Sug7
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 06:20 AM |
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New Member, considering an MX5 donor
Hi Guys,
I'm new here, only just signed up and living close to Derby, UK.
I was recommended by a guy I used to work with who's on his second build.
(I apologise if this post is in the wrong place, the new user section came back with some strange error)
I'm considering building and have a basic mechanical background but completely new to the idea.
Looking at the GBS zero kit, hoping someone can share some experience of this?
For an donor, I'm thinking of buying an MX5, running it as a weekend car untill ready to strip, any advise on which models are best for a donor?
I'm not a million miles away from Stoneleigh so I'll probably visit this year! 
Thanks in advance!
[Edited on 1/4/16 by Sug7]
[Edited on 1/4/16 by Sug7]
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HowardB
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 06:28 AM |
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welcome to the most comprehensive knowledge base in the whole world (slight exaggeration)
You may wish to add your location - nearest town or similar as then someone that is local maybe able to assist.
there is everything on here from complete scratch builds to amazing modifications,.
Good luck
Howard
Fisher Fury was 2000 Zetec - now a 1600 (it Lives again and goes zoom)
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Sug7
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 06:38 AM |
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Wow that was an insanely quick reply 
Thanks! - Have added my location and look forward to jumping in knee deep!
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WallerZero
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 07:01 AM |
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Technically its still my first build....just having a bit of a rebuild haha
I had the Mk1 MX5 1.6, the Jap import so an extra few horses over the uk spec (115bhp vs 90bhp). The 1.6 more revvy than the 1.8 however the 1.8 has
130bhp. I had 113 at the fly on my engine and that was quick enough to begin with.
The only thing to consider with the GBS Zero is that the intake manifold can clash with the chassis (mk2 definitely did, think the mk1s got away with
it) as they have designed it to be on individual throttle bodies which of course they can sell you, plus the ECU etc and with the rolling road,
you'll be looking at an extra few grand. However if you push them they can modify the chassis to suit by lowering the offending chassis rail.
Anyway, lots of good people and useful info here welcome to the world of kits! 
http://zachsgbszero.blogspot.co.uk/
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geoff shep
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 07:22 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Sug7
Thanks! - Have added my location and look forward to jumping in knee deep!
I think he meant adding it to your profile - then it shows on all your posts, not just the original one.
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adithorp
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 07:32 AM |
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1.8 also has bigger front brakes. I'd look for one with torsen/ATB diff; It'll be a big advantage in the kit and theyre not cheap to by
separately , though it might prolong your donor search.
"A witty saying proves nothing" Voltaire
http://jpsc.org.uk/forum/
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Slimy38
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 07:55 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by WallerZero
I had the Mk1 MX5 1.6, the Jap import so an extra few horses over the uk spec (115bhp vs 90bhp). The 1.6 more revvy than the 1.8 however the 1.8 has
130bhp. I had 113 at the fly on my engine and that was quick enough to begin with.
The few extra horses of the 1.8 are not overly missed compared to that free revving 1.6 (especially if the 1.8 is getting on a bit). If you go on one
of the MX5 forums there's no clear winner. The bigger brakes on the 1.8 are also not necessarily a huge selling point, the 1.6 brakes are fine
for a kit car.
I would just avoid the UK 1.6, and if possible check you don't get a short nose crank. Do a Google search for the problems associated with a
short nose crank.
I got a 1.6 Eunos for less than £400, it appeared to be in good condition but as I stripped it I started to realise that it could have never got back
on the road as a car. It made me feel less guilty for sure!
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Ugg10
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 08:51 AM |
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Welcome to the word of kit cars.
I would have said a 1.8L mk2 with torsen diff if you can find one but as others have said, check compatibility with the manufacturer first.
Main adavice I would say is visit a show to see as many cars in one go, talk to owners in the club areas as well, then get a short list and visit the
manufactureres, £100 in fuel at this stage will save you years of heart ache later as you will need a manufacturer that is available and helpful (not
often found). If you can, buy as much in one go as you can and plan your build well and keepmrecords, pictures, receipts of everything.
