MR2, MX-5 or 3series Track Toy
- Thread starter Darryn
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Caporegime
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I beg to differ 100%, clearly you haven't been in a turbo or supercharged 5.
The fastest one i've been in had well over 300bhp and was very very quick.
300BHP in a MX5 does not come cheap though. Neither is it strictly speaking necessary and some will argue that it 'spoils' the car.
And I have been in a few turbocharged MX5s at the lower end of the spectrum. 170 - 200BHP isn't really a great deal in the grand scheme of things when we get to long straights. The point I'm trying to make is that if Straight line speed is important to you then you should else where.
Caporegime
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I agree that its not the quickest car in the world in a straight line but its not slow either, a 1.8 MK2 Sport MX-5 which can be had for 4k (138bhp stock), upgrade wise with a 1.5k turbo setup will see 210 - 220 bhp, one with an M62 supercharger setup and the same power for 2.5k, it will pull a 1/4 mile time of 14 seconds flat at a terminal speed of 95mph, last time i check that the same as a stock Evo 8, is an Evo 8 a slow car?
The 1.8 Mk2 runs out of gearing around 126mph (GPS) however with a supercharger setup it doesn't really stop pulling till past 110mph, to be quite honest thats enough, if you want to race on straight tracks move to the USA and buy a Mustang, the funs to be had in the corners.
The 1.8 Mk2 runs out of gearing around 126mph (GPS) however with a supercharger setup it doesn't really stop pulling till past 110mph, to be quite honest thats enough, if you want to race on straight tracks move to the USA and buy a Mustang, the funs to be had in the corners.
Sorry to jump in. I agree the latest set of mx5 figures look interesting... But on both tracks I've done 125mph terminal speed would have me onthe limiter at both tracks (Bedford and cadwell) it's also about the same as a totally stock s2000.
Great car with a massive following, but IMO the e36 was the right choice. Spending cash on one of those results in a car that driven properly will always be one of the quickest cars at any trackday.
Great car with a massive following, but IMO the e36 was the right choice. Spending cash on one of those results in a car that driven properly will always be one of the quickest cars at any trackday.
Caporegime
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Some more 1/4 mile numbers with car details if you fancy a look:
http://www.dragtimes.com/Mazda--Miata-MX5-Drag-Racing.html
Some very quick machines indeed, expensive build costs however
http://www.dragtimes.com/Mazda--Miata-MX5-Drag-Racing.html
Some very quick machines indeed, expensive build costs however
mk1_salami
mk1_salami
Trust me when I say a 250bhp mk1 MX5 will easily see off E46 M3's in a straight and destroy remapped S3's. Speaking from experience. My mate has a 255bhp S3 and I've come across loads of e46 M3's. The e92 M3's are about the same as a 250bhp MX5 in a straight line.
Because roominess is important for a track car?
Because Janesy hasn't got anything else to contribute?
Did, I made a recommendation.
Not going to throw a strop tonight are you?
Soldato
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it is if he's 6 foot 5.
'in theory' ¬_________¬
It seems quite obvious that you've never done a trackday in your life?
Very few people go down the Tow Car + Trailer route for track days. It's a lot more common for people to drive their track car to events and back, loaded up with whatever they might need - An assortment of spare parts, tools, various fluids, spare wheels & tyres, etc
So Yes, "Roominess" can come in damn handy in a track car!
Because roominess is important from whether you are comfortable in the car, and have room enough to turn the steering wheel without it interfering with your thighs - or for that matter, without sitting with your thighs each side of the wheel which can get VERY uncomfortable after a while.
An MR2 Turbo would give you the power (260bhp) the handling (not shoddy in the slightest) and the comfort for travelling to the track. It's quite spacious and the stock seats are very supportive if you're not fitting buckets and harness. Plenty of room in the boot for tools and fluids etc but don't expect to get a spare set of wheels in there!
Feedback through the controls is excellent, brakes are very progressive and steering wise you can feel everything that is going on. Gearbox is already a short shift throw and can easily be made shorter for a £20 bracket.
Running costs wont be huge and parts are easy eough to source for them. Not as well supported in the aftermarket as an MX5 though.
Main downside is weight (looking at 1250-1300 in road trim depending on spec). The backend is a bit lairy but this is down to the driver to control.
If it was an everyday car also for trackdays I would go for an MR2 (I have!) but if it was track only then a supercharged MX5 or 3 series BMW seems the better bet. Less weight, same advantages and more aftermarket support.
Don't discount the advantage of lots of parts, support and upgrades ready on the shelf for your car.
Feedback through the controls is excellent, brakes are very progressive and steering wise you can feel everything that is going on. Gearbox is already a short shift throw and can easily be made shorter for a £20 bracket.
Running costs wont be huge and parts are easy eough to source for them. Not as well supported in the aftermarket as an MX5 though.
Main downside is weight (looking at 1250-1300 in road trim depending on spec). The backend is a bit lairy but this is down to the driver to control.
If it was an everyday car also for trackdays I would go for an MR2 (I have!) but if it was track only then a supercharged MX5 or 3 series BMW seems the better bet. Less weight, same advantages and more aftermarket support.
Don't discount the advantage of lots of parts, support and upgrades ready on the shelf for your car.