MX5 Owners in here....bring your curling tongs

[Janesy B]

It's quite nice to run around in, heater and heated seats are really strong so you can still have the roof down as long as it's not raining

My ST has anti stall so I can just roll it around on the clutch, need to reset my brain whenever I drive the MX-5 to remember I need to give it some revs to set off.

 

[kinger8938]

It's quite nice to run around in, heater and heated seats are really strong so you can still have the roof down as long as it's not raining

My ST has anti stall so I can just roll it around on the clutch, need to reset my brain whenever I drive the MX-5 to remember I need to give it some revs to set off.

Yeah! The heater and seats are surprisingly effective on the MK2 aswell had an evening drive out when I first got it, lovely clear night but was getting chilly but kept the roof down and was really comfortable

 

[lordrobs]

We moved house, via a short spell in a relatives rental bungalow, so my one has been parked at my parents place and now hasn't moved for 10 months

I really need to get it back on the road this month but in reality what I really need to do is get it sold as me + wife + toddler = no use for a 2 seater

 

[kinger8938]

We moved house, via a short spell in a relatives rental bungalow, so my one has been parked at my parents place and now hasn't moved for 10 months

I really need to get it back on the road this month but in reality what I really need to do is get it sold as me + wife + toddler = no use for a 2 seater

This explains why my partner wasn't overly chuffed with me swapping a family suitable car for an mx5

We use hers mostly anyway so hopefully she will come round

 

[lordrobs]

This explains why my partner wasn't overly chuffed with me swapping a family suitable car for an mx5

We use hers mostly anyway so hopefully she will come round

I have to commute in my company car and weekends require 3 seats so it really leaves the MX5 with no purpose for me unfortunately.

Initially I was just going to keep it in the hope that in later years my son might take an interest in it but now I'm thinking... what's the point? Will he really want to learn about what will by then be a 35+ year old car with an engine the likes of which you can't even buy anymore? Someone else may as well get some fun out of it.

If I could even do the odd sunny commute in it I'd keep it but it isn't even an option to me unfortunately

 

[01001101]

Good morning Miata enthusiasts and captains. I am proud to announce that I am now one of you.

Last month I was lucky to be in a position to purchase 2006 NC with 45,000mil on the clock, 2 previous owners.

Thanks to @Conscript for telling me about this forum.

I just wanted to ask for some guidance and advice.

On the 24th of this month I've already got the car booked in for a new aux drive belt and tensioner and also the front anti roll bar linkage ball joints need replacing.

I would like to start modifying the car but would like some advice on where to start and what most owners start with when it comes to mods.

This car will most probably be my daily driver when the roads don't need gritting during the winter months. I live North Dorset area, close to the boarder of Sommerset and Wiltshire, so the roads are your typical country windy roads which can be riddled with pot holes here and there and not ideal when it rains due to potential floods, but that's ok as I've got a back up 2009 A3 which I'll be using in the wet and cold months.

I've read that one of the best mods you can do is lowering the suspension. I'm not sure what would be best for these roads tbh. New suspension springs or Coilovers?

Also, reading on the r/MiataNC forum on Reddit, there's a lot of recommendations on replacing the expansion header coolant tank for a custom aluminium one.

As I've already got the car booked in for the 24th what should I also attempt to get done?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[visibleman]

I've read that one of the best mods you can do is lowering the suspension. I'm not sure what would be best for these roads tbh. New suspension springs or Coilovers?

If you've got Bilsteins* then the Eibach springs is a good option and gives you a ~30mm drop. Otherwise you can go the coilover route with something from Meister-R etc.
Regardless, get a decent wheel alignment done from a known MX5 specialist as it makes a massive difference to the handling over the standard Mazda geometry. I used Wheels in Motion last time around although probably a bit too far from you unfortunately with them being in Chesham, Bucks - for anyone near though, Tony has a wealth of knowledge on MX5 setups and i would highly recommend them.

What's the reasoning for changing the expansion tank on a NC?
DaveFab and a few others do baffled ali tanks which might be useful if tracking but i'm not convinced for general day-to-day use other than for 'looks'. DaveFab does do some nice ali bits for the NC though.

One upgrade i would do is eBay for a RX8 windscreen wiper/washer stalk (without rain sensor); relatively cheap upgrade, it's a straight swap, takes a few minutes with a screwdriver and gives you intermittent/adjustable windscreen wiper control which is really handy.
RX8 sway bars, hubs, seats, steering wheels, headlight projectors, brakes and wheels (these two do add more unsprung weight to each corner though) can also be swapped across to a NC and can offer cheap upgrades.

