MX5 Owners in here....bring your curling tongs

[bainbridge]

Just recently purchased my first MX5 at the start of April and absolutely loving it!

Coming from an Astra J VXR and Cupra 290 I thought it may be too slow but the 2.0 NC Sport (2006) is quick enough for fun on roads at legal speeds.
It is just so much fun driving it, I can only agree with what everyone says about wishing I got one sooner. (Girlfriend even loves it)
Has a fast road setup with lowering springs and alignment.
https://pasteboard.co/JZH6ddH.jpg

I do have 2 small slight issues.

1. Check engine light, P2187 - engine running lean, no running problems but dont like the idea the light keeps coming on.
Most likely issue is front 02 sensor before the cat which is a very expensive £125.
https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/oxygen-sensor-aftermarket-front-mk3-p-2049.html
Cleared the code 2/3 times but keeps coming back, no obvious leaks. I have noticed the idle can get slightly juddery when light comes on.
Rather than spend £125 on a sensor, is there better money to be put into upgrades?

The sensor issue needs sorting, but before replacing it I'd check if it just needs tightening. When I removed the sensor I expected it to be very stiff but was surprised to find it was only hand tight! This was a NC2 that had only been dealer serviced before I bought it.

Admittedly it's unlikely to be the cause of the fault, but I'd check before buying a replacement.

 

[Robbo]

Fancied something different and manual for a laugh, collected today a 2007 NC 2.0i MX5 in Sunlight Silver, leather, AC, heated seats.

It does have: Eibach springs, ARB's and WIM fast road geo setup, and the BBR GTi Super 180 upgrade (exhaust manifold & map). Dyno'd at 187 bhp.

Goes well and sounds good, quite a bit of induction noise. Will get some pics once it's had a clean.

Still enjoying it and it's quite a big contrast when my main car is a 7 Series! Even on Pilot Sport tyres the back end is happy to fly out

Debating whether or not to take it to BBR again for the Super200 with exhaust etc but it's quite fine as-is...

 

[visibleman]

Check engine light, P2187...

Check for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold and hoses (MAF backwards typically), and it might be worth seeing if the MAF is gunked up - you can use MAF cleaner but note that the sensor is fragile and also expensive to replace.
But i would get searching on MX5 forums (Miata.net is a good one) as there's a load of information out there and the P2187 error can be a handful of issues unfortunately.

And if you're doing any DIY then the service manuals for a lot of the models can be found on Mellens - https://web.archive.org/web/20140922103913/www.mellens.net/mazda/

Most likely issue is front 02 sensor before the cat which is a very expensive £125.
https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/oxygen-sensor-aftermarket-front-mk3-p-2049.html

MX5Parts is handy but it's typically expensive in comparison to other stores, so it's well worth doing a Google and ringing around local dealers as you'll usually find parts a lot cheaper than MX5Parts.
I believe (i would double confirm this, ideally with a local dealer) the front O2 sensor part-number is #LFG1188G1A and Autolinkmx5 list it for £70 (https://www.autolinkmx5.com/oxygen-...-front-lfg1188g1a-aftermarket-new-11043-p.asp).

 

[DanF]

Debating whether or not to take it to BBR again for the Super200 with exhaust etc but it's quite fine as-is...

Go on you know it's worth it. Really want to take a trip to BBR as well once the suspension is setup.

 

[Rich1988]

BBR GTI Mk3 onward conversions are decent. I had a mk3 turbo which was ballistic (don't go for the koni it's too low). I have not heard good thing about their ability to work on the older stuff though.

 

[Duke]

End of the road for my Mx5, its had a good 5 years living with me, but running 2 cars with the reduced travelling due to flexible working means it's unfortunately got to go. It will be greatly missed

Same here, sold my last week to a friend who will make good use of it. It was turning into a garage queen. Looking to now replace the Golf with 2 series so for the little miles I do it will be more interesting

Time to upgrade the sig

 

[wesimmo]

Check for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold and hoses (MAF backwards typically), and it might be worth seeing if the MAF is gunked up - you can use MAF cleaner but note that the sensor is fragile and also expensive to replace.
But i would get searching on MX5 forums (Miata.net is a good one) as there's a load of information out there and the P2187 error can be a handful of issues unfortunately.

