First week of MX-5 ownership.

[The Pupat]

is there an opportunity for an engine conversion into these little suckers, something like a CA18DET or SR20 with matching 5 speed box?

Sort of. Certainly isn't an easy proposition at all. Better off building a tough standard motor. Will cost less and acheive the same.

[vrmmmpshhh]

ive seen 13bs in them.. that would be different.

[Babalouie]

Ok, good info... Thanks for that...

Oh, and how do I get rid of the bloody scuttle shake? Everyone has nicknamed the car shimmy, because the first thing everyone notices is how it's shimmy's on every bump?

Probably the lowest-buck, biggest bang mods is to fit the rear crossmember bracing from the later 1.8s, it'll need brackets to be welded on but it'll get rid of the harmonic that you're probably feeling at 110kmh, and there's a factory strut brace from the 2001+ models that bolts in, although it might just touch the underside of the bonnet lightly. They're not too hard to find, and can accomodate an intake kit without fouling too.

There's also a simple brace that bridges the front of the tranny tunnel, that was fitted to later models, too.

[vrmmmpshhh]

any other suggested mods?? i love the fact that i can use parts from other models since those kinda parts cost nothing here =)

[Babalouie]

any other suggested mods?? i love the fact that i can use parts from other models since those kinda parts cost nothing here =)

Probably the biggest things you can score would be the torsen lsd from a 1.8 "RS" model from where you are. AFAIK the RS models had a lower 4.3:1 final drive (ie, same ratio as the 1.6) and it's got the bigger 7in crownwheel & pinion compared to the 6.7in diff the 1.6 has. RS models also had Bilstein shocks on lowered springs and any 1.8 model has bigger brakes than a 1.6. Later 6spd boxes can also be swapped in, and I think all you need to do is retain the original bellhousing or something like that.

[Cplus]

I'm saving all these MX5 threads for when I get home. I want one as a weekend toy for sure.

modern day 1600 datto :D every fucker will be doing one up soon.

[ViNcEnXo]

Good! Parts will be cheaper and more available.

Bab - I am not feeling the shudder at 110kmh, more like a 60 going over bumps the car seems to shudder.

[rj-astra]

I am not feeling the shudder at 110kmh, more like a 60 going over bumps the car seems to shudder.

Even the NB8Bs do it to some extent.

I have heard of a SR20 transplant. That would be a great engine in an MX5.
If only someone could figure out how to get a Clio SPort engine in there

Can the brace between the seatbelt towers be retro fitted to the NA6?

[ViNcEnXo]

SR20 definately over the Clio sport motor... The Clio Sport isn't fast, and it's about the same weight as an MX5!

[Cal]

SR20DET conversion: http://www.speedworks.com.au/product...5sr20main.html

Cal.

[Cal]

The Clio Sport isn't fast

Really, could have fooled me.

Cal.

[ViNcEnXo]

In a straight line, we're talking about straight line speed now... The clio does a mid 15 second 1/4 mile.... If a SR20DET was dropped in you'd have an instant low 14....

Don't think I don't like the Clio Sport, I had a deposit on one, but decided to keep the 200 and buy an MX5.

[rj-astra]

If a SR20DET was dropped in you'd have an instant low 14....

I wasn't talking about the DET... Might as well turbo the standard MX5 engine if you want to go that route. Heaps of kits.

The thought of a reasonably powerful/smooth/revvy NA engine for the MX5 has real appeal. At the moment the Clio's engine would have to be one of the nicest mass produced engines of that size around.

I do remember a mate saying there was a kit to slot the SR20 engine into the MX5.

[ViNcEnXo]

Ohh... now I'm following... Yes, I would much rather drop the Clio Sport engine into an MX5. For a small motor, they produce bucket loads of torque right down low and hold it all the way to the top. As far as NA 4 potters go, the Clio Sport engine has to be the best stock engine. Would go really well in a clubman or the like. I drove an S2000 when looking at a Clio, loves the driving feel, hated the engine, you've got to thrash the crap out of it to make it go.

[Babalouie]

Ohh... now I'm following... Yes, I would much rather drop the Clio Sport engine into an MX5. For a small motor, they produce bucket loads of torque right down low and hold it all the way to the top. As far as NA 4 potters go, the Clio Sport engine has to be the best stock engine. Would go really well in a clubman or the like. I drove an S2000 when looking at a Clio, loves the driving feel, hated the engine, you've got to thrash the crap out of it to make it go.

If I were going to consider an impractical conversion, I'd go the current-model Integra Type S motor, which is now 150kw I think, 2.0L and not too top endy as it's only got an 8,000rpm redline, and the DC5 guys are getting up to 120fwkw out of them with some boltons. It also rotates clockwise unlike most Honda motors, so is actually a possibility for the MX5

But depending on how fast you want to go, the 1.8 MX5 motors may be good enough. Extractors, cat, zorst, head porting, head shave, ecu and intake would be good for about 90rwkw, and I think that the SR20DEs put out 75rwkw in stock form anyway.