A few notes! My 2 hours of sleep from insomnia the prior night meant I got a couple of bits wrong and or/bits I'd like to now add: - It's a 4-into-1 EXHAUST manifold that opens up the bottleneck in the engine. - Sorry again for the autofocus gaff, being exhausted I didn't spot that my AF settings were still set from a sports job requiring absurd sensitivity! I had tapped on my face before starting but it decided my hand was more lively haha! - One thing I said in a different take and wish I'd kept in the final cut - BBR is such a desirable company to modify MX-5s that in 99% of cases you find that BBR-modified cars sell for more than their stock equivalents. So the cost isn't a complete loss and something I would do your own research into on eBay, for example. - Random nugget to just add is that the owner Doug has this alongside his Lotus Evora S but its this one that he chooses to take on track for fun! What did I miss? What else did I mess up from my sleep deprivation? Check out @nightfalldrives Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=136926892
Thanks for all the info. I bought a very tidy 1.8 two months ago. A dream come true for a 71 yr old .spent money on underseal and a cover as it's parked outside (UK) now saving for suspension upgrades and eventually a power upgrade 😊
@@peteromara642 power upgrade go for a exhaust manifold 4-1, panel filter, silicone intake hose with sound tube delete and remap. It's gonna give you around 30hp
My favourite description of an MX-5 came from my friend (who owns an ND) who said "they're basically motorbikes for people with an intact sense of self preservation" and, as a motorbike owner, I'd have to agree. There's something about a small, light, nimble soft top that gives a very similar sense of freedom and speed that a bike gives you, without the slightly icy feeling of looming danger. I love my bike and hope I never have to give it up, but if I do, I think I'll buy an MX-5.
Great video - glad you enjoyed it! I can’t get enough of this car, it’s just got more & more fun with every mod. I think I might stop here though, it now feels 'right'. Thanks for the shout out 😎
Thanks so much again, @nightfalldrives it was such an incredible drive - greater than the sum of its parts! And I have to agree, beyond playing around with shorter gearknobs or tiny interior changes I'd leave it alone and enjoy as it's frankly flawless! Thanks again and can't wait to get the Lotus video out!
@@phoneroniyes BBR put it on the dyno after fitting the upgrades, 207.8bhp. I wanted a same-day service so didn’t have time for a pre-fitting reference dyno, however. It feels exactly as I’d hoped, all the way through the rev range there is far more eagerness & excitement.
Had 3 mx5s . Mk2.5 charged , mk3 bbr super200 and mk3 fully forged turbo running around 300/300lbft. Most enjoyable one was bbr . Just right amount of power combined with chassis mods it was pure hoot to drive and hold its own on track days against cars with more poke . After few years gap from cars in general I'm going to be purchasing another one very soon , however it will be 2.5 conversion with cams and rest of supporting mods . More poke , more torque same money .
I have this car, Took it to BBR in Feb 2022 and it’s been brilliant. I’ve added a few others tasteful mods and it’s just such a brilliant car, The GT exhaust sounds fab and the power is enough for the Peak District roads. Just had the realignment carried out at Roddisons and now as good as ever. Yes you could buy a Boxster and maybe it’s a more thrilling car overall, but everyone’s likes an MX and they are reliability and looks wise (IMO) very easy to live with. You’re right a standard MX is fine, in fact wonderful but that’s the beauty of a MX as you can go as far as you want with modding. You can replace the side repeaters for £17 or go wild. I think there’s a bit of snobbery about the MX from some quarters, but i think it’s becoming a classless car as anyone can love them. I’m about to buy a stock Lexus LS400 to go from one extreme to another. Keeping the 5 of course. Oh yes great video.
@@sayanpal9491 Hi, Meister CRD (BBR came first) new set of decent tyres, Pioneer double din head unit, full rust treatment, wheel refurb, PHRT roof switch (£350 but worth it), Roddisons brake pads. Good car and a lot of fun.
Fan of the channel and your style of reviewing - very honest, down to earth, and always looking for underrated/"sleepers"/underappreciated/underdog cars. I'm that sort of person myself too, when it comes to everything - not just cars. That said, I would love to see an S2000 review from you one day. Especially given your love for the MX-5 - I bet it will be an awesome, 30+ min review, as you'll be able to say a ton of things and make parallels with the Miata.
