Chris's new build of an MX5 based car

[CTWV50]

Originally Posted by norton

A solid result then, well done!

But, what next...

Mmmm, I've got that LSD to fit but I want the car to need the LSD so I'm not sure where to go with it yet! Turbo, mk2 engine, mk2 enigine then turbo, supercharger. S2000 engine and gearbox? I'm not sure. Might have a play with microsquirt next.

[norton]

If you can afford it the surely the s2000 engine is a no brainer.

The 2.0 engine fitted to the newer mx5 is the same as a ford duratec. The mx5 they come in has a 5 speed gearbox which I believe is the same as ours asides from the bell housing which means it should fit our cars. That means a duratec is potentially a less complicated swap. 200bhp with itb's and decent exhaust. 220bhp is then a cam away.

[CTWV50]

Originally Posted by norton

If you can afford it the surely the s2000 engine is a no brainer.

The 2.0 engine fitted to the newer mx5 is the same as a ford duratec. The mx5 they come in has a 5 speed gearbox which I believe is the same as ours asides from the bell housing which means it should fit our cars. That means a duratec is potentially a less complicated swap. 200bhp with itb's and decent exhaust. 220bhp is then a cam away.

Yep, the options are pretty broad but my wallet isn't!!

[norton]

Well, for the record I've seen the 5 speed boxes go for as little as £100 and good 2.0 Duratecs between £100 - £200. I'm not sure about rwd sump, flywheel, clutch parts but it's certainly do -able on a budget. Inlet/exhaust/management might double the cost though...

[CTWV50]

Not much to report, other than scaring my brother-in-law half to death. Not difficult! Hahaha!

[CTWV50]

So out of curiosity/boredom, I stripped down my old 1.6 engine and discovered two things I hadn't realised before. No.1, it didn't have a water to oil cooler, don't know why I didn't notice this before. And No.2 although it's a 88/90bhp 1.6 9:1CR engine, post 1995, rumoured to not have piston oil squirters, well it does!

There's so much false information on mx5 engines out there.

[CTWV50]

I'm still alive after the worst of the winter gloom, doing some pedal bike miles and bike upgrades/repairs. 1.6 engine is still in bits on the garage floor untouched as per my usual winter garage/car lull. Went to the Local Honda Dealer today to pick out the latest box on wheels. We got chatting about my surname amongst other things and I mention that the DVLA now have a vehicle make called Watson registered with them. I was then prompted by the missus to show the guy a picture of it. Well, the man was visibly shocked and amazed, he couldn't seem to comprehend that I'd made a car and got it registered as a Watson Super 7. Haha! Funny! Walked out that dealership a few inches taller.

[skov]

Ha, nice one Chris
Good to see you're still alive! I started mine up for the first time in months yesterday

[CTWV50]

Originally Posted by skov

Ha, nice one Chris
Good to see you're still alive! I started mine up for the first time in months yesterday

Good, you're not selling then! Found any inspiration for the spring?

[skov]

Originally Posted by CTWV50

Good, you're not selling then! Found any inspiration for the spring?

Only because there was no one interested in buying it!

Not sure what to do with her to be honest. I can't see me driving it again any time soon and it does take up a lot of space, but I don't really want to let her go