turboing an mx5 and mintex vs pagid pads

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2001
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Rowan Hick

turboing an mx5 and mintex vs pagid pads

Post by Rowan Hick » Sun Dec 02, 2001 10:39 pm

Hi All,

First off I threw some mintex 1144's in the Z yesterday, only did
testing on wet roads but first impressions, a much "smoother" pedal than
the Pagid RS4-2's, the pagids really bite into the disc wheras the
1144's aren't anywhere near as aggressive. So for those that want to
keep their rotors in one piece 1144s might be the way to go. The pads
are quite easy to "modulate" with, I mean some 1xx -> 20 stops and I
could quite easily judge the point before ABS lockup in the wet compared
to RS4's which bite just a little too much.

The Pagids are a better "race" pad, but rotor wear is too much on the
road me thinks. Incidentally I've just upgraded to a GTR system w
slotted rotors, and I think the slots improve high speed braking quite a
bit.. the initial bite is a lot better.. both pads are streets ahead of
any cheapy pad such as the Kentexes or something equally scary.

Next up .. turboing an MX5.. I keep telling myself I won't do it, but
then I keep doing the power to weight ratios. Hmm, quite appealing. Now
does anyone know the real weakpoints of the engine ? I keep reading
about the guys in the states doing it without cracking open the engine
but it seems all a bit too foreign to me to go 1+bar on standard
internals.. Anyone tried to use a GTX block w MX5 head in an MX5 ? It
doesn't seem to silly an idea with what the GTX comes out with ? (just
finding one that hasn't been thrashed by a boy racer). My ultimate goal
is the Targa, so the engine has to be bulletproof but I also want a bit
of go...

Thanks again for any info !

Rowan

darryl

turboing an mx5 and mintex vs pagid pads

Post by darryl » Thu Dec 06, 2001 10:42 am

A friend of mine knows a guy down the line somewhere who did something like
this. I thought it was the 323 head on the MX-5 block but this would put the
distributor into the firewall?
I would suggest you use the entire GTX engine (1800 to make it worth while,
better still the GTR engine) and make a crank fire ignition set up so you
don't have firewall clearance problems, then hook up a Haltech ECU (or Link
if on a budget) and away you go.I am unsure but would assume the bell
housing bolt pattern would be the same???
I wouldn't worry about getting one that hasn't been thrashed, if you want it
bullet proof, you would want to rebuild it with forged pistons etc anyway.
This would be a be a good way to go as good HP can be made with these
engines. I used to race my 323 (91 GTX) at the drags all the time (would
have done at least 60 full on runs) as well as a couple of track days at
Puke and it was still going strong (good compression etc) when I sold it at
an indicated 145000km and it had a very hard life in my hands.
Don't shoot me for this, ever considered putting a strong bridge ported
rotary in it?? ducks for cover :), smooth power, it would be easier to set
up than a turbo engine.
Just an idea.

Rowan Hick

turboing an mx5 and mintex vs pagid pads

Post by Rowan Hick » Thu Dec 06, 2001 2:03 pm

Thanks Darryl,

I've been doing some searching and the MX5 head responds well to port and polish
work as well as larger valves (apparently from 95+ engines - but I would
probably go custom) Yep I would be redoing the bottom end with forged and rods.
Given that I'd still port the GTX/R head I don't know if the distributor issue
is enough to sway me for the GTX/R head.

Re the rotary, nope I won't shoot you, that is actually one of my first ideas
but I'm a little hesitant due to *apparently* custom fabrication needed for the
trans tunnel. Haven't fully looked into this yet but it does suit my power
aspirations and a smooth torque curve, but I hate that godforsaken exhaust note
(live in the central city and have to put up with all the **** rotaries that
have straighthrough exhausts on bridgeports). Only problem is I would be putting
in the turbo 13b ex batmobile engine.. so again.. turbo issues mainly space I
think ... I just don't know if it would fit without modification. I have been in
a couple and love the revving and smooth power. Just haven't yet broached it
with my mechanic mate who'd be helping me. Last time I mentioned buying a
batmobile he had soem choice words to say.. (FYI in his younger days he'd done
all sorts of rotary conversions.. so I dunno why he's gone all anti). I really
really want to stay away from modifying the chassis to suit whatever I do.

Hmmmm choices choices.. I'm going to be putting up all the links etc on my
research etc on 600plus.com (my website) so have a look in a few days. I've got
a good 2 months to research before I get the car at any rate..

Rowan

darryl wrote:

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