1.6 MX5 enine tuning

[Big Vern]

Originally Posted by MoysieWRX

Does anyone have any hints tips for tuning the 1.6 MX5 engine? Or which modifications could i perform on the engine?

I have the Jap import (Eunos roadster) does any one know if there is actually any differenced performance or otherwise between this and the Uk engine?
What sort of power figure are we talking for this engine around 110BHP ???

The parts will remain on the donor car unti i start to need them so could possibly test some of the mods whilst the engine is still in the car.

Regards

Jap spec are generally the most powerful variants (Generally only US spec cars are lower powered)

1.6l JDM Would have left the factory with 113bhp on low octain fuel

Cheapest mod is to raise CR to 10:1 to make use of uk normal unleaded fuel.
Probably only worth a couple of HP but make it sharper and more responsive.

Beter exhaust manifold and a K&N filter so long as you keep it away from exhaust heat - not easy in the normal mx-5 as the underbonnet temps can get pretty high:0

Cheers BV

[MoysieWRX]

Originally Posted by Big Vern

Jap spec are generally the most powerful variants (Generally only US spec cars are lower powered)

1.6l JDM Would have left the factory with 113bhp on low octain fuel

Cheapest mod is to raise CR to 10:1 to make use of uk normal unleaded fuel.
Probably only worth a couple of HP but make it sharper and more responsive.

Beter exhaust manifold and a K&N filter so long as you keep it away from exhaust heat - not easy in the normal mx-5 as the underbonnet temps can get pretty high:0

Cheers BV

The engine has got a K+N filter just now, there is a metal shield around it to try keep the hot air away and a has a vented type headlight on the passenger side.

[MoysieWRX]

Ok guys thanks for the advice.
As you guys suggested i think i will wait until the car is built before trying to tune the engine.

[baz-r]

strip back all the unwanted engine manigment suff and fit megasquirt (set up right) would be the best bang for your buck.
and could be tuned to any future tweaks.

simply nothing beats the right mixture and timing every time that is the beauty of eletronics.

[Big Vern]

Originally Posted by baz-r

strip back all the unwanted engine manigment suff and fit megasquirt (set up right) would be the best bang for your buck.
and could be tuned to any future tweaks.

simply nothing beats the right mixture and timing every time that is the beauty of eletronics.

Stick with the stock system until it's on the road. The stock system will work with some mod so until you get to lairy cams you'll be ok.
To be honest I wouldn't waste time on Megasquirt. I've used it in the past, ended up costing almost as much as an omex system. Al & Bruce say its experimental. To experimental if you ask me! The msqt was unreliable, not easy to build or tune, few rolling road places will deal with it.
Car spent too much time with me trying to fix msqt faults and after two expensive recovery trips I bit the bullet and bought an omex.
The omex does what it says on the tin with no hassle. Not a single breakdown from the time it was fitted to the time I sold the car.

BV

[MoysieWRX]

Originally Posted by Big Vern

Stick with the stock system until it's on the road. The stock system will work with some mod so until you get to lairy cams you'll be ok.
To be honest I wouldn't waste time on Megasquirt. I've used it in the past, ended up costing almost as much as an omex system. Al & Bruce say its experimental. To experimental if you ask me! The msqt was unreliable, not easy to build or tune, few rolling road places will deal with it.
Car spent too much time with me trying to fix msqt faults and after two expensive recovery trips I bit the bullet and bought an omex.
The omex does what it says on the tin with no hassle. Not a single breakdown from the time it was fitted to the time I sold the car.

BV

Never had any dealings with Megasquirt/ Omex.
Probably a silly question but why should one of these be used, what are the real benefits over the stock fuel management system (am i right in saying these are just standalone fuel management systems?) Are there additional features, easier for the home mechaninc to tune/modify the engine etc.
Just trying to get a better idea of these systems. Will try to do some research on these during the week, but would appreciate if someone could give me a starter lesson

When you buy one, does it come pre-loaded with base maps or does this all need set-up by an engine tuner first.

Im sure all will become clear

[MarkB]

Less is more...