underwhelmed by SP

[PtPete]

Hi all,
I took a test drive of an SP MX5 last week.... and was simply a little underwhelmed. so my questions are as follows.
it was owned by an older gent, full service history, and besides a tardy exterior, appeared to be in really good condition with around 100k on it.
Is the exhaust loud as standard.. not loud as in noisy, but more in rumbly at idle.
does the SP suffer from clutch shudder, as this one did.
Do they tend to run hot. slightly past half away on gauge
Has anyone else taken it for a spin (western Australia - at dealer in Wangara)
I feel the turbo lacked its total boost, as when it came on, it didn't feel like 150kw in a car weighing just over 1000kgs

Does anyone have experience with these models, and if they suffer from lack of TLC.. service intervals is one thing, ut knowing if your car is not running right is another.
thanks everyone... would really love an SP or SE, but the experience has tainted my ambition.

pete

[hks_kansei]

Clutch shudder was an issue on some early NB from memory, I can't remember if it was NB8A or 8B however.
If it has the original clutch it may be that.

Alternatively, it could be something like a weeping rear main seal, or warped flywheel. Mine has a leaky rear main and the clutch shudders.



Temp gauge I wouldn't worry as long as it didnt move, the gauges arent calibrated to be perfect, and many cars will run with the gauges pointing slightly differently (of course if the needle was REALLY over to the hot side i'd be concerned, but not so much if it was only a needle width or two past centre)

[bruce]

You have to remember it's an old car now. 150kw 'at the engine' is not a ball of fire.
When I drove one, yes, the exhaust is slightly louder cos it's bigger. Yes, it felt slow, but that is normal.
If you want power, look elsewhere or be prepared to mod it.

[NitroDann]

Your experience matches that of just about everyone who has previous experience with genuine performance cars.

One of my customers has a stock SP with a turbo back exhaust, big injectors and tune, along with stronger rods and pistons and it makes nearly 300whp on 98 and drives beautifully.

Even with just the computer injectors and tune it would make >250whp, but it needs upgraded rods to exceed that and the exhaust helps with response. So the hardware is actually really good from the factory, like the SE it is **MOSTLY** let down by setup and tune.

Thats on the stock intake, turbo, manifold, cams and head, intercooler etc etc etc



But absolutely, there is a reason people drive 1000+km to get a conversion done.

Dann

[hks_kansei]

It makes sense though since while the SP was great at it's time, it was hampered by things that the makers didnt have the budget/time to do, or had other issues, like rods and ECU.

Also worth noting that ECU tech seems to have come leaps and bounds in the past 10 years.
hell, I remember when it was a big deal to even get a car to idle on a standalone, let alone also produce good power with good response. For ages it was big turbos, lots of lag, and constant tinkering to make the thing run when the weather changed.

[davekmoore]

............... or send cars by transporter if they're lazy.

[Tezzax5]

Hi PT
There are 2 things that sometimes goes out of sync on a SP.
1... A bit of play on the actuator
2... If the plastic Bosch BOV is still fitted they can sometimes get a bit sticky.

Yep there are faster cars out there now but I like the pops and crackles that give SP's their personality.

[Okibi]

http://www.mx5cartalk.com/SP_SE_Comparison/

SPs were 1,167kg with aircon.

Mostly the early 6 speed MX-5s suffered from a clutch shudder issue.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tsb/sb05-001.03.html

Typically the factory turbo NBs are underwhelming (Mazda were trying to reduce warranty claims), both respond well to mods that help them breath better and a retune.

[ManiacLachy]

One of my customers has a stock SP with a turbo back exhaust, big injectors and tune, along with stronger rods and pistons and it makes nearly 300whp on 98 and drives beautifully.

I don't think you can call it stock once you do all that (and an ECU too I'd think)

Like the SE, you need to throw some mods at it to make the most of what Mazda gave you, but at least with the SP you start with a decent turbo.

[NitroDann]

What I am saying is that a TOTALLY STOCK one with injectors and tune will go >250, and you only need conrods and an exhaust to go past that.

Every single mechanical part on the sp can remain stock and still make 250whp.

[PtPete]

thanks for all the replies peoples.
I have learnt a little more about the little roadster, and will continue my search for my first MX5.

cheers
Pete