And if servicing history is at all iffy, make sure you get it fully serviced along with all fluids (gearbox, diff and brake fluid especially) changed. And never let the engine oil get low.

Otherwise enjoy, they're great cars even with their flaws and (known) faults/issues

* Just a FYI with those with Bilstein's on NC's - they are Mazda's own design, which you can only purchase from Mazda and were around £300+VAT each last time i inquired replacing mine, and suffer from a known weeping fault where the seals fail. If you do need to replace them, then Bilstein B6's (certainly for the PRHT; might be different for soft-tops) are the direct replacements, are a lot better in every way and around £100+VAT a corner.

 

[01001101]

Thanks for the reply.

If you've got Bilsteins* then the Eibach springs is a good option and gives you a ~30mm drop. Otherwise you can go the coilover route with something from Meister-R etc.
Regardless, get a decent wheel alignment done from a known MX5 specialist as it makes a massive difference to the handling over the standard Mazda geometry. I used Wheels in Motion last time around although probably a bit too far from you unfortunately with them being in Chesham, Bucks - for anyone near though, Tony has a wealth of knowledge on MX5 setups and i would highly recommend them.

What's the reasoning for changing the expansion tank on a NC?
DaveFab and a few others do baffled ali tanks which might be useful if tracking but i'm not convinced for general day-to-day use other than for 'looks'. DaveFab does do some nice ali bits for the NC though.

One upgrade i would do is eBay for a RX8 windscreen wiper/washer stalk (without rain sensor); relatively cheap upgrade, it's a straight swap, takes a few minutes with a screwdriver and gives you intermittent/adjustable windscreen wiper control which is really handy.
RX8 sway bars, hubs, seats, steering wheels, headlight projectors, brakes and wheels (these two do add more unsprung weight to each corner though) can also be swapped across to a NC and can offer cheap upgrades.

And if servicing history is at all iffy, make sure you get it fully serviced along with all fluids (gearbox, diff and brake fluid especially) changed. And never let the engine oil get low.

Otherwise enjoy, they're great cars even with their flaws and (known) faults/issues

* Just a FYI with those with Bilstein's on NC's - they are Mazda's own design, which you can only purchase from Mazda and were around £300+VAT each last time i inquired replacing mine, and suffer from a known weeping fault where the seals fail. If you do need to replace them, then Bilstein B6's (certainly for the PRHT; might be different for soft-tops) are the direct replacements, are a lot better in every way and around £100+VAT a corner.

I should probably start with a full service tbh and not get too focused on springs and coilovers atm. Looking at the Mazda digital service record paperwork that came with the vehicle @ 43857mil the engine air filter was replaced and the renewal of oil and oil filter were replaced by the looks of it. Current milage at the moment is 45,500 miles approx. I'm going to ask the garage for a quote for a full service Monday morning as I forgot to mention that I also had to order a new key assembly direct from Mazda which took a bite out of my budget. If I'm not careful I could easily blow a couple of grand quite quickly. I'm just eager to mod but perhaps I should just enjoy the car as it is for the time being and learn how it handles before upgrading and modding. It's super fun either way.

But yes.. Totally. Coilovers would be awesome eventually. People have recommended either Ohlins (kind of out of my budget range atm.) or MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers which look like they would fit my budget.

Looking at the expansion tank, I don't think it looks too bad. What would you say?

The DaveFab expansion tank was the one I was looking at. Apparently it's a job I can easily carry out myself. Takes about 20min, a turkey baster for transferring the fluid. Don't need to flush or bleed the system. Sounds easy in principle.

Thanks for the recommendations for the RX8 parts. Is this the right wiper/washer stalk?

I'm also putting an order together from MX5 parts. So far I've got the revised dipstick in my basket along with the hood drain cleaning brush. Any other essential bits?

 

[SKILL]

The expansion tank thing seems a little odd to me, I dunno if there's a different design in the states or it's just a super-hot environment problem but I've not heard or any actually failing in the UK... Personally I've had my NC for 5 years, including plenty of trackdays, and not had an issue with the expansion tank at all...

Saying that, Duratec NC (duratecnc.co.uk) do an alloy tank that also relocates it to the firewall which I keep getting tempted by

 

[kinger8938]

Upgrading the stock double headunit on my MK2.5 for a single dinn unit.