If you are going for an mx5 donor have a look at the MNR vortx as well. http://www.mnrltd.co.uk/cars/4584080263
---------------------------------------------------------------
1968 Ford Anglia 105e, 1.7 Zetec SE, Mk2 Escort Workd Cup front end, 5 link rear
Build Blog - http://Anglia1968.weebly.com
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ianhurley20
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 11:57 AM |
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Mine is a Haynes with 1.6 MX5 donor. One thing to look for when selecting a donor MX5 is particularly relevant with the 1.6 and that is power, When
introduced they had 110 bhp. 94 and emissions legislation dropped it to 88 bhp. Then came the Mk 2 when the hydraulic valve lifters were swapped for
shim adjustment and the power went back to 110bhp. The imports are all 115bhp! 1.8 s do vary but not as much 135 - 146 bhp ish. I have used engine,
gearbox, wiring loom, ECU, immobiliser computer, transponder key, steering column and lock, brake servo and clutch master inc pedals etc. Mine is a
standard 1.6 mark 2 engine and fits with no issues although is mounted 60mm farther forward than it could be to leave room for the servo. Whilst you
are still looking at cars Phil Talon does a very good chassis which has been adapted to take MX5 components throughout which is a development of the
Haynes.
MX5's are very cheap and are easy to strip. If you look at the MEV Exocet web site there are some excellent instructions on how to take one
apart. I used these instructions with my strip down. My car cost me £360 and the bits I didn't use realised just short of £600 via ebay etc.
Good luck - ask questions, use the search facility as well as the question may already have an answer, look at the many build blogs and - I'll
see you at Stoneleigh perhaps ;-)
[Edited on 1/4/16 by ianhurley20]
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Sug7
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 12:12 PM |
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wow, thanks guys.... I'm overwhelmed with the responses, such a good welcome!
Having a read through, I added my location to my profile, sounds like I'd be best looking for Mk2 Mx5 1.8 with a torsion diff?
Please excuse my lack of Mx5 knowledge, but how do you check if the car is fitted one?
Does the MK2.5 have many differences? I have been watching this on eBay for a while as pretty close to home and sounds ideal for a donor....
Mazda Mx5 Mk2.5 2003 1.8i
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ianhurley20
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 12:28 PM |
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This is the sort of thing I was looking for https://auctions.car-transplants.co.uk/vehicle-list/details/403063
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Slimy38
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 12:46 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Sug7
wow, thanks guys.... I'm overwhelmed with the responses, such a good welcome!
Having a read through, I added my location to my profile, sounds like I'd be best looking for Mk2 Mx5 1.8 with a torsion diff?
Please excuse my lack of Mx5 knowledge, but how do you check if the car is fitted one?
Does the MK2.5 have many differences? I have been watching this on eBay for a while as pretty close to home and sounds ideal for a donor....
Mazda Mx5 Mk2.5 2003 1.8i
Lots of people watching that one, but to get it on the road would take a fair bit of work (those 'sills' he refers to are the cause of
many retired MX5). So I'm not sure how many people are actually watching with the intention of buying it? Also the 'I'm not a
mechanic and it might need more' just sounds horrible, especially since he mentions changing a lot of sensors. Has he been chasing an electrical
issue and has got fed up with it?
This is the bible for identifying diffs;
http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/
You might also want to consider the donor year, a car that young will require a cat to pass the emissions tests. An older car would be cheaper, easier
to find in donor condition, and less of an issue at MOT time.
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ianhurley20
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| posted on 1/4/16 at 04:25 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
quote:
Originally posted by Sug7
wow, thanks guys.... I'm overwhelmed with the responses, such a good welcome!
]
Lots of people watching that one, but to get it on the road would take a fair bit of work (those 'sills' he refers to are the cause of
many retired MX5). So I'm not sure how many people are actually watching with the intention of buying it? Also the 'I'm not a
mechanic and it might need more' just sounds horrible, especially since he mentions changing a lot of sensors. Has he been chasing an electrical
issue and has got fed up with it?
This is the bible for identifying diffs;
http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/
You might also want to consider the donor year, a car that young will require a cat to pass the emissions tests. An older car would be cheaper, easier
to find in donor condition, and less of an issue at MOT time.
I agree with Slimy38 re the ebay one.
Regards the donor year , that means 94 or earlier and it also means the more powerful 1.6 engine in british cars
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