The channel relies on generous owners giving their time and cars. I would imagine the S2000 would be pretty high on the list if there is ever the opportunity.
This is such a great comment thank you so much mate. Hugely appreciated! And I'd die to review a nicely sorted S2000, it's a bucketlist car to experience and as a big fan of them I'm curious as to how they compare to this and if their skyrocketed values are still good value for money!
Great video. I've already talked to the staff at BBR re the 200 kit for my 2011 nc2, I will pull the trigger in the next few months, just need to save a little more, thanks for sharing. John
Thanks so much mate, you have to go and experience one, they're just brilliant! Can't wait to put the GT4 video out too! You'll be glad to know I've slipped one flyby clip in the upcoming Lotus video!
Jeeez I remember when you sold your last MX5, I loved the grey Sport Tech folding hardtop. my intention was to source a clean grey Sport Tech folding hardtop and send it to BBR for the Sport 200 conversion. To me that would be the sweet spot for a car of this size and weight! I will continue to pursue that combination, great video, cheers Seamus
Ahhh wish I’d have known you were looking to drive one! I’d have let you drive my BBR200 - just picked it up. It’s my second MX5 in 12 months, caught the bug from your videos! 30k miles, BBR200, 2011 sport tech. If you ever want to make another video on the matter drop me a message 🤘🤘
@@petrolpoodle I’m really curious how it stacks against the S2K, was trying to find how the torque curve differs between the two cars. I imagine the S2K is lighter so it’s probably quite even!
@@purple-porker-productions update!! I didn’t get the 2013 but I did pick up a red 07 with everything I could want minus the retractable hardtop but that fine but I’m currently 2.5 engine swapping due to it having bad engine so I can’t wait to get some money to get things started.
Absolute great review! 👌 You completely smashed it with this video mate. I couldn’t agree more… The opinion and foresight on this option as a drivers car. was right on the money! Great work as always mate. 👍
Just a side note on one of your videos your boot only became accessible by the key,look inside the boot roughly inline with number plate there is a square moulding with a button in the middle,press it and disables the remote opening,press it again it becomes remotely available,stupid placement as luggage can easily depress it.
As a P car enthusiast, I will always gravitate towards flat six BoxEngine, however when I retire I may consider a BBR, fun to drive modestly tuned and cost effective to run. Nice 😊
Thanks for this video! Looking to buy a 2nd hand 1.8/2.0 NC and then send it to BBR for the Stage 1 Supercharger (along with coilovers etc), but it's good to know that a 220 or 225 package may be enough considering the driving I'll be doing. And also good to know that the stock car will be perfectly acceptable until I can afford it!
My nc1 has meister r coilovers and a racing beat exhaust and remap that my friend the previous owner had done at the now demised blink motorsport in Cheshire. It was denoted at 180 bhp----at the hubs----so I'm guessing it's more like the bbr 180 kit than the 200 but I love it to bits 😊 problem is that as usual post covid circumstances mean that a job change has meant a lot of a additional mileage and the car is now on 125k----I'm now torn between selling which I know from the content in this video will be gutting or putting it on sorn which is fidly and problematic----ideally would like to do that and itb it as well like the bbr 225 but that is going to be triple what the car is worth----and also I'd like to buy cheap citroen 2cv which would be propably similar in price terms 😂 bloody hell need more money 💰 😂.
SORN and give it fire and theft insurance! I once SORNd mine and I think it was going to be £90 for the entire year. Well worth it and you can save on tax etc whilst you wait for the right time :)
Im considering one of these next as i dont use my Elise enough, its hard to see a better car for the money. The base kit is around £2000 isnt it which to be fair isnt bad money for the gain it offers. An S2000 is another contender but they are silly money now.
Oh you totally need to experience a well-sorted one like this! I'm reviewing an S1 Elise for the channel very soon, so do subscribe and I'll make a point of comparing it to this for ya!
@@aaronobrien7821 more torque by a long way though! As they say, horsepower sells cars and torque wins races 😂. In all seriousness though, I love an S2000! The Mazda is just a better balanced car and has much more usable power even stock than dailying the (more special) S2000. Love that 9k redline though!
