Tristan's 04 MX5 SE

Tristan_ACT · Postby **Tristan_ACT** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 12:10 pm

Heya all

I actually brought this car back in February, however I haven't had a chance to get on here until now (or I've just been lazy). Now I know there's a lot of SE pages on here, however I thought I'd post mine on here too, so I can ask for help if I need something. Also because I see my car as special, because it's mine! lol

So a quick background story (skip this post completely if not interested).

Like a few other's on here I wasn't heart set on an MX5 from the very start, I had a few other cars in mind. Firstly the 86 which I ruled out as I don't think it can support enough aftermarket power (especially considering it weighs an extra 250kgs over the MX5 se) and if I'm driving what many would consider an unpractical car I figured I at least want a convertible. Other than that I was also thinking Evo or WRX. I ruled these last two out due to high running costs and the fact I'd probably loose my licence way too quickly and it had a higher cost entry point. I've always loved the Lotus Elise, except that it had super high resale value (which put it above my pay grade), which got me onto thinking about a turbo'd MX5. Looking back honestly I'm happier with a front mounted than a mid mounted engine anyway.

I found this car on carsales and it only had 62,000 kms, so I thought I'd go up to Mosman to have a look at that. So I thought awesome, that's pretty sweet. Once I went and had a look in the car I knew I'd found a winner, while it might not be quite as quick as some other cars around I thought it simply brought a rare type of joy to driving. Interestingly enough I even thought it was fun and felt fast at legal speeds especially with the roof down.

So BAM! I found a car. I got the car checked out for free might I add at Kmart Tyre and Auto (people might give them some grief but I think they're great). Now I was ready to buy the car however unfortunately the owner said she wasn't quite ready to sell. So we set up a time for next week. To my absolute dismay next time I came up, she'd taken the car out shopping about 30 mins before I was due to get there and someone had backed into the front bumper!!! So unfortunately this meant waiting another little while for the car.

I remember the night before when I finally had a chance to go and pick up the car I couldn't sleep I was so excited after all this time. I went up purchased the car and was so tired I actually got my mum to drive back to my parents place in Sydney! So after 4 return trips to Mosman and 8 sets of bridge tolls, I finally had my car!

The next day tragedy struck (well at least it seemed like it at the time). I floored the car and heard a bang noise. I actually managed to blow a piece clean off my atmospheric (it came with the car) BOV. I didn't know what it was at the time and I was worried I had blown the turbo, I was spitting chips hahahaha

However a week later the local mechanic had sourced all the parts and fixed the car, then my parents were nice enough to drive it back to Canberra for me. Then I placed it safely in the garage!

Tristan_ACT · Postby **Tristan_ACT** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 12:17 pm

Safely back home in the garage.

Tristan_ACT · Postby **Tristan_ACT** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 12:21 pm

Here's some more photos, because who doesn't love photos!

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 5:38 pm

It's always good to see more SE's on the forum, especially when they're in "The Bestest Colour", Titanium (the other guys are just jealous because we've got a cool theme song too - "I am Titanium!").

While your preference initially for the Lotus is understandable, you'll appreciate the practicality of the SE much more, getting in and out of a Lotus is a pain in the arse so it's definitely not a DD or for running multiple chores, or for trips back and forth to Bunnings.

Tristan_ACT · Postby **Tristan_ACT** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 9:17 pm

Thanks Lokiel. Totally agree, the Lotus was just a pipe dream, too much growing up on Gran Tourismo and just reading a stat sheet. When I thought about it seriously I didn't even go and test drive one. Since the MX5 is my only car I needed something practical (or as close enough too). One day I'll still get my awd rally machine too.

I thought I'd take this time to say the few things that I want to do to my car and try and keep them in order. So if anyone ha any advice I'd be super interested to hear it.

Lastly I just wanted to say that if anyone wanted to keep their mx5 se bone dry stock, there's nothing wrong with that as it's a complete car as is. I just want a few extra things.

Potential Upgrades:
* MX5 Mania Stage 1 kit - Installed already (I'll post some engine bay photo's as asked for by Nev later, as well as links to youtube exhaust sound before and after).

* MX5 Mania Stage 2 kit - Needed due to lack of midrange power.

* 15 inch rims, I'm thinking the Nickel 6UL 15*8 (that way if 245/45/15 tyres ever come out they'd fit on the rims). Honestly I've got 205/40/17 Michelin Pilot Exalto tyres (which aren't exactly cheap!!!) and I've spun the tyres in second on a dry day since the upgrade (driving straight).

