500bhp for less than £10k

Freefaller · 23 Mar 2017 at 10:24

I really do need to come for a ride with you next time.

nick.lidgett · 23 Mar 2017 at 10:48

Frozennova said:
Ive never bothered other than odd posts in "What have you done to your car today"

But in short it's a mk2 with a Subaru turbo, an aftermarket ECU and some big Injectors slapped on. Made 253bhp on the Dyno last year and is now making a bit more than that due to some exhaust mods

So im presuming that going down the route you took sees more power gains and is cheaper than the "official" MX5 turbo bolt on kits?

Did you do the work yourself? Did you have to change the clutch or any of the engine internals?

This has got me interested as both my brother in laws compete in Auto solo event with Preston Motorsport clubs and the MX5 seems like a cheap way in.

Frozennova · 23 Mar 2017 at 11:35

Freefaller said:
I really do need to come for a ride with you next time.

Next time we're both at a meet just give me a nudge,

nick.lidgett said:
So im presuming that going down the route you took sees more power gains and is cheaper than the "official" MX5 turbo bolt on kits?

Did you do the work yourself? Did you have to change the clutch or any of the engine internals?

This has got me interested as both my brother in laws compete in Auto solo event with Preston Motorsport clubs and the MX5 seems like a cheap way in.

It was one of the typical off the shelf kits. Engine is completely stock internally although I'm more or less at the limits of what is considered sensible without at least fitting forged con rods. Stock clutch gave up somewhere around 220bhp/180ft/lbs.

I've done all of the work myself including the mapping. As far as power is concerned the typical Subaru turbo setup will see 250bhp generally

nick.lidgett · 23 Mar 2017 at 12:06

Frozennova said:
Next time we're both at a meet just give me a nudge,

It was one of the typical off the shelf kits. Engine is completely stock internally although I'm more or less at the limits of what is considered sensible without at least fitting forged con rods. Stock clutch gave up somewhere around 220bhp/180ft/lbs.

I've done all of the work myself including the mapping. As far as power is concerned the typical Subaru turbo setup will see 250bhp generally

Well this will see me on google and auto trader all weekend fantasizing now!

As an auto solo/ track car/ weekend toy would you recommend it? for a complete first timer?

Frozennova · 23 Mar 2017 at 12:31

nick.lidgett said:
Well this will see me on google and auto trader all weekend fantasizing now!

As an auto solo/ track car/ weekend toy would you recommend it? for a complete first timer?

I'd recommend starting out with a stock MX5 for a couple or months, then driving it for a few months with a low boost turbo setup before going the whole hog purely so can learn the car, as things can get out of shape pretty quickly with so much power in such a light chassis

nick.lidgett · 23 Mar 2017 at 12:37

Frozennova said:
I'd recommend starting out with a stock MX5 for a couple or months, then driving it for a few months with a low boost turbo setup before going the whole hog purely so can learn the car, as things can get out of shape pretty quickly with so much power in such a light chassis

So yours is a 1.8 then? I see some of the early models are 1.6 engines.

In your experience is there any common issues to look out for when buying an MX5? id be looking around 1998 sub £2K? would that be a good starting point?

Sorry for all the questions

Frozennova · 23 Mar 2017 at 12:49

nick.lidgett said:
So yours is a 1.8 then? I see some of the early models are 1.6 engines.

In your experience is there any common issues to look out for when buying an MX5? id be looking around 1998 sub £2K? would that be a good starting point?

Sorry for all the questions

It's a 1.8 1998 MK2, with no ABS which I paid £950 for at the end of 2014.

Mechanically they are more or less bomb proof, youll probably replace most of the cooling system as things will start to leave due to age, and rear brake calipers are prone to seizing. Biggest thing they suffer with is rust. MK1s are a little less prone, but they command a price premium and the chassis isn't quite as good as the MK2

adam cool dude · 23 Mar 2017 at 13:03

Nasher said:
Some of the old Volvos will do 160

A stage 1 Saab 9-5 Aero will do 160MPH. I was pushing 150 on the autobahn in mine which was 3 up and chock full of luggage.

TS7 · 11 Apr 2017 at 23:24

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603252327712

I was next to one of these in traffic today and this thread sprung to mind. 10 years ago someone bought it for £160,000

517bhp

Clearcut · 12 Apr 2017 at 08:38

Shame about the ghastly interior and the £512 annual tax.

nick.lidgett · 12 Apr 2017 at 09:18

Clearcut said:
Shame about the ghastly interior

Money cant buy taste but it will get you to 60 in 4.2ish seconds and do 1/4 mile in 12.5ish seconds

Diddums · 12 Apr 2017 at 09:21

Clearcut said:
Shame about the ghastly interior and the £512 annual tax.

And the fact that it'll likely need the asking price every time it goes wrong.

scaza · 14 Apr 2017 at 12:26

Frozennova said:
I'd recommend starting out with a stock MX5 for a couple or months, then driving it for a few months with a low boost turbo setup before going the whole hog purely so can learn the car, as things can get out of shape pretty quickly with so much power in such a light chassis

Yes, as a passenger, curborough in the wet with no LSD was rather interesting.

The_Dark_Side · 14 Apr 2017 at 16:42

Clearcut said:
Shame about the ghastly interior.....

I actually quite like that.

m4rmite · 14 Apr 2017 at 17:36

The_Dark_Side said:
I actually quite like that.

Orange is the new black

Dav4 · 16 Apr 2017 at 18:10

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Mond...736228?hash=item4b14eeb824:g:f6wAAOSwB-1Y49xJ
Around 400bhp on a highly modified Mondeo ST220 for 6k

. Altough it is wayyy overpriced.

Dis86 · 16 Apr 2017 at 18:19

Shed!

Dav4 · 16 Apr 2017 at 18:28

Dis86 said:
Shed!

i know

but still impressive power for a 15 year old Mondeo. It should be priced more around 2.5k though.

Jez · 16 Apr 2017 at 19:23

This surely just shows how pathetic modding rubbish engines is? 390hp? Lol. I've got just 100 less from my commuter diesel and 100 more from a standard unmodified 14 year old Sunday cruiser albeit with a big old v8 engine.

Frozennova · 16 Apr 2017 at 19:44

Jez said:
This surely just shows how pathetic modding rubbish engines is? 390hp? Lol. I've got just 100 less from my commuter diesel and 100 more from a standard unmodified 14 year old Sunday cruiser albeit with a big old v8 engine.

To be fair looking at what parts are fitted it's nothing to do with modding rubbish engines and everything to do with modding badly. The reason its hitting a wall at 5k like he said is because it needs more boost to not choke the turbo