Gutless

[steady eddie]

Just bought a Mk2 1.6 and found it’s performance very disappointing.
The car is completely rust free which is rare for a Mk2 and that was the reason I bought it.
Is there anything I can do to improve the performance without going down the turbo/supercharged route.
The car is overdue a service and needs rear discs and pads which is routine but the performance is making a good car very disappointing.
I have owned a Mk1 1.6 and a Mk 4 1.5 and although not quick, they were both much better than this Mk2.
Any suggestions or advice.
Regards
Charles

[Darkslider]

I found the 1.8 MK2 I had barely adequate in terms of performance so it's possible your 1.6 doesn't have anything wrong

Still had more than enough power to come unstuck on a wet roundabout mind!

These are literally falling apart due to rot so if you've found a genuinely clean example I'd say it's well worth spending a few quid on improving the performance. I'm sure a 1.8 transplant wouldn't cost much, there can't be a shortage of donor cars! Or there's been plenty of more exciting conversions done, with several turbo or entire engine swap kits available as bolt on solutions off the shelf due to the mx5s popularity.

[mazzer1]

I have a rust free mk1 1.6 and I know what you mean about a lack of outright performance. About a year ago my head gasket failed and it was decision time. My local mechanic who is very good offered to do a fairly comprehensive engine rebuild for 2000nzd about 1000 pounds and I decided to go for that. At the same time I got him to set the timing at 14 deg advance and it did make a bit of a difference but it is still no rocket. I have settled on enjoying the car for what it is and making the most of the twisty bits. I do fantasise about getting a small turbo fitted (an extra 25% or so power would transform it) but it really is not a priority. I would say if you have the cash, can do that yourself or have a good mechanic then that would be the answer for you. In the mean time, drop the roof when you can and enjoy it.

[TVRees]

steady eddie said:

Any suggestions or advice.

Reduce weight
Service (oil, filter, plugs, leads, etc.)
+14deg TDC Timing
Check the cyl compression
1.8 VVT engine
Forced induction
Rocketeer V6
.
.
.


.... the list is endless !

Good Luck

[Ziplobb]

Supercharge it
Apparently the 1.6 is ideal think we are going to do the wife’s one in the winter. We don’t want anything too laity but 150/160 hours seems achievable and I reckon with some minor brake and tyre upgrades it will do it just right.

[V8RX7]

Buy a rusty 1.8vvt and transfer it all across

But insurance will go up as it's then a modified car - some would consider "re shelling" the 1.8 and hence using it's identity which would mean standard insurance

[thebraketester]

Swap it for a 320D.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Make sure you are using it properly. They only have 115bhp but all the torque is top end. Unless you are keeping it between 4k & 7k you are missing what power it has.

[steady eddie]

The Manufacturers bhp is stated as 108.9. and not 114 as on Mk1 1.6
Where these detuned to make the 1.8 seem more powerful?
Regards
Ed

[binnerboy]

what were you expecting

later 1.6 have about 90hp, early mk1 with the short nose crack have 115hp, the mk2 peaked at 146 hp in the 2.5

they are not fast cars in a straight line however they are fast in the corners and they can teach you to drive fast as the handling is amazing.

if you want more power either spend a load on a turbo conversion or supercharger or get another car maybe a 350z

[steady eddie]

Problem solved.
The cat had collapsed and blocked the exhaust.
After a replacement and service including diff and gearbox oil change, performance is back to normal
Ed

[GravelBen]

Glad its sorted and wasn't just a disappointing car!