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

Will said:
Reliability is tricky at these power levels on track, gearbox as much as the engine itself mind. With used 6 speed gearboxes being so cheap most seem content to just replace the gearbox several times over a track or race season, rather than the hugely expensive options of a properly engineered gear set (the quiafe one is crap and gives better ratios for racing but is no stronger than standard) or a gearbox conversion to something stronger.
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Is the 5spd failing and people replacing with a 6spd or do the 6spds fail as well? I am looking into tuning options and had heard that the 5spd I have is a weak link so was looking at 6spd options, but I do like the ratios on the 5spd though, I reckon it will suit the Autosolo events I do particularly when I have a touch more torque and less weight as being able to hit ~64 in 2nd should mean I can pretty much leave in that gear and focus on the driving.

In my Abarth Punto I was always either redlining and holding 2nd on the limiter or snatching 3rd then having to grab 2nd again almost immediately, this along with keeping the car tidy gave me a lot of work to do, I was hoping the 5spd in the Mx5 would avoid this scenario whilst I learn this RWD handling thing.

I've been looking at tuning options for the NC, am considering Roddisions purely because of price and there seemed to be a lot of happy people. BBR are closer for me but their pricing !!
 
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I've not tried a 6spd in an Mx5 just mentioning that I quite liked the 5spd compared to my other car and reckon it might suit, if the 6spd on the MX5 was similar to the Punto I'd probably stick with the 5spd.
 
Housey said:
I'm thinking mk3 engine mk1 car :) wonder what's involved
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It's pretty involved really....exhausts and intakes on opposite sides for a start. Lots of fabrication. Someone has started on one here, well with a Duratec engine but it's largely similar to the mk3 in the MZR, same block and head castings...

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=180466&hl=duratec#entry2141914

If I was going to that much hassle I'd probably go for a Honda engine though, F20C gives you 240bhp and 9000rpm out of the box and if you want boost it will take it up to silly power levels as well. Someone on nuts has an F20C engined mk1, even at stock power levels it's insane.
 
sandys said:
Is the 5spd failing and people replacing with a 6spd or do the 6spds fail as well? I am looking into tuning options and had heard that the 5spd I have is a weak link so was looking at 6spd options, but I do like the ratios on the 5spd though, I reckon it will suit the Autosolo events I do particularly when I have a touch more torque and less weight as being able to hit ~64 in 2nd should mean I can pretty much leave in that gear and focus on the driving.

In my Abarth Punto I was always either redlining and holding 2nd on the limiter or snatching 3rd then having to grab 2nd again almost immediately, this along with keeping the car tidy gave me a lot of work to do, I was hoping the 5spd in the Mx5 would avoid this scenario whilst I learn this RWD handling thing.

I've been looking at tuning options for the NC, am considering Roddisions purely because of price and there seemed to be a lot of happy people. BBR are closer for me but their pricing !!
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Are we talking mk3 still? The 5 speed box in the NC is a bit weaker but some say it's nicer to use. Its only above 260bhp or so that the boxes in the mk3 become a problem, if you are only running naturally aspirated power mods then either the 5 speed or 6 speed will last well even on track.

If you are considering roddisons I would speak to BLiNK motorsport, closer than sheffield, they do stuff for the mk3 including remaps and exhaust parts, cheaper than BBR too I'd venture. I am actually there today getting a new clutch fitted along with a lightweight flywheel. They are great for suspension work as well, full equipment for corner weighting and geo including a certified flat floor and a Hunter alignment machine. My 5 will be going to BLiNK or BBR only for any more mods..
 
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Cool thanks, yes I would only be considering NA mods for my mk3/NC or I get bumped up to a very serious moneys no object type of class.

I shall look at Blink also, I will need to get suspension done and geom looked at but will see how it and I perform first this weekend on track to get a feel for what it needs.
 
Will said:
It's pretty involved really....exhausts and intakes on opposite sides for a start. Lots of fabrication. Someone has started on one here, well with a Duratec engine but it's largely similar to the mk3 in the MZR, same block and head castings...

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=180466&hl=duratec#entry2141914

If I was going to that much hassle I'd probably go for a Honda engine though, F20C gives you 240bhp and 9000rpm out of the box and if you want boost it will take it up to silly power levels as well. Someone on nuts has an F20C engined mk1, even at stock power levels it's insane.
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The Honda engine would be superb in an 800kgs mx5, superb! Just thinking out aloud right now.
 
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My Mk1 starved itself of oil this weekend and is now knocking horribly....it's dead basically.
I want to swap the engine as the body is rust free etc but I have no idea where to start. Where do I source a decent engine and person to fit it?
 
Speak to one of the following to source an engine...I'd be trying AK first of all, out of this list, followed by Blink :)

Autolink - http://www.autolinkmx5.com/
AK Automotive - http://www.akautomotive-mx5.co.uk/
Skuzzle Motorsport - http://www.skuzzle.com/motorsport/
Blink Motorsport - http://www.blinkmotorsport.com/
Clive @ Autotronix - http://autotronixdevelopments.co.uk/
Penarth MX5 - http://penarthmx5anddelsol.weebly.com/

Not sure who I'd recommend to fit an engine near Bath, I would avoid Blendini motorsport south wales way (although they do a lot with MX5s including race cars and some may point you in their direction they are developing a reputation as bodgers).
 
Thanks for that Will! I'll give some of those guys a call tomorrow and see what they say.
I need to update my location as I'm actually down on the Surrey/Hants border now!
 
If you're reasonably handy with a spanner I'd be inclined to grab an engine off eBay and do the work yourself.

1.8s seem to be between £200-300 for one with reasonable miles
 
Put a mk2.5 vvt 1.8 in it. Little more involved but easier to find a nice low mileage one and they have a bit more poke too.
 
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