power increase without huge mods

Ants · Post by **Ants** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:06 pm

Recently I've been thinking about trying to get a little more out of my NA 1800, without having to pay large amounts of cash and various body organs, also without making too many changes. I briefly thought about turbos and superchargers, but it is my daily driver and I really don't want to do much to it.
I have read about relatively simple exhaust mods, such as new headers, and would like to know opinions and recommendations. I saw on some international sites that the Racing Beat 4-2-1 header is recommended for naturally aspirated engines. Has anyone got one? Is there a place in NZ that makes good quality headers at a reasonable price? Also, if I change the headers, what other exhaust mods are recommended?
All advice welcome, cheers!

Euen · Post by **Euen** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:15 pm

There is possibly someone around Puke' that may be able to help. Otherwise I suspect that Al's Mufflers in Glenfield would probably be able to make you something. Not sure of price though.

Alternatively you could try one of the MX5 specialist wreckers (or should I say dismantlers) like MX5 Mart or Mazline. Many of the jap imports come in with aftermarket exhausts on them.

A header on its own is not going to give you much of an increase though. The standard header is actually supposed to be quite good. You would really need to look at the whole system to achieve anything.

One quick change that you can do which helps a bit at the bottom end is to increase the static timing to about 14 degrees. (normally 10). There is a bit of information on Miata.net on how to do it. http://www.miata.net/garage/ignition.html

Cold air intakes reputedly improve performance as well and can be created relatively cheaply.

Hope that helps.

Ants · Post by **Ants** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:57 pm

So if I left the headers as original and did the rest of the exhaust system, what recommendations does anyone have? I must admit I would love to have a more engaging exhaust note too.

Ants · Post by **Ants** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:11 pm

Also, how do you create a 'cold air intake'? I've heard of them often enough, but really don't know what they are.

dynofiend · Post by **dynofiend** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:29 pm

I wouldnt bother messing with the intake, I changed the original unit on mine for an aftermarket job and the improvement was in induction noise only. I wouldnt say there was any increase in power at all.

Habanero666 · Post by **Habanero666** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:40 pm

: Cheap tuning AKA "FARTING AT THUNDER".

Big Bore exhaust + no camshaft modification= waste of money
Headers that are'nt part of a tuned complete exhaust system= a flamin joke
Pod filter+ no timing advance= missed the point completly
Listening to "box shifters" technical advice + handing over money= Their profit, your loss.

For all the people that I have offended by this , you are guilty as charged!

Ask for professional advice or you will just be going slower than before (even with lightened pockets, HAHA).

Hab a hot day!

Ants · Post by **Ants** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:57 pm

Appreciate all the advice so far. So who are the local 'experts' who know the best ways to improve a normally aspirated MX5?

In years gone past (a long time ago!!!) I knew a few Alfa Romeo experts who were great with Alfas, but who are the best ones to talk to that you guys know. The last thing I need are self proclaimed 'experts' who are more likely to stuff me around, feed me unreliable info and charge me an arm and a leg for doing so.

Cheers

Euen · Post by **Euen** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:44 pm

To be honest with you Ants, getting a significant power increase out of a BP engine without spending lots of money is very difficult. You can achieve small amounts with small changes but, really, without head work to significantly improve the breathing it is very difficult. If you asked your question on the Miata.net forum you would have a dozens of people telling you to go turbo or supercharged and not to waste your time and money trying to get blood out of a normally aspirated stone. And why did I stick with a normally aspirated engine? There are a few reasons but the main one is cooling. There is not as much room under the TG bonnet as there is under the MX5 bonnet either.

Habanero666 · Post by **Habanero666** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:03 pm

Ants wrote:Appreciate all the advice so far. So who are the local 'experts' who know the best ways to improve a normally aspirated MX5?

In years gone past (a long time ago!!!) I knew a few Alfa Romeo experts who were great with Alfas, but who are the best ones to talk to that you guys know. The last thing I need are self proclaimed 'experts' who are more likely to stuff me around, feed me unreliable info and charge me an arm and a leg for doing so.

Cheers

Euen would be the person to talk to. I wouldn't think he claims to be an expert, but he sure has a very well tuned and balanced normaly aspirated BP engine set up in a neat ol' Tg Sports.

mazline · Post by **mazline** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 5:12 pm

Simple stuff first,Are you running 95 or above octane fuel?,Good spark plugs(NGK platnuim's) ,change the fuel filter etc etc.
Get the basic's done first,We see it so often people want flashy bits for more power but don't do basic tuning parts to start with to get a good base line to work with.
Maybe look at a light flywheel and good clutch?,Did that to my own car(NA6CE) and it felt a whole heap better perked it up no end.
Mark(Brownie)

power increase without huge mods

power increase without huge mods

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