First mx5

[mx52nv]

I will keep this really brief as it would be too easy to go overboard with the answer.

When I used to serve customers at a performance workshop in another life - I was asked this exactly twice. I would always say that "out of the box" or in this case factory, the Silvia/180SX was always the cheaper and easier option for the purposes of drifting. This is due to more power available, stronger drivetrain & HUGE availability of parts.

If you want to be unique (spend loads of money) then by all means get a NA8 (1800cc). The braces are for chassis stiffening.

If you can perfect drifting a lightweight underpowered FR car then you should be able to drift anything.

Hope this helps.

[mx52nv]

No problem marvis

Not that I would dissuade someone out of an MX5 but what about AE86 Sprinter (Trueno/Levin)??

[mx52nv]

Nooooo way. Everyone has them and everything for them are over priced.

I'm dead set on a mx5

marvis.

Well then, my advice to get a NA8 stands

[-alex]

Yes mx-5 is the way to go
I'm thinking through the same questions you are,
though I've been told I need to get a 1.8 or I'm going to regret it forever.
I say, make your own choices based on personal preference while referring back to the info people provide. At the end of the day, your the one in the drivers seat, so long as your happy.

[Steampunk]

Doh! You just missed out on buying Sheck's little beastie:
http://mx5cartalk.com/phpBB-3.0.2/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=28817

But I assume you want the satisfaction of doing little bits at a time yourself.
First of all, good on ya for choosing an MX-5, you'll get attention at the drift events just for that fact alone.
Secondly, if you are going to turbo-charge it, then the 1.6 has more parts more readily available than the 1.8, ie. turbo kits, clutches etc.

Even though I own a 1.8, if you are going to do what you want to do to it, I vote to save some money and go for a rough 1.6, but with decent-condition mechanicals, and upgrade to low-mileage used parts from MX-5Plus.

Good luck.

Oh by the way.... the Queensland MX-5 club is having a motorkhana/skidpan day this saturday. It's for the whole day at QR so why not come down and introduce yourself.

Cheers

Andrew

[stevesports]

Don't forget a LSD =]

[Steampunk]

Not going turbo as I'm currently on my p's. Although looking at doing ITB's, intake, extractors etc I'm amusing these are available for both versions?

I was thinking of going a 1.6, but i'd rather not mess around and have to swap everything. LSD, KAZZ are they available for the 1.8 and 1.6 diff? I was thinking of doing a dodgy for the time being


Thanks for the reply's.. Was sorta expecting a flaming as I'm use to seeing it on other forums

marvis.

Everything available for 1.6 will be available for 1.8 and vice-versa, but IRTB's are EXPENSIVE and not the easiest of things to tune. I'm going down the naturally-aspirated-screamer route too .... eventually.

A Torsen LSD is available on 1.8 Clubmans, but the diff can be fitted to 1.6 no probs. Easiest way is to buy a second hand one that comes with the cradle so its a bolt-off-bolt-on affair. Takes 2 hours with a hoist. All varieties of LSD's can be bought from Cusco, KAAZ etc, but they are just the centres and it's highly recommended that a proper transmission specialist shop installs it for you.

The only thing that comes close to "flaming" here are the flaming supernovas lingering around .... but I'll point out who AJ and Boags are so you can steer clear from them

[Miata Bart]

Any mx5 is better than no mx5 and there are so many cheap NAs out there. You wont regret either.

[Benny]

You'll be happier with 1.8 rather than the 1.6, especially if you're into drifting.

Case closed!

[Richee]

Classic Car that - Limited Edition, nice wheels too. I had a 1990 Eunos V-Spec and the BRG and Tan really grew on me

[mx52nv]

ermmm images are missing marvis...

[miata]

The bracing added torsional rigidity to the body, so far, each model has been about 15% stiffer than the model before it. The stiffer the body, the better the suspension is able to maintain contact with the road.
A couple of the side braces were to satisfy American side impact laws.

[Steampunk]

^ thanks for the info guys, very helpful Was looking into IRTB's way later on.

Currently looking at this one, although i don't like the interior (could do a swap? or something), i can sell the wheels (or skidders ) and nardi etc as i'm not to keen on it. seems an ok base. Link click meee

What are people thoughts on this? It has a lot more km's then other ones, but I'm guessing that's why it is cheaper.

Thanks,
marvis.

Nice-looker and you can probably swap the interior with a standard black one and come out ontop $$ wise. The wheels I'm sure someone will buy.

And as for what "worst" wrote, the MX-5 is not popular mainly because parts, new and used, for it are not as abundant as those for Nissans, and perhaps the 50/50 front-rear weight distribution is not conducive to a good drifter and I can only assume a heavier front end makes a better drifter, thus why you don't see anyone drifting a Porsche 911.

[mx52nv]

...and also the cost of a 911

But I do agree with 1red5's points.

Furthermore, drifting with less horsepower means that you are learning to shift weight precisely to initiate drift instead of just lighting up the tyres with horsepower. In the MX5, most drivers who have raced their cars will tell you that if the tail steps out, it is usually quite controllable. However, most of us will not have entered the corner with the tail out in mind. Personally, a little oversteer exiting a corner is just about right for a good line (i.e. fast time) which is opposed to the drift line of getting the most speed and angle.

I look forward to see pics of your beastie when you start drifting. I think there was someone else who used to drift on this forum but I can't for the life of me remember who...?

[kitkat]

I think there was someone else who used to drift on this forum but I can't for the life of me remember who...?

That would be sheck in the camo machine... currently being parted out in the for sale forum.


Oh and the BRG with those wheels look hot!!! Just go look at the car first before making a decision though. Seeing it in person could change you opinion on how it looks... its happend to alot here in regards to the crystal blue NB.