Hi all,
Probably best to do an intro. New to MX5’s but not a stranger to a sports car or the track day scene having owned various caterhams, boxsters and the like before.
I recently moved on my Megane 275 Cup S, due to some perceived issues that I wasn’t interested in dealing with. So set about looking for a new track toy.
A few friends run Mx5’s (Nc and ND 30th) and rarely stop raving about them. I was set on buying an ND sport tech, but endless horror stories about gearboxes put me off. I decided a good solid NC was where my money would go.
So now the owner of a 59 plate NC2 2.0 Sport Tech.
It came with the worst tyres known to man (all at different pressures too), but was otherwise fairly solid and well looked after.
It is booked into Roddisons at the end of august for some Meister R club race coilovers, some new pads and a full fluid replacement.
Some fresh P Zero’s go on it this week, and power upgrades will follow in the new year.
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Welcome👍
That’s some drive to Sheffield from your part but it’ll be well worth it.
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I’m only In Edinburgh so it’s not THAT bad 
But I’ve taken advantage of the location and have booked a blyton track day for the next day. So it’ll get a proper shakedown
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If you get the chance, check out the forrestburn hillclimb trackdays (near shotts), great place to play in these. I’ll be back once I’ve got the 2.5 plugged in. And, hello!
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Thanks for that. I’m interested in this kind of stuff too. There’s not enough places to play in Scotland, so anything helps.
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Hello from the Kingdom
I look forward to hearing about your planned upgrades
Steven
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As am I…. My first time really doing big mods ti a normal car. My last few were all track prepped machines from day one.
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Welcome from another sweaty a wee bit further North!
looks a tidy car (NC3?)
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Sorry I mean wouldn’t it be NC2?
Sept 2009
I get mixed up with mk3, 3.5, 3.75 and the NC2,3 etc etc
But this should be an NC2 I think
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Correct it is.
The NC2 (3.5) came out in 2008 and had the facelift bumper with the fog light surrounds as yours.
The NC3 (3.75) never came out until late 2012 onwards which again has another different bumper/fog light surrounding.
The vast majority were registered in 2013 onwards.
Welcome. 
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are you sure on 2008… as far i knew the NC2 in the UK wasn’t available until 2009?
I havent seen a car earlier than 59 plate with the new bumpers. I was super keen to make sure i got an NC2. firstly because of the looks but also because of the slightly modified engine, which seems to take better to power increases down the line.
Never sure with a Mazda.
But according to release it was in 2008.
What “actual” countries it first went too is another matter of course.
But more than likely as you say, the UK in 2009.
I say that as I was very confident that the 3.75 didn’t get to the UK until 2013. But did it……
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Well first upgrade today was getting rid of the horrendous “triangle sportex” tyres that came with the car.
I had them on track on Sunday and frankly they were terrifying in the mild damp of knockhill. I was finding oversteer at ever bend and with only very very mild throttle applications. They inspired zero confidence.
Today a full set of Pirelli P Zero (bmw star rated) went on today. This is a tyre that doesn’t get a huge amount of press, having been overtaken in lots of obvious ways by the likes of the newer Michelins. But the p zero is used a lot at the Nurburgring, especially by the cars being used as taxis, because for a road tyre with half decent wet capability, they have amazing wear characteristics. Probably impossible to destroy sidewalls on track with something as small as a Mazda.
Yet they won’t be so sticky that the car wont be playful and adjustable. I didn’t want full on track rubber, but most road tyres die on track.
I look forward to seeing how these perform on the MX5.
I also added a little usb powered Bluetooth receiver and super short cable so I can get music streaming from my phone to the BOSE system. Works well, visually non intrusive and quick automatic pairing every time I turn the car on.
I got:
Isobel USB Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver, 4-in-1 Mini Wireless Audio Adapter, 3.5mm Bluetooth AUX Adapter for TV PC Headphones Speakers Car / Home Stereo System, USB Power Supply https://amzn.eu/d/6woAXJs
VOXON Mini Car Charger, 4.8A/24W Dual Port USB Car Adapter with Smart Device-Adaptive Charging Technology for iPhone 13/XS/XR/XS Max, Galaxy S10, other iOS, Android Smart Phones and Tablets https://amzn.eu/d/1cldIoi
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P zeros , ran them on my (996) 911 carrera 4…
Great tyre, never let me down
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Agreed. They’re not exceptional in any one area, but they are genuinely good at nearly everything and they take track punishment well.
I’m sure you won’t regret your trip down to Sheffield to see Rodders. If you are planning exhaust system upgrades a visit to Paul’s recommended rolling road remapping is Clive Bussey at Autotronix developments Ltd. Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Sheffield S25 1YP Well worth it imo.
I have the same car 2010 and it now produces 183.5. Clive errs on a conservative remap thereby not stressing the motor to achieve a good result. That was after a full replacement system from ILM.
Good luck with your car.
Archie
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Thanks Archie,
Having only just got the car, the first steps are brakes, handling (meister R) and a general check over and fluid replacement. Then I’ll do a few track days
I’ll then arrange with Paul to go back in the new year, before the next track season and get the power work done. I’d been set on the bbr 200 kit, and while I’d like to get to that figure, I’m starting to hear too many stories of issues with BBR’s work and the general driveability of their packages. Paul was not complimentary of their work 
I’d like nearer 200, but seems that may not be realistic from the car without further work etc.
I must admit the idea of 205bhp at a screaming 7750rpm sounded mighty tasty though!
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Good tyres and coilovers make such a difference. My NC2 was transformed from being a bit bouncy and dull to fantastic after adding PS4 tyres and Meister Zeta CRD. About a year after that I went for the 185hp upgrade at Blink and thats just about the sweet spot for me on the scale of fun versus expenditure. I would have gone to Rodders as well but Blink (now shut sadly) was on my doorstep. Enjoy your new car.
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Thanks
I’m getting the clubrace coilovers fitted as this car will be 50/50 road and track, and I’m somewhat willing to make the car a touch less pleasant on road to have it be more focused on track. That said, I think it’s possible to strike a sensible compromise.
Ditto with power upgrades. There’s absolutely nobody up here in Scotland. BBR are other end of the world, and I’m not sure I even want to use them.
I think @rodders is the closest to me, and he has been hugely helpful so far. I’m excited to get the suspension, alignment and brakes all
Sorted out in advance of track days.
Just wish I had time to sort out some power upgrades, or at least to map out the annoying throttle limitations, bit that will all come in the new year!