I have regrets in the sense of missing it and the car doing nothing wrong haha! I made the right call in my life going self employed and using the money for a buffer/lower overheads to get started, but man I miss drives like these!!
For £10-12k, a well sorted MX5 NC2 BBR 200, or similar millage and condition Porsche 987S 3.4 Boxter or Cayman. Which one would you pick? Would really appreciate your help.
It's a really tough question, for me I think it'd depend on if this is my first and only car or whether it's my second car. The Cayman would be SUCH a superb daily having all that extra comfort, practicality and usability. But it'd have mini Porsche 911 running costs and the first gen Caymans were still running the engines with a few issues. Not enough to stop me buying them but I know I'd need an extra 3-4k in the bank ready. A friend bought a 14k Cayman S in beautiful condition and immediately got hit with a £6,000 bill in his first few months! As a car (or the Boxster included) they're sensational cars and value but also the ownership experience is one I think everyone needs extra money for. For pure joy and just WOW factor of how much fun I've had driving, this MX-5 in the video easily beats the Boxsters I've driven. I've just reviewed a Cayman GT4 and for fun I'm having a very hard time choosing! The fact I can even compare them (joy and driving dynamics wise) is a testament to the MX-5. If your top end budget is 10-12k and you purely want a second car for fun where you can get by with the smaller practicality of the MX-5, I think it wins for me! If your budget is 10-12 and you need one only, try to spend a bit less but have 3k ready for your Cayman!
@@petrolpoodle it will be my second car as I have an Alfa Giulietta QV as my daily practical car. Yes the ownership and maintenance cost of an 18 years old Porsche does concern me when I could get a NC3.75 that is 7-8 years newer while having just as much fun for alot less in maintenance cost. Thank you for your input.
I would have the Porsche. If I was choosing between the MX5 BBR200 and my 986 2.5 Boxster, I would say that the MX5 is more exciting but then it's also 10 years younger and felt lovely and tight. I would possibly swap but maybe only for running cost sake. If I was spending £10k plus, then a 987 for sure. Bare in mind I love my German cars, I really think this is a personal taste thing, they are both brilliant cars.
@marcowong7 you have to be careful with the engine issues and do your homework. They do require some expensive jobs as they get older. For me if your spending £12k it would be the NC. I'm a Porsche fan and have considered a Boxster/Cayman but still think the NC is the sensible buy.
@@Izzy111R yeah I have done my home work, if I'm getting a 3.2 Cayman or boxter it must have had the IMS bearing upgraded, and for the 3.4 it will get bore scope before. Either option I will pay for PPI. However, I am now more inclined to go MX5 BBR200 due to thr maintenance concern. I alresdy have an Alfa and my wallet can't handle two cars with questionable reliability haha
The BBR200 kit is £2800 fitted and the Meister Zeta CRD Coilovers are £1400 fitted approx. On the exhaust Front, I have the cobalt backbox without any drone. One can save ~£800 for a similar experience/gains by keeping the stock midpipe and choosing cobalt or piper backbox instead of BBR. Any recommendations for coilover fitting and alignment around Kent or nearby areas?
Go to the MX-5 restorers in Polegate/Eastbourne! They did my second fun alignment - the first was F'in brilliant from a Kent based company who no longer do them but the second by these guys was absolutely exemplary (technically a garage they're connected to round the corner but honestly it was sensational!)
@@petrolpoodle :Thanks for the recommendation. I wasn't sure as they do the alignment with a third party. I will book an appointment next month. I did the underseal and a full service with them in June.
Well the owner of this MX-5 drove the S2000 (If I'm remembering correctly that it was him, I had 2 hours sleep) and I seem to recall he said the lack of torque made it feel really unspecial to drive unless it was at its highest revs. I actually know someone who bought an S2000 and gave it back to the dealer quite quickly because the lack of torque got on their nerves and they opted for I think a Boxster at the time or something similar. But once they're up to 9000 I think it'd be hard to argue at that point haha!
