NA6 VS NA8................. worth the extra??

[wun911]

If you want the NA8 to "rev better" like make it "rev happy" just put a lightweight flywheel into it, or better still just put lightweight NA6 flywheel into it...

[broady]

Additional chassis *bracing*. Also not mentioned was a stronger diff.

[Speedyblue]

It's worth the extra.
I came from a turbo S13 to the MX5, and while the NA8 is slower in a straight line, it's faster in the corners and much more fun. You sound like the type of person who's going to modify it in the end anyway, so you may as well start with a better platform. It seems parts are just as easy to get as the nissans.

[nath]

and besides 1 i havent fount a NA8 in NSW <10g, which is out of my budget anyway

Have you had a look at this one?
1993 White NA8 with hardtop, 187,300km, Matraville NSW, $8490

That's actually an NA6. Car was also involved in a large accident a couple of years ago.

[(Locky)]

are you serious ???

i was fairly keen on that car and going to check it out, but it doent have rego.

by the way is there a way to tell genuine NA8s from engine transplants like the chassis number (ie the s14's series 2 have the chassis # starting with S14AXXXXX compained to S14XXX of the series 1)

checked out a NA6 today,

i think the major peoblem was the only mx5 i had dríven in the past was fairly rough and abused and i just jumped out of my s14 into it. after going from a starlet to a NA6 it wasnt too bad. but the car was a little over priced and a few to many things wrong for my liking (patched up roof, dented rail, import, short nose crank i think, all bolts rusty in engine bay, owner actually got me out of the car so he could thrash it more to show how it goes)

so i think i might look at a couple more and go from there

[Jeo]

Where do you think the term NA6 comes from?

An NA6 VIN will start with NA6CE

[nath]

You sure about that Joe? Mine starts with JM0NA30XXXXXXXXX

[Jeo]

Mine does, maybe its just an import thing?

Edit: Nope, total fail.
Import VIN's should read 6U9000NA6CE...
Aus delivered should read JMONA306.....

[Steampunk]

are you serious ???

i was fairly keen on that car and going to check it out, but it doent have rego.

Do a search for physical differences between NA6 and NA8, but to start you off:
- wing mirrors
- rear number plate valance
- brace behind seats' headrests
- steering wheel
- wheels
- door trim
- (obviously) engine: - cam cover, coil pack location, intake tube design, etc.

You can eliminate the mis-advertised (is that a word?) NA8's, as there are a few on carsales.

Even though I am a staunch NA8 supporter, IF you are going to modify it considerably, ie. fit turbo, then I would actually go for a 1992 onwards NA6 as it does not have the short nose crank and there are more aftermarket performance parts for the NA6 engine than NA8.

[jerrah]

What is different in the Na8 door trim?

[StanTheMan]

I've not done much research into NA8 aftermarket parts.....is it that bad?
even if you do modify extensively wouln't you still be able to sell all the NA8 bits to all the desperado NA6 owners?

[nath]

What is different in the Na8 door trim?

NA8 has map pockets in the door. Some NA8 models also have a pull handle but no arm rest.

[Steampunk]

I've not done much research into NA8 aftermarket parts.....is it that bad?

Yup, well I should have made myself more clearer, I meant engine/performance parts.
Cams, turbo kits, pulleys, COP's, piggy-back computers.

You will have little trouble finding vendors selling new B6 parts, and the used parts market they are abundant.

[mx52nv]

As a supplier of aftermarket JDM MX5 parts, I guess I will poke my head in here and say that there is a huge amount of aftermarket engine, suspension and electronic parts available to suit the NA8C. However, if you are chasing a "plug and play" aftermarket ECU then this is easily solved by purchasing a loom extension and this means you will not have to cut the factory harness or plug.

As the NA6CE becomes older, aftermarket manufacturers will reduce their parts lines for this model. I have already seen the decline of the number of NA6 part lines within big manufacturers like HKS and TRUST. As more NA6CEs reach the end of their B6 engine's life and the BP motor is becoming a cheap alternative (upgrade) then the B6 will slowly become an engine that is not worth providing parts for.

To the OP, the answer to your original thread subject question is "yes".

Les @ MX5 Shop

[Fatty]

yes na8 seems like the smarter option

beware, and do your research on na8's advertised online on sites such as carsales... i have seen so many na6's advertised as na8's that it is beyond a joke.