Finally got around to taking the 5 for a good run.

 

I’ve owned my 91 LE for 6 months now and up until last week had only covered 335 miles. The longest journey (on A & B roads) was to Mazmania to have a new hood fitted…

This morning my Sister needed a lift to Manchester airport so I opted to take the Mazda for a run, dropped her at the airport and then carried on into work (Liverpool), so a total of around 55 miles.

The car ran fine, good oil pressure, water temp fine, seats and driving position comfortable. I kept to a steady 60 – 70 mph, fuel economy is very good (well certainly compared to my 16 mpg Toyota 4x4).

I did find the ride a bit skittish on some surfaces and there was some scuttle shake, but I’m putting this down mainly to the tyres (a mixture of different brands as fitted when I bought the car). I plan on fitting a set of Goodyear eagle F1 tyres. I know that when having the hood fitted I mentioned that the car felt a bit skittish and Peter Jones took one look at the tyres and said “that’s your problem”.

So I’ll get new tyres and an alignment done and see if that improves the ride. Might be worth fitting braces?

The car is on standard suspension and has only covered 52,600 miles. I’d like to lower it a little but not have to worry about speed humps etc.

Didn’t have the hood down as I’ve got a stinking rotten cold and my eyes where watering enough as it was.

<o:p> </o:p>

 

Nice one! Wouldn’t worry about the scuttle shake, it is an endearing feature of the Mk1. As you say, tyres are very important for decent handling and a bunch of mixed tyres is bad news. Check your tyre pressures - 26psi should be just fine.Don’t rule out the Toyo Proxes T1Rs. Very grippy road tyres and cheap as chips from Camskills:-

http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m4b103s99p0

I’ve got Toyos on and am very pleased with them. Braces won’t make much difference really but a good 4 wheel alignment will. Langs are very good and have done loads of 5s. They have all Tony (WIMs) settings on file and are reasonable on price.

Happy motoring.

 

 Fit a lower front brace. Essential on an early Mk 1.

 This one  http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/361   transformed the handling of my car. Much less scuttle shake and you can even drive over speed bumps and keep your fillings!!  [:D]

New tyres and alignment done and you’ll notice a MAJOR difference.

I had my alignment done a couple of months ago and felt like a different car.
Mine was beginning to feel skittish, but now feels nice and planted whatever road i’m on.