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OK new to this forum, but I have got the itch back to build something again after recently having sold my Caterham.
Looking for a suitable donor car, and was wondering what the consensus is between the 1.6 and 1.8 engines. There seems to be so e really good bargains for later 1.6 cars (imports are my main focus). Is one engine more suitable for tuning than the other? My idea is to build a 250 and then upgrade steadily. I am a firm believer in getting the car sorted in terms of geometry, and gaining improvements through handling rather than raw power, but a few more horses is always a nice consideration to achieve.
There are certainly some stunning results with the 250 kit, and it has really grabbed my attention, and some good info on here so well done to all that contribute.
OK new to this forum, but I have got the itch back to build something again after recently having sold my Caterham.
Looking for a suitable donor car, and was wondering what the consensus is between the 1.6 and 1.8 engines. There seems to be so e really good bargains for later 1.6 cars (imports are my main focus). Is one engine more suitable for tuning than the other? My idea is to build a 250 and then upgrade steadily. I am a firm believer in getting the car sorted in terms of geometry, and gaining improvements through handling rather than raw power, but a few more horses is always a nice consideration to achieve.
There are certainly some stunning results with the 250 kit, and it has really grabbed my attention, and some good info on here so well done to all that contribute.
Neville.
Welcome Neville
The imported cars are the ones to go for, less time in on salty UK roads the better. The difference between a good 1.6 and a tired 1.8 is zero and if you are going to upgrade with performance exhaust/filter/chip etc then you will quickly reverse the power difference between the 2 engines. I would say that buying the car with the best condition shell possible is the most important factor. Driving an MX5 on a twisting B road is alot of fun
That kind of aligns with my thoughts, so the hunt begins for a non airbag car.
Would like to come down to you and have a chat about the project if possible, and no doubt I will leave you with a lower bank balance.
I would like to get some ideas on the look of the vented vs. unvented option I have been reading about, and also understand the wheel options, I think a higher profile would suit the car maybe on 15's or 16's. but would like to pick your brains on options as I like the period look ore a more modern one.
Thanks for the info on the phone the other day as well, the seed is definitely sown and in germination phase now.
Avoid UK 1.6 later than 1993 as they are lower powered with only 90bhp.
Compared to a 1.6 an imported 1.8 has bigger brakes, torsen LSD and depending on the model a lighter flywheel and 4.3:1 final drive (for faster acceleration).
If you plan to boost it (turbo, supercharger) then the 1.6 diff won't last long and you'll end upgrading it to 1.8 spec.
