Hi all,
It's been a few years since I posted a build thread on here. I'm on my fifth MX5, and I plan on keeping this one for many years to come. My previous ones were:
While I loved the process of building the supercharged one, there was always the niggling suspicion that it would leave me stranded somewhere every time I drove it. It never did mind you, but I couldn't help imagining the belt snapping at any moment, or the pistons popping out through the sump for an unexpected roadtrip. I know, I know, it would probably have been fine, but when I took the charger off, and just drove the naturally aspirated motor flat out, I found I enjoyed it more as there was nothing to worry about.
I always wanted to try an engine swap, but Ireland has a really messed up tax system which makes owning large engined cars very very expensive (over €1800 tax per year if the engine is over 3 litres!). There is hope though... when a car turns 30 years old, the tax is reduced to €56
So when I went looking for my current MX5, I went looking for as early a year as possible so it would hit the 30 year mark sooner. I sourced a 1990 NA in reasonable condition in Cork a couple of years ago. The clutch was slipping badly on the test drive, but appeared to be just from lack of use, and seemed to be free up. Drove it home from the far side of Cork on 3 cylinders all the way, and a leaking roof. THAT was a fun 5 hour drive
Will drop some updates below from an Irish forum that ye probably aren't members of.
It's been a few years since I posted a build thread on here. I'm on my fifth MX5, and I plan on keeping this one for many years to come. My previous ones were:
- 1998 1.8 NB RS
- 1994 1.8 NA (which I supercharged)
- 1995 1.8 NA
- 2001 1.8 NB Jasper Conran
- 1990 1.6 NA (current car)
While I loved the process of building the supercharged one, there was always the niggling suspicion that it would leave me stranded somewhere every time I drove it. It never did mind you, but I couldn't help imagining the belt snapping at any moment, or the pistons popping out through the sump for an unexpected roadtrip. I know, I know, it would probably have been fine, but when I took the charger off, and just drove the naturally aspirated motor flat out, I found I enjoyed it more as there was nothing to worry about.
I always wanted to try an engine swap, but Ireland has a really messed up tax system which makes owning large engined cars very very expensive (over €1800 tax per year if the engine is over 3 litres!). There is hope though... when a car turns 30 years old, the tax is reduced to €56
So when I went looking for my current MX5, I went looking for as early a year as possible so it would hit the 30 year mark sooner. I sourced a 1990 NA in reasonable condition in Cork a couple of years ago. The clutch was slipping badly on the test drive, but appeared to be just from lack of use, and seemed to be free up. Drove it home from the far side of Cork on 3 cylinders all the way, and a leaking roof. THAT was a fun 5 hour drive
Will drop some updates below from an Irish forum that ye probably aren't members of.
