mx5cartalk.com

180HP is around 135kw...

Now; let me think if there is a factory MX5 with around 135kw and lots of torque straight out of the box...

Ooh, ooh, pick me , I know

Why/how have you come to the figure of 180rwhp?
Have you dríven an SE? or an SP? or a Turbo NA?

Dont know how many killawasps mine has, but simply upgrading the full exhaust including high flow cat made big difference to my bumometer.
"Drivability" is excellent. Easily cruise around in high gears if you feel like being lazy.

if it's an SE then buying the already designed & made upgrade kits is an easy step.

That sort of power output is easy to get from an SE. Have a talk to Blackster. Though once you start getting a bit more power you might not be happy with only 135rwkw.

Garry wrote:That sort of power output is easy to get from an SE. Have a talk to Blackster. Though once you start getting a bit more power you might not be happy with only 135rwkw.

Agreed. Simon over here has 217 rwkw on a stock SE motor & drivetrain for over 2 years now. Of course this is a LOT more than a budget upgrade but the point is that power is addictive

The question was increase the power but retain drivability. More KW always comes with some penalty.

Mr Morlock wrote:The question was increase the power but retain drivability. More KW always comes with some penalty.

Best definition of 'drivability' I found from a brief search is

DRIVABILITY

Definition: The general qualitative evaluation of a powertrain's operating qualities, including idle smoothness, cold and hot starting, throttle response, power delivery, and tolerance for altitude changes.

Referenced from here ->clicky.

In the case of Simon's SE (which I was specifically referring to) - the car drives better than before in terms of smoothness & throttle response. Cold start took some time to get right with our temperature ranges from Summer to Winter but I believe it is perfect now. Hot starts were never an issue. Power delivery is better than factory with less lag and more torque/power over the entire rev range (see here for dyno graph). As for tolerances for altitude change or whatever else, Simon has had the current set up and factory drivetrain for 2 years and drove it from SA to Natmeet and back.

Apart from a leaking surge tank (off the shelf SARD item), drivability has been improved dramatically. With access to 19 yrs of MX5 modification knowledge from the world wide community, good parts, a good mechanic and tuner, I believe the only penalty is the hole in the pocket when you go down the path of chasing power in a SE (see here for engine pic).

Old Fart wrote:Hi Patience please as I know bugger all about Turbocharging.I am thinking about buying a Turbo SE, how do you increase the grunt factor without sacrificing drivability.I would rather improve the factory unit than reinvent the wheel but how.
.I am after about 180 RWHP with plenty of torque and like most I am on a budget.
Your thought please
Steve

Stock SE = 135-139rwhp @ 7 psi
SE + zorst, IC, CAI & +/- BC = 174-181rwhp @ 9-10 psi

a slang word for exhaust

Old Fart wrote:Hi Excuse my ignorance, would you mind spelling out what zorst 'etc' means. Thanks Steve

IC = intercooler
CAI = Cold Air Intake

My SE with the AEM intake, SPM exhaust and bigger intercooler (not sure of brand though) makes a touch over 130rwkw. Total mods would cost you less than 5k to do (including labour)