What cheap but 'vital' bits for a MkI should I get?

[jamiebae]

I'm ordering a few bits from MX5 Parts while they've got free postage on, is there anything else I should add for my recently purchased and pretty much standard '97 MkI 1.8? Currently the order stands at the following....


Window Winder Handle, Mk1
£10.72

1.8 Enthusiasts Workshop Manual
£25.75

Stubby Aerial Kit, Mk1
£23.95

Free Full Colour Catalogue
£0.00

Floor Mats, RHD
£15.07

Genuine Mazda Touch-up Paint
- Colour (SI537) Classic Red mk1 SU


So, have I missed anything important? Anything else that will make my life better/easier?

[miniman]

Eibach Sports Springs, Mk1

KYB AGX Adjustable Shock Absorber, Mk1, x4

K&N Filtercharger 1.8, Mk1

[jamiebae]

miniman said:

Eibach Sports Springs, Mk1

KYB AGX Adjustable Shock Absorber, Mk1, x4

K&N Filtercharger 1.8, Mk1

Springs will be next on the list along with new shocks but probably not until after Christmas, largely because I don't have time to fit them before then!

What kind of difference does the KN make?

[roverspeed]

Althought a full colour catalogue at £0.00 may seem cheap.

It really is very very expensive in the long run :P

[miniman]

jamiebae said:

What kind of difference does the KN make?

Hard to say with any degree of accuracy; sounds nicer, seems to rev a bit more freely.

[Taffer]

Official Mazda First Aid Kit - small nylon bag with velcro attachment to store in the boot. It contains bandages, plasters, etc. plus a hi-viz vest and warning triangle. Just over a fiver from MX5Parts, so definitely worth it if you're ordering some other stuff from the site.

EDIT: I got it for just over a fiver when it was in their weekly specials - usual price is £13.77, but compares well with the price of similar kits.

Edited by Taffer on Saturday 5th December 22:39

[jamiebae]

Taffer said:

Official Mazda First Aid Kit - small nylon bag with velcro attachment to store in the boot. It contains bandages, plasters, etc. plus a hi-viz vest and warning triangle. Just over a fiver from MX5Parts, so definitely worth it if you're ordering some other stuff from the site.

Sounds good, except it's over £13 so I'll stick with the bits I had in the boot of the Lotus I think

[MX-5 Lazza]

Renovo soft top cleaner + protector.

[The Tea Boy]

roverspeed said:

Althought a full colour catalogue at £0.00 may seem cheap.

It really is very very expensive in the long run :P

[bluetone]

New gearshift boots (top and bottom) and replace the gear oil at the bottom of the gearstick is a relatively cheap and effective way of getting your gearshift feeling good as new.

[tuttle]

bluetone said:

New gearshift boots (top and bottom) and replace the gear oil at the bottom of the gearstick is a relatively cheap and effective way of getting your gearshift feeling good as new.

Recently did this, deffinately a reccomended replacement that will make shifting almost as new.

I took advantage of MX5 parts offer & ordered; new mats, pedal rubbers & some satin finish vent rings. I would of got more but my wife is acting scary around $$$ spent on "the little car"

Edited by tuttle on Monday 7th December 16:32

[trooperiziz]

Their exhausts are good value and well made, if you think you will need a replacement soonish.
You may as well delete the stubby aerial kit, it has never been in stock as far as I am aware!
Replace the ashtray with a cubby hole for a bit more usable storage space.
Clear side indicators and reflectors.

[jamiebae]

Have ordered some stuff now, but had to call to do it as their server is playing up. Didn't get the aerial kit in the end, and I already have the cubby hole thingy. The exhaust looks fine for now, the next stuff on the list is suspension and brakes in the new year before attacking my first track day in it.

[miniman]

jamiebae said:

Have ordered some stuff now, but had to call to do it as their server is playing up. Didn't get the aerial kit in the end, and I already have the cubby hole thingy. The exhaust looks fine for now, the next stuff on the list is suspension and brakes in the new year before attacking my first track day in it.

Whatever you do, have it properly set up once you've done the suspension and I don't mean a quick tracking check by the local tyre monkeys. I had mine done by Neil Garner Motorsport and suffice it to say the difference between the new suspension pre- and post-setup was quite staggering.

[jamiebae]

miniman said:

jamiebae said:

Have ordered some stuff now, but had to call to do it as their server is playing up. Didn't get the aerial kit in the end, and I already have the cubby hole thingy. The exhaust looks fine for now, the next stuff on the list is suspension and brakes in the new year before attacking my first track day in it.

Whatever you do, have it properly set up once you've done the suspension and I don't mean a quick tracking check by the local tyre monkeys. I had mine done by Neil Garner Motorsport and suffice it to say the difference between the new suspension pre- and post-setup was quite staggering.

I will do, I work in the motor industry and have a few customers with the proper kit so will get it set up once the work is done.

[Gingerbread Man]

jamiebae said:

1.8 Enthusiasts Workshop Manual
£25.75

Are these manuals any good, or is a Haynes manual better? We've just brought a 1.6 MK1 Eunos and this could be helpful.

[A2Z]

Gingerbread Man said:

jamiebae said:

1.8 Enthusiasts Workshop Manual
£25.75

Are these manuals any good, or is a Haynes manual better? We've just brought a 1.6 MK1 Eunos and this could be helpful.

I found it very good. Helped me gain lots of confidence in working on my own car. I found it well written with mostly helpful photos and illustrations.

Haynes, as far as I know only do a manual for the Miata. Essentially the same car but left hand drive. Compared to other Haynes manual I have read, the one in your link, I find, is superior.

[_Batty_]

Gingerbread Man said:

jamiebae said:

1.8 Enthusiasts Workshop Manual
£25.75

Are these manuals any good, or is a Haynes manual better? We've just brought a 1.6 MK1 Eunos and this could be helpful.

theres one free to download on the mx5nutz website.
71mb

[Gingerbread Man]

_Batty_ said:

Gingerbread Man said:

jamiebae said:

1.8 Enthusiasts Workshop Manual
£25.75

Are these manuals any good, or is a Haynes manual better? We've just brought a 1.6 MK1 Eunos and this could be helpful.

theres one free to download on the mx5nutz website.
71mb

Can't find it, couldn't show me a link could you old chap?

[Don Phil]

Gingerbread Man said:

_Batty_ said:

Gingerbread Man said:

jamiebae said:

1.8 Enthusiasts Workshop Manual
£25.75

Are these manuals any good, or is a Haynes manual better? We've just brought a 1.6 MK1 Eunos and this could be helpful.

theres one free to download on the mx5nutz website.
71mb

Can't find it, couldn't show me a link could you old chap?

This is what you speak of:

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2...