At 2:38 you show a 2.0 super charged skyactiv nd engine? Anyway, have you tried a BBR stage 2 turbo'd nc.? I got an NC fully forged BBR turbo (321bhp @ at 0.6 bar boost, could run a ot more boost). Ohlins coil overs.etc. This is where the real fun begins. Expensive but there is nothing in my opinion that matchs it for the money, and i have owned big horse power Supra's, Skylines and Silvia's. 🤪
Ahhhh this edit was handled by my very kind cousin and that day we were running behind schedule so I skipped shooting the engine B roll! Well spotted! I'd absolutely LOVE to experience a turbo'd NC, I still haven't! I've heard they are absolutely bonkers! If you have one that you'd like to see on the channel, let me know! petrolpoodle@gmail.com
Thanks very much mate! I know as a moment in life (leaving my old job and going freelance) it was the right thing to pop 6K in the bank, buy new kit, remove overheads and remove risk of repairs etc. So overall no regrets, but man alive driving this made me miss it SO much! And also a few drives with friends on a car day out and I'm like....DAMN! Hahaha I would love to have another but I also think my next car purchase should feel like a new experience, even if technically the MX-5 is more capable and satisfying hahaha. I just love new car ownership experiences!
@@petrolpoodle fair enough always nice to change it up. I’m planning on getting an NC MX5 assuming I can make myself fit 😬 and plan to do some of the BBR kit myself
Hey mate thanks for the kind words! It was always an intention and I did actually have a date pencilled in with the MX-5 Restorers to get it properly done (using my own MX-5) but in the end that fell through and I ended up selling the car before I could do it. I've thought about it since as I'd love to do it but at the same time I can't decide whether it would stand out/be a touch off-brand for what I usually put out on the channel. Could be worth a shot to see how it goes!
I went to motorcycles a few years ago for several reasons, but one reason I did stick with it was cheap sports performance that my tall frame can fit on (6'6"). But I've always wanted to try an MX-5 and every time I see something like this I keep thinking "there must be a way I can make myself fit." If anyone has any input on this, do share.
The coilovers because they're sooo transformational to the handling but also I personally wouldn't recommend doing the BBR stuff without them as I think you want a more stable platform with the extra power. That feels like the best way round to me but I'm sure there are BBR owners who'd vouch you're good to stay stock with suspension if you don't go too far up the BBR power tree haha!
@@petrolpoodle : Seems I'm on the right path..Getting the coilovers first. I always wanted to get the BBR Super 200 even before I got the car. However, now I feel that I don't need any extra power indeed for road use. And I spent too much modifying my last car.
Love the setup but it's not worth the BBR super 200 kit imo. You can get just the manifold for £580 + fitting, which gives about 194hp after a tune. Not gonna spend £2000 for 6hp.
@@CHEEKYlad_lol it's true you can get most of the way there for quite a bit less £, my dyno reading is 207.8 bhp and without the cams from the 200 kit (about £1k) it'd have been 20bhp less with the BBR tune. A chunk of my expense was for the sound, not essential but I wanted a full system which had been tried & tested in that configuration. Very happy with the results.
@NightfallDrives personally I dont think it's bad value for N/A tuning. There is a rather nice red BBR Turbo car on Autotrader recently for £10k that looked great too but maybe that's too much power for the car.
@@Izzy111R yes, I'm sure a turbo would be fun in a new way, but I don't feel like mine needs any more power and it retains all the character & drivability of the original setup.
I've just come across a 2009 NC2 with a BBR200 for sale which I'm looking to view ASAP. It's on 80k miles, and has really nice mods like Meister Rs, OZ wheels, brakes, (2.0 so has the LSD, etc) and PS4s, is up for £7750. What do you reckon?
I think I've seen this exact one funnily enough 😂! It's grey right? It looks SO good! I'd check you're happy with its gaps of history (mine had gaps and I was satisfied it was looked after regularly enough and did low mileage on those gaps anyway). Check for rust and then I'd go for it!
@petrolpoodle6617 haha yes that's the one. It's really hard to guage values, a BBR200 recently sold on ebay (bidding) for £5250 a similar year. I'm happy to overpay slightly, and he's had lots of interest. Difficult one!
@petrolpoodle6617 it also has 2 advisories on the latest MOT for subframe corrosion but not structural, which is a real shame, but I'm thinking most of them have it and can be fixed at a later stage worst case... 😬😬😬👍
@@Mrbikertomtom if you do end up going for it I'd actually get the rust sorted straight away as bad examples do end up writing the car off. I always said I was gonna do it in 6 months and then 3 years passed 😂. But tbf mine was super rust free when I bought it, I was just going to do preventive treatment
Sorry for the late reply! Personally, I'd lean towards a 2.0 Sport Tech wherever possible because you get so many improvements for not much difference in price. If you found one with incredibly low mileage and 0 rust for this price and you're happy, then that's all that matters! You'd still love it!
