Why The BBR Super 200 Kit Makes Mazda's NC MX5 A Genuine S2000 Killer
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- In today's video, courtesy of The Car Doc ( / thecardoc1 ) I get to drive a third generation Mazda MX-5. I recently experienced a car just like this in Scotland, but this has received a BBR Upgrade kit, bringing the power up to over 200hp. Has it made the MX5 the car it should have always been?
#Mazda #Miata #MX5
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British company invents quintessential affordable sports car. Japanese company revives the formula with even greater success. British company perfects the reinvention. Most pleasing.
American input was huge in the development of the mx-5.
@@mohamad2635You wish🤣
@@kiyoponnnthe NC was developed at the peak of the Ford/Mazda partnership. Ford is the reason that the NC is based on the RX8 platform to begin with.
Full Circle
@@kiyoponnnno it's true. Watch the documentary by SavageGeese.
Jay! You know if I'm being perfectly honest the first few videos I saw of yours years back I wasn't a fan, I disagreed with some of what you where saying at the time. But I kept watching and now I've realized you've become not only my favorite automotive RUclipsr but favorite RUclipsr period. There's something special about your style of videos and I eagerly await now every upload 😁 so thank you for the countless hours of entertainment and all your hard work!
Thanks Jonathan, glad I could win you over!
Agreed. Jay & a few like him makes videos for the average car lover, unlike other 'celebtity' you tubers, who focus only on super cars & never actually drive in a real life setting
I don't agree with everything Jay says, but then again I don't agree fully with any car reviewer because what's the point of that? Variety is the spice of life.
Mr Emm's views are original, his own, uncliched, and delivered with passion and honesty. Nuff said.
I don't even agree with myself all the time
I owned this car last year. Never should have sold it. Simply amazing
"Whats the point in going faster if it doesnt FEEL like you're going faster?"
A fantastic point missed on a lot of people.
Simple . . . to overtake someone going slower
@@PB200559 You must be so much fun at parties.
@@bunkaaa8726 you must often get there late
@@PB200559 With 400hp?
Not likely.
I have an NC1 that I’ve had for over 9 years. I have the Eibach lowering springs, ARB’s, full Goodwin Racing tubular manifold and exhaust, the BBR cams and remap. It flies and is great to drive. I’ll be fitting coilovers next spring. It’s been totally reliable all the time I’ve had it.
Have you put it on a dyno? I'm thinking of getting an NC but I'm afraid Miata might be a bit underwhelming for me.
Only thing g you need is the 2.5 block
can you do these upgrades on an engine with 100k miles?
We helped our 16yr old daughter buy a gorgeous NC MX5 in red, this year. Amazing how much better than my former NA it is.
It does sound good , reminiscent of a Alfa twin cam .
I’ve started looking at these on autotrader , back to basics fun driving , not too fast ,rear wheel drive
Perfect 👍🏻
It's sounds like this because of the BBR GTI stuff on it. You know that right? A stock MX-5 sounds nothing like this.
Never regretted for a second the upgrade after 6 years of NC ownership and joy to an ND Sport. It is for sure more cramped than its predecessor both interior and boot, but so much better in all other aspects.
Can you mention some of these?
@ALCLCF weight difference is very small comparing both models
@ALCLCF when Mazda said they improved the weight, they have... of about 50 to 75kg. Yes, the ND is a better car, but since this NC that everyone seems to hate cost about half the price, it put things into perspective. A NC is THIS exact configuration is my dream car, above the S2000 which always seemed to me more a track-day proposition and is now WAY overpriced
It's not better. There's less suspension travel, the drivetrain of the NC2 is like at least 3x stronger, and RX8 parts bolt right onto it. The ND is more 'miata-like'. But really if that's what you want, buy an NA/NB.
@@dailymeds5596 Styling, performance, fantastic throttle response, drivetrain with Bilstein shocks (to be fair, the ND has only 24K kms on the clock versus 120+K kms for my former NC...), gearshift both feeling & speed, comfort and tech upgrade, safety features, Recaro seats, an even better roof mechanism...
As an NC owner, this makes me feel happy. Plus that upgrade is great value for the power gained 😊
Absolutely me too I’m starting to see so much more love for the NC and even at car shows more popping up
@@padarious3797
There so affordable the early nc is cheaper than the na or nb, but honestly the na is still my favourite, the only one I've not driven in the nb
What year was your NC built?
If you look around your local track day you'll probably see more and more NC Miata's as their value is finally becoming recognized. Incredibly robust chassis that can handle 0 treadwear slicks easily. The Ford 2.5 swap is very affordable and with some weight reduction and aero you have a track weapon that punches well above its stature. Great review
Agreed! A lot of people overestimate the difficulty of the 2.5 swap and under appreciate the cars potential. I've seen naturally aspirated 2.5 swaps that do 0-60 in sub 5 seconds, I've also seen built 2.5 engines making 280whp(GWR car) naturally aspirated! And stock 2.5 with turbo making well over 300hp safely!
The NC might be the worst Miata by Miata standards, but it's tuning potential is much much bigger than any other Miata.
@@raghibfarrash2183 Far out sub 5 is quick for one of those 2.5's, are you talking about street setups or the full built race motors?
