MX5 Product/System Project Ideas

Fraser.G · Postby **Fraser.G** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:22 pm

Hi, this is my first post on the forum. I currently own an NB8A 1998 Mx5 and am doing a Major project for Design and Tech at school and I would love to design something cool to improve my Mx5 in some way. However I am stuck without any ideas so I'm wondering if any Mx5 enthusiasts have any cool product or system ideas for my mx5. I need to begin the Design ASAP but i have a whole year to complete it so any hard or big ideas are still possible.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated and if I find an idea that I decide to pursue I am more than happy to document it and add photos to the forum.

Cheers, Fraser.G

cookie · Postby **cookie** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:30 pm

A device which blocks all reasoning and common sense to swmbo while asking for permission to spend lots of money on our cars. ;)

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:40 pm

Cool idea to make it MX5 oriented

Just brainstorming some things that would be nice to have on my NA:
Central locking
Remote boot release
Oil filter relocation
Boot light
Better interior lights
Something that increases the radio volume as your speed increases like modern cars
Remote start for winter warm ups in the morning

Some are available off the shelf, but there's always room for an alternate approach.

Fraser.G · Postby **Fraser.G** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 1:04 pm

Those are some pretty good ideas, thank you, i was surprised i would get replies so fast.
On the topic of relocating the oil filter, how would one do that?

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 1:17 pm

You can have a look at the off the shelf offering for some inspiration, but basically it's consists of an adaptor that goes where the oil filter usually goes, braided lines and a new thread and surface for the oil filter to screw on to.

StanTheMan · Postby **StanTheMan** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 1:34 pm

Fraser.G wrote:Those are some pretty good ideas, thank you, i was surprised i would get replies so fast.
On the topic of relocating the oil filter, how would one do that?

you are the designer...... the oil filter is in a slightly awkward position under the Manifold. Hard for big hands to reach unless you want jack up the car & access it below.Which is also a pain.
Other problems are that they are upside down so you could perhaps make it so you don't spill oil all over the driveway or the engine bay when removing a full oil filter.
It also has to look sweet and not cost big $$$$

pezchops · Postby **pezchops** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 1:57 pm

StanTheMan wrote:
Fraser.G wrote:Those are some pretty good ideas, thank you, i was surprised i would get replies so fast.
On the topic of relocating the oil filter, how would one do that?

you are the designer...... the oil filter is in a slightly awkward position under the Manifold. Hard for big hands to reach unless you want jack up the car & access it below.Which is also a pain.
Other problems are that they are upside down so you could perhaps make it so you don't spill oil all over the driveway or the engine bay when removing a full oil filter.
It also has to look sweet and not cost big $$$$

maybe the designed upside down position is to help oil flow .
you might not get all of the oil to circulate out of the filter if it is the other way up.
sort of a stagnate pool at the bottom of the filter that accumulates filtered crud.
just guessing

cookie · Postby **cookie** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 2:12 pm

It's designed for packaging into a fwd. Upside down. Or sideways hasn't been an issue for those doing it. (Many prefer filter top facing the sky then no leaks. You need something to stand out.

Some tool or device to make an annoying or time-consuming job easier for low cost. Eg. Special ramps or a moulded block for jacking up the rear off the diff.
The successful products are those which appeal to a ide audience for a low cost to use ratio.

Fraser.G · Postby **Fraser.G** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:31 pm

Hmm good point cookie, i'm always terrified when jacking up my car and it would be a hell of a lot easier if i had a tool that made it a safe and easy job, without crushing myself

rossburns · Postby **rossburns** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:58 pm

How about a rear diffuser that actually fits

Fraser.G · Postby **Fraser.G** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 10:32 pm

Are we talking about a rear diffuser that is easy to install? Or making one that needs you to remove some of the bumper, but fits better than most aftermarket ones?

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 12:30 pm

Adjustable blade sway bars for a NA6, front and rear.

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 12:54 pm

Magpie wrote:Adjustable blade sway bars for a NA6, front and rear.

Cockpit adjustable sway bars...... :idea:

madjak · Postby **madjak** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 1:27 pm

A little bit advanced, but how about dynamic sway bars... they change torsional strength based on steering angle or yaw load. So in a straight line the sway bars are released to allow full free suspension movement, but when a corner turn in is required they firm up to stop roll.

I have no idea if it would actually work, but something like that would make a cool design project as there is a combination of mechanical design and electrical control systems. Depends on if you actually have to make it or not.

Other mechanical / electrical systems like active aero, or dynamic ride height would also be interesting.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 1:56 pm

madjak wrote::
Other mechanical / electrical systems like active aero, or dynamic ride height would also be interesting.
:

Active aero for a rear wing would be a GREAT project. PM Danny (orx626) and Mark (magpie) regarding this, I'm sure they can provide plenty of information.

Obviously this is not vehicle specific but if you can come up with a solution, there's a greater market out there for it.