BBR GTi - Super 200 - Any experiences?
Discussion
Morning all,
I’ve done a search on BBR and read all the threads and was wondering if anyone had any experience / feedback on the company and the conversion I’m thinking about?
My Mx5 is the 2.0 ND2 184PS and I was considering:
- Super 200 (catted manifold)
- GT backbox
And possibly:
- Lowering springs
- Centre section exhaust
Would like a less muted exhaust tone but definitely nothing drony, far too old for that
Pic of my MX5 to make this thread slightly more interesting:

I’ve done a search on BBR and read all the threads and was wondering if anyone had any experience / feedback on the company and the conversion I’m thinking about?
My Mx5 is the 2.0 ND2 184PS and I was considering:
- Super 200 (catted manifold)
- GT backbox
And possibly:
- Lowering springs
- Centre section exhaust
Would like a less muted exhaust tone but definitely nothing drony, far too old for that

Pic of my MX5 to make this thread slightly more interesting:
My BBR experience is Mk3 based so probably not entirely relevant but for what it’s worth;
I have driven a lot of MX-5s (mainly mark 3&4) , probably the best if not the best was a mark 3 with the 200 package plus upgraded suspension , exhaust (BBR Supersport I think ) and a BBR geo set up. It was so much fun, quicker than standard obviously but still able to work it hard without going crazy speeds and retains the core character of the car. I would recommend the 200 to anyone who is using their MX only on the road.
I have a mk3 with the BBR supercharger kit as a track car and when I’ve needed things from BBR I’ve had no issues and found their service to be good. The kit wasn’t installed by them.
I have driven a lot of MX-5s (mainly mark 3&4) , probably the best if not the best was a mark 3 with the 200 package plus upgraded suspension , exhaust (BBR Supersport I think ) and a BBR geo set up. It was so much fun, quicker than standard obviously but still able to work it hard without going crazy speeds and retains the core character of the car. I would recommend the 200 to anyone who is using their MX only on the road.
I have a mk3 with the BBR supercharger kit as a track car and when I’ve needed things from BBR I’ve had no issues and found their service to be good. The kit wasn’t installed by them.
Nickp82 said:
My BBR experience is Mk3 based so probably not entirely relevant but for what it s worth;
I have driven a lot of MX-5s (mainly mark 3&4) , probably the best if not the best was a mark 3 with the 200 package plus upgraded suspension , exhaust (BBR Supersport I think ) and a BBR geo set up. It was so much fun, quicker than standard obviously but still able to work it hard without going crazy speeds and retains the core character of the car. I would recommend the 200 to anyone who is using their MX only on the road.
I have a mk3 with the BBR supercharger kit as a track car and when I ve needed things from BBR I ve had no issues and found their service to be good. The kit wasn t installed by them.
That all sounds great, thanks for the reply. I have booked mine in I have driven a lot of MX-5s (mainly mark 3&4) , probably the best if not the best was a mark 3 with the 200 package plus upgraded suspension , exhaust (BBR Supersport I think ) and a BBR geo set up. It was so much fun, quicker than standard obviously but still able to work it hard without going crazy speeds and retains the core character of the car. I would recommend the 200 to anyone who is using their MX only on the road.
I have a mk3 with the BBR supercharger kit as a track car and when I ve needed things from BBR I ve had no issues and found their service to be good. The kit wasn t installed by them.

Also can't speak for the ND, but don't think it's a huge difference in exhaust and engine from NC.
If you get the catted 4-2-1 manifold, and leave the standard centre section with a standard secondary cat and resonator, that should stop too much drone. It's the high flow or straight through centre pipe that really increases the drone.
My NC has centre and rear box, not BBR but IL Motorsport, it is a bit drone like on the motorway but bearable, just.
I met someone recently who had a decaf manifold and standard secondary cat mid pipe and he said he passed the MOT when car was up to temperature, but appreciate it's a bit of a risk if it doesn't as you're left with having to replace the manifold potentially.
If you get the catted 4-2-1 manifold, and leave the standard centre section with a standard secondary cat and resonator, that should stop too much drone. It's the high flow or straight through centre pipe that really increases the drone.
My NC has centre and rear box, not BBR but IL Motorsport, it is a bit drone like on the motorway but bearable, just.
I met someone recently who had a decaf manifold and standard secondary cat mid pipe and he said he passed the MOT when car was up to temperature, but appreciate it's a bit of a risk if it doesn't as you're left with having to replace the manifold potentially.
handbraketurn said:
Also can't speak for the ND, but don't think it's a huge difference in exhaust and engine from NC.
If you get the catted 4-2-1 manifold, and leave the standard centre section with a standard secondary cat and resonator, that should stop too much drone. It's the high flow or straight through centre pipe that really increases the drone.
My NC has centre and rear box, not BBR but IL Motorsport, it is a bit drone like on the motorway but bearable, just.
I met someone recently who had a decaf manifold and standard secondary cat mid pipe and he said he passed the MOT when car was up to temperature, but appreciate it's a bit of a risk if it doesn't as you're left with having to replace the manifold potentially.
Thanks for the reply. I’ve gone for the catted manifold, centre section standard and GT backbox. Hopefully will make a nicer noise than standard but not drone.If you get the catted 4-2-1 manifold, and leave the standard centre section with a standard secondary cat and resonator, that should stop too much drone. It's the high flow or straight through centre pipe that really increases the drone.
My NC has centre and rear box, not BBR but IL Motorsport, it is a bit drone like on the motorway but bearable, just.
I met someone recently who had a decaf manifold and standard secondary cat mid pipe and he said he passed the MOT when car was up to temperature, but appreciate it's a bit of a risk if it doesn't as you're left with having to replace the manifold potentially.
Didn’t want to worry about passing MOT so went catted manifold at BBR’s advice.
JFReturns said:
handbraketurn said:
Also can't speak for the ND, but don't think it's a huge difference in exhaust and engine from NC.
If you get the catted 4-2-1 manifold, and leave the standard centre section with a standard secondary cat and resonator, that should stop too much drone. It's the high flow or straight through centre pipe that really increases the drone.
My NC has centre and rear box, not BBR but IL Motorsport, it is a bit drone like on the motorway but bearable, just.
I met someone recently who had a decaf manifold and standard secondary cat mid pipe and he said he passed the MOT when car was up to temperature, but appreciate it's a bit of a risk if it doesn't as you're left with having to replace the manifold potentially.
Thanks for the reply. I ve gone for the catted manifold, centre section standard and GT backbox. Hopefully will make a nicer noise than standard but not drone.If you get the catted 4-2-1 manifold, and leave the standard centre section with a standard secondary cat and resonator, that should stop too much drone. It's the high flow or straight through centre pipe that really increases the drone.
My NC has centre and rear box, not BBR but IL Motorsport, it is a bit drone like on the motorway but bearable, just.
I met someone recently who had a decaf manifold and standard secondary cat mid pipe and he said he passed the MOT when car was up to temperature, but appreciate it's a bit of a risk if it doesn't as you're left with having to replace the manifold potentially.
Didn t want to worry about passing MOT so went catted manifold at BBR s advice.
I don't think it makes a huge amount of difference in BHP, its just that with N/A tuning, you're spending a lot of money for 20-25BHP gains, so even a 5bhp reduction is quite a lot in terms of the overall percentage. That said, it's still going to feel a lot more responsive and have more pick up than standard. I think also the maps just give a more aggressive power curve making it more usable for spirited driving.
How long did you it take to get a slot at BBR out of interest?
Thought I’d update the thread for anyone interested.
Super 200 fitted along with the GT backbox. A couple of minor issues on the day of fitting but overall I enjoyed the experience and would recommend.
The exhaust is subtle, I’d describe it as OEM+. No drone in motorways and doesn’t seem much louder in the cabin, but still a nicer noise than standard.
Overall the driving experience is much nicer - although not massive gains (up to 200bhp and 175 lb ft) it certainly feels quicker and more eager to rev out. Torque noticeable as well, especially on the motorway when accelerating in sixth. It’s a nippy little car!
Of course now I’m eying up turbo conversions and all sorts but will let it settle for a while and maybe go for lowering springs and centre section next.
Super 200 fitted along with the GT backbox. A couple of minor issues on the day of fitting but overall I enjoyed the experience and would recommend.
The exhaust is subtle, I’d describe it as OEM+. No drone in motorways and doesn’t seem much louder in the cabin, but still a nicer noise than standard.
Overall the driving experience is much nicer - although not massive gains (up to 200bhp and 175 lb ft) it certainly feels quicker and more eager to rev out. Torque noticeable as well, especially on the motorway when accelerating in sixth. It’s a nippy little car!
Of course now I’m eying up turbo conversions and all sorts but will let it settle for a while and maybe go for lowering springs and centre section next.
JFReturns said:
Thought I’d update the thread for anyone interested.
Super 200 fitted along with the GT backbox. A couple of minor issues on the day of fitting but overall I enjoyed the experience and would recommend.
The exhaust is subtle, I’d describe it as OEM+. No drone in motorways and doesn’t seem much louder in the cabin, but still a nicer noise than standard.
Overall the driving experience is much nicer - although not massive gains (up to 200bhp and 175 lb ft) it certainly feels quicker and more eager to rev out. Torque noticeable as well, especially on the motorway when accelerating in sixth. It’s a nippy little car!
Of course now I’m eying up turbo conversions and all sorts but will let it settle for a while and maybe go for lowering springs and centre section next.
Thanks for posting up, we recently bought an ND2 RF and are wondering which direction to go in. I have fitted an IL Motorsport silicone intake boot between the airbox and the TB and have a BMC filter for the standard box ordered but no here yet. I did have an HKS back box on order but cancelled it due to taking forever to arrive and have been back at the BBR page wondering what to do.Super 200 fitted along with the GT backbox. A couple of minor issues on the day of fitting but overall I enjoyed the experience and would recommend.
The exhaust is subtle, I’d describe it as OEM+. No drone in motorways and doesn’t seem much louder in the cabin, but still a nicer noise than standard.
Overall the driving experience is much nicer - although not massive gains (up to 200bhp and 175 lb ft) it certainly feels quicker and more eager to rev out. Torque noticeable as well, especially on the motorway when accelerating in sixth. It’s a nippy little car!
Of course now I’m eying up turbo conversions and all sorts but will let it settle for a while and maybe go for lowering springs and centre section next.
Their catted manifold is tempting for a next stage before going any further but what you have done may make more sense for a genuine improvement in an OEM+ way.
What little issues did they have? I would have to order and have sent to Scotland so avoiding phaff is important!
Please keep the updates coming too.
Cheers
stickylabels said:
Thanks for posting up, we recently bought an ND2 RF and are wondering which direction to go in. I have fitted an IL Motorsport silicone intake boot between the airbox and the TB and have a BMC filter for the standard box ordered but no here yet. I did have an HKS back box on order but cancelled it due to taking forever to arrive and have been back at the BBR page wondering what to do.
Their catted manifold is tempting for a next stage before going any further but what you have done may make more sense for a genuine improvement in an OEM+ way.
What little issues did they have? I would have to order and have sent to Scotland so avoiding phaff is important!
Please keep the updates coming too.
Cheers
Not really issues more minor inconveniences like the fitting took a couple of hours longer than expected because an unexpected software download was needed. Their catted manifold is tempting for a next stage before going any further but what you have done may make more sense for a genuine improvement in an OEM+ way.
What little issues did they have? I would have to order and have sent to Scotland so avoiding phaff is important!
Please keep the updates coming too.
Cheers
stickylabels said:
Understood, cheers for that. Be good to get a feel for your thoughts on it after a few weeks or so.
Will do, I might start a readers cars thread 
It’s been three weeks so far and zero issues. Everything works like it did previously and fuel economy is at least the same despite giving it more beans for testing purposes

Delonghi said:
Lowering springs (Eibach Pro Sport Kit from MX5Parts is very keenly priced) together with a fast road setup alignment will reap more rewards.
A stubby aerial will improve aerodynamics also... ;-)
Thanks! A stubby aerial will improve aerodynamics also... ;-)
I might even be able to fit the aerial myself

Edited by JFReturns on Thursday 11th September 10:58
I’ve got an ND2 2L to which 3 years ago I had the Bbrgti super200 kit fitted by them along centre section and gt exhaust.
Sport cat fitted.
All good and no issues after 3 years and many miles.
Performance increase is not massive but higher rev and a richer sound make the car a lot more enjoyable.
The end result is IMHO a unique sport car in this price bracket.
My Elise was comparable, less wobbly, and with a far better steering but oh so much less usable.
Sport cat fitted.
All good and no issues after 3 years and many miles.
Performance increase is not massive but higher rev and a richer sound make the car a lot more enjoyable.
The end result is IMHO a unique sport car in this price bracket.
My Elise was comparable, less wobbly, and with a far better steering but oh so much less usable.
edo111s said:
I ve got an ND2 2L to which 3 years ago I had the Bbrgti super200 kit fitted by them along centre section and gt exhaust.
Sport cat fitted.
All good and no issues after 3 years and many miles.
Performance increase is not massive but higher rev and a richer sound make the car a lot more enjoyable.
The end result is IMHO a unique sport car in this price bracket.
My Elise was comparable, less wobbly, and with a far better steering but oh so much less usable.
That’s great to hear! I was thinking of going centre section next to release a few more horsies and enhance the sound a little further.Sport cat fitted.
All good and no issues after 3 years and many miles.
Performance increase is not massive but higher rev and a richer sound make the car a lot more enjoyable.
The end result is IMHO a unique sport car in this price bracket.
My Elise was comparable, less wobbly, and with a far better steering but oh so much less usable.
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