@@Sk0dieit sounds about right tbh, a k24 swapped na will do around 6 seconds 0-60 with small mods like better intakes and headers
@@schakalicious6023 not sure why people k swap these tbh, the duratec is almost bolt in and 90% as good + cheaper. Not tryna diss the k24, but I don't quite understand why you'd use that.
EDIT: aw shit srry I missed that you said NA not NC my bad. I am kinda suprised the an NA with a k24 isn't closer to high 4s, those things ares crazy light!
@@Sk0die it only makes about 230 horsepower if you have the best k24 and a good intake/exhaust system. They rev to the moon though and have plenty of torque.
But yeah in an NA you’re looking at about 6-6.5 seconds (which is perfect imo)
Great video Jay! After tons of research, I had the BBR Super 200 pack installed on NC 3.5 last year and it really has transformed the character of the engine - for me it feels like the car has gained a real heart, relishing in a good thrashing to the redline where as stock the engine was rather flat. It might feel expensive, but this conversion is totally worth it, fixing the only real weak point of the NC - it massively elevates the driving experience. If you're considering it, just go for it! Very excited for my next track day.....
Still got it?
Always loved the MX-5 I owned. One of those cars that people who don't know about cars mock, but those who do know appreciate how good they are.
Well said. I've owned an NC1 for 8 years now. I've never experienced such contemptuous looks from people in any of my cars. But who cares, awesome car and I do enjoy it.
Live watching Jays videos, he is so transparent about everything always keeps his honesty even if a company or a sponsor doesn’t like it. This is pure gild for people who actually want to know about cars which most of us will never drive and he always delivers. Keep it up
Much appreciated
he grows on you. Yes
Brilliant, thank you! At last a RUclipsr who doesn't just review new cars over £50k. It's so nice to see Jay, a true petrol head, clearly loves engaging cars, that have got the balance for UK roads perfectly. Great video!
I drove a 2007 mx5 a few times this year. It belongs to my neighbour. Probably the most fun car I drove all year!
Back in the early 90s I was working for a hi-fi sales company. I had to go on a trip to a manufacturers factory a good few miles away (in Glasgow... small clue). The boss said "Oh, take the little Mazda". I was expecting a little hatchback, but I got the NA MX5. Had it for about a week. Loved it. That gearshift. Pop-ups! I've not yet driven an NC but to my eyes it's the best looking MX5 since the NA.
I had an NA, don’t half miss it
Think the NA and NC are very close on how good they look, especially the later NC. But rare to see a really nice NA these days outside of show cars, and wonky bumpers, etc, ruin the looks. I would feel guilty driving a really nice NA as a daily car these days.
The 3.5 NC Mx5 is just such a fantastic all rounder, I love mine.
It is a very complete package but I can imagine this package would enhance it without breaking the bank.
I've got the 2.0 Kendo NC & had the BBR200 fitted a couple of years ago, well worth the money. The urge to 'floor it' at all available opportunities is constant & hasn't waned at all. I use it every day and still get that little thrill inside each time I turn on the ignition.
If at some point I get an ND model, this upgrade will be factored into the cost. p.s. Good honest video.
10:31 "What's the point in going faster if it doesn't feel like you're going faster?" Exactly. That's why I love my MR2 Roadster, and the same obviously applies here.
Yep. Same for bikes. Small 2 strokes are fun as despite not being that quick ultimately, they feel it and encourage you
I have a 2007 NC Grand Touring with the premium package that I picked up 3 months ago for $9500 with 49k original miles on it. Super fun car so far. The previous owner put a set of Enkei RPF1 wheels on it with Continental 245 wide summer tires. I have more fun with that car than I ever had with my Charger 392 Scat Pack. Proof that straight line performance and power isn't everything.
The NC hardtop-convertible was always my favourite of the series - I've never understood the hate for the NC actually. What does this kit do to fuel consumption BTW? I'm curious to know if it impacts this negatively.
Probably wouldn't be worse unless you flog it. Of course, you're going to flog it because that's more fun.
Most people report better fuel consumption under normal driving with the BBR kits, due to improved breathing of the engine (stock manifold is so restrictive)… Of course if you thrash it everywhere then I suspect the economy will go down…
I got an NC3 a few months ago for a decent price. Such a great car. Its a great all-rounder. Comfy, yet sporty. And passengers can actually fit in it and be comfortable for longer trips unlike the ND. I actually bought the car to have something to drive around the hills and to take the dog out bush walking instead of making a mess in my 987.2 Cayman or sweating to death in my NA MX5 that doesn't have aircon.
how much did you pick it up for?
@@StikiFing4z I got my 2013 NC3 with the PRHT and stock BBS wheels and Recaros for $18000 AUD. It had roughly 106,000kms at the time of purchase. I live in Australia.
Pre-covid, that would have been on the expensive side. But since I got it during COVID, I think its quite a good deal.
Say, how would you compare your NC3 to the 987.2? I’ve been eyeing 987 caymans for a while now
@DaRealMaus Idk what your local car market is like. But where I live you could buy 3 NC2/NC3s for the price of a 987 Cayman.
The MX5s gearbox is far superior to the 987s manual gearbox. Both engines are satisfying to ring out. But the Cayman sounds amazing at high rpms.
What I love most about Caymans is their practicality of the front and rear boots. The Cayman is prone to annoying rattles in the rear hatch that are hard to pinpoint and sort out. NC are built solid and havd any rattles.
