What are the Na tuning options on a Mazda MX5?
NA tuning options on a MK2.5 1.8? I have a buddy who has bought an MX5 and wants to modify it. He doesn’t want to go too silly or expensive and forced induction a no no. What na tuning options are available and what sort of bhp gains can you get out of the 1.8? Is an extra 20bhp asking too much?
Can a Mazda MX5 use a performance manifold?
You can fit a performance manifold but they Mk2.5 stock one is pretty good (it’s used as a cheap upgrade on previous models) so again there is very little gain there. On earlier models you could advance the timing but that can’t easily be done on Mk2.5. My advice?
Do you need an induction kit for a Mazda MX5?
An induction kit will sound good but won’t add any power (still worth it though). Replacing the exhaust (cat + mid-pipe + back box) may gain half a dozen horses but that’s not cheap. You can fit a performance manifold but they Mk2.5 stock one is pretty good (it’s used as a cheap upgrade on previous models) so again there is very little gain there.
Is it worth tuning a Mazda MK2.5 1.8?
You can’t break these engines with revs and all the power is at the top end. If you change gear early you are not getting the best from it. There aren’t really any gains to be had on a Mk2.5 without spending a fair amount of money. An induction kit will sound good but won’t add any power (still worth it though).
Is the 1.8 half shaft interchangeable in an MX-5 Miata?
There were small physical differences in the 1.8 half shafts through the years with things like ABS coming along but fundamentally they should be interchangeable. Drive shafts are generally very strong and even with high horsepower, usually something else goes first like the gearbox before a drive shaft in an MX-5 Miata will fail.
Is the Honda are type Torsen the same as the Mazda MX 5?
The exception being the turbocharged Mazdaspeed Miata (delivered in the US) and the turbocharged SE MX-5 (in Australia) which received the same diameter axles and differential centre. Note that the Honda R-type Torsen also has a clutch disk which is used to pre-load the worm gear.
What kind of differential does a Mazda MX 5 use?
Take note that the differential in the turbocharged Mazdaspeed Miata (delivered in the US) and the turbocharged SE MX-5 (in Australia) received a different Torsen centre – these cars were also delivered with larger diameter axles (see also – Honda S2000 below). The axle hole of a Torsen Type I diff has a hole all the way through.