 27th January 2009
quotequote all
I might be wrong but I didn't think there was (yet) a version of Cosworth's SC for right hand drive cars? If there is, can someone post me a link?

Edited by SunDiver on Tuesday 27th January 13:38