2019 Mazda MX-5 ND2 2.0 184 Sport Nav+ :)
Discussion
Hi all,
Thought I'd start a little thread on here in case anyone is interested at all
So I bought this car as a bit of a toy to be honest. I've always had revvy N/A cars, probably as they were the most common during my teens/20s.
"2.0 16v" was the magic quote back then and I still believe is the best hot hatch formula.
Anyway, this replaced my trusty old EP3 track car that I spent a good few quid on (half cage, LSD, final drive, K100, intake, exhaust, etc), over a 9 year spell.
I wanted a revvy, lightweight, rear wheel drive car that's relatively cheap to run/fix. Wasn't really much choice within those parameters so here I am!
2.0 181 BHP engine that revs to 7.5k as standard. 1050kg with almost 50/50 weight distribution.
It's a mk4 (ND) Mazda MX5 2.0 (ND2 - revised 184 engine that replaced the 160 in the ND1 that was found across multiple platforms. The 184 2.0 is specific to the Mx5 only, so far.........I believe Caterham might change that?)
Pretty much stock at the moment. Some dealer upgrades that include the front splitter/rear 'spoiler'/side skirts (Aero pack), Mazda/Eibach proline springs, Apple carplay/Android auto, reverse camera.
As standard the 2.0 gets Bilstein dampers (Mazda specific but based on the Bilstein B4) and LSD.
The sport Nav + trim gets leather interior, BOSE speakers in the headrests, navigation and some other little bits I can't remember (wish it came with the Recaros though).
Only mods so far are:
Konig Hypergram flow formed wheels (17 x 8 et45)
Falken FK510 UHP tyres 215 45 17
Ulter centre exit exhaust and 'diffuser'
Cusco 1 piece strut brace
Few other engine bay tart up parts
Fiat 124 Abarth interior (alcantara dash/gear gaiter/handbrake gaiter/chunkier leather steering wheel with 12 o clock band/red tacho)
Suspension set up by Richard @ Tuned UK
Millers CRX transmission/diff oil
Gearbox cooling scoop
I do have a set of refurbished front Brembo OEM calipers (same as Abarth and 30th Anniversary edition Mx5) to go on, along with Mintex M1144 pads, C hook discs and HEL braided lines.
Hoping to do some road trips in it, use it over summer and get some track days done in it (hoping a new car in a different config will giver me the bug back again).
Modifications wise, plans - ARBs, Koni dampers, Eibach Sportline springs and some BBR engine tweaking are all hopefully in the pipeline (BBR 220 the ultimate goal, to give it an extra level of beans)
Thought I'd start a little thread on here in case anyone is interested at all
So I bought this car as a bit of a toy to be honest. I've always had revvy N/A cars, probably as they were the most common during my teens/20s.
"2.0 16v" was the magic quote back then and I still believe is the best hot hatch formula.
Anyway, this replaced my trusty old EP3 track car that I spent a good few quid on (half cage, LSD, final drive, K100, intake, exhaust, etc), over a 9 year spell.
I wanted a revvy, lightweight, rear wheel drive car that's relatively cheap to run/fix. Wasn't really much choice within those parameters so here I am!
2.0 181 BHP engine that revs to 7.5k as standard. 1050kg with almost 50/50 weight distribution.
It's a mk4 (ND) Mazda MX5 2.0 (ND2 - revised 184 engine that replaced the 160 in the ND1 that was found across multiple platforms. The 184 2.0 is specific to the Mx5 only, so far.........I believe Caterham might change that?)
Pretty much stock at the moment. Some dealer upgrades that include the front splitter/rear 'spoiler'/side skirts (Aero pack), Mazda/Eibach proline springs, Apple carplay/Android auto, reverse camera.
As standard the 2.0 gets Bilstein dampers (Mazda specific but based on the Bilstein B4) and LSD.
The sport Nav + trim gets leather interior, BOSE speakers in the headrests, navigation and some other little bits I can't remember (wish it came with the Recaros though).
Only mods so far are:
Konig Hypergram flow formed wheels (17 x 8 et45)
Falken FK510 UHP tyres 215 45 17
Ulter centre exit exhaust and 'diffuser'
Cusco 1 piece strut brace
Few other engine bay tart up parts
Fiat 124 Abarth interior (alcantara dash/gear gaiter/handbrake gaiter/chunkier leather steering wheel with 12 o clock band/red tacho)
Suspension set up by Richard @ Tuned UK
Millers CRX transmission/diff oil
Gearbox cooling scoop
I do have a set of refurbished front Brembo OEM calipers (same as Abarth and 30th Anniversary edition Mx5) to go on, along with Mintex M1144 pads, C hook discs and HEL braided lines.
