History
Bought new and lovingly cared for. See below for why this has become a major, and Australian FIRST, project and is THE MX5 MAZDA SHOULD BE MAKING. Yes, I know that's a big call, but I stand by it.
Modifications
After 3 years of testing both hardware and electronics (starting with the idea of a turbo but moving to the Cosworth unit) this has come together to be, pardon my heresy, what I truly believe to be the MX5 Mazda SHOULD be making!
The TomTom GPS has it's own powersupply wired in under the dash, there's a Parrot multimedia and hands-free phone kit installed (AWESOME piece of kit), I've had all the plastic of the centre console re-upholstered in leather, low profile Dunlop Direzza tires and a Remus Powersound exhaust (fitted by yours truly and sounding great).
Initially we actually had an empty dummy turbo unit made up in the U.S. to see if a small scroll unit would fit within the cramped confines of the driver's side of the engine bay (over the headers, obviously). With the master cylinder and steering column in there as well it just couldn't be done (American LHD vehicles were OK, but our RHD vehicles are a different story) ... so we went SUPERCHARGING instead, because there's much more room on the other side of the engine.
Chiptorque Performance in Nerang (Gold Coast) did the tune on the supercharger and it's as if it came straight off a factory floor ... seamless performance, even with the fantastic quality Mazda AUTO box. Before anyone throws up their hands in horror to hear that this is an auto ... this also had to be my everyday car and I test-drove both auto and manual. The auto has EXACTLY the same 6 gears in identical ratios, and the F1-style paddle-shifters are a delight (and very quick!). It is an even greater testiment to Chiptorque that they could tune the auto version (and once they got in to the project they quickly discovered that the Mazda 6-speed is NOT the weakest link ... in fact, they described it as "bullet-proof" and had no qualms about it handling the increased torque if tuned properly). The required torque retardation in the tune isn't even noticable at normal to hard driving, and only barely perceptible (and comforting, knowing it is protecting the gearbox) at what I like to call "ultra-spirited enjoyment of the hinterland").
I LOVE THIS CAR! And because it is a one of a kind, years in the planning and making, and such a great performer, it has completely negated any potential need for a "mid-life crisis car". I'm thinking Z4s, Boxsters, SLKs (YUK with that wooden steering feel) and Audi TTs (the RS would be a hoot ... but so is mine!).
