My plan for N/A power on my NB8A - effective?

s-mx5-s · Postby **s-mx5-s** » Fri May 09, 2014 1:04 pm

Hi guys,

I've got a stock standard NB8A, after driving a '04 SE I'm hooked and plan to pick one up in the next couple of years, but until then I'd like to get comfortable driving my NB8A around the track and just having a bit more fun with it when daily driving.

My plan is:

- Install MX5 mania CAI (already purchased)
- Install Xforce Varex exhaust (I need a quiet exhaust due to leaving the house super early in the morning)
- Install hi flow cat
- Install 4-2-1 extractors
- Pick up a Megasquirt, probably second hand and get it tuned

EDIT:
Also going to look at doing the oil filter relocation so it's a bit easier to work with.

Is this a decent base? Is there anything I did or didn't mention that is/isn't worth doing?

Postby **NitroDann** » Fri May 09, 2014 1:19 pm

Cams. E85, compression and port if you are willing to remove the head.

s-mx5-s · Postby **s-mx5-s** » Fri May 09, 2014 1:36 pm

NitroDann wrote:Cams. E85, compression and port if you are willing to remove the head.

Would that still run well for a daily?

Postby **NitroDann** » Fri May 09, 2014 1:44 pm

Absolutely. And increase power by 30%+

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Fri May 09, 2014 1:44 pm

Certainly do the CAI and the exhaust if you really want to but track time and handling are so much better than power when you're starting out on track work. Megasquirt on a stockish motor will give you buggar all value for money - the NB8A ECU is not all that bad.

I'd be thinking about high-end S-spec or R-spec tyres (depending on class rules), track oriented brake pads, stainless steel brake lines, quality fluids throughout (engine, gearbox, diff, clutch and brakes) and a track set up for the wheel alignment. Combined with seat time those small steps will net you a 10sec laptime improvement over 6 months compared to your power mod list which would only net you 1-2 secs.

Dweezle · Postby **Dweezle** » Fri May 09, 2014 1:45 pm

Party popper I know but why not just use that money and buy a SE??
I am guessing still a few years to go on Ps??

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Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Fri May 09, 2014 1:51 pm

s-mx5-s of course that would run well as a daily. I have ITB's, 11:1 compression, mild cams, aftermarket ECU and have no problems with the car as a daily.

I add to Dann's E85 comment that you will need to increase your fuel capacity to make E85 suitable for daily driving, as well as have a source of reliable E85.

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L01770
E85 means a fuel blend consisting of:
(a) 70–85% ethanol; and
(b) petrol that meets the requirements of the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001.

Hence if you get a good batch and tune on it you could have problems when you get a bad batch. This can be somewhat overcome if you use a fuel flex sensor. Or you need to use a race blend of E85, gets expensive! However, it is a great kick in the arse fuel, I can't wait to do mine (E85) at the end of the year.

What is your budget? Do you plan to do any engine work?

s-mx5-s · Postby **s-mx5-s** » Fri May 09, 2014 2:04 pm

Dweezle wrote:Party popper I know but why not just use that money and buy a SE??
I am guessing still a few years to go on Ps??

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My car is street parked for the time being and I'd hate to leave an SE outside, the insurance cost for a 21 yr old are quite a turn off for now.
But soon...

speed · Postby **speed** » Sat May 24, 2014 12:12 pm

NitroDann wrote:Cams. E85, compression and port if you are willing to remove the head.

These things are like pringles... Uno, once you start you just can't stop.

If you are going to do the above, then you may as well convert to solid lifters, fit double valve springs, adjustable cam gears.
The list just keeps going.

Personally I'd just do the intake/exhaust and a set of mild cams that run off your standard ECU.
Drive, drive, drive and when you can upgrade to the SE if that's what you want.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat May 24, 2014 3:21 pm

be warned about E fuels. A bloke I know who was in the know- worked in the industry- had an engine seized after using a small amount of ethanol fuel. This person had some very good connections and the story they got back was that the producers of these fuels had poor quality systems and did not know the exact content of ethanol in the mix. He was refused compensation but after using his in the know contacts they re addressed the fuel co and received full compensation for the ruined engine.

Postby **NitroDann** » Sat May 24, 2014 5:14 pm

Sorry Mr Morlock but that is bullshit. This is just slander against the fuel.

Here is a totally unopened stock original 1989 na6 I tuned last night. Strong as an ox and silky smooth.

Dann

harrytuckerr · Postby **harrytuckerr** » Sun May 25, 2014 12:24 pm

Hi guys,

New to the MX5 world (Just bought mine last week). I had a similar plans to s-MX5-s, plus I want to add some mild cams. What's the best specs I should get that wouldn't require a new ECU/new lifters?

Cheers

sailaholic · Postby **sailaholic** » Sun May 25, 2014 4:28 pm

Just be aware, my cams didn't need new lifters but a couple of lifters were substantially worn and my valves had already been buggered with so needed new valves also.

Budget to replace them and spend the money on tires or something if you get away with out doing it.

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