Hoping to do some road trips in it, use it over summer and get some track days done in it (hoping a new car in a different config will giver me the bug back again).
Modifications wise, plans - ARBs, Koni dampers, Eibach Sportline springs and some BBR engine tweaking are all hopefully in the pipeline (BBR 220 the ultimate goal, to give it an extra level of beans)
Edited by Danith on Monday 18th October 12:28
Edited by Danith on Monday 18th October 12:29
From this weekend, out and about in Snowdonia. Will be putting it away soon, typical Mazda it'll rust in no time over a British winter!
And a couple of interior shots (forgot to mention the Raceseng Sphereology weighted gearknob that took an age to come from the states):
And a couple of interior shots (forgot to mention the Raceseng Sphereology weighted gearknob that took an age to come from the states):
Edited by Danith on Monday 18th October 14:18
Sko77y said:
Very nice, prefer the red they do these in, but love everything else you've done.
Which centre exit have you gone for? Edit: just double checked and you'd said, good choice!
Carbon Miata Spyder Grille would look good. If I had an ND it'd be a must.
Cheers, I was sold on Soul red crystal. Had to be SRC or Deep Mica Blue crystal (2021 onwards only though).Which centre exit have you gone for? Edit: just double checked and you'd said, good choice!
Carbon Miata Spyder Grille would look good. If I had an ND it'd be a must.
That was until I got quotes to sort front end stone chips - it's ridiculously expensive and thin paint.
Arctic white is much easier to match, cheaper to sort and also seems to hold up better against stone chips. Plus, if you're talking 'gram strategy' which this car is made with, it's the lightest too
Looks great on those wheels.
You may know, but the ND was originally meant to be 1.5-only, until Mazda USA insisted on the 2.0 version being added at a late stage. At the ND2 facelift the Mazda engineers got the chance to apply all the classic N/A tuning techniques they'd done to the 1.5 onto the 2.0 as well, hence not just the uplift in horsepower but character too.
samoht said:
Looks great on those wheels.
You may know, but the ND was originally meant to be 1.5-only, until Mazda USA insisted on the 2.0 version being added at a late stage. At the ND2 facelift the Mazda engineers got the chance to apply all the classic N/A tuning techniques they'd done to the 1.5 onto the 2.0 as well, hence not just the uplift in horsepower but character too.
Cheers, yeah that's exactly why I paid the big premium and got the nd2 rather than the nd1. You may know, but the ND was originally meant to be 1.5-only, until Mazda USA insisted on the 2.0 version being added at a late stage. At the ND2 facelift the Mazda engineers got the chance to apply all the classic N/A tuning techniques they'd done to the 1.5 onto the 2.0 as well, hence not just the uplift in horsepower but character too.
Love a rev happy engine
So, first time out on Circuit for the MX5 and the first time I've experienced RWD on a track day.
As usual, I got the jitters a couple of days before, most expensive car I've ever bought by some margin, new to RWD, wintery conditions - it all made me think twice.
Almost chickened out and took the Skoda, but then what was the point of buying the thing?! Had a word with myself, stressed my wife out and got track day cover from Moris. £500 ish for 4 days to be used in 12 months. Instantly felt loads better and was able to enjoy the day, rather than just worrying all day at the track.
It was still a little damp/wet for when we first arrived. Probably didn't dry out for the first 1.5 to 2 hours and during that time I was still getting to grips with the characteristics of the car and avoiding all the over enthusiastic bunch who might decide to get too close for comfort.
But after 11am ish, wow. It was so much fun!!!!
These Falken FK510 tyres are absolutely brilliant, I'm seriously considering getting them for my Octavia instead of the PS4S I've lined up. Mega consistent tyre, lots of feedback, good in the wet and comfy too.
Had a couple of 'battles' but tried not to, to be honest. Didn't want to have to use that insurance and ruin everything. Car really goes well, handles much better than my Ep3 ever did and it's pretty much stock. Brakes felt a bit iffy after first session but once they'd cooled they were spot on for the rest of the day, guess I never bedded them in properly on the road.
The way this thing turns in and propels itself out of corners is awesome. So much fun, so capable and even when you break the limit (see vid below) it's not nasty, it's very progressive and maybe even playful for someone who's more experienced than me.
Car only used a tank of fuel, managed average of 18 MPG which I think is brilliant for a car that revs to 7.5k all day.