NC is a convertible which is a big tick. And the PRHT looks better then the Boxster with the roof up. NCs could use some stiffening up over stock. But it's extremely comfy stock. Cayman is a good stiffness out of the box.
Fuel economy on both is almost equal. NC engines arent that efficient compared to the ND skyactive engines. Insurance, parts and maintenance on the Cayman will be triple.
Honestly. I love them both. If you have a mortgage or need to borrow money. Best to stick with the cheaper NC. But if your loaded and have no debt. Give the Cayman a go.
NC is a 8/10. Cayman is a 9/10. I have had 2 NC2/3s and 2 987.2 Manual Caymans. All were excellent. I drive an S2000 now. But I hope to try out a 981 Cayman soon or an Audi TTS. Roof down. S2000 is amazing. Roof up. S2000 is a buzzy noisy mess.
@@ForgetfulFoot dude thanks for replying! Very informative! Yeah caymans are definitely more expensive here too, i testdrove one a while back and that sound and speed is addictive, but wasn’t 100% on buying that specific one. But it does keep itching.
Definitely agree on the NC gearbox being superior, i noticed that too, the NC just feels more modern in some respects.
I'm always intrigued by the turbo vs NA tuning discussion. I have a BBR Stage 1 Turbo MX5 ND and I love it: it doesn't feel too different to the stock car in terms of linearity (from between 2,500 and 3,000RPM up to the heightened redline) except for the fact that it has far more power to accelerate (around 50% more than stock). As a caveat, my experience of faster cars has always been in turbos where it felt more obvious that they were forced induction (2017 Fiesta ST and 2015 Mini Cooper S).
Happy to let you drive it (I'm in South London) and walk you through how the BBR experience was for me. I'm sure BBR themselves would be willing to show you around their workshop and talk through the history which could be a cool two-pronged video!
Sounds like a really good conversion. Plus it's from a trusted company thats been doing turbo conversions for decades so you are in safe hands. Very nice, Jay needs to review it.
Another vote for Jay to review your ND turbo.
Is it a ND1 and if it is, Have you had any issues with gearbox?
@@1ABY Yeah it's an ND1 but a 2018 so the version 4 gearbox. I've not had any issues yet but I'm under 15k miles, 5 of which with the turbo and I'm not brutal with gearchanges / launches. I'll be looking to do a gearbox rebuild at some point by Paul Roddison as those are motorsport proven :)
@@JustMTZH
Appreciate your reply, I've just recently bought a launch edition may 2017 with 1k miles on it not thinking of tracking the car but there's a lot of negative towards ND1 gearbox on net
Pre pandemic an ND with a trip to BBR was my top of my list. Prices have since jumped 5k so I've bought a kitchen instead while I wait to see if prices come back in 2-3 years.
how's the kitchen drive?
I cashed in the pension ,got a kitchen,an MX5 and a shed (the shed's all mine!)
@@JacksonODJ How's the MX-5 cook? 🤣
@@p_mishev According to James it cooks with fire!
The later cars after 2009 (mk3.5 or NC2) had a number of improvements over the earlier cars. Most notable were the retuned suspension, ride height drop, additional underbody cross bracing and the engine received forged crank and rods. Mazda apparently did this for NVH reasons with the upside on tunability and higher redline. The cars subframes are largely shared with the rx8 with smaller gauge on some parts due to the reduced weight. The gearbox is from the rx8. This was all down to the ford influence in the mazda ownership at the time as they couldn't justify two completely different rear wheel drive sports car chassis in the line up. Made sense financially for the platforms to share a lot of parts. Excellent review btw.
I have a 2011, 2lt, prht. Love it. Thanks for the info. John
Later cars (2009 on) had forged engine internals, which the original NC's lacked. The 3.5's are superb cars, just need what this one has to wake the engine up a bit
I don't normally like after market exhausts but this one sings on this car
I got an NC 3.5 and budgetted for the BBR Super 200 kit off the back off your review. Love the amount of info and experience you bring in to each review. Couldn't be happier for the money! I must have watched this video a good 10 times and only just realised I hadn't clicked like yet. Thanks Jay
I had a ND & loved it. Great looking car in my eyes & nice interior but you are right it’s a bit cramped especially if your big. Everyone said I’m too tall for it my head was above the windscreen but I’d still like a MX5 so a NC with the Super 200 kit might be the answer
Yep. I had two ND MX5s. The passenger seat is atrociously bad. I got a NC3 now and the partner can actually be comfortable for longer trips.
Owned NC1, NC2, and ND2. 6’1, 200 bs (90kg). The ND is snug - in a good way - now that I’m used to it. The NCs have plenty of room; I never even thought about space or fitting. Same wheelbase as the RX8, which had a small backseat.
How tall are you?
@@Ryzard I’m only 6 foot.
Today I booked in my 3.5 Sport Tech with BBR for the 200 conversion. Very excited...
How have you been finding it since?
I adore my little NC3 so much that I’ve accepted the fact that grandma won’t let me, grandpa, upgrade my ponies to horses.
I believe it’s because when I first got it, believing it to be my final car, I blurred out, Grandpa’s Casket… joyfully!
