I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __how to identify if it’s a ‘Sport’ spec or not.
Still learning about the wonderful world of MX-5 ownership.
Car is described on V5 as Mazda MX-5 Sport.
It’s got a 2.0 engine with six-speed box and a factory OEM brace under the bonnet.
Does it therefore have an LSD? As a ‘Sport’ would the factory spec suspension be any different to the base spec model?
(an aside, just found an invoice in the paperwork from earlier this year for £432 from an authorised Ford dealer to sort the grommets! And they didn’t even put new caps on over the screw heads - jebus. Also explains why the stud on the passenger side A pillar trim is busted - they removed it, I guess clumsily, as part of their ‘investigation’ into the leak.). Between the leak and the noisy deck no wonder the owner wanted shot.
It was called a Sport pre 2009 and Sport Tech 2009 onwards.
Differences in front end more noticeable pre 2009 and onwards, see link below.
You’ll have as mentioned 6 speed, different alloys 17" multiple spoke, LSD, Bilstein suspension, fog lights, heated leather seats and a few fake chrome bits in the cabin and as mentioned strut brace over.
The bits and bobs mentioned above were all on the Sport (NC1) and Sport Tech (NC2) some NC1’s may have had aircon and Bose (an option) the NC2 Sport Tech also added cruise control and aircon as standard I believe.
As for the cover caps over the screw grommets, yes they do break on the little tab when removing them. Easiest is to replace them (mx5parts) if in stock, or as I’ve done in the past a little silicone to hold them in if you still have the cap.
A ‘58 plate’ would most likely be the NC1 quite correct on the V5 as a Sport.
Just reread your post, £432 just for finding the leak and sealing the scuttle grommets?
I think I’d be just checking on those again, make sure the jobs be done properly.
My first purchase for the Funbus was new grommets and caps having read in here about the water leaks when I was trying to figure out what the heck was wrong with the PRHT. Still on to do list, mind.
That link is really helpful… What I’ve got has 6-speeds, 17" alloy wheels, heated leather seats, aircon, stainless scuff plates, LSD, storage net, Bilstein suspension, front strut brace, front foglights, CD player with 6 speakers, piano black dash panel.
Though the storage net is long gone, as is the tyre compressor and the emergency toolkit for the hood.
Have you got a jack and small tool roll including the locking wheel nut key if fitted with locking nuts?
They are, or should be behind the small plastic door right side of boot.
Jack where it should be
Locking nut key (in a blister pack)
That much I did check on purchase!
Tool roll - nope.
Which reminds me, at some point for some reason someone stripped at the trim out of the boot (which is dry and rust free) and when they put it back the only put about half the fasteners back in. Need to source them.
And what’s with all the straps in the boot. I get one set are for the tyre repair kit - I’ve bought a Ring kit - but what are the straps in the nsr corner and at the rear of the boot for.
Honestly had no idea I was buying a Sport when I got it. Just thought it was a nice old dark blue low mileage 3 lady owner MX-5 with a 2.0 lump and a dicky power hood.
Straps below the latch are for the tool roll with jack handle, a couple of spanners and the locking nut adaptor.
Straps in the left corner are for the puncture gloop bottle.
Straps on the bulkhead trim are for the zip-bag with the pump and the rest of the gloop kit.
where it should be
I thought £60 was steep and that was Mazda’s quote, but £432… Whoa! thats a whole other level.