Anyway here are some videos:
(back end stepping out at 2.25)
https://youtu.be/4ib4lVwJBGI
(little tustle with a 197 Clio in traffic)
https://youtu.be/Qj42qV0SF5g
Roof up after lunch
https://youtu.be/c-wu6GPhMc4
@MRS-2ZZ bearing down on me then a little do with a 182 Clio (not sure what spec but seemed quicker than it should?!)
https://youtu.be/P2l6IC8wePA
As usual, I got the jitters a couple of days before, most expensive car I've ever bought by some margin, new to RWD, wintery conditions - it all made me think twice.
Almost chickened out and took the Skoda, but then what was the point of buying the thing?! Had a word with myself, stressed my wife out and got track day cover from Moris. £500 ish for 4 days to be used in 12 months. Instantly felt loads better and was able to enjoy the day, rather than just worrying all day at the track.
It was still a little damp/wet for when we first arrived. Probably didn't dry out for the first 1.5 to 2 hours and during that time I was still getting to grips with the characteristics of the car and avoiding all the over enthusiastic bunch who might decide to get too close for comfort.
But after 11am ish, wow. It was so much fun!!!!
These Falken FK510 tyres are absolutely brilliant, I'm seriously considering getting them for my Octavia instead of the PS4S I've lined up. Mega consistent tyre, lots of feedback, good in the wet and comfy too.
Had a couple of 'battles' but tried not to, to be honest. Didn't want to have to use that insurance and ruin everything. Car really goes well, handles much better than my Ep3 ever did and it's pretty much stock. Brakes felt a bit iffy after first session but once they'd cooled they were spot on for the rest of the day, guess I never bedded them in properly on the road.
The way this thing turns in and propels itself out of corners is awesome. So much fun, so capable and even when you break the limit (see vid below) it's not nasty, it's very progressive and maybe even playful for someone who's more experienced than me.
Car only used a tank of fuel, managed average of 18 MPG which I think is brilliant for a car that revs to 7.5k all day.
Anyway here are some videos:
(back end stepping out at 2.25)
https://youtu.be/4ib4lVwJBGI
(little tustle with a 197 Clio in traffic)
https://youtu.be/Qj42qV0SF5g
Roof up after lunch
https://youtu.be/c-wu6GPhMc4
@MRS-2ZZ bearing down on me then a little do with a 182 Clio (not sure what spec but seemed quicker than it should?!)
https://youtu.be/P2l6IC8wePA
Looks fun, and sounds great too! Can see why these ND2 2.0L cars are sought-after.
When it went sideways, it looked like you had the car really loaded up laterally at that point, and I guess introduced power, plus it looked like the undulation may have unweighted the rear slightly. A good chance to play with the balance, as you say.
samoht said:
Looks fun, and sounds great too! Can see why these ND2 2.0L cars are sought-after.
When it went sideways, it looked like you had the car really loaded up laterally at that point, and I guess introduced power, plus it looked like the undulation may have unweighted the rear slightly. A good chance to play with the balance, as you say.
yeah I won't pretend to understand all the techy stuff. But wasn't sure if something had been dropped there at lodge, previously a mk2 Escort failed there with a massive cloud of white smoke. Turns out it melted a piston. So wasn't sure if it was something that had been dropped there, or, as you say it's the weight shift with the undulation on that corner. Either way, that's exactly why I took out a policy with Moris! First time out in RWD and didn't know what to expect. Wasn't anywhere near as bad as I had worried about all week When it went sideways, it looked like you had the car really loaded up laterally at that point, and I guess introduced power, plus it looked like the undulation may have unweighted the rear slightly. A good chance to play with the balance, as you say.
Finally got myself over to the ring for a long weekend and to try the MX5 out on the Nordschleife during a TF session. It was brilliant fun and plenty of comfort for the drive over (even the Chunnel/Belgium extended route!).
Got home and finally managed to get a set of the Eibach ARB's to eliminate the famous MX5 body roll. Track day at Blyton next month, hopefully get them on for then.
Got home and finally managed to get a set of the Eibach ARB's to eliminate the famous MX5 body roll. Track day at Blyton next month, hopefully get them on for then.
Blyton park was one I was looking forward to. Tight, twisty, technical track and it was a hot day. Certainly felt the brakes needed more management on this occasion, despite me fitting brake cooling scoops off a GT3 - think they did sod all to be honest. And it showed how much roll I have so these Eibach ARB's should be a really good upgrade once I get them on. But it performed perfectly, so much fun. Only thing I miss from my old remapped ep3 was the top end extra grunt. So tempting to put some cams in this, but not sure it's worth the extra cost and hassle.