These facelift NC have more engine cooling. Mazda race series realised the first NC would heat soak on the track but not you’d notice on the road. Hence they can turn up the dial on later NC2. And they look better - shortened RX8 platform
How does the better engine cooling work? My revised nc1 engine has better oil distribution.
Hey i have been thinking about tracking my nc1 and am interested to kno more about its cooling issues
@@Boltpacalypse Mazda used a fwd transverse engine and put it long in the NC. In the USA Mazda cup they realised could do with more cooling. Check out savage geese on YT. Full series on mx5. And just look at NC2 bumper to compare.
Have a real soft spot for the NC. Particularly the 3.5. I came very very close to going for the NA 225 kit, but I just unfortunately needed a bit more practicality.
Just watched this after having also replaced my beloved M2 with a BBR tuned NC MX5 funnily enough… Albeit mines a very late NC1 (cast crank, the NC2 and NC3 had forged cranks which is why they can Rev higher) with the Super 180 conversion, so just manifold and software, no cams… It’s still a great B road blaster, especially with uprated anti toll bars and coilovers on too. It’s also as you state, a lot of fun a lot of the time on British B roads, at more sensible speeds than you would be doing in many other cars… I’m totally won over by it, and don’t regret selling the M2 and pocketing £20k+ even after buying the MX5 (with the BBR conversion and all suspension work already done) either… 👍🏻
You need to try my early 1.8 NC on eibach lowering springs, standard 16” wheels with fast road geo settings. Not fast but genuinely such a great car to drive with amazing steering feel. Liked it so much I bought a 2.0 folding hardtop 3.5 to replace it and just couldn’t get on with it compared to the simple early 1.8 NC. The NC generation is massively underrated and in my experience the early base car is the purest drive.
You make a very good point about the steering being better than on the latest model. It doesn't make much difference about style, or quality of interiors etc, or even power, if the steering feel isn't as good.
I took the day of the trade in my NC for a long “farewell trip” on B-roads towards the dealer where my ND was awaiting. Honestly, I didn’t notice that much of a difference regarding the steering feel on my way back home.This could of course be due to the fact that my daily drivers have electric power steering since 2013 and MX-5s are for hobby driving only since 2014 so with limited mileage…
@@ludosys4903 Agreed. Owned 2 NC2/3s and 2 NDs. I also didn't feel a massive difference. I definitely wouldn't solely prefer one car over the other for it. (However I do like the NC3 more then the ND1, thats due to the extra passenger legroom on the NC3).
Thanks Jay - these are really growing on me. Funny thing is, I already own 1.5 Miatas - one of which took a really similar route as this car. I recently put a 1.8L from a 2005 Miata into a 1991 - all kept naturally aspirated. The 0.5 Miata is an Exomotive Exocet. You really should seek out an Exocet to drive - or make your way to California and take mine for a day.
NC owner here and I love my NC, I converted my NC1 to NC3 club
I went for a later 3.75 earlier this year based pretty well 100% on your last review (and a brief chat we had) and then added the BBR200 on your suggestion at the time. I’ve gone for a full coilover replacement (not got upgraded ARB’s), which is imo pure magic as the handling is greatly improved, looks better and is more comfortable, magic. All I can say is i agree fully your review and thank you. In fact now I’ve watch this “where are my keys?”
As your brother and having driven your MX5 both pre and post upgrades I wholeheartedly agree. While it doesn't have the instant shove my 2019 Polo GTi has, it's lovely to really wind out the engine in to the power, plus the backbox you put on it sounds amazing without being too loud or obnoxious, the little pops on downshifts especially!
The notes sound a lot like my little old stock 1990 Miata, oh how I miss that car.. Have a 2003 now, still love it!
I’m so glad you did this vid as I’d seen your earlier one and couldn’t agree more, I really like the looks and feel of the NC MX-5. And as it’s winter now I’ve been looking around for one for next spring
Being a larger gentleman, like yourself, it’s nice to know we fit in without looking daft
The haters of the NC forget it’s the largest one, so far, the ND is smaller
But also it’s not that much heavier, only 10kg , if you believe Mazda and I do
This was down to their save a gram design and ethos between generations
And it was actually lighter than the NB, but then regulations changed and more safety gear had to be added before the global launch
Keep up the good work 🚙
Very difficult to compare the NA, NB and NC weights, as the claimed weights were measured under different regulations. Realistically an NC is barely any heavier, especially if the early car has a roll over bar, etc, that the NC has as standard.
Love your channel, love the fact you open the episode with what we are coming for, cars making cool sounds.
Picked up my 2014 MX5 GT, zeal red, PRHT, with 9,700 miles this past May. Excellent condition and I love it.
I really don't miss my Goldwing now.😁
Though it's not a rocket, it's quick enough for me, and man it's sure fun to drive especially in the Twisties. 👍
Awesome video! Is there any chance that you will review an MK3 MX-5 with the BBR 225 ITB kit?
The NC Miata is actually my favorite. I’m a big guy and I’m more comfortable sitting in it and it’s very nimble and fun to drive.
I found the nc really does suit taller people in the fact that I'm short but the dash seems really high compared to the original na and the s2k, but the annoyance is the seat rubbing on the plastic behind while driving and I hate the cloth seats in the early nc
Had mine converted by BBR a few days back, now over 200hp. Probably expected too much of a change, so was initially a little disappointed. However, having got back to home and used it on my normal routes, you do really notice the extra power and more the extra willingness to pull through to red line. Feels like it’s a proper roadster now, doing what it always should. Not fast, but no longer slow. 👍🏻
Did you go catted/ non catted manifold? And are you able to share the latest fully fitted price with vat included for those considering?
