MX-5 OC Forum

Here's an extract from another thread:

" Geoff Walton:

Rich M:

Hi Geoff, yes I was surprised with how little specific info there is about the Mk3 NC on this forum. Perhaps you will add my console removal post to the faq and we can build some useful stuff.

I guess it's because the bulk of the faq was written before the Mk3 became old enough for owners to get into DIY, and problems started to occur which aren't covered by warranty. So I agree with you that we need to get more stuff on the Mk3 into the FAQ, I've copied your text and will knock soething out soon, did you take any pics by any chance?"

I'm happy to put the FAQ together, but I need input from you guys/gals. Please reply to this thread with any anformation you have that will ad to the geneal knowledge base about the NC MX5. Links to other threads are very welcome. I have already earmarked a couple of likely topics, and will sort those in the next few days, you will see that posts that have been made will be heavily edited to get to the "meat" of a topic, so please understand why your comments may have been removed.

 Hi Geoff,

Many thanks for doing this. Your boundless enthusiasm is err.. boundless

My thoughts would be for a separate Mk3 FAQ rather than mixing it with Mk1/2. I'd make the Mk3 FAQ section headings first then put the posts in as and when they appear rather than trying to amass the content first.

Going this route would also help when Mk4 comes along...

I know much is available from manuals and the web but it would give a home to those tips and warnings which we only find in practice.

Mk3 FAQ

Vehicle data section

weight dimensions fluids

popular settings and torques

bulb list

Engine

spark plug change

oil and filter change

serpentine belt change

Transmission

Gearbox oil change

Diff oil change

Brakes

Front pads and discs change

Rear pads and discs change

Suspension and steering

Drop link change

Suspension unit change

Wheels and tyres

Body

Trim/console/audio tips

Electrical

Battery

Bulb change method

etc etc

When did the Mk3.5 arrive on the scene?

Rod

Late 2009 for the Mk3.5

 What's the difference between a 3 and a 3.5, the wings seem to have been flared on the 3.5 but does it go deeper than that?

Gales:

 What's the difference between a 3 and a 3.5, the wings seem to have been flared on the 3.5 but does it go deeper than that?

This page here has a good detail of what wasd changed between the Mk3 and Mk3.5:

http://www.carenthusiast.com/reviews.html?mode=article&id=3000

carenthusiast.com:

Manual MX-5s also benefit from gearbox revisions. Carbon coated synchromesh has been fitted to all gears from first to fourth. Gear ratios have been revised to improve economy while reduced friction within the engine and low rolling resistance tyres also help eke out a few more miles per gallon. 

The 2.0-litre engine has been updated with a forged crankshaft, fully floating pistons and redesigned valve springs to increase the rev limit to 7,500rpm and maximum power point from 6,500 to 7,000rpm. Peak power output is unchanged at 158bhp and torque remains 138lb.ft at 5,000rpm. The modified power unit is only available with the six-speed manual gearbox. 

Changes to the front suspension geometry have lowered the front roll centre by 26mm. This is designed to provide a more natural feel and linear response to steering inputs. Other suspension components have been retuned to suit the new geometry. 

Does anyone know if a 3.5 front section will fit onto a Mk3?

Don.henshall@panthersecurity.co.uk:

Does anyone know if a 3.5 front section will fit onto a Mk3?

Hi Don

On a visit to MX5parts in Portsmouth last year, they told me that they had carried out this mod for one of their customers. I cant remember the nitty gritty of the conversion but you will need the MK3.5 headlights.

Perhaps it is worth a call to them!

Hope this helps

Richard.

Richard

Thanks that is very helpful.  I'll give them a ring to see what cost/work is involved.  Might be cheeper to buy a 3.5

I had a very positive reply from Andy (Thanks Andy) at MX5parts and yes it can be done   The cost of the parts would be in the region of £1400 then there is painting and fitting.  The rear lights can be upgraded to.    I would only do it if I was unfortunate enough to have some accident damage etc.  I'll put my £2k towards a Mk 3.5 when the time comes.

Don

I can't honestly say there is anything about the 3.5 that would warrant me changing from my 'Niseko' PRHT, however I was amazed to discover that Mazda have fitted a sound box that feeds into the cabin so that the driver thinks the car sounds sportier. Mazda, that is a cheap comical gimmick.

The addition of dialable seat heaters is good though, just a pity the wiring etc is different to the MK3, otherwise I would have switched them (excuse the pun). Oh and the door cards look better, but again I am told they wont swap.

 Moss UK, have just launched a new rear spoiler for the Mk III, looks tidy and includes a 3rd brake light but unfortunatly wont fit the PRHT..............

See here

Chris (Aquanaut):

 Moss UK, have just launched a new rear spoiler for the Mk III, looks tidy and includes a 3rd brake light but unfortunatly wont fit the PRHT..............

See here

mmm, looks good

Chris (Aquanaut):

I was amazed to discover that Mazda have fitted a sound box that feeds into the cabin so that the driver thinks the car sounds sportier. Mazda, that is a cheap comical gimmick.

Well, many folk fit "sportier" exhausts for no other reason than the sound and that's perhaps more antisocial as it affects other folk whether they like it or not. Harley made claims to their sound and MGBs are known for theirs. Even a Peugeot 306 GTi 6 I had 15 years ago had a tuned "manifold rasp" which was so obvious it really grated after a while. When I asked the dealer about it in case there was an air leak he said it was done to sound sporty and many folk liked it...