And if you're doing any DIY then the service manuals for a lot of the models can be found on Mellens - https://web.archive.org/web/20140922103913/www.mellens.net/mazda/



MX5Parts is handy but it's typically expensive in comparison to other stores, so it's well worth doing a Google and ringing around local dealers as you'll usually find parts a lot cheaper than MX5Parts.
I believe (i would double confirm this, ideally with a local dealer) the front O2 sensor part-number is #LFG1188G1A and Autolinkmx5 list it for £70 (https://www.autolinkmx5.com/oxygen-...-front-lfg1188g1a-aftermarket-new-11043-p.asp).

It's a thing in the Exocet community that MAFs are very sensitive to being the right way up when you put it all back together.

 

[Lighters]

Thanks so much, £70 is more reasonable.
Seen some cheaper ones on eBay but wasn't sure.
I had looked into the code and found myself down the rabbit hope with multiple potential causes as described.
Mechanic checked over engine hoses in photo and no issues.
Next steps is clean 02 sensor/refit.
If that doesn't work then replace 02 and go from there.
Think it will cost more to diagnose other problems rather than just replacing 02.

https://ibb.co/album/3r6KDH

 

[On Holiday]

So far in my short time on the owners/for sale groups, I've bought a set of RX8 ARBs, Intermittent Wiper Stalk and a Double Din + Fitting kit..
For a MK3 I don't have yet

Holding out for a well looked after red but may settle for another colour with a PRHT.

 

[SKILL]

Nice, I've got a mk3 and tracked it 3 times now with more planned and I'm just contemplating an ARB upgrade, although more tempted by the Whiteline ones than RX-8 options, partially for adjustability really

 

[visibleman]

Has anyone (NC owners) had a different backbox fitted, if so what to and thoughts?

Been trying to get hold of the Moss Cobalt backbox as it's suppose to be fairly subtle with no real drone but, it looks like it has been discontinued and i can't seem find anything I like that isn't RICE-F&F spec

Think it will cost more to diagnose other problems rather than just replacing 02.

Sometimes the service manuals offer the diagnostic steps and if the part isn't a PITA to get to, you can save a bit doing some of the legwork yourself. But it's worth seeing how much your local dealer charges for a full diagnostic check, as they'll be able to test the sensor and see if it's at fault.
But if you can get hold of a quality replacement part cheap enough, then it's probably worth fitting that and taking it from there.

...Intermittent Wiper Stalk..

Just done the same, easiest mod you'll do (takes 5 minutes tops); no idea why they didn't fit it from factory though!

It's worth mentioning that they're JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screws not Phillips in the MX5 (and most Japanese cars/products). Whilst you might get away with a Phillips, there's a higher chance of rounding screws (as i've found out myself) over using proper JIS screwdrivers/bits.

 

[Lighters]

Has anyone (NC owners) had a different backbox fitted, if so what to and thoughts?

Been trying to get hold of the Moss Cobalt backbox as it's suppose to be fairly subtle with no real drone but, it looks like it has been discontinued and i can't seem find anything I like that isn't RICE-F&F spec

2006 NC 2.0 Sport I believe I have the Cobalt backbox fitted - I bought it like this a few weeks back so cant comment on difference but its perfect for me.
Does not drone at all and still enough grunt low down but not too much that it sounds like you are trying to race everyone.
Had comments from people how good it sounds.
Most important my girlfriend actually likes it - in comparison she hated my VXR and didnt like me starting it from cold or turning engine on at night! (It wasnt even that loud either)
Cruising is also no issue but I do have a 6th gear.
Hopefully you can tell by pics:
https://ibb.co/album/C63yVk
Album - https://ibb.co/album/C63yVk

Will and ARB improve road handling? I already have lowering springs and fast road setup with good tyres and alignment. (Will improvement be at the expense of comfort?) Car feels solid but not too rough.
Think I already have front mounts from pictures.
Handling already seems excellent but its my first mx5 so not sure what I can compare too.

 

[Frozennova]

Has anyone (NC owners) had a different backbox fitted, if so what to and thoughts?

Been trying to get hold of the Moss Cobalt backbox as it's suppose to be fairly subtle with no real drone but, it looks like it has been discontinued and i can't seem find anything I like that isn't RICE-F&F spec



Sometimes the service manuals offer the diagnostic steps and if the part isn't a PITA to get to, you can save a bit doing some of the legwork yourself. But it's worth seeing how much your local dealer charges for a full diagnostic check, as they'll be able to test the sensor and see if it's at fault.
But if you can get hold of a quality replacement part cheap enough, then it's probably worth fitting that and taking it from there.