@@thelostvisuals I went catted for MOT purposes. I didn’t want the options to change the map myself, so didn’t need the mapping software licence. That cut out a few hundred pounds. Total cost was just under £2,900.
@@paulkent6846 thank you, and WOW. BBR prices really are a bit misleading, I wish they would just be upfront for fully fitted vat inclusive prices. Thank you for sharing.
@@thelostvisuals I think the VAT and catted manifold is sometimes missed when looking at price list. However, their customer service was superb, super friendly, approachable and open. Also, for me, that upgrade cost is very affordable, versus changing the car to something quicker, which options were limited.
I own a 2006 NC. Sway bars, Eibach, H&R wheel spacer, max caster and a good alignment. Don't know if the former owner had it tuned (the needle easily travels into the red area).
No understeer, perfect balance and yet pretty comfortable.
You don't need the extra BBR HP in my flat country.
Costs in 11 years of ownership: ehhh... costs?
But I have to say...
I own an UP GTI too, with B14 coil overs, 205 tires, tuned to 145HP. Really can't say which car I prefer to drive.
This is perfect, and it will always be so. In 10 or 15 yrs we will go gooey eyed over cars like this.
The NC is right on the cusp of too pudgy but fine enough
Keep doing what you do mate, simply the best content for the everyman. This is infinitely more interesting to me (and im sure many others) than the usual social media car influencers 'reviewing' the latest Mclaren or Lamborghini that none of us normal people will ever get near
I have previously owned a Mk7 golf R, Fiesta ST , Clio RS , bmw 130i, Leon cupra & the only car I miss was my NC mx5, that says it all really
Thanks J, always good to hear/find out about BBR Kit!
nice to see a different slant on the NC esp as mine is absolutely the most standardestest 2006 NC you could imagine - smile still as broad tho' Be good out there!
I own a 2008 Special Edition NC PRHT and it is just perfect as it is as purchased from the showroom floor.
A friend recently picked up 2013 with a FAB9 Borg Warner turbo set. 300whp… 3rd gear feels like the car is on the edge of traction with 245’s. Incredibly smooth and linear.
As I leave my 20s, I purchased one of these cars as I didn't want to purchase such a car later on in life, and if I'm honest, I'm unsure how much longer we will be able to drive them either.
I quickly realised an NC1 could be had with 2.0 Sport spec with the LSD and average mileage for 4k or so. My ideal spec would have been an NC2 with power hard top but they were 8k.
So I purchased the NC1. And I ask the question, would you rather pay 8k, and have a BBR Super 225 NC1 or 8k and have a stock NC2?
I decided to save the change, and spend that extra money on goodies.
I have owned 14 cars so far pre-30, this being the first RWD car. Don't listen to the nay sayers, the NC1 is a good car, certainly to someone who has never experienced RWD previously. Don't let the internet put you off these cars!
Just be aware that the NC1 has a weaker engine that are *sometimes* known to fail. Not a huge deal, but it's usually a much better idea to grab an NC2 if you want to put something like the BBR kit on it.
Either way, the MZR engines are very cheap to replace if you blow yours up. Keep an eye on the coolant tank and watch your oil levels.
@@tealruby1 what makes the NC1 weaker engine from the face-lift?
Great video but don't get sucked into BBR's non-VAT prices, the 200 kit is £2.5k plus, and the 225 is even worse, it's effectively £5k but you only get the header, so to make the most of it you need a mid section and end box exhaust sections, which is another £1k on top, so it's basically £6k, still a good deal for non-forced induction bhp bump, but it is not for the prices you state
Perfectly timed review. You must have known I was looking at BBR's website yesterday.
The main difference between this and an S2000, is that you can`t help but to look back at an S2000 as your walking away from it.. Damn pretty car!
A well sorted NC 3.5 looks pretty good too
Sorry but the NC is just as attractive. And a primary reason why the S2000 failed. People realized they didn't have to spend 4 to 8k more for a slightly faster roadster that still lost to the Mazda in the curvy roads.
what did the s2k fail at? It's revered as one of the best roadsters built, and it engine and chasis was built from the ground up as a sports/track car. The miata also went unchanged for years, both cars had a great formula.
The NC is a great daily or weekend roadster. But was not designed from the ground up, it borrowed it's chassis and many other parts from a different existing car. Even the designers were annoyed they had to use an existing platform, bc it was going to compromise the Previous Miata's prestige.
An s2k is a great weekend car and awesome track car. plus Modified both cars are great. Miata will be cheaper to modify both NA n boosted, but a modified s2k will be a different animal. S2k are really expensive right now, which is a drawback. both are great cars tho, It comes down to how you want to drive and what you like better.
To me, there arent too many motors that come close to the sound of an Integra ITR and an f20/22c's intake induction on WOT. If I wanted a cheaper overall build I'd go with NC.
what did the s2k fail at? It's revered as one of the best roadsters built, and it engine and chasis was built from the ground up as a sports/track car. The NC is a great daily or weekend roadster.
