Hi there,
I’m new to the forum , so hello!
I’m considering a Rocketeer build, and was wondering what the general consensus was on which car to go for NA / NB, particularly in terms of residuals. I’ve driven both their NA 280bhp car, and also their NB 360bhp car, and am leaning towards quite a high end build with them.
I can’t imagine a time when many people are going to start favouring an NB over a good NA, so NA residuals are likely to remain higher, despite there being more of them.
I agree, NA has got to be the more popular car.
If I were to do a build like that last thing I’d worry about is residuals as I’d intend to flog it to within an inch of it’s life and after 150 - 200k miles would imagine I got my moneys worth. Besides it is well known not many mods add value to a car. Market for these is small so a well done one will not make much difference as there are those who love the NB, some particularly the NBFL mentioning no names, just as voraciously as there are others who love the NA. Just do it to which ever one you like most and enjoy the build and many smiles per mile 
Thanks for the answer.
I’d say residuals are worth considering when making a considerable investment into such a project..
The 280bhp NA car was awesome, however, the 360bhp NB with that V6 engine was another level. I’m thinking of the 9k RPM 375bhp / 400bhp variant, with a repaint and full interior re-trim (so basically a restomod).
On the lookout for a decent base car (NA / NB) with low miles and low / no rust, so if there’s any enthusiasm for parting with your car or a car you know of that’s decent, please let me know. 
Made my decision I am probably too long in the tooth to get ten years out of a Rocketeer and am content to enjoy 138hp and falling until time comes to kick the old bucket, good luck in your search and with your build, if I hear of anyone selling I’ll let you know, might be worth checking the classifieds on this site from time to time.
Thank you, and am keeping an eye on the classifieds - hope you get many more years of enjoyment out of your car.
If I was starting down this road now, I’d buy the cheapest solidish NA I could find and get a full rotisserie body restoration done before doing anything else. If you’re spending proper money and changing lots of mechanicals, suspension, wheels etc etc there’s no point spending money on other people’s upgrades that you’re just going to bin. As the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as a rust-free old MX-5. That way you can also get some strengthening done at the same time, seam welding etc if you want to.
Yeah thanks - I’m in two minds about it…
A resto-mod from them is £75k+VAT, which is £90k which includes the base car full restored, stripped, dipped and the V6 engine etc. That seems alot of money for what in effect would be an NA MX-5 in a like new / restored condition.
OR
Go for a good condition base car, and get the engine swap and suspension and do the other bits as and when I feel the desire to do so. So I had a good look at this car last weekend, which is mint, and shows almost no signs of rust. It does look like it’s only done 6k miles:-
However, doing my research - I found he’d bought it on collecting cars for £7600, just a couple of months ago. With fee’s and the service he’s paid for that’s about a total investment of £8800, which makes paying £16.5k for it seem unjust.
Wow, £90k. Love them as I do, I’m not sure I could ever square that away in my head.
That white one is the most expensive NA I think I’ve seen. Looks a great starting point, but I’d have thought you should be able to find something lovely for £10k if you’re going down the stat with a good one route.
Yeah £90k is the starting point! Which is why my original concern about residuals I believe is valid!
Thanks, yeah my budget for a nice low mileage one is around £10k to be honest.
90k - ouch
Whilst I love the idea of a Rocketeer - you can pick up an 2016 F-Type Jag Convertible 3.0 V6 for sub 30k
You can pickup alot of things for £30k! 
Agreed but was trying to go for a similar car ( 2 seat, convertible, RWD, 3.0 V6 )
The price of Z3s right now is criminally low - a top end of the pack one is 5-6K for a 2.8l Z3, a whisker more for a 3.0l
@Roadracer1977, you’ve obviously done you’re research on this project.
May I ask, what is your goal?
Is the build for yourself to enjoy or are you hoping to create something to sell for a profit?
Cheers,
Guy
Yes, research is key! It’s part of the enjoyment of the process too!
My main goal is to have a convertible, naturally aspirated, manual gearbox, 9,000RPM car for fast road, road trips and the occasional track day. With the stage 4 engine from Rocketeer, I can get what I’m looking for.
The build would be 100% for me, but I am mindful of the costs involved, as I wouldn’t be able to stomach investing £80k+ into an NA MX-5 only for it to be worth £30k as soon as I pick it up. That’s what is the main problem in my head about this project.
Another alternative I’m considering is a Porsche 718 spyder manual. Does almost all of the above apart from the 9k RPM rev limit, and won’t be as daft on residual value in 3yrs time.
The 718 Spyder is a no brainer, you’ll get some change out of the 90k and they should hold their value well.
I love NAs, but even 30k is really pushing it for one, regardless of how nice it is.
The Porsche would be lovely, but a massively different experience. Little of the rawness of the NA, and a much bigger (particularly wider) heavier car. I don’t think you can raise or lower the roof from the driver’s seat either can you? Apart from that though I think it’s fair to say it’s in a totally different league - and where the sensible, if not quite so imaginative money would go.
Yeah exactly…
My heart says NA MX-5 Rocketeer build… Lightweight, better power to weight ratio (c.a. 400bhp V6), cheaper components if doing the occasional track day, smaller on road. Much less ‘look at me’ but what is the top price someone would pay for an NA MX-5 that’s had £80-£100k spent on it? That’s a very small resale market, and one can say ‘enjoy the process’ etc, but part of me is thinking I’m just throwing money away by doing such a conversion?!
My head says, Porsche 718 spyder, manual, 1450kg, 8,000RPM, with carbon bucket seats - £78k on autotrader at the moment (albeit a white one, which is probably why it’s good value)
Resale in 3 years time probably around the £60k mark depending on miles / condition.
That’s ALOT less than what one could potentially lose in a high end Rocketeer build, which I’m struggling to overcome.