@@petrolpoodle hey thanks for your reply, means a lot. I think that's out of the question for me due to the ridiculous road tax. The 1.8L is what I want however I've seen one for sale for 6k but it's previously been treated for rust on the underbody.
Sorry, I didn't include that info on-screen! The full setup (including all segments of exhaust system) are in the bio but it is indeed the cat manifold :)
Ultimately though if you have 25 to 30k to spend on a fun car, an MX-5 is still just incredibly hard to beat - and the power figures *feel* so much higher because they weigh piss all. So as long as the driver is having a great time, I think they're incredible value still. But yeah, it would be nice in an ideal world to have a touch more!
I bought and paid to have this kit installed and tune and I have to say it is absolutely garbage. Basically you lose all low end power, the car doesn't feel any faster and according to the 2 different dyno places I took it to it makes maybe 5-10 more HP and torque than before. Overall don't waste your money on this kit.
It sounds like something went wrong with your installation or that your car has an issue, the difference was enormous to me and owners who've installed the kit all seem thrilled. Was it installed by BBR themselves?
A few notes! My 2 hours of sleep from insomnia the prior night meant I got a couple of bits wrong and or/bits I'd like to now add:
- It's a 4-into-1 EXHAUST manifold that opens up the bottleneck in the engine.
- Sorry again for the autofocus gaff, being exhausted I didn't spot that my AF settings were still set from a sports job requiring absurd sensitivity! I had tapped on my face before starting but it decided my hand was more lively haha!
- One thing I said in a different take and wish I'd kept in the final cut - BBR is such a desirable company to modify MX-5s that in 99% of cases you find that BBR-modified cars sell for more than their stock equivalents. So the cost isn't a complete loss and something I would do your own research into on eBay, for example.
- Random nugget to just add is that the owner Doug has this alongside his Lotus Evora S but its this one that he chooses to take on track for fun!
What did I miss? What else did I mess up from my sleep deprivation?
Check out @nightfalldrives
Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=136926892
Thanks for all the info. I bought a very tidy 1.8 two months ago. A dream come true for a 71 yr old .spent money on underseal and a cover as it's parked outside (UK) now saving for suspension upgrades and eventually a power upgrade 😊
No point for power upgrades on 1.8 I'm afraid. Just do suspension orientated upgrades and enjoy it.
@@mantazini can you explain why a BBR 185 is no good for the 1.8 I would be interested to know
@@peteromara642 forget him, you're not gonna live forever, buy what you want.
@@peteromara642 power upgrade go for a exhaust manifold 4-1, panel filter, silicone intake hose with sound tube delete and remap. It's gonna give you around 30hp
@@Maro2196 cool.... ta
My favourite description of an MX-5 came from my friend (who owns an ND) who said "they're basically motorbikes for people with an intact sense of self preservation" and, as a motorbike owner, I'd have to agree. There's something about a small, light, nimble soft top that gives a very similar sense of freedom and speed that a bike gives you, without the slightly icy feeling of looming danger.
I love my bike and hope I never have to give it up, but if I do, I think I'll buy an MX-5.
That is absolutely brilliant hahaha!
I had exactly the same feeling
Mazda distilled driving fun with the MX-5. There should be rental fleets with only these cars for holiday.
If it wasn't for the abysmal trunks, there might've been :(
It's hard to argue against this, it looks like one of the funnest ways to travel through country lanes at any budget - let alone a semi sensible one!
I've driven far more expensive cars that have made me laugh and smile 25% as much!
Great video - glad you enjoyed it!
I can’t get enough of this car, it’s just got more & more fun with every mod. I think I might stop here though, it now feels 'right'. Thanks for the shout out 😎
Thanks so much again, @nightfalldrives it was such an incredible drive - greater than the sum of its parts! And I have to agree, beyond playing around with shorter gearknobs or tiny interior changes I'd leave it alone and enjoy as it's frankly flawless!
Thanks again and can't wait to get the Lotus video out!