Just done the same, easiest mod you'll do (takes 5 minutes tops); no idea why they didn't fit it from factory though!

It's worth mentioning that they're JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screws not Phillips in the MX5 (and most Japanese cars/products). Whilst you might get away with a Phillips, there's a higher chance of rounding screws (as i've found out myself) over using proper JIS screwdrivers/bits.

A work mate has a Cobalt Cat cat back (and possibly manifold) on his 2.0 NC with a Cosworth Supercharger kit and that's quite subtle, can't comment on drone etc as I've only ever driven it on the dyno

 

[SKILL]

2006 NC 2.0 Sport I believe I have the Cobalt backbox fitted - I bought it like this a few weeks back so cant comment on difference but its perfect for me.
Does not drone at all and still enough grunt low down but not too much that it sounds like you are trying to race everyone.
Had comments from people how good it sounds.
Most important my girlfriend actually likes it - in comparison she hated my VXR and didnt like me starting it from cold or turning engine on at night! (It wasnt even that loud either)
Cruising is also no issue but I do have a 6th gear.
Hopefully you can tell by pics:
https://ibb.co/album/C63yVk
Album - https://ibb.co/album/C63yVk

Will and ARB improve road handling? I already have lowering springs and fast road setup with good tyres and alignment. (Will improvement be at the expense of comfort?) Car feels solid but not too rough.
Think I already have front mounts from pictures.
Handling already seems excellent but its my first mx5 so not sure what I can compare too.

An ARB will, shockingly , prevent body roll, so if you feel you've got too much roll on the roads then maybe?

Not sure it's worth it really as even on the stock suspension at road speeds I didn't really have a problem, it's only since doing trackdays... Even then I don't actually feel it too much as I don't have bucket seats so I'm concentrating more on hanging on round the corners than roll But I saw some pictures from my last trackday that show what seems like 'too much' bodyroll so giving it some thought.

But, an ARB also shouldn't affect ride comfort too much, if anything they're good for allowing softer springs without excessive roll (another option for me would be to increase springrate to combat the roll but that also affects ride)

I'm no suspension expert however...

 

[visibleman]

@Lighters, @Frozennova - Yup, it seems to be go-to if you're not after the over-the-top noise but unfortunately, Cobalt is a Moss (Europe) brand and it looks like it has been discontinued for the NC.
Currently eying up the BBR backboxes as an alternative but they're nearly triple the price

 

[On Holiday]

Bought an NC with no MOT the other day. Sold it today.
Turned out the "little bit of rust" underneath was quite a lot more once it was put on the ramps and had a quote by a local MX5 specialist (as well as my usual motorsport garage) of £1000 to replace/weld the sills. Everywhere else was completely fine but sills were just rotten inside and out.
Thankfully no £loss as was priced very cheap, expected a bit of money to get it road ready but not quite that much!

Hunt beings again, kinda swinging towards a power hardtop now though as was reminded how much road noise there is in a soft-top with the drains behind you at 60+ and it'd likely turn into a daily, could probably put up with it as a part-timer!

 

[Robbo]

Driving earlier and under acceleration the exhaust gave up or well specifically the back box detached from the centre pipe at the point highlighted in blue below:



Sounds like a common problem, anyone had similar? Can I likely just replace the pipe...?

Wouldn't mind a better exhaust on it anyway...

 

[SKILL]

Can't say I've had that (yet) but should be easy enough...

Several companies do a nice mid-pipe with sports cat... Of course it'd be wasted without getting a nice manifold too... and a remap...

 

[visibleman]

Can I likely just replace the pipe...?

I think the centre section splits after the cat, so you might be able to replace just the rear section with the resonator although typically the centre section is sold as one piece.

But if you've already got the BBR manifold (think the BBR 180 includes it), a BBR centre section would be the obvious answer along with a new backbox and you might be able to get a deal on a 200 upgrade

 

[DanF]

Just back from getting the suspension fitted by wheels in motion. It's setup using their fast road settings and seems to drive really well. Suspension is much smoother than expected with the difference in spring rate from stock. Honestly the car should come like this as OEM, copes with rough surfaces and speedbumps just fine.



Settings

Stock springs are about
Front - 3 kg/mm
Rear - 1.8 kg/mm

MeisterR ZetaCRD
Front - 7
Rear - 4.5