Right I said I’d get some pics up so here goes…
Here she is 
And the aftermarket alloys… The last few cars I’ve owned have had ridiculous 17" wheels that I’ve had to replace with sensible sized ones, so at least these aren’t too big. They’re not what I’d choose but I think they look ok.
So… the questions…
Should there be some sort of plastic covering over this piece? There seems to be some black plastic covering the passenger side but not the middle/driver’s side…
What are the empty electrical plugs seen here?
I’d like to upgrade the HT Leads. A friend mentioned that it was something worth doing on the MX-5 - is there much difference between Magnecor, NGK, JR etc?
There is a non-original battery fitted (fitted by “Kwik Fit”) which looks like it might not be the gel type. The tube for venting the gasses is just sitting next to it - could this be why I have rust on my boot lid? Should I order a new battery from mx5parts or somewhere similar?
The brakes don’t seem as sharp as they should be so I’m thinking of replacing the brake pads - any suggestions for something suitable for day-to-day use with the odd track day?
Cheers
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=4658
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=4703
A couple of links for you above; I’ve got both of these on my Mk1 and IMHO they are both relaible products. The pads have been on for about 2 years now, along with drilled/vented discs and there is rarely any brake fade, even on track days. I too had problems with my HT leads, eventually leading to an intermitent backfire problem, the JR ones have been on for 18 months now without any signs of wear, they are a thicker wire so theoretically carry more current…sorry badly worded, hold less resistance.
Hope this helps a little?
Jon
P.S. She looks tidy!
P.P.S. You can’t go far wrong with a sealed gel battery, any battery acid that ends up on your boot floor is a short trip to corrosion problems, they may be £70(ish) but well worth the money. Just remember to keep them topped up (charged) if your leaving the car standing; gel batteries don’t respond well to running low. Battery conditioners are very reasonably priced now, £30 or so and worth their weight in gold.
P.P.P.S. I’m pretty sure you should have a plastic cover over the wiper motor arms…
P.P.P.P.S. Don’t worry about odd electrical blanks, car looms are not bespoke, so depending on your options list when the car was first made you often end up with spurious connectors that look like they should go somewhere!
Sorry just one more…
If finances allow get one of these:
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=10209
Loads of different ones to chose from but they allow the car to breath more easily and there is a very noticeable ‘rasp’ when you accelerate, more sports sounding rather than the rather characterless plastic filter box Mazda fitted as standard. The chrome looks really good when you lift the bonnet too.
Here’s mine:
Sorry, couldn’t resist showing off a bit!
Thanks for all that
I have thought about an induction kit, my last few cars have had them but I keep telling myself that I should try and keep the MX-5 more standard!
Nice looking engine bay by the way! It’s not a '5 but here’s the engine bay of my car-before-last - a Honda CRX VTI (the 2-seater, Del Sol shape).
I spent far too much on that car!
Blimey, thats a full engine bay!!!
With you on the ‘keep it standard’ thing…that was my intention too, shame I then found Moss and MX5Parts!!!
It does make one hell of a difference to both the sound and performance though…sorry, just trying to help you spend your money!!!
Good luck with her though, she looks like you’ll have a lot of fun together!