It's a lovely little car, cracking fun. Thank you so much for letting me have a go.
@@purple-porker-productions no problem, it was a fun afternoon 👍😎
@@NightfallDrivesdid you dyno your car , and what do you feel about the change to bbr?
@@phoneroniyes BBR put it on the dyno after fitting the upgrades, 207.8bhp. I wanted a same-day service so didn’t have time for a pre-fitting reference dyno, however. It feels exactly as I’d hoped, all the way through the rev range there is far more eagerness & excitement.
Had 3 mx5s . Mk2.5 charged , mk3 bbr super200 and mk3 fully forged turbo running around 300/300lbft. Most enjoyable one was bbr . Just right amount of power combined with chassis mods it was pure hoot to drive and hold its own on track days against cars with more poke .
After few years gap from cars in general I'm going to be purchasing another one very soon , however it will be 2.5 conversion with cams and rest of supporting mods . More poke , more torque same money .
I have this car, Took it to BBR in Feb 2022 and it’s been brilliant. I’ve added a few others tasteful mods and it’s just such a brilliant car, The GT exhaust sounds fab and the power is enough for the Peak District roads. Just had the realignment carried out at Roddisons and now as good as ever. Yes you could buy a Boxster and maybe it’s a more thrilling car overall, but everyone’s likes an MX and they are reliability and looks wise (IMO) very easy to live with. You’re right a standard MX is fine, in fact wonderful but that’s the beauty of a MX as you can go as far as you want with modding. You can replace the side repeaters for £17 or go wild. I think there’s a bit of snobbery about the MX from some quarters, but i think it’s becoming a classless car as anyone can love them. I’m about to buy a stock Lexus LS400 to go from one extreme to another. Keeping the 5 of course. Oh yes great video.
what other mods??
@@sayanpal9491 Hi, Meister CRD (BBR came first) new set of decent tyres, Pioneer double din head unit, full rust treatment, wheel refurb, PHRT roof switch (£350 but worth it), Roddisons brake pads. Good car and a lot of fun.
@@ndsd04 :I got exactly the same mods apart from brake pads. Looking to get the coilovers next month..
Brilliantly put! And thank you very much!
@@sayanpal9491did you get the coilovers?
Fan of the channel and your style of reviewing - very honest, down to earth, and always looking for underrated/"sleepers"/underappreciated/underdog cars. I'm that sort of person myself too, when it comes to everything - not just cars.
That said, I would love to see an S2000 review from you one day. Especially given your love for the MX-5 - I bet it will be an awesome, 30+ min review, as you'll be able to say a ton of things and make parallels with the Miata.
The channel relies on generous owners giving their time and cars. I would imagine the S2000 would be pretty high on the list if there is ever the opportunity.
This is such a great comment thank you so much mate. Hugely appreciated!
And I'd die to review a nicely sorted S2000, it's a bucketlist car to experience and as a big fan of them I'm curious as to how they compare to this and if their skyrocketed values are still good value for money!
Great video. I've already talked to the staff at BBR re the 200 kit for my 2011 nc2, I will pull the trigger in the next few months, just need to save a little more, thanks for sharing. John
Thanks very much mate and if you can afford it, you absolutely have to go for it!
I'm getting a Super 180 conversion, for my stormy blue NC, in a couple of days and your video has me even more hyped. Fantastic video!
@@Tom32ka that will certainly bring it to life, enjoy 👍😎
Let me know what you think! I'd love to know if the 180 feels nicely significant!
Mate so glad you've test a Super 200 now! I think they're the perfect sports car. God I want one even more now.
Ohhh mate it's haunting my dreams still today!
Cracking video again, might buy Pam one for her 50th, promising her I’ll not smash it round Donington for a few laps on the odd evening 😊
Do it!
Thanks so much mate, you have to go and experience one, they're just brilliant! Can't wait to put the GT4 video out too! You'll be glad to know I've slipped one flyby clip in the upcoming Lotus video!
As we speak a BBR 175 kit is being added to my nc 1.8, really exciting to drive it 😀
Oooooooo this is hugely exciting, congratulations, a great move!