I've ordered a plain looking headunit to fit in with the cars era, nothing too flashy. What else do I need to install it? I see you can get pockets to fill the remaining gap, but I'd kind of like the cleaner look of just blanking it off. But the pocket route isn't out of the question

Also what cables will I need?

Thanks for any advice given. I've asked in a few places now and can't seem to get a straight answer

 

[agw_01]

The pocket doesn't look too bad, it's only fairly cheap matt black plastic so doesn't look out of place against the rest of the dash.

Cable wise, I used Autoleads PC2-78-4 in my 52 plate NB.

That was the cheapest Connects2 bezel I could find. It has a little lip to stop things flying out of the plastic tray but there's no soft mat or anythign in there to stop things sliding around.

 

[kinger8938]

The pocket doesn't look too bad, it's only fairly cheap matt black plastic so doesn't look out of place against the rest of the dash.

Cable wise, I used Autoleads PC2-78-4 in my 52 plate NB.

That was the cheapest Connects2 bezel I could find. It has a little lip to stop things flying out of the plastic tray but there's no soft mat or anythign in there to stop things sliding around.

Looks like it sits pretty flush which I like! I guess you can put the stereo at the top too if you wanted to?

I've seen these units that are like a pocket and then a gap above for the headunit as one thing. I'll post a link.

This seems to have the lot

https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/maz...duZHC3XsxdL5n_S1h8dqpIu5kw-93FqcaAumbEALw_wcB

Or could I just slide the head unit in at the top, then clip on a cover like this in the gap that's left?

https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/radio-single-trim-cover-mk1-25-p-1514.html

 

[agw_01]

That link you posted is exactly the same as the Connects2 fascia I have. You can install it in either orientation with the radio at the top or bottom. With the radio at the bottom there's a little lip on the pocket to stop things falling out. With the radio on the top, the fascia will be upside down so you won't have the lip, but there is nothing stopping you from installing it in this way.

If the cover clips into a DIN sized hole it probably won't fit, as the plastic surround makes the remaining hole smaller than 1 DIN. You could probalby glue something over the hole though to cover it.

The fascia clips into the center console and then the radio's metal cage fixes into the fascia with the locating tabs, so you need some kind of fascia in order to fit the stereo. If you just tried fitting the radio and a DIN cover straight into the gap, there would be nothing for the tabs to lock on to and the radio would flop about.

 

[kinger8938]

That link you posted is exactly the same as the Connects2 fascia I have. You can install it in either orientation with the radio at the top or bottom. With the radio at the bottom there's a little lip on the pocket to stop things falling out. With the radio on the top, the fascia will be upside down so you won't have the lip, but there is nothing you from installing it in this way.

If the cover clips into a DIN sized hole it probably won't fit, as the plastic surround makes the remaining hole smaller than 1 DIN. You could probalby and glue something over the hole though to cover it.

The fascia clips into the center console and then the radio's metal cage fixes into the fascia with the locating tabs, so you need some kind of fascia in order to fit the stereo. If you just tried fitting the radio and a DIN cover straight into the gap, there would be nothing for the tabs to lock on to and the radio would flop about.

Thanks this answers my questions tbh!

I'll just grab the kit linked above as it seems to contain all I'd need to get it fitted

I see what you mean about the lip to stop things sliding out the box. May have it the same way around as yours

*While I have you, what about the terrible cup holders! Any good alternatives? I find my elbow rests of the flap and just opens it all the time. Or if there's a cup in there I have to have my arm raised to change gear, pretty bad design tbh

 

[01001101]

The pocket doesn't look too bad, it's only fairly cheap matt black plastic so doesn't look out of place against the rest of the dash.

Cable wise, I used Autoleads PC2-78-4 in my 52 plate NB.

That was the cheapest Connects2 bezel I could find. It has a little lip to stop things flying out of the plastic tray but there's no soft mat or anythign in there to stop things sliding around.

Can I ask where you got your gear shift from?

I'm looking at the sports JASS performance one ATM and a couple of custom on Etsy. There's also lathewerks.com, but **** me they are expensive. Nice though..

 

[kinger8938]

Can I ask where you got your gear shift from?

I'm looking at the sports JASS performance one ATM and a couple of custom on Etsy. There's also lathewerks.com, but **** me they are expensive. Nice though..

Yeah I like the look of this one too ^ I'm going to get one made up at work.

I think I read somewhere that it's an M10x1.5 thread inside. Will just be hard to line up any text on top but I see aftermarket ones use a set screw to tighten it in position rather than tightening up on the main thread if that makes sense

 

[Janesy B]

Thanks for the reply.


