Having bought my first MX 5 in August 2024.
The Introduction thread
I felt it was time to start the project thread.
Work done so far:
Installed PRHT Smart top controller - brilliant gadget and a must-have!
Installed Pioneer carplay/android auto head unit
Underbody Protection: Performed by Preserve & Protect in Johnstone, just outside Glasgow. I’ve linked a video fo my car.
Rust Treatment Video
I’ll update the thread as the project continues.
Davie
Sounds good - don’t forget photos as you go along! 
Cheers,
Steve
Nice! Are these ARB’s and droplinks from ILMotorsport? What’s the ride like with the MeisterR Sportives?
Yes the drop links and ARB are IL Motorsport , bought from mx5parts. I haven’t driven it yet, she’s still up on the ramp, rear discs swapped out for EBC discs and yellow stuff pads
Front Right (Drivers side)…
EBC Apollo Big Brakes
Made another boo boo though, only bought 15mm spacers, the OEM studs poke through too far and stop the OEM 17’s going back on.
Luckily the ramps currently not needed for anything else.
Davie
Is that caliper not on the wrong side, shouldn’t the bleed nipple be at the top?
Oh better check that tomorrow!
Thanks.
You can tell I’m not mechanical minded.
Replying to myself here. I’d bought the direnza 15mm wheel spacers in December direct from Direnza.
They won’t entertain an exchange or refund and I’m not spending another £200 on wheel spacers.
Called mx5 parts and they couldn’t advise if the calibre suzuka wheels would fit over the EBC BBK.
Ended up calling rimstyle, emailed them the BBK template and they confirmed the calibre Suzuka wheels don’t fit over the Apollo brakes. Sent them a few selections of wheels and none of them go over the Apollo BBK.
They sent me back some choices of wheels that do fit over the Apollos…
I had a choice of 5 different wheels in a style similar to that I liked, however one was 8" wide and as I’d had new tyres fitted when I bought the car less than 1000 miles ago I opted for 7.5" wide.
Out of the 7.5"s only one style is available within a few days so I’ve opted for a set of Fox FX004 in Gloss black.
Until they arrive middle of next week the car is kind of talking up a two post ramp.
P.S I’m not a fan of black wheels but the silver ones of these had a 3 week lead time as did the other wheels in anthracite, gunmetal or silver.
Needs a wash, clean and some little tidy ups.
But she’s off the ramps and heading for an MOT tomorrow.
Coilovers
ARBs
Drop links
DaveFab header tank
Brake upgrade
Wheels
Full exhaust
Serviced
Once I’ve put a few hundred miles on it’s BBR Supercharger time.
MOT passed no advisories.
Service done.
Wee drive about the B Roads, think it’s a little too low, may have to raise the suspension a wee bit.
Lovely sound from the BBR touring exhaust, I love how the wheels fill the arches and the BBK looks very purposeful. I’ve put Mazda gel badges on and I think the car looks OEM+.
Heading for geometry setup at he end of this week, then get some miles on before Supercharger install.
Well, I’ve been pretty quiet for a while.
After starting the build-up,
Stripping mechanical parts in prep for supercharger install What have you done to your MX-5 today? (Part 2) - #6754 by alienpimp
Started the Supercharger Install What have you done to your MX-5 today? (Part 2) - #6755 by alienpimp
I got fed up with poor state of the car, an absolute mess, the sheer amount of coating was annoying the hell out of me. Wish I’d realised how poor a job the underbody protection I had done was, before starting to fit all my project parts. Anyway, I am where I am.
After some serious work undertaken by friends and I, over the last few months, between other things, we are almost finally back to the metal (rear bumber / crashbar still to come off) and have found an appalling state under the car that was, as I thought, solid and protected.. Make your own mind up.
Next steps: rust converter, welding, and start recoating, and reassembly of the car.
This mess was hiding under the coatings…..Make up your own mind from these photos. My Advice would be dont waste your money on coatings unless you go back to metal first….
Hopefully get more use of the 5 next year.
I really like your build, thanks for sharing it!
How is the BBR manifold, it’s the catted one right? I’m thinking of upgrading mine but I’m struggling to decide between cat and non-cat, my concern is not having issues with the MOT but I’m also wondering if the catted one offers less performance.