Jeeez I remember when you sold your last MX5, I loved the grey Sport Tech folding hardtop. my intention was to source a clean grey Sport Tech folding hardtop and send it to BBR for the Sport 200 conversion. To me that would be the sweet spot for a car of this size and weight! I will continue to pursue that combination, great video, cheers Seamus
Thanks very much Seamus! And if you have the means, then please do, you won't regret it!
Ahhh wish I’d have known you were looking to drive one! I’d have let you drive my BBR200 - just picked it up. It’s my second MX5 in 12 months, caught the bug from your videos! 30k miles, BBR200, 2011 sport tech. If you ever want to make another video on the matter drop me a message 🤘🤘
Picked it up for just over £7k, bargain!
Ohhhh mate that's so kind of you, thank you sir!
If I manage to get an S2000 on the channel it'd be really fun to do a head-to-head with yours!
@@petrolpoodle I’m really curious how it stacks against the S2K, was trying to find how the torque curve differs between the two cars. I imagine the S2K is lighter so it’s probably quite even!
I’m hoping my na Miata sales so that I can purchase a 2013 nc Miata so that I can get a bbr kit in the future.. if I get the nc.
You won't regret it
@@purple-porker-productions update!! I didn’t get the 2013 but I did pick up a red 07 with everything I could want minus the retractable hardtop but that fine but I’m currently 2.5 engine swapping due to it having bad engine so I can’t wait to get some money to get things started.
I absolutely love your videos! I have a Miata that's an ND, it's a 2020 RF GT and I absolutely love it, the Miata is a really great sports car.
Thank you so much mate, this is a delightful comment to read!
And your 2020 RF GT has me green with envy! I'd absolutely love dailying one of these!
Absolute great review! 👌
You completely smashed it with this video mate.
I couldn’t agree more…
The opinion and foresight on this option as a drivers car. was right on the money!
Great work as always mate. 👍
Thanks so much mate, it's comments like these that really make my day. Hugely appreciated!
I like mine at about 180bhp, definitely need meisters next 😅
Just a side note on one of your videos your boot only became accessible by the key,look inside the boot roughly inline with number plate there is a square moulding with a button in the middle,press it and disables the remote opening,press it again it becomes remotely available,stupid placement as luggage can easily depress it.
As a P car enthusiast, I will always gravitate towards flat six BoxEngine, however when I retire I may consider a BBR, fun to drive modestly tuned and cost effective to run. Nice 😊
Please do seek out driving one of these if you can!
Thanks for this video! Looking to buy a 2nd hand 1.8/2.0 NC and then send it to BBR for the Stage 1 Supercharger (along with coilovers etc), but it's good to know that a 220 or 225 package may be enough considering the driving I'll be doing. And also good to know that the stock car will be perfectly acceptable until I can afford it!
Thank you very much mate and that'll be an incredible car!
As always an awesome breakdown and well shot review!! Loved the break up analogy 😂. Great work brother
Hahahaha thanks very much mate, I was quite pleased with that one I have to be honest! Thanks matey!
I have driven this car. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. Would I sell my 986 Boxster? Maybe.
I haven't stopped thinking about it!
@@petrolpoodle I think you would have to go ND BBR, for the content.
My nc1 has meister r coilovers and a racing beat exhaust and remap that my friend the previous owner had done at the now demised blink motorsport in Cheshire. It was denoted at 180 bhp----at the hubs----so I'm guessing it's more like the bbr 180 kit than the 200 but I love it to bits 😊 problem is that as usual post covid circumstances mean that a job change has meant a lot of a additional mileage and the car is now on 125k----I'm now torn between selling which I know from the content in this video will be gutting or putting it on sorn which is fidly and problematic----ideally would like to do that and itb it as well like the bbr 225 but that is going to be triple what the car is worth----and also I'd like to buy cheap citroen 2cv which would be propably similar in price terms 😂 bloody hell need more money 💰 😂.
SORN and give it fire and theft insurance! I once SORNd mine and I think it was going to be £90 for the entire year. Well worth it and you can save on tax etc whilst you wait for the right time :)
@@petrolpoodle thanks for the advice
Sounds really good!
Im considering one of these next as i dont use my Elise enough, its hard to see a better car for the money. The base kit is around £2000 isnt it which to be fair isnt bad money for the gain it offers. An S2000 is another contender but they are silly money now.
Oh you totally need to experience a well-sorted one like this! I'm reviewing an S1 Elise for the channel very soon, so do subscribe and I'll make a point of comparing it to this for ya!
