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Post by eteen on Sept 4, 2015 7:16:38 GMT 2
Good morning readers,
I recently purchased my first MX-5 (which was on my bucket list since playing Gran Turismo as a pimply-faced teen).
Order dictates that I should start at the beginning - and so I did: 1991 MX-5 NA model with 105 000km's only.
I spent the last two weekends cleaning and fiddling (mostly cleaning) and fixing the indicator Flasher unit, instead of replacing it at the cost of >R1300, I fixed it using an electric toothbrush, some Q20 and a Soldering Iron).
Next in line would be to speed up the wiper action, which is still very slow at fastest setting, if I make it to the nearest S@sol before it runs empty that is! - The fuel consumption is rather worrying: on a short 170km it used half a tank of 95 Octane (at 45l capacity) that equals to under 8km/l !
The exhaust burns near perfect white-ish colour. No leaks have been detected etc. The performance is good: throttle response is immediate, but she runs rich.
Any advice on improving the fuel economy would be greatly appreciated!
I am considering having her remapped & tuned, but I would enjoy some feedback from fellow enthusiasts beforehand.
PS. Thanks for creating the site, George. Kudos!
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Post by George MX-5 (Admin) on Sept 4, 2015 16:37:50 GMT 2
Hello Eteen and welcome I would say maybe try doing a service ,spark plugs and oil and air filter  Might add a little power and give better fuel economy. 170km on half tank  , I get around 280-300 on the first half and then 230-250 on the last half out of 40l and 5l reserve. Mine is a 2007 MX-5. Let us know where you remap and how much it costs and if they do a great job If you don't mind me asking what did you pay and what area are you in ? |
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Post by George MX-5 (Admin) on Sept 4, 2015 16:40:39 GMT 2
And ways of improving speed naturally are very limited , you will need to install Cold Air Intake, Exhaust and changing cams which all adds up very costly. Try lighten it up, thinner tyres,lower side walls and any extra weight you can shed I am looking at putting header on my exhaust and then stainless steel the rest but at a cost of around R10000, I thought against it |
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Post by eteen on Sept 13, 2015 10:04:01 GMT 2
Good morning George, Thanks for your input. I've contacted numerous tuning companies in Gauteng to no avail. Seems like old-school tuning is the answer! I will have her in for a major service (plugs, filters, oils, belts, seals etc.) within the following two weeks and then have some emissions settings done. Exhaust changes are a favorite among normal-aspirated engines, changing the timing up a bit too. Cold Air intake would be an option also. She cost a penny  I'm in Montana, Pretoria. It must be said, in short, that I enjoy my older MX-5 with a wonky flasher unit, thirsty needs, a burly tone, pop-up headlights and a cabin full of sky - Which is much more that can be said by many other road users! Regards |
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Post by George MX-5 (Admin) on Sept 14, 2015 19:52:33 GMT 2
Remeber the Miata MX-5 is chain driven should be replaced around 300000km. Exhaust and air flow are the 2 biggest natural boosts you can do... without turbo-ing. A penny is a great deal  Let's hope we can get more members on here and some that will have NA/NB input |
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Post by mrmazda on Oct 9, 2015 20:06:36 GMT 2
Gearge the Mazda B6Ze & BP have cambelts, but its a non interference engine (pistons & valves don't kiss each other if the belt snaps). The 2.0L L series engine (also used in Mazda 6, 5 & 3) has a cam chain. The Mazda B & F series (first seen in SA in a the 626) was designed by Yamaha. All had cam belts. The OHC TC & NA engines used in the 1300 tc sedan, later 323 & 616/ Capella B1600 /1800 had chain drives. They were replaced with the B & F series engines.
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Post by George MX-5 (Admin) on Oct 10, 2015 18:05:14 GMT 2
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Post by Cliff NC on Oct 12, 2015 14:07:20 GMT 2
And ways of improving speed naturally are very limited , you will need to install Cold Air Intake, Exhaust and changing cams which all adds up very costly. Try lighten it up, thinner tyres,lower side walls and any extra weight you can shed I am looking at putting header on my exhaust and then stainless steel the rest but at a cost of around R10000, I thought against it Where are you shopping George ? R10 000 is way too much... Have you spoken to TNT Performance Exhausts ? www.tntexhausts.co.za/Contact.htmltom@tntexhausts.co.za (Tom is the Owner) or call them 011 822 1772 TNT does great work and have worked on extreme vehicles from Italians to Germans and Americans they know their cars well... If you really want something custom made for pure performance (Note it will be LOUD) speak to Phillip at Strada Performance Sytems but it will cost you... |
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Post by waylander42 on Oct 12, 2015 15:15:49 GMT 2
Have to admit for a full exhaust plus header you'd be looking in the R10k range at least!
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Post by Cliff NC on Oct 12, 2015 15:33:29 GMT 2
Have to admit for a full exhaust plus header you'd be looking in the R10k range at least! Tom quoted me R4000 for my Getz... R8000 for my Lumina 76mm stainless steel... R10K is a lot for a 4 pot engine |
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Post by eteen on Oct 20, 2015 16:01:07 GMT 2
Hi guys! As an update to my original post: The MX spent a three weeks in and out of the mechanic's garage, you know, to improve performance of the little one. I've had a major service (re)-done, CO2, induction & injection settings done, new water pump, had the alternator serviced, replaced the old pullies & belts, gaskets, the works! Plainly, the outcome is staggering! Throttle response is instant, crisp and powerful. Fuel economy has gone way up! Maybe I'll take Cliff's advice and give Tom @ TNT a call early next year... |
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Post by Cliff NC on Oct 22, 2015 10:32:10 GMT 2
Glad you're enjoying it once again...
Sounds like it has been properly restored to its original glory...!
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Post by George MX-5 (Admin) on Nov 25, 2017 12:23:32 GMT 2
And ways of improving speed naturally are very limited , you will need to install Cold Air Intake, Exhaust and changing cams which all adds up very costly. Try lighten it up, thinner tyres,lower side walls and any extra weight you can shed I am looking at putting header on my exhaust and then stainless steel the rest but at a cost of around R10000, I thought against it Where are you shopping George ? R10 000 is way too much... Have you spoken to TNT Performance Exhausts ? www.tntexhausts.co.za/Contact.htmltom@tntexhausts.co.za (Tom is the Owner) or call them 011 822 1772 TNT does great work and have worked on extreme vehicles from Italians to Germans and Americans they know their cars well... If you really want something custom made for pure performance (Note it will be LOUD) speak to Phillip at Strada Performance Sytems but it will cost you... Sorry been away for so long hahaha, R10k for the header with full stainless down pipes and exhaust is still cheap, check your quotes if they included the headers ? Very pricey for headers and depends how you got, 4-2-1 4-1 -3-1 and so on But yea I want my car to last forever so I am staying away from tune ups for now |
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Might add a little power and give better fuel economy.
, I get around 280-300 on the first half and then 230-250 on the last half out of 40l and 5l reserve. Mine is a 2007 MX-5.
I'm in Montana, Pretoria.