* In car head unit which has android phone support (pioneeer app radio or new sony with aftermarket mirror link app). Mostly want this so I can use the OBDII converter to show my readings on the screen (boost guage, afr, rev meter), so I don't need heaps of aftermarket guages. The other good news is some champion has made a progarm called adaptive tuner which does the same as Torque and Dashcommander with adaptronic ECU's.

* Maybe suspension wayyyy down the line.

Unfortunately due to new mortgage progress on upgrades is going to be slow

So yeah all help, suggestions and advice is much appreciated.

Tristan_ACT · Postby **Tristan_ACT** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 9:56 pm

Btw I totally agree on color, my heart was set on a Titanium one.

Here's some pics of the car post upgrade including the engine bay.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 10:35 pm

Hey Tristan, great to see the thread up and running mate!

Thanks for the pics requested, you're absolutely right about the intercooler, I've just returned from a 'pre-Xmas' at my folks place (working through Xmas) and my brother, who has a WRX couldn't believe how small the factory unit is on the SE and said it had to go!

Interesting your comments about the Lotus, my other brother over in Switzerland previously had and earlier model NB but upgraded to the Elise because he was after more power, shame he never considered the turbo MX5 as it would have been a LOT cheaper and more practical..... Still, driving his MX5 through those Swiss Alp mountain passes (a motorbike too, but that's another story) was part of what convinced me to get my SE! :mrgreen:

Looking forward to seeing those videos of the exhaust before/after but understand the need to keep the financial controller happy at this time of year......

All the best,
Nev

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 10:42 pm

Tristan_ACT wrote:15 inch rims, I'm thinking the Nickel 6UL 15*8 (that way if 245/45/15 tyres ever come out they'd fit on the rims). Honestly I've got 205/40/17 Michelin Pilot Exalto tyres (which aren't exactly cheap!!!) and I've spun the tyres in second on a dry day since the upgrade (driving straight).

If you do end up going down this path, please let me know as I'm after two "gutter rash free" standard 17" rims!

Tristan_ACT wrote:Btw I totally agree on color, my heart was set on a Titanium one.

Can completely relate to that..... So was mine! :mrgreen:

Tristan_ACT wrote:Here's some pics of the car post upgrade including the engine bay.

Seriously consider getting the intake elbow to the intake manifold replaced too mate, they're notorious for failing and/or blowing off, even at standard boost!

Postby **Okibi** » Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:21 pm

Great introduction, nice to have so many keen SE owners :mrgreen:

Crapweasel · Postby **Crapweasel** » Wed Dec 25, 2013 12:24 am

Okibi wrote:Great introduction, nice to have so many keen SE owners

This!

Not that there's any such thing as a bad MX-5, it's just that the SE is the best looking.

(Note the tinted eyes on the "cool" smiley).

monty007 · Postby **monty007** » Wed Dec 25, 2013 7:25 am

Crapweasel wrote:
Okibi wrote:Great introduction, nice to have so many keen SE owners

This!

Not that there's any such thing as a bad MX-5, it's just that the SE is the best looking. (Note the tinted eyes on the "cool" smiley).

Agree with that

and welcome Tristan!

Juicy HiC · Postby **Juicy HiC** » Wed Dec 25, 2013 8:40 am

Welcome Tristan. Great to see another SE. I really like to read what others have done to theirs, always a good source of inspiration.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Tristan_ACT · Postby **Tristan_ACT** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 12:27 am

Big thanks guys. Good to feel welcome on the forum. I should have known mx5 people would be cool!

Btw here's the exhaust video's I promised of the before and after exhaust system.

Stock Exhaust1
http://youtu.be/OHGxXTo3WOM

Stock Exhaust2
http://youtu.be/KZ1T1mnU1wU

Mania Exhaust1
http://youtu.be/-1ChcfVeATk

Mania Exhaust2
http://youtu.be/Y2jTYM-7Hhw

I know the video's aren't great, but they should give a decent idea of what's going on. If anyone particularly wants me to re tape one let me know.

Postby **Okibi** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 1:43 am

Sounds better, been meaning to do a similar one with varex open/closed.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 7:36 am

Tristan_ACT wrote:Big thanks guys. Good to feel welcome on the forum. I should have known mx5 people would be cool!

Btw here's the exhaust video's I promised of the before and after exhaust system.

Great, thanks for that mate.