Advice from mx5

Z

Z-Mayor

New Member
So I have decided at the end of this year I will be getting a mk1 mx5 which I want to modify and drift. Now due to my age I will be forced to get a 1.6 and maybe even a UK spec (unless I can find an insurer that will insure me on a eunos with only 1 years ncb).

I would like to know people experience and advice with working these kind of cars? E.g. am I going to be forking out lots of money, are they hard cars to work with, best kind of mods I can go for bearing in mind it will have to be a daily driver as well.
Thanks
Zac
 
Welcome to the forum :)

You'll enjoy an MX5.
If you plan on drifting it, invest in a Roll Bar from TRLane or someone similar. They are really easy to fit with basic tools and most tracks set these as a minimum requirement.

Basics involve some sort of Harder/Lower suspension (usually coilovers), steering rack spacers, a decent seat and the timing advance mod (info everywhere on this, ups the power a good bit). A decent torsion diff or a welded diff with diff void fillers (Powerflex) and you're good.
A decent service would keep your car happy too - PS fluid, oil, gearbox and diff oil. The Power steering reservoir has a habit of leaking when hot so stick a sock on it.

MX5s are cheap to run and drift, 4x100 is a common wheel size too so you'll find cheap wheels pretty easily :)
Keep it wound up with plenty of tyre pressure and you'll be grand. If you do get an early Eunos, keep an eye on the crank pulley and make sure it doesn't start wobbling. The early short nose engines have a habit of breaking the crank keyway, allowing the crank to rotate on it's own accord.

Biggest thing you need to watch is rust. I'm not talking about the body - wings and rear arches rust quite common and can be replaced. They are prone to rusting chassis rails, rear arch pockets, front inner arches, sills....and well...just about anywhere. So get it up in the air and have a good poke about. MK2s are just as bad as well, often worse, so don't assume newer = better.
 
Cheers for the info! I won't lie I understood about half of that because I've only ever done a basic servicing on a car so this will be my first time getting stuck into a car but you have to start somewhere ey! I'm sure I'll learn along the way and I have car savvy mates to help me anyway.

What's the car like as a actual drifter, I've read a fair bit on it and a lot of people say it's a great learner and others say not to even bother?
 
Z-Mayor said:
Cheers for the info! I won't lie I understood about half of that because I've only ever done a basic servicing on a car so this will be my first time getting stuck into a car but you have to start somewhere ey! I'm sure I'll learn along the way and I have car savvy mates to help me anyway.

What's the car like as a actual drifter, I've read a fair bit on it and a lot of people say it's a great learner and others say not to even bother?
Click to expand...

MX5's are great for learning to drift in. It's short wheel-based so it's a bit snappy, but it will make you better in the end when you jump into other cars that do more of the work for you.

All you need is:

A good locking diff - I would recommend welded, as it's cheaper. I went Torsen but both are fine if you want to pay extra for the torsen.
Bargain bucket seat - If you don't care about style, get the cheapest good one you can fit in (Sparco Sprint).
The best coilovers you can afford - from £150 TA Technix to £775 HSD, though you can pick up a good set second hand (I got mint BC Racings for £400).
Roll bar if you want to feel more safe and your track requires one.

The expensive part of owning one will be the mods, maintaining it is very cheap if you do the work yourself.

I'm only 19 with 0 NCB (kept changing car) and I can insure a 1.8 UK MK1 for relatively cheap. I would say go for a UK 1.8 as the insurance is way cheaper than the import. The 1.6 UK MK1 is not worth it.

Put 14' wheels on the rears at 55psi and away you go!
 
I have a 1.8 MX5 and it's fucking awesome to drift in the wet however a little under powered in the dry.

If you want the best out of it, just wack a big dirty turbo on it ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top