An s2k is a great weekend car and awesome track car. plus Modified both cars are great. Miata will be cheaper to modify both NA n boosted, but a modified s2k will be a different animal.
@@denniswhite147 Sales. For 5 years straight the sales folded in half. One year, 14.5k units sold. The next, 7.2k. The next, 3.6k. The last year it was produced it sold only 800 units for that year. But its competition only took a minor dip of a few thousand and kept going solid. So Honda cancelled it even while Ap3 designs were near completion.
There’s an easy fix to the complaints of the S2000 engine. It’s pre-vtec cam lobe is extremely modest with about 225 degrees of duration and about 6.5mm lit on the intake side which is nearly half of what it is on the vtec cam lobe. A cam change with a tune fixes the lack of oomph between 3K-6K rpm. 21-22 years since the debut of the car and most people overlook the obvious. Fortunately all of the Japanese tuning houses had the F series figured out within a year or two. I say this because I do love the BBR kit for the NC Miata but one look at the cams they chose and the reason Miatas always had good mid range grunt is obvious. I think most import tuners lost their way compared to the older generation of engine builders which understood all aspects of making power without using a turbo as a band-aid and BBR is exactly that company. Even better they improved on the old Cosworth supercharger that was available for the NC some years ago. All of their kits are very affordable and mix that with the lower prices on NC Miatas and it’s one hell of a bargain.
It is for this reason my S2000 is getting new cams, amongst other stuff
The thing I enjoy most on the NC are the brakes. Stock is fine, even for occasional track use.
Cadwell Park twice in a bone stock NCFL. OMG, sooo much fun and certainly was nowhere hear the slowest there.
that's interesting because mine are terrible. huge vibration if they get even slightly warm.
@@Drive-n-Vibe That is unfortunate. Better check them out perhaps. Could be something small.
@@Drive-n-Vibe brake chatter is supposed to be rectified by machining the discs or replacing them if they're too far gone.
@@dielaughing73 I've fitted brembo discs and pads in rear and yellowstuff pads at the front with fresh fluid. Stops great now and no chatter
That's me at 6:03 in the red Saab. It's funny how Iive on Wethersfield Road abd this is the only time I've spotted you!
My car looks IDENTICAL to this. Think I might be ordering that BBR Super 200 kit! 👍
I have had over a hundred cars in my life and now that I turned 70, I bought the best car out there. I now own a 2008 Mazda Miata MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT in Highland Green. To make it even more perfect I got the automatic transmission! I mean who wants to be shifting and clutching all the time? Compliments every day! I picked this car because it is perfect! Mike drop!
Basically my car - BBR Super 200, Eibach springs, I have the Roadstersport Super Q for some nice sounds instead of the additional suspension bits.
This 3rd gen is the one to get not just for the price, but also because the engine is still port injected. The newer ones carbon up the intakes way too fast due to the emphasis on emissions and the direct injection. It also means swapping out the injectors is easy, if you want to push the NA build further, or even boosting it is no problem.
I bought an mx5 because of this channel. If you keep it up I’ll be speaking to BBR before long.
Please don’t always revert to those exhaust close up shots for noise, it’s really nice to get the noise from inside the cab with your voice the reference point for how the car actually sounds to drive
Great vid, just some feedback ☺️
Yes! Finally a vid about the bbr. I want to buy this and so im very curious! Tnx.
Great review I was only looking at this kit yesterday what a treat ty jayemm 👍
Porsche 911 GT3 finally just got double wishbone front suspension. This car had it 15 years ago. A Koenigsegg test driver set a 7:32 nurburgring time (faster than a Pagani Zonda F) with a mostly stock NC miata. This chassis is incredible.
Is the NC time a BTG? I think It has 245s but no diff and a 5 speed?
@@benmarr352its a 7:58 and BTG, noway it can outrun a Zonda in any track even with baby Jesus himself behind the wheel😂 Still an impressive time though
@squaregaming8964 I can't remember my post, but didn't think I suggested that an NC would outrun a Koeniggsegg. If I did I am rightly corrected. They can be very quick with enough tyres and suspension that can cope.
Apparently you and some others have convinced the world the NC is not bad after all. I'm having trouble finding one here mid-east coast in the US
I've got an NC Miata with a Cosworth supercharger, plus a bunch of other mods like exhaust headers, midpipe and muffer, shocks and springs, enkei wheels, 235 wide tires, chassis braces, sway bars, and a roll bar. It's a total hoot! The supercharger is the California CARB-legal version (lame emissions regulations), which runs a bigger pulley and probably a less aggressive tune than the non-CARB version, but it puts out nice power, and very noticable torque increase especially in low RPMs. It also has a very nice supercharger whine at higher RPMs which is a nice benefit over the more common centrifugal superchargers.
Okay, some MX-5 facts. The NC model is based on the RX-8 floorpan, that's why it's bigger inside than the A and B models, and the D model too. This change was made primarily for the American market and their more, how shall we say, generously-proportioned population. The ND model has all the stuff the NC was damned for having (extra weight) but has now had to be made smaller, no glovebox, etc, etc, to save weight. The NA, NB and NC models are the only MX-5s you can buy which are a genuine convertible; the ND turret-roof model is infernally noisy due to the wind being caught behind your head and having no-where to go. If you want to look like a Lotus Elan old-style convertible sports car, the NC model is the way to go, and the PRHT model by choice, you get a real roof, and with it up, it's just like being in a two-door sedan.
