Just bought my first MX5. Looking to make some minor mods (suspension/exhaust backbox) but unsure where to start. Is anyone aware of a good independent garage in West Sussex that would install item I purchase online or is that a recipe for disaster ?
Welcome to the fun👍
If you are competent at doing stuff definitely try and fit the back box yourself. You may get some resistance from corroded exhaust bolts though, then it’s a cutting off job. Once released its an easy swap. Cobalt is a make I have, available (if in stock) from Moss.
Suspension, well how far do you want to go, just lowering springs or coilovers?
Either way I’d get the alignment sorted afterwards, a must. Before doing that check out you have decent matching tyres, it’s all a bit pointless having the other related suspension work done if you have crap, worn rubber on.
Can’t help with where to have fitted down your way, if near me Derbyshire then yes. Others can help there.
Enjoy👍
MickAP thanks for the response. I have seen Cobalt on a few forums and they seem a good balance and relatively straightforward (famous last words)
The suspension is where I show my inexperience. I assume lowering springs are just shorter springs that uses the original shocks but coilovers are new shock AND springs ? I’m assuming that if your going to go to the trouble you may as well replace the whole lot.
Out of touch with prices but I had mine fitted with lowering springs a few years ago at a special price for £250, much more now definitely. If you’re going down the coilover route (MeisterR’s) you can definitely add a 1 in front of that figure above with maybe alignment included. Just a guide BTW in to what I paid and yes the latter will will be a complete unit swap. They are fully adjustable for height and ride comfort, adjustments for soft to hard to suit your needs.
I have a Cobalt on my Mk1 and Mk4 - a nice sound without being too loud and annoying the neighbours. Good value for money and a 5 year warranty on them as well.
Check out MX5Restorer
thanks Ian. About 1hr away but worth it if they are good.
They have a very good reputation
Thanks Jeff. Certainly seems the way forward…
After getting some good advice and recommendations from those in the know on this forum I decided on getting the Cobalt backbox for my NC; but Moss have discontinued it as they are developing a new version so I have to wait now 
The nuts on my back box were absolutely stuffed.
I’m an ex vehicle mechanic and NCB fitter, and I couldn’t get them off.
They had rotten to the point that the nuts were just round bits of rust.
I ended up paying a local back street garage £10 to get them off for me.
Exactly my position !! When I finally made the decision they discontinued. I can only hope the new version will be worth the wait.
I hope so Dom, I thought I’d wait til this lockdown was over to order it; but shouldn’t have!?! 
Same position here. 
Let’s hope it is a new and improved version, we can be three of the first to order them 
Hi Dom.
I had very similar plans. I brought my 07 NC back in January this year.
I don’t plan to use the car on the track but I do want to make good progress when the time is right. Its more about a fun engaging weekend drive for me on a sensible budget.
My first move was to have the Eibach -30mm springs fitted and a geo setup done.
I then brought some used rx8 yellow dot anti roll bars and had these fitted with new drop links.
I then had four new Michelin sp4 tires fitted.
This was all done by Joe at wheels in motion Chesham. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
I am very pleased with the way the car feels now, it is a really good compromise that has not lost any of the comfort of the original set up but is a much more engaging drive.
I hope this helps.
Jamie.
Thank mate. Some good info there and pretty much the conclusions i’ve come to through reading everything !!
NCB fitter 
Big hammer and an adjustable spanner is all our main gate fitter carried 