So I want another MX5, but which model?

[SKYHI]

Hi Guys,

For those that don't know me, I've previously owned two NA8s, stripped and caged them, and raced them as road registered race cars. Both have since been sold to members on this forum. I sold the last one, as I couldn't justify spending 10K on a race engine, and having nearly 30K tied up in a car that by now, was too uncomfortable to drive anywhere but on the track maybe 6 times a year.

This time around I want to do things a bit differently. I still want something I can take to the track for sprints etc, but willing to compromise somewhat on outright performance to retain a level of comfort, that will allow me to drive it to work occasionally and take it for a run through some windy roads on a weekend (ie full interior, air con and radio). I would however want to retain a level of safety on track that I consider necessary, which includes some sort of roll over protection that allows me to use a 5 or 6 point harness, a HANS device, and a suitable fixed back seat.

Lastly, both my previous MX5s had standard NA8 engines, and whilst they were fun to drive/race, I definitely got to the point where i thought some extra power wouldn't go astray, so I'd like some options to increase power via engine upgrades and/or super/turbocharging, whether it be done as part of an existing package or further down the track. I'd think about 200-250rwhp (depending on the model) would be enjoyable without putting too much stress on drive line components.

Other components of my ideal car would include, a hardtop, 15x8 Enkei RPF1 or 6UL wheels, performance street tyres, decent coil overs, radiator upgrade, and minor brake upgrades (rotors, pads and fluids).

So,with a budget of 8-10K for initial purchase and maximum 10K to spend sometime down the track, which model NA or NB? I prefer the shape and philosophy of the NA, but my head says NB8B would be the better starting point. Any issues with getting approval for roll over protection, replacement seats, replacement steering wheel and supercharger/turbo on either model?

[Dan]

I remember you posting something similar last year when you were thinking about getting an NC viewtopic.php?f=18&t=66851

Why not look at an NC anymore?

A couple of grand more (12-13k) and you could buy a ~100km NC which would be a much more capable car as you already know that also ticks all the boxes you want to tick around not having a gutless NA8 engine and having more comfort.

If you want to upgrade it to have a really capable while reliable car you should be able to stay under your eventual $20k total budget too - Headers ($900), rear muffler ($800), MCA Purple ($2000), wheels (FD RX7 $500), brake pads/rotors ($600), Race Seat ($500), Harness ($300), BD Roll Bar ($1500) = $6,600.

[SKYHI]

Yep, went through that exercise and ended up buying an 86. It's been great, but I've decided I don't want 30K tied up in a weekend toy, so looking at another alternative that will give me the same amount of enjoyment for a smaller outlay.

The original plan for the NC was to supercharge it or do a 2.5 conversion, which still has me at 30K, unless it's already been done by someone else. I really don't have more than 8-10K to outlay initially, so it would mean saving for a while longer. Not out of the question, but I do like that fact that the NA and NB are lighter cars, and I've always preferred the idea of a lighter car with a bit of extra power, rather than adding more power to a heavier car to give you the same power to weight ratio.

[pepejesus]

I was looking for exactly the same thing out of my car (track car that could also be comfortably used on the road) and I ended up getting an SE.

Although you could get a better result for less by turbocharging an NB, I didn't want the hassle of having to do the work, the associated troubleshooting/bug fixing etc, and the headaches with making sure it was engineered and legal.

I'm also not chasing big power; I just wanted a nice bump up from my old NA6.

The other plus side from my point of view is the mods that I've done (same as what you've described - fixed back seat, roll bar, harness, minor brake upgrade, cooling upgrade, etc) are either easily reversible or things that don't negatively impact the resale value, so I feel like getting rid of it when the time comes should be easier and less of a hit to the wallet than a non factory turbo'd NB.

I know a lot of people don't like the SE and as an owner I can say the criticisms are valid. However it fit my needs and I'm happy with it.

[Dan]

Yep, went through that exercise and ended up buying an 86. It's been great, but I've decided I don't want 30K tied up in a weekend toy, so looking at another alternative that will give me the same amount of enjoyment for a smaller outlay.

The original plan for the NC was to supercharge it or do a 2.5 conversion, which still has me at 30K, unless it's already been done by someone else. I really don't have more than 8-10K to outlay initially, so it would mean saving for a while longer. Not out of the question, but I do like that fact that the NA and NB are lighter cars, and I've always preferred the idea of a lighter car with a bit of extra power, rather than adding more power to a heavier car to give you the same power to weight ratio.

Fair enough, the NB8B you were looking at as a better starting point than the earlier NA/NB's isn’t really that much lighter though. The kerb weight of an early NC1 is 1105 kg and an NB8B is 1086kg.

The better chassis plus extra power makes up for that 19kg in spades.

The easiest way to get the weight under an NB8B is adding a carbon hardtop which takes out approximately 23kg from the NC.

[NitroDann]

NB8b with a really reliable turbo kit and big grip, keep all the luxuries and make up the performance with outright power.

Dann

[plohl]

After seeing what james hay has done in his nc, I think they're a great option, and they seem to be getting cheaper. I think if I was to do it again I would get an nb8b. Some are for sale much cheaper then NAs. You can pull some weight out of them easy enough if you're happy to loose the soft top and some of the additional bracing.

I have just put an nb8b engine into your old white car haha. I too am in the search for marginal increases in power...
But if you want around 200whp, turbo is best option.... or a honda engine...

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[SKYHI]

I did consider an SE as a starting point, but unless one came up with quite few of my "wish list" items, I can't see me keeping it under my 20K budget. Even if one did come up, my initial budget of 8-10K won't be enough.

What sort of turbo kit would you call "reliable" Dann?

What sort of power can you put through a standard NB8B engine?

Looks like the best chance I have to stay within budget, is to get an NB8B with as much fruit as possible for 8-10K, and then finish off the wish list down the track.

Maybe something like these:

viewtopic.php?f=73&t=71648

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kensingt ... 1109956883

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 283/?Cr=51

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/glenwood ... 1109107734

[NitroDann]

You can have 250rwhp, silky smooth delivery, OEM economy and drivability, and all reliable as your wristwatch on a stock engine.

It comes in under budget too.

Just start with a stock NB with some shocks/sways and maybe wider tyres, and get the conversion done with the few extras for reliability.

[NitroDann]

If someone hasnt bought it yet, buy this.

viewtopic.php?f=73&t=71648

[The American]

Has Ausbouy's 10ae on here already sold? Get that!

I have an NB8B, which I bought with a turbo already fitted. Now that it is electronically sorted, it is fun, with a smidge under 260hp.

[The American]

Beat me to it Dann

[sailaholic]

Note Paul that anything with an airbag will be VERY hard to change the steering wheel legally and easily (illegal is easy and reversible)

Even late na8s technically by the adrs have to have a wheel that is certified specifically for the model of car.

That said I think a NC is the way to buy at the moment for dual purpose.

NBb is next best out of the box.

Na8 is the worst apart from you're probably a bit more likely to pic one up with mods to suit.


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[plohl]

Pm me if you want the sellers details.
Has harness and sparco drivers side. Diff is 4.3

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[davekmoore]

Blue 10AE in cars for sale section. Sorted. For under half what you'd spend building your own.