I'm a keen sports motorcyclist, and my '08 NC is dead stock, and about as much fun as I can have on my bike, with a lot more comfort. I've had it for five years; I bought it with 150,000 kms on the clock, and apart from replacing the battery it hasn't cost a cent, now at 218,000kms. I've done three +3,000km trips in it with my wife, you have to be constructive with your packing, but it is about as much fun as you can have with any vehicle.
Modifications are tempting, but I bought this one because it was dead-stock (effects your insurance here in Australia) and on the odd chance I might one day sell it (I'm 72 years old) I want it to stay that way for the same reason. If I sold it today, with the used car market the way it is (COVID-19) I'd get back what I paid for it!!
I love turbos but n/a would proudly suit this car better
Interesting video but I have to call out the misleading costs quoted. The version most people will want will be the one with the catalyst, as most people will want an MOT, and the price mentioned in the video is for the non catalyst kit and importantly with no installation. With the kit that you would need, and with installation, you're likely looking at a price of at least £3000., which is nearly 50% higher than that described at the start of the video. Not so much of a bargain then, but still a worthwhile upgrade on what is a great car for the money.
I'd definitely have one of these over an S2000.
When Mazda released the nc2, they added forged components into the engine, to reduce Nvh. And give a higher redline as a bonus
Absolutely love this car - it sounds amazing and I know from experience what fun an MX5 is. This is on the bucketlist definitely!
I had a mk2.5 1.8 sport before i had kids. This video has made me miss it enormously.
wouldn't say 160hp from a 2ltr engine was bad. some cars regardless of engine size makes that or less than that using a turbo, so 160hp na is impressive all the same. ive not driven an mx5, but i used to own an mgf with a 120hp 1.8 and that felt plenty quick enough, so the mx5 cars outside the 1.6 should feel good without the need for serious power. good video, nice car and the 200 kit really gives off a nice sporty sound and not rice.
NC owner here ✌🏼 Idk how much the BBR kit is worth, but I would and have put my money on a 2.5 motor swap, the power isn't ridiculously more but the torque really is! 35 or so pound feet of extra torque out the door, now get that then add cams and intake and exhaust and tune like I have, then you got yourself a real ND miata and S2000 contender! OR you can go with forced induction safer than stock motor cuz 2.5 engines can take the beating much better than the 2.0
The 2.5 engine comes out of the mazda 6 or all the ford cars that came with the duratec engine of that gen, so it's dirt cheap.
A lot of people hate on the NC, but ironically, it's the easiest Miata to make real power with 🤷🏽♂️
And for the extra weight, you can always get rid of the things that add the weight if you don't need them.
Really enjoyed that
Not a car I’d ever thought I’d want to own but they videos made me want one
Back in the early 90s I had my Jetta GTI fettled by BBR, block convertion to 2.0, usual suspension, brakes, header, exhaust etc upgrades. Sold it 140k later, only failure was fuel pump, which was the original a d I should have changed.
My brother's BBR 2.5 conversion lasted 3 track days (17 days) was being used as intended, spent ££££'s. He asked about a baffled sump while the build was ongoing, was told baffled sump was not required during a phone call to BBR. When he was told the damage was due to oil starvation and a baffled sump would have prevented it no proof of conversion on email so no warranty. Car is now sat on the drive as a non runner.
And many people say 4 cylinders sounds awful! Imagine this with the ITB's! Must say this is fabulous and TBH is the only sports car you would ever need. I think I prefer this to the 986 boxster S i just sold, in fact I would be quite happy getting rid of my supercars and would be just as happy with this. Honestly, its perfectly judged. Great review, great car, on my want list 😀 Why do we always like the same cars 🤣
I just sold a 986 , compared to my mx5 it was boring and not that much fun, won't miss it but I would miss the mx5
@@danielthomas8507 I agree, the 986 is one of the best touring cars I have owned but quite dull to drive. The MX5 is much more fun :-) However I would have another 986 as they are so good at doing a 3k mile Euro trip in comfort with luggage, AC, space & pace compared to the MX5 which is better for a UK B road blast.
Races a mk3 .5 BBR 300 TURBO, with my 718 GTS was well amazed at how fast it was , when we got parked up and talking late that day that’s when I was told about this upgrade. Looking back maybe I should have gone down this route and saved ££££££ on the price, well I’m not going to come across to many BBRs 300 Turbo and I’m happy for now.
I bought my uncle's NC2, 2 years ago, and have been slowly enhancing, the already great car, with a full exhaust, coilovers, thicker swaybars, and tuning ect. I agree, that NA tuning has been lost, because people just want forced induction, and think it's the only way. They are under appreciated cars, so people should jump on them, while they are still chaep.
Something like this would be very tempting as a weekend car.
I actually know the a guy that use to be the BBR mechanic installing those kits, its bit my ore involving than must people can think and if done in a new car i am almost sure it still keeps the factory warranty. The MX-5 still is one of the bests in his area :)
Nice review did the 200 justice I love mine but it has a full ILM exhaust over the bbr
If you want a great drop top sports car, for the money nothing beats the MX5 n/c (no competition).
