Newbie question

[toby]

I have a 2009 NC. Is there any fairly simple (legal) way to get more power whenever I take off at the lights? I'm a complete newbie to car mods. I was hoping there was somewhere in Sydney I could take my car to be modded to get the extra power? Thanks!

[NitroDann]

There are MANY treads covering this topic already. If you perform a quick search (found top right of screen) you will find a lot of the basic info.
If you still cannot find what you need after a search, feel free to post back here with a more specific question. And perhaps tell us how fast you want it. Maybe what car you want to be able to beat.

Cheers,
Dann

[Old Dude]

That was very, very civil Dann Talk to MX5 Mania in Sydney, their web link is at the bottom of every page and are sponsors, they should be able to give you advice as to what you can do and how much it would cost. As Dann said a search in one of the sub headings should give you some useful info also.

Cheers
Dale

[toby]

Thank you for your replies.

I just tried searching with the term "How+to+go+faster+when+starting" and I got 53 results. But I didn't anything there that really addressed my question -- maybe I'm just blind, or more likely, I'm not asking the right question.

I emailed mx5mania about a week ago and Simone replied and told me there was no legal way to mod my car so it could start faster. So I thought I'd ask here on the forums.

I don't have a specific number of kms that I want to go faster, basically anything faster than the factory standard for when starting from a complete stop (eg at the lights).

Basically, I *love* driving my car and I literally drive around Sydney for hours at a time, especially in the middle of the night just enjoying the ride. This is the second mx5 I've owned, but I've never modded it in any way (I don't know anything about car engines etc). Like I said I'm a complete newbie.

Anyway, if you could suggest a different search term I could try, or a specific posting, I'd really be appreciative.

Thank you very much.

[NitroDann]

The standard mods for an NC are intake and headers, with exhaust coming in after that.

How much faster?

You have to quantify this request.. 10% faster...20%?

Dann

[deviant]

A full intake system and exhaust system will give you a small increase in power but the added noise gives a new feel to the car.

Silly question time, how hard do you push the car when you accelerate? Learning to get the car off the line smartly, using full throttle and learning to change gear quicker all makes a big difference. Dont be scared of pushing the throttle to the floor and letting the rev counter get to the red before changing gear.

[toby]

I am probably only looking for a modest increase in power so I guess I would say 10%.

I have been practicing taking off at the lights and you are right - it makes a huge difference just paying attention to what the car is doing and not being afraid to really push the revs (I used to treat it so carefully but over time realised it could handle me really pushing it). I have found if I practice quickly changing gears I can easily get a pretty decent start from the lights so now I am just trying to have a bit more fun and push it even further/faster.

I wonder why mx5mania would say there was nothing I could do - is it not legal to do any mods at all?

[NitroDann]

Yep everything is illegal.

Intake and exhaust with headers will about get you towards 10%.

By the sounds of it that would probably do you.

Dann

[bootz]

4.1 lsd.

100% legal if you change the speedo sensor.

[orx626]

4.1 lsd.

100% legal if you change the speedo sensor.

Yes definitely a 4.1 diff ratio will be your solution to getting off the line faster. No speedo sensor change is necessary as the NC measures road speed at the hubs.

Cheers,
Danny

[Sean]

Nice one bootz! Nitro is changing his name to DiplomaticDann

A change in diff ratio will make you quicker off the line, but will also make you quicker to (a lower) top speed.

It might sound silly, but the best advice anyone gave me years ago when I first bought an MX5 was to use more revs.

If you're chaging at low RPM, you're missing a lot of the power. Still, doing that at a traffic light will probably just make you look like a twat.

If you want to beat people across the lights, you'll need a fair bit of cash to throw at it, it can be done legally, but it wont be cheap or easy (depending on your definition of either or both).

[orx626]

A change in diff ratio will make you quicker off the line, but will also make you quicker to (a lower) top speed.

Further to what Sean has said....going from a 3.7 to a 4.1 you get a 10.8% increase in wheel torque across your whole rev range and a corresponding reduction in top speed of 10.8% in each gear.

For example:
1st Gear @ 6,700rpm - was 55 km/h now 50 km/hr
2nd Gear @ 6,700rpm - was 93km/hr now 84 km/hr
3rd Gear @ 6,700rpm - was 128km/hr now 116km/hr
4th Gear @ 6,700rpm - was 178km/hr now 161km/hr
5th Gear @ 6,700rpm - was 210km/hr now 190km/hr
6th Gear @ 6,700rpm - was 253km/hr now 229km/hr

Every NC owner I know that has made the final drive ratio change (3.7 to 4.1) has raved about the improvement in in-gear performance. Myself included.

Cheers,
Danny

[toby]

Hey thanks guys, this thread is really helpful.

Inspired by some of the postings, I've just been out cruising for a few hours and really practicing pushing the revs. The results are great. Before I was too scared to ever push it beyond around 4K rpm, but tonight I was pushing up to around 6K, and I felt in total control of the car.

The 4.1 diff sounds exactly like the sort of thing I was looking for. Can anyone recommend someone to do the work around the Leichhardt/cbd area? What sort of money am I looking at? How long does it usually take (can't bear the thought of being off the road very long haha)?

Also, my car needs a service (20,000/30,000KMs) - can anyone recommend a good/reasonably priced mechanic in my area? Mazda (AMR) seem to be quite expensive.

Thanks again for all your help - I can't believe my car is becoming even MORE fun to drive than before

[deviant]

That's the spirit!

Just to clarify a bit on the legality issue. All cars sold in Australia have to meet the Australian Design Rules (ADR's) which come in a massive book and covers...well everything. Seatbelts, lights, emissions, windows, wheels, brakes, tyres, suspension and on and on.

Pretty much any modification you do to a car that takes it outside of these regulations is deemed to be un-roadworthy or illegal. You can do some modifications if they are signed off by an engineer and you get a permit for the modification. There are a few basic modifications you can do without a permit; wheels, bodykits etc.

Truth is though that quality parts installed correctly do not make your car dangerous at all and only make it more fun. Although most might not admit it publicly you will find everyone thinks most of the ADR's are a bit of a joke and very few people bother getting an engineer to sign off on their modifications.

No business is going to put itself in a position of risk with this stuff. If you ask "is this turbo kit road legal?" they will always say no (because it is not) or that it is for off road use only.

[Guran]

Your NC will happily and safely rev all the way to the cut-out. Give it a try. Once you've felt the cut-out, you will know that you should change gears just before that point. Do this before doing any modifications.

One suggestion though. A stock MX-5 is not a drag car. It lives for corners. I highly recommend that you get out of the city for the nearest twisty road and enjoy your car in that environment. North to Old Pacific Highway, Wisemans Ferry Rd, Putty Rd. West to Bells Line. South to Royal NP and Southern Highlands. Enjoy!