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Hi, as you may have noticed, I've just picked up a second MX5. The intention in the back of my mind was so that I could develop one into a more "spirited" car.

I'm torn at the moment as to which I leave original, and which I modify. Here's my conundrum:

The '90 LE is in astounding condition. But the wheels are not original. It also is missing the wooden shift knob and handbrake sleeve. I don't like the style bar that has been fitted. The NB glass rear window is great, but it is another modification. I suspect that the suspension has been lowered (it is about 2cm shorter than the '96). The 1.6l engine is great fun, but I wouldn't cry having more power. It would be wiser to keep this original, although it would be more fun modified.

The '96 is not in such great condition from an appearance point of view, but it is mechanically brilliant and completely original (aside from stereo). It does needs to be repainted. And it needs new suspension. But driving this car is already a sublimely enjoyable experience.


So, I have two near-perfect cars, either of which can be left in original condition with minor work.
Which one do I modify? There are pros and cons for both cars!

I have a classic wooden Nardi steering wheel, wooden gear shift knob and handbrake sleeve on the way ('90).
I do want to get different mags for the '90 too. (Do I put the '96 semi-hollow alloys on it?)

After that...

I was looking at the (Rotrex) supercharger, or failing that, a turbo setup. Nothing huge - any difference will be noticed.

Your input is welcome, I'll post more information and pictures as my dream (and debt) develops.

How much disposable income do you have?

To get more power from the NA (cheaply) swap a 1.8 ltr motor in. Is there a market for stock NA6's, if there is what prices are they commanding?

The NB would be a better upgrade platform as with the NA you will be upgrading it with NB parts anyway.

For a NA6 turbo build read Charlie91's build thread. Dann on the forum can give you advice to safely and cheaply turbo your car. For a natural aspirated build Wozzah can help with advice.

Do you want the car to comply with the applicable road and emission rules? Maybe some more about yourself would help with the advice given.

Avoid going onto Miata Turbo site and posting a similar question as you will be napalmed. Here we are more understanding, but do request people to use the search function.

Both cars are NAs mark. Early na6 and a late na8.

Mod the 96. It's a better mechanical base in terms of diff and engine and you won't worry about the stone chips etc from getting out and driving it.




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Thanks Sailaholic, I must have had a blonde moment.

Either way upgrade the youngest one.

Oh, I have been lurking for a long time, and I know the ins and outs of modifying my car. Picked through the Miata Turbo site more than once. Although I don't know for sure what I will get, I know what should be done. Finding a mechanic I can trust in country W.A. is my biggest problem there.

I am not going to live on noodles if I can help it, but I have enough disposable income to make this a worthwhile long(ish) term project.

Once I have figured out a direction, I will ask for more help. At the moment, it's more about which car to work on, and you have been helpful enough that I am now leaning towards the '96. Dann will want to know which cars I would like to embarrass, and I'll let him know when I'm ready!

Yes, the car must comply with the rules and be fully street legal.

I have no problems with searching. That is why I'm looking at a Rotrex SC(more linear, no boost, or BOV noises, kit available, etc.) I'd always dreamed of a 13b rotary - but I realise this is impractical. Engine swaps don't really interest me otherwise, knowing the options. Forced induction looks like the way to go, and while the turbo seems easier, I don't want to be that noticeable, or to be bothered with lag/boost issues.

Thanks anyway for your input so far!

Honda k20/24 engine swap would be another decent option. Kits are being made / developed.


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BlueThoth thanks for the response. It should help get more targeted responses to your questions. The mechanic that you can trust would need to be solved first. Is it possible to send the car away to be worked on? I did this with my NA6 and used my sons NA6 whilst my car was being worked on.

Saliaholic has a good suggestion, plus it is a more ITB suitable engine If it was me I would start with the 1.8 and keep the 1.6 as a daily car.

It is possible to send the car away, although probably inconvenient.
The K-series swap kit looks really interesting, although I can't find any information about right-hand drive setups.

That's because development is lagging behind the lhd. byp racing are currently doing a RHD one in nsw. I think the details are on their Facebook page.


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OK, I'll be working mostly on the NA8.
Looking at the Rotrex, unless they move forward with the K-series.
Suspension and paint first, then performance upgrades.

As for the 90 LE BRG ...
I can't seem to find the Limited Edition number, Mazda Customer Service can't help me.
Nardi wooden classic steering wheel on the way.
A "wooden" shift knob and handbrake turned up, but they are wood style, not real wood. I'll fix that.
I still want to change wheels, but I can't find what I'm looking for, so I'll probably end up with the original OEM alloys.

Hi
With the BRG LE the number was only on the wooden gear lever knob. If you don't have this there is no way of knowing unless you can find out from previous owners. Welcome to ownership of a great (2) car/s. So enjoyable! Had my LE for 8 years.

Veloce wrote:Hi
With the BRG LE the number was only on the wooden gear lever knob. If you don't have this there is no way of knowing unless you can find out from previous owners. Welcome to ownership of a great (2) car/s. So enjoyable! Had my LE for 8 years.

Yeah, I guessed that. The previous owner couldn't tell me either. Funny thing is, Veloce, by checking the NA6 register on these forums, the closest I can get is that my VIN is 9 after yours. So, I know that I'm probably around #87, but I have no way of knowing.
I was going to get a new gear lever knob replicated - but I want to know for sure. No good unless I know for certain.

Quick update.

I took a L-plater for a lesson, long story short, I got the NA8 repainted.

Moved to Melbourne. The regulations are a fair bit tougher here than in W.A., so I'm deferring work for the moment, until I know exactly what I can and want to do.