I should probably start with a full service tbh and not get too focused on springs and coilovers atm. Looking at the Mazda digital service record paperwork that came with the vehicle @ 43857mil the engine air filter was replaced and the renewal of oil and oil filter were replaced by the looks of it. Current milage at the moment is 45,500 miles approx. I'm going to ask the garage for a quote for a full service Monday morning as I forgot to mention that I also had to order a new key assembly direct from Mazda which took a bite out of my budget. If I'm not careful I could easily blow a couple of grand quite quickly. I'm just eager to mod but perhaps I should just enjoy the car as it is for the time being and learn how it handles before upgrading and modding. It's super fun either way.

But yes.. Totally. Coilovers would be awesome eventually. People have recommended either Ohlins (kind of out of my budget range atm.) or MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers which look like they would fit my budget.

Looking at the expansion tank, I don't think it looks too bad. What would you say?

The DaveFab expansion tank was the one I was looking at. Apparently it's a job I can easily carry out myself. Takes about 20min, a turkey baster for transferring the fluid. Don't need to flush or bleed the system. Sounds easy in principle.

Thanks for the recommendations for the RX8 parts. Is this the right wiper/washer stalk?

I'm also putting an order together from MX5 parts. So far I've got the revised dipstick in my basket along with the hood drain cleaning brush. Any other essential bits?

I wouldn't bother with the tank unless you can see it cracking. Looks fine tbh.

Picked up my car from the MX-5 Restorer yesterday, waiting for the gdrive link from them with everything they've done but I've had a crawl underneath.





Full underside strip down and treatment, arch liners out, back bumper off and crash bar mounting points treated. Filled out with cavity wax. Had a new ABS sensor fitted too as that was throwing codes. Thankfully everything was just surface corrosion.

Waiting for the whiteline ARB and droplink kit to go on sale so I can start to address the handling.

 

[agw_01]

@kinger8938, I share your pain on the cupholder design. Don't get me wrong, I am very glad it has a cupholder but the placement is stupid. They could have brought the rear-most storage bin forward and moved the cupholders to the back.

I've seen a few Mk1 owners fit something similar to this; https://shorturl.at/ahsO9 (link to Etsy, first one I found)

@01001101, it was the cheapest 'decent' one on eBay at the time, it was used though. I only really bought it because the old gearknob was worn and looked horrid but the ally replacement is actually really nice. Feels great to use and only cost a tenner. Nice solid chunk of aluminium.

Glad you're enjoying MX-5 life @Janesy B. Yours looks superb!

 

[kinger8938]

I wouldn't bother with the tank unless you can see it cracking. Looks fine tbh.

Picked up my car from the MX-5 Restorer yesterday, waiting for the gdrive link from them with everything they've done but I've had a crawl underneath.





Full underside strip down and treatment, arch liners out, back bumper off and crash bar mounting points treated. Filled out with cavity wax. Had a new ABS sensor fitted too as that was throwing codes. Thankfully everything was just surface corrosion.

Waiting for the whiteline ARB and droplink kit to go on sale so I can start to address the handling.

Looks like a job well done! I'm definitely tempted to get mine treated but may hold off for a bit.

I also wouldn't mind a hard top but I'd want a perfect colour match which I imagine isn't that easy.

Along with the stereo, I'm trying to just cover some simple bits and bobs. I've taken all the stuck on chrome bits off that the previous owner had on, I want to get a new front plate/plinth though the reviews on the mx5parts replacement sound terrible. New front wiper blades as mine as soo loud! And clear side reflectors instead of orange/red. But looking out for some cheaper ones if possible

 

[kinger8938]

@kinger8938, I share your pain on the cupholder design. Don't get me wrong, I am very glad it has a cupholder but the placement is stupid. They could have brought the rear-most storage bin forward and moved the cupholders to the back.

I've seen a few Mk1 owners fit something similar to this; https://shorturl.at/ahsO9 (link to Etsy, first one I found)

@01001101, it was the cheapest 'decent' one on eBay at the time, it was used though. I only really bought it because the old gearknob was worn and looked horrid but the ally replacement is actually really nice. Feels great to use and only cost a tenner. Nice solid chunk of aluminium.

Glad you're enjoying MX-5 life @Janesy B. Yours looks superb!

I may look at that cup holder! I've seen it before in my Googling but didn't want to drill a hole in the trim, however on closer inspection, it just fits where an existing screw is already in place

Then just glue the old flaps shut ..