Headers, Rollbar, or Suspension?

[ess]

I'm a noob with the MX-5's so I have been posting a alot.. BUT,

My NA is on stock EVERYTHING, I'm on my p's, and I have some money for a change. My budget is about $500-$600.

Roll Bar: For general safety, I don't have a hard top and probably wont be doing track days, for a while anyway.

Suspension: A lot of people have said my stock suspension is probably dead now, considering its about 20 years old.

Any help or suggestions is much appreciated, thanks a heap guys!

[emily_mx5]

$500-600 wont really get you much of anything i'm afraid.

rollbars tend to be more like $700+ but unless your driving on the track i dont see how its such a high priority on the street. People think that adding a rollbar instantly transforms their car into a fortified hummer and thus is safe. No, an MX5 will never be safe, we have all made the decision to take the risk anyway.
I would be super wary about buying one second hand aswell, as there are alot of brackets/nuts/bolts that might go missing and make it very hard for you to install properly.

$600 on suspension is a no go aswell, "budget" and "coilover" should not go in the same sentence.
double your budget and you can get a set of BC's, which I have found really great for the money. HSD are another option around the 1.2k mark.
You can get good shocks like koni/kyb/monroe and some lowering springs like king/eibach/tein but you're still looking at more than $600.
Again very wary of second hand, no warranty and you have no idea of the condition or age, people will say anything to sell stuff.

Then you have intake / exhaust.
Thats my bet. Source some 2nd hand headers (I actually have a set for sale)
and a cat back exhaust. This *might be able* be done for $600 from these forums.
And a better intake, my recommendation would be a Mania/Randal/Cowl cold air intake.
It means cutting a hole in the fire wall and moving your washer bottle, really not the end of the world.
It gives you a nice loud intake growl and a noticeable improvement.
You actually can build one yourself with some pvc pipes from bunnings so all you need to buy is a podfilter and an adapter, so its under $50 all up.

[ess]

Thanks, You're probably right. I was having a look and could probably get a set of koni shocks and koni sport springs brand new for about $500 from Rspeed, but I think that site is located over seas..

Would you be able to point me in the direction of something a little more detailed on what you're saying about the intake setup?

Then you have intake / exhaust.
Thats my bet. Source some 2nd hand headers (I actually have a set for sale)
and a cat back exhaust. This *might be able* be done for $600 from these forums.
And a better intake, my recommendation would be a Mania/Randal/Cowl cold air intake.
It means cutting a hole in the fire wall and moving your washer bottle, really not the end of the world.
It gives you a nice loud intake growl and a noticeable improvement.
You actually can build one yourself with some pvc pipes from bunnings so all you need to buy is a podfilter and an adapter, so its under $50 all up.

[Mr Morlock]

you don't have to spend the money. A roll bar is not a necessity and in some States you require an engineers certificate etc ( I think Emily is offering good advice) .

Your suspension is not necessarily worn out- it depends on a number of factors- if it requires attention you will probably notice poor handling or bottoming etc. If it feels ok to you and safe maybe just leave it

My understanding was that the NA headers- or extractors are actually very good i.e. no need to do this. Cat back exhaust is a nice mod for a sporty note and bit of extra performance- that will prob be at least $500.

Having a stock NA is not a problem- plenty of people i.e. enthusiasts drive many Kms and keep the cars for years without making any mods.

[ess]

Found the page, i get what you mean by cutting a hole in the firewall now.

http://www.mx5mania.com.au/product630.htm

[ess]

Both of you have a point with the suspension and roll bar.

I'll look into the headers and intake stuff though.

[MattR]

I would get a set of dampers, mania have KYB non adjustable for NA for $450, reuse your standard springs and you will have a car transformed from what it is with the suspension starting to work better.

With the change look at replacing some of the bushes, as no doubt they will be starting to go.

Or, if your dampers and springs are in good condition, look at replacing your rubber bushes with a mixture of rubber and poly. This will again transform the feel of the car as it will work properly and won't be wobbling around with arms moving as they shouldn't. You should be able to get a full set of bushes for your budget.

[93_Clubman]

My understanding was that the NA headers- or extractors are actually very good i.e. no need to do this.

NA6 headers were rubbish:
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