hi its been a long while but iam back just got a mk1 1997 mx5 1.8 with a few problems.
1st problem it has damaged/squashed chassis rails anyone know where i can buy a section of metal to cut out and replace the damaged sections or has already done it and knows the technique?
i have the dancing headlight problem when you switch the lights on anyone knows what causes this?
basically the left light comes up first with a slight delay from the right whilst the left one is going back down followed by the right.so basically looks like the pop ups are dancing it keeps doing this until i switch the lights off!its like a mexican wave if that makes it easier to understand lol
i was thinking of putting the car on knockhill any tips or worthwhile mods to get it track ready roll bars tyre selection for 14" wheels tyre pressures and brake pads…was also thinking of decating it is there a noticeable improvement?i think mx5 parts dont do one for the year 1997 :( and any other advice for a trackday virgin? Phew i hope someone can help
Lots of Mk1s have sqaushed chassis rails where either some dumb cluck has jacked up the car using the single skinned sections or where (in my case), a lowered car bottoms out from time to time. The rails are not structural but are designed to stop the floor pan “drumming”. Most one-man body shops will cut the damaged section out and weld a new piece in as necessary. I’ve had mine done a couple of times. What I hope to do in the near future is to fit some strengthening rails which bolt over the originals. Not only will they make the underneath of the car look considerably better, but they will also add a bit of rigidity to the floor pan. I know Flyin’ Miata make suitable items and I believe Mark(200bhp) at Only MX5ives was planning to make some.
Don’t do headlight problems - sorry [:|]
With regard to track day prepping, as long as your car is well maintained, it will be just fine. Fresh synthetic oil, resonable tyres such as Toyos at 26psi, newish brake pads and fresh coolant would be agood starting point. You don’t need a roll-over bar or roll cage for track days but you will neeed a helmet - plenty of resonably priced bike helmets available.
A decat will give you a couple of extra bhp and with a normally aspirated car, every little helps [Y]