Been a while since I updated this!
The visit to Bicester Heritage for the 25th PH anniversary reminded me to update.
This little Mazda continues to be a brilliant b road blaster, weekend toy, track going motor. Few small changes since Blyton last year and a few more track days under it's belt.
The last one back in May was Anglesey GP, for which I bit the bullet and upgraded the pads to M1166, rears to yellowstuff (as were on offer at Moss europe and a track day in Feb at Donington ate my rears due to the intrusive ASC). I also got some new MRF ZTR tyres from Nick at Mazda on track, in the soft compound, not the Civic Type R trophy harder compound. They're excellent, totally transformed the car on the circuit. However at £800 a set they're not cheap. Also did a sessioned day at Aintree on them which was a bit of a warm up.
The front left tyre took an absolute beating and the outer tread (which was only 1 or 2mm new anyway) has gone slick. Still legal though, so when next on I'll swap that to rear right. They never went off and gripped for the whole day. As did the M1166 pads. Very consistent setup.
The M1166 pads don't half screech though on the road, so had to take them out recently. Will be trying the new compound from Mintex in a week or so - they're discontinuing the 'M' range (1144,1155,1166).
With the MRF also being incredibly firm for the road, I thought I'd get myself a new set of road tyres and leave the MRF for track only. Man maths came into play and I got some new wheels to put them on rather than pay the refitting costs so a set of brand new OZ Ultraleggera 17 x 7j et37 in Chrystal titanium. 7j vs the 8j of the Konigs, but then I thought that might give a bit more comfort for the road with less stretch. Tyres, I was so impressed by the last set of Falken FK UHP tyres, I went for a set of the new FK520's, again in 215 45 17. So far they're really impressive again and much more comfortable than the rock solid MRF.
Couple of tweaks to the geometry after that, trying a less caster approach to the front - done by Adam at Clear Motorsport, who's an absolute whizz. I'll be going back there in a few weeks for a box oil change and a spanner/alignment check, before I take the Mx5 over to Zolder, Spa and Nurburgring in October.
Also got bored of the glossy Abarth steering wheel and had an OEM Mazda MX5 one retrimmed and made a bit thicker, by Jack at Royal. Sure there are some other tweaks I've done in the year, I'm always buying bits for the cars.
The visit to Bicester Heritage for the 25th PH anniversary reminded me to update.
This little Mazda continues to be a brilliant b road blaster, weekend toy, track going motor. Few small changes since Blyton last year and a few more track days under it's belt.
The last one back in May was Anglesey GP, for which I bit the bullet and upgraded the pads to M1166, rears to yellowstuff (as were on offer at Moss europe and a track day in Feb at Donington ate my rears due to the intrusive ASC). I also got some new MRF ZTR tyres from Nick at Mazda on track, in the soft compound, not the Civic Type R trophy harder compound. They're excellent, totally transformed the car on the circuit. However at £800 a set they're not cheap. Also did a sessioned day at Aintree on them which was a bit of a warm up.
The front left tyre took an absolute beating and the outer tread (which was only 1 or 2mm new anyway) has gone slick. Still legal though, so when next on I'll swap that to rear right. They never went off and gripped for the whole day. As did the M1166 pads. Very consistent setup.
The M1166 pads don't half screech though on the road, so had to take them out recently. Will be trying the new compound from Mintex in a week or so - they're discontinuing the 'M' range (1144,1155,1166).
With the MRF also being incredibly firm for the road, I thought I'd get myself a new set of road tyres and leave the MRF for track only. Man maths came into play and I got some new wheels to put them on rather than pay the refitting costs
so a set of brand new OZ Ultraleggera 17 x 7j et37 in Chrystal titanium. 7j vs the 8j of the Konigs, but then I thought that might give a bit more comfort for the road with less stretch. Tyres, I was so impressed by the last set of Falken FK UHP tyres, I went for a set of the new FK520's, again in 215 45 17. So far they're really impressive again and much more comfortable than the rock solid MRF.Couple of tweaks to the geometry after that, trying a less caster approach to the front - done by Adam at Clear Motorsport, who's an absolute whizz. I'll be going back there in a few weeks for a box oil change and a spanner/alignment check, before I take the Mx5 over to Zolder, Spa and Nurburgring in October.
Also got bored of the glossy Abarth steering wheel and had an OEM Mazda MX5 one retrimmed and made a bit thicker, by Jack at Royal. Sure there are some other tweaks I've done in the year, I'm always buying bits for the cars.
Edited by Danith on Friday 18th August 08:59
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff