Hillclimb MX5 ITB?

[Edmundo2]

Hi. My brother in law and son are planning to start hillclimbing. I suggested an MX5 would be a good place to start. The son will struggle with insurance on a Turbo's car on the road so I suggested a car on ITB could be an option. They probably can't stretch to NC BBR but a good MK1/2 on ITB kit could fit the bill...Anyone running similar and can offer advice?Also of anyone has someting similar for sale or can point to best place to seek one out I'd be grateful. Thanks, Ed

Edited by Edmundo2 on Sunday 19th October 22:32

[MattsCar]

I honestly don't think there would be much difference between insuring a modified MX5 on ITB's to one with a turbo, from my experience.

Once on a "modified" policy, unless it is a HUGE power increase, these sorts of things don't have that much of an effect on premiums.

ITB's...They sound glorious...lets get that out the way. However...when done properly, the horsepower/ £ ratio is costly. Set of Jenveys, ME221 ECU and various ancillaries will cost you the same as the components for a half decent turbo kit.

You will also want to upgrade the cams, if you want any real BHP increase (without them you will be lucky if you get an extra 10 BHP) so this is another cost on top.

[Edmundo2]

Hi. Thanks for this. I meant to add that the other big issue with the Turbo route is class structure as FI has a ×1.4 multiplier so lands the car in the over 2ltr category so it was another reason to avoid this route..Cheers

[Discendo Discimus]

I certainly wouldn't bother with ITBs unless it was purely for the sound. You can spend the money on other things that will give you an advantage.

[MattsCar]

Edmundo2 said:

Hi. Thanks for this. I meant to add that the other big issue with the Turbo route is class structure as FI has a ×1.4 multiplier so lands the car in the over 2ltr category so it was another reason to avoid this route..Cheers

Are they aiming to be competitive or just enjoy themselves? Reason I ask is that tuning an naturally aspirated MX5 can be done...but at great cost. Do they think that a second off the course time is worth the £3-5k of going all out on a cammed, ITB engine?

I personally think £2000 on coilovers, brakes, thicker anti roll bars and some weight reduction (i.e stripped out) would make for a far more enjoyable and competitive car. This is basically what I have done with mine. Power really isn't the be all and end all.

[JQ]

I’ve owned both, both Mk1’s

My first was running a Flyin Miata FM2 kit,Link ECU, padel clutch, roll cage, Meisterr coilovers and a lot more. It was essentially a road going car that could be used for track days. Was running at 280 BHP.

Second was running Jenvy throttle bodies, carbon intake, Megasquirt ecu etc. it was a fully stripped track car with every item of any weight stripped, carbon fibre seats, roll cage, door bars, air con delete, power steering delete.

Both were brilliant on track but the ITB was harder work day to day. If I did it again I’d go turbo, the performance was intoxicating in such a light car, whilst the ITB was fun it was till a slow car despite being fast in the twisties.

Both were cheap to insure with specialist providers. Once you get to modifications 2 or 3 pages long on A4 paper you can get race insurance that lets you drive the cars to the track.

My advice, be patient and get one that’s already been built, it will save a fortune. I also took a MK2 from standard road going to a supercharged track day car and it cost significantly more with far less features.