Thanks for this vid mate. Easier revving with a stronger top end rush would be great IMO. BBR are no dills but I'd need to drive an NC with one before going that way.
My MX5 mechanic in Brisbane will do anything you want but his general outlook is that if you want radically more power then buy a different car.
That thing sounds amazing, especially on the over run
What a beautiful car review, mate!
Beautiful example. I think you were dead on when you said supercharger is probably a better option than a turbo kit for the mx5. If you want straightline speed, turbo kits provide great potential gains but if you actually use your mx5 for twisty roads or the track, the supercharger is a no brainer. The responsiveness and predictability of the power band is so critically important for keeping the car balanced. I'd really rather have a standard NA car over a turbo mx5.
Also yes, the NC is roomier than the ND. It's a chunkier car as well by a few hundred pounds. But in all honesty after owning my NA8 I'd more than happily to trade the lightweight tin casket with wheels for something a little more comfortable. Would make top down trips with my SO a lot nicer since we're both around the upper end of what's a comfortable height to be in an NA or NB.
Also the NC suspension is great as standard so I'd imagine with coilovers it'd really transform the car.
Flyin' Miata's Wilwood brake conversion kit would be a nice addition to these cars, four piston aluminum calipers, braided stainless brake lines. I put the kit, called the Big Little Brake kit, on my '16 ND, better brake feel, knocks about 15 pounds off as well. Makes pad replacement a breeze, just pull two pins, swap pads, off you go.
Certainly a good set of brakes, however the standard nc brakes are phenominal to start. Unlike most cars, the brakes are probably thr last place that needs an upgrade (other than for track duty where maybe you need different pads and fluid)
Great little cars. Same colour the wife had back in 2009 🙂👍 car always needed a few extra pony's but was awesome all the same
Really torn between the NCs between 2009~2015 and the NDs with the updated 184ps engine. I prefer the smoother lined coke-bottle looks of the ND, the lighter weight of the ND, the aerodynamic advantage of the ND, the interior aesthetics of the ND, the torsional rigidity of the ND but I might prefer the sound of the NC, the steering feel of the NC, the gearbox reliability of the NC. Really need to test these back to back but either way, I really want to get ITBs by BBR (so long as they develop one for the updated NDs)
I have had 2 ND1 2.0Ls and 2 NC2/3s. The NC2 is the better car in my opinion. Mainly because the NDs legroom on the passenger side is really bad that is nearly unbearable for passengers to get comfy if your an average height. I wish they packaged the interior just a little bit differently. (I currently own a NC3 and NA6)
The gearbox of the NC is in the Fiat 124, if that matters.
Owned NC1, NC2, and ND2. I preferred the NC2 over the ND1, so I skipped that model. I really like my ND2 in a way that I have not liked any other car I’ve owned, except for a soft spot that I still have for the NA I owned for about 15 years. There’s something more intangibly addictive about the experience of driving the ND2.
That being said, a thoughtfully modified NC2 could definitely be a better driver’s car than a stock ND2 for a lot less money. IMO, NC2s are currently under-appreciated, so they’re relatively cheap.
I’m guessing in the not too distant future, enthusiasts will wonder what all the NC hate was about.
I had a weekend with the ND2 2litre a few months ago in perfect weather in scottish trossachs. I then test drove low mileage NC3 PRHT 2 litre sport tech. ND2 engine def feels a stronger up the top. In my head i though the extra 100kg on the NC3 would be too noticeable but honestly, I felt like it drove better. The hydraulic steering is much more lively compared to the electric setup in the ND. The money saved and stronger gearbox to take the engine mods I had planned made it a no brainer for me. I've since had MeisterR clubrace coilovers installed and a proper alignment and the NC feels brilliant. I either want the BBR200 or the 225 kit. Interestingly and may just be a few isolated incidents but the guys who did the coilover installation and alignment for me set up a lot of mx5s for track use and they said they had actually see a lot of ND mx5 with only 10k-20k on the clock and the suspension bushes were all done. These were hard driven cars but they reckoned the NC chassis are taking more punishment
in the weight difference unless you are a seasoned mx5 driver, you are not feeling it
Great review. Loved exhaust sound. How was the mpg? MX5, with BBR mods, is a definite consideration purchase wise.
I am getting to like your videos very much and adjusting well to your attitude and opinions!
While I'm sure it is nice, for me, nothing beats the greater fun factor of less power and better handling. You always can have more accessible fun with a lower powered motorcycle or car than a high powered alternate. Great review as always.
Agreed. I've had my 250cc strokers since I was 17, while my mates moved on to 600/750/1000 and on the bits that count, most of them aren't any faster! Also had a string of Mk1 MX-5s [Eunos NA] and just love wringing their necks to get anywhere quickly. You really feel like you're driving them, rather than just hanging on and lucky to have survived the trip! Under-powered & sharp handling for the win! 👍
Do not trust BBR with your money, my friend had the 2.5L conversion done by them, the car suffered from oil starvation just 2 weeks after the conversion was completed, they told him he wouldn't need a baffled sump even though he enquired about one as he tracks the car regularly, now they've left him in the dirt and refuse any sort of refund, even though their decisions led to the engine failure..
Did BBR prevent/forbid him from adding the baffled sump? Your friend should have had every chance to put one on without anyone stopping him before putting it on track
@@Goodman-4525 They told him he wouldn't need it!