OK, I found and bought a lovely 2010 NC 3.5 in fantastic condition with low mileage that has next to no rust, been treated and already has the Meister R coilovers that were on my todo list.
So, now to do the rest of the upgrades I’m thinking of, mainly to improve the terrible throttle response low down and make her breathe a lot better.
From what I’ve gathered in my research this probably entails new de-cat headers (yes, I’m happy to use that yankee term), new air intake, remap and probably new back box (Larini my fav but no longer made, so will most likely go for the IL Motorsport as the sound seems deeper).
My original idea was to just go to BBR and get the Super 180 or 200 installed but I’ve heard their output figures are generally inflated and are quite expensive when compared to going the route of piecing everything together oneself, for instance: buying a 4-1 decat header from ebay for just around £200 compared to £600 from BBR, getting a custom remap from one of the specialists and changing the back box. I like this diy route as I may be able to get the remap done to suit what I’m after rather than a fixed ‘Starchip’ like the BBR one. I’m not really after max power output, I want more torque and a more instant throttle response when I heel and toe.
So, as I’m new to this car and have only researched from the internet I need the best advice from you guys really, particularly those who have gone down the same road.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
I would never recommend to anyone buying an ebay manifold vs something from BBR or Roddisons. at the end of the day you pay your money and you get bits with certain quality that will outlast a cheap Chinese ebay product.
as for me the best thing I have done to my car was to fit a full stainless steel exhaust and remap - granted it was expensive but the noises the car makes is worth every penny. I’m pretty sure you can get the same overall result in parts either going from BBR or Paul Roddison - however Paul does know how to setup the car to handle exceptionally well on the road.
As for why I think a full exhaust system and remap its the best thing ever
I would agree with avoiding cheap eBay manifolds
There are a few tried and tested solutions.
BBR catted £822 or non-catted £582 all plus shipping
IL Motorsport £419 plus shipping, Thrussington Garage and Skuzzel recommended.
Racing Beats £694, Roddisons recommended
I was just about to buy a second hand Racing Beats when I noticed MX5 Parts has a 10% off sale so I have a IL Motorsports one sitting here waiting to be fitted cost £377
Autotronix in Sheffield will be fitting and remapping the car in two weeks
Thanks for the comments. Roddisons are much too far away as I’m in Somerset but BBR is still up there and in contention, though the jury is still out regarding value. It was the guy’s attitude at BBR that has also put me off when I phoned him as he was constantly trying to upsell me which I didn’t like. He was also quite arrogant yet I gather their figures are questionable. I’m also not certain how correct people are in discounting other, cheaper headers as the feedback I’ve had from some others is that some are quite well made and very good value.
That said I’ve made contact with Mtech in Westbury Wiltshire who are only a few miles from me and I think between us we’ll find the best route for me, particularly as they’re used to doing custom remaps and builds for people.
I’ll give V-Power a try and wait to be surprised…That certainly would be a nice simple solution lol
Hello DrWho
Another vote for Paul Roddison Sheffield S9 1US 0114 244 5300.
Paul did the work on my 2014 MK3.75 Recaro Sport Tech in 2017, car performs well
Cheers
Keith
Get yourself sorted with a road trip, a one nights stay and enjoy some retail therapy nearby whilst Roddisons does his stuff.
Youl probably want to stay longer once you get into the Peak District.
Stunning! I like it a lot. I recognise the car and wheels (Bola B1). It used to belong to someone on here. The Meisters are virtually brand new - same for wheels and tyres.
I have a soft top in the same colour as your car - Aluminium. The colour combination of you car and wheels may split opinion but I personally love it… very jealous.
I would be interested to hear your opinion on the Meisters - most people rave about them. I am having a few suspension related issues and will probably be swapping over to Meisters, in the near future.
Lastly, has anybody mentioned rust, yet… I’ll get me coat.
Glad you like her. She’s absolutely immaculate with an interior literally like new, below average mileage, rust proofed underneath and pretty much rust free other than a tiny bit round the boot light which I’m having done on June 19th. She’s been very carefully maintained. The Bola wheels have grown on me and I now really like them, though I’m going to change the Goodyear tyres she’s shod with as they are very noisy with the hood up and anyway I prefer Yoko ADO8RS tyres which I’ll be getting the week after next. I’ll put the Goodyears on the original silver Miyako wheels I was given with the car and perhaps use them in the winter.
Before I bought this one I tried quite a few out and frankly was a bit underwhelmed by the handling and was going to get Meister R coilovers if the car I bought didn’t have them. Luckily for me this one already had had them fitted, though not the Club Race that I would have preferred. However, I’m absolutely staggered by the difference the Meisters have made. Completely changed the handling and now I prefer it to my Caterham 7. I’ve taken them to full hard which means she’s a bit jiggly round town and on bad roads but on the local B roads I drive a lot, she’s really pointy, very flat round quick corners and I have full confidence in how she handles. To the point I’m finding I’m taking corners much faster than in my 7. And that’s a real testament to the difference the Meisters have made. I could not recommend them more highly and I would say putting these guys on should be at the very top of everyone’s todo list when they buy an MX5. If you’re thinking about it now, don’t think any longer. Get on the phone and order them. I can guarantee there won’t be one second of regret.
So my next job, when I get back from a short holiday next week, is to order my 4-1 exhaust manifold, Cobra back box (I changed my mind re ILM exhaust), Mintex 1166 brake pads, Momo Tuner 320mm steering wheel, and remap at Mtech in Westbury. And see where that gets me. I’m not after out and out power but I’m going to try to make the initial throttle response a little more responsive as it’s a bit dull at the moment. And I think better breathing and a remap should help that along.
I’ve come to the MX5 very late in life (after years of 911s) but I’m really glad I found the marque as they are truly brilliant little cars and unbelievable value for money. I came to Caterham late too but glad I found them though the MX5 really is the best of both worlds - agility with creature comforts, unlike the 7 which doesn’t have any creature comforts at all.
I look forward to my new found relationship and where it may lead.
Very nice. I had hoped to find a white one too as they look brilliant in white. However, the one I bought was in such good condition, and with the coilovers I couldn’t turn it down.
As far as my remap is concerned I’m going to my more local Mtech as they have a good rep with MX5s, though I’ve only heard good things about Roddisons, who incidentally fitted the Meister coilovers on my car, which I bought from a guy in Rotherham.
Have fun in yours…
Stuff like Caterhams and Westfields are absolutely great on the track - they can normally outbrake and outcorner most things.
However, away from the track you are hindered by things like poor road surface and reduced visibility of the road ahead,
caused by natural and man-made obstructions.
At the risk of being ostracised by this community, I have found the fastest point to point road cars are hot-hatches. What they lack is the tactile connection and communication of a Caterham or MX-5 but, in terms of real-world cornering speeds they have the advantage.
