SP vs SE vs Supercharged NC

[hks_kansei]

An NA wasn't on the OP's list of options.

NA / NB, same thing compared to an NC.

[JBT]

An NA wasn't on the OP's list of options.

NA / NB, same thing compared to an NC.

Yep, both are "old technology".

[hb]

An NA wasn't on the OP's list of options.

NA / NB, same thing compared to an NC.

except the NBs hes listed are both factory turbo

[bruce]

Stop going off topic! OP has narrowed his choice down to an SE or an NC. Stop blathering on about NAs or even stock NBs.

[Keith]

Depending on your intended class, an NC offers you the option of upgrading to a 2.3 or 2.5 litre block later on. This swap is becoming relatively common in the USA but I am not sure if anyone has gone down that path locally. The info I have seen suggests you keep the NC head, and the extra CDs come from stroking the Mazda 3 SP 23 or 25 engine. Just a thought....

[Keith]

Bloody autocorrect...CCs, not CDs!!!!

[NitroDann]

Theres a 2.5 locally.

Dann

[Hjt]

Stop going off topic! OP has narrowed his choice down to an SE or an NC. Stop blathering on about NAs or even stock NBs.

The SP model was also mentioned. But your correct enough

[Madanark]

It really depends on what it will be used for and what kind of power delivery you are after...
I'm running a NC with an SC and the power delivery is similar to a stock NC but there is just more grunt. Lots of down low torque but sorta runs out of puff up higher.
$35k might not be enough for the NC as you'll want suspension ($2000-$3000), SC ($7500 installed with clutch) and if you want to do any track work, brakes ($2000) and wheels ($1500) too. (all approx. prices)

Your best first move is to drive both.

[denod1958]

Thanks for the replies so far. It seems I should have made things clearer at the start.

For the person that enquired, current cars are 2011 Golf R (manual), 2009 Jaguar XKR, 1973 MGBGT V8
(track car being upgraded) and recently sold 1995 MG RV8, and a few years back Westfield clubman.
Have tracked all except XKR at Phillip Island, Sandown, Winton, Symons Plains & Calder.

MX5 will not be used for daily driver, or serious motorsport but as a fun weekend road/track car.
Track use will be 4-6 club level sprint events per year. I'd expect the MX5 would be at the very least capable of 2.0 or better around PI, be rewarding to drive, have excellent predictable handling.
My driving ability is probably reasonable as a professional driver laps Sandown 2 secs a lap quicker than I do in my GTV8

I've dríven SP-good, SE & NC also good but to me need more power as most people have found.
Happy to mod SE/NC as required, just want to go down the best path.
Not sure what NC are good for after external engine mods before charging versus an SE with CAI, cooler,ecu and exhast upgrades. If the overall package ends up being north of $40k then its probaly becomming a poor spend and there are other options out there, eg: Lotus

Driver is average height 5'8" 70kg

thanks again

[Hammer]

Here's what is supposedly an SP for sale off eBay for $15k with 128k kms.

Though on closer inspection of the photos, the car does not look like an SP:
- It does not have the SP interior bling
- Exhaust tip looks like standard NB
- No SP decal (though this could have been removed)
- Couldn't really tell from the photos if there is an intercooler or not.
- And finally, the add says, this is a 2003 model car. I know the last of the SPs were 2002 model NB8Bs. I got one of the last ones (March 2002 build date / April 2002 Compliance).

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261058341582 ... 3D1&_rdc=1

[NitroDann]

The best spend would be a neat engineered turbo or supercharged NB or NA.

Period.

Dann

[bootz]

Here's what is supposedly an SP for sale off eBay for $15k with 128k kms.

Though on closer inspection of the photos, the car does not look like an SP:
- It does not have the SP interior bling
- Exhaust tip looks like standard NB
- No SP decal (though this could have been removed)
- Couldn't really tell from the photos if there is an intercooler or not.
- And finally, the add says, this is a 2003 model car. I know the last of the SPs were 2002 model NB8Bs. I got one of the last ones (March 2002 build date / April 2002 Compliance).

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261058341582 ... 3D1&_rdc=1

Dodgey, seeing as one engine shot would seal it. From a dealer too!

[Dan]

Based on your clarification I'd consider buying a stock NC and fitting coil overs, headers, sway bars, end links, tyres, 4.1 R&P & Tune, that should set you back less than 25k including the cars purchase price installed if you are happy to take an older model or <30k if you want a really nice example (this excludes safety mods like seats, roll bar, harness etc...).

That should be able to lap PI in <2m if you can steer it well enough given Charlie Brown ran a 1:58 without the R&P upgrade, if you can't make the time at least you've got something to strive for and you'll be free of the reliability question mark that surrounds all FI cars so you can do more trouble free days

If you might supercharge it hold off on the 4.1 though so you don't have to mess around changing back to stock if you do decide you need more and on the bright side you'll have all of the supporting mods done save for the brakes.

[denod1958]

Here's what is supposedly an SP for sale off eBay for $15k with 128k kms.

Though on closer inspection of the photos, the car does not look like an SP:
- It does not have the SP interior bling
- Exhaust tip looks like standard NB
- No SP decal (though this could have been removed)
- Couldn't really tell from the photos if there is an intercooler or not.
- And finally, the add says, this is a 2003 model car. I know the last of the SPs were 2002 model NB8Bs. I got one of the last ones (March 2002 build date / April 2002 Compliance).

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261058341582 ... 3D1&_rdc=1

I agree that's not an SP but the one below is, high k's though but probably a reasonable starting $ figure

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 2&__N=1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965340 4294963961 1216 4294737496&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,Max~0.5&sort=default