This car and kit is more than than an s2000 for less power lol
@@aaronobrien7821 more torque by a long way though! As they say, horsepower sells cars and torque wins races 😂.
In all seriousness though, I love an S2000! The Mazda is just a better balanced car and has much more usable power even stock than dailying the (more special) S2000. Love that 9k redline though!
I did think you’d made a mistake selling yours. I can’t sell mine although I have bought some other cars in the meantime.
I have regrets in the sense of missing it and the car doing nothing wrong haha! I made the right call in my life going self employed and using the money for a buffer/lower overheads to get started, but man I miss drives like these!!
For £10-12k, a well sorted MX5 NC2 BBR 200, or similar millage and condition Porsche 987S 3.4 Boxter or Cayman. Which one would you pick? Would really appreciate your help.
It's a really tough question, for me I think it'd depend on if this is my first and only car or whether it's my second car. The Cayman would be SUCH a superb daily having all that extra comfort, practicality and usability. But it'd have mini Porsche 911 running costs and the first gen Caymans were still running the engines with a few issues. Not enough to stop me buying them but I know I'd need an extra 3-4k in the bank ready. A friend bought a 14k Cayman S in beautiful condition and immediately got hit with a £6,000 bill in his first few months! As a car (or the Boxster included) they're sensational cars and value but also the ownership experience is one I think everyone needs extra money for.
For pure joy and just WOW factor of how much fun I've had driving, this MX-5 in the video easily beats the Boxsters I've driven. I've just reviewed a Cayman GT4 and for fun I'm having a very hard time choosing! The fact I can even compare them (joy and driving dynamics wise) is a testament to the MX-5.
If your top end budget is 10-12k and you purely want a second car for fun where you can get by with the smaller practicality of the MX-5, I think it wins for me!
If your budget is 10-12 and you need one only, try to spend a bit less but have 3k ready for your Cayman!
@@petrolpoodle it will be my second car as I have an Alfa Giulietta QV as my daily practical car.
Yes the ownership and maintenance cost of an 18 years old Porsche does concern me when I could get a NC3.75 that is 7-8 years newer while having just as much fun for alot less in maintenance cost.
Thank you for your input.
I would have the Porsche. If I was choosing between the MX5 BBR200 and my 986 2.5 Boxster, I would say that the MX5 is more exciting but then it's also 10 years younger and felt lovely and tight. I would possibly swap but maybe only for running cost sake. If I was spending £10k plus, then a 987 for sure. Bare in mind I love my German cars, I really think this is a personal taste thing, they are both brilliant cars.
@marcowong7 you have to be careful with the engine issues and do your homework.
They do require some expensive jobs as they get older.
For me if your spending £12k it would be the NC.
I'm a Porsche fan and have considered a Boxster/Cayman but still think the NC is the sensible buy.
@@Izzy111R yeah I have done my home work, if I'm getting a 3.2 Cayman or boxter it must have had the IMS bearing upgraded, and for the 3.4 it will get bore scope before. Either option I will pay for PPI. However, I am now more inclined to go MX5 BBR200 due to thr maintenance concern. I alresdy have an Alfa and my wallet can't handle two cars with questionable reliability haha
The BBR200 kit is £2800 fitted and the Meister Zeta CRD Coilovers are £1400 fitted approx. On the exhaust Front, I have the cobalt backbox without any drone. One can save ~£800 for a similar experience/gains by keeping the stock midpipe and choosing cobalt or piper backbox instead of BBR.
Any recommendations for coilover fitting and alignment around Kent or nearby areas?
Go to the MX-5 restorers in Polegate/Eastbourne! They did my second fun alignment - the first was F'in brilliant from a Kent based company who no longer do them but the second by these guys was absolutely exemplary (technically a garage they're connected to round the corner but honestly it was sensational!)
@@petrolpoodle :Thanks for the recommendation. I wasn't sure as they do the alignment with a third party. I will book an appointment next month. I did the underseal and a full service with them in June.
S2000 killer, that's a bold claim! 240bhp 9,000rpm VTEC screamer
Well the owner of this MX-5 drove the S2000 (If I'm remembering correctly that it was him, I had 2 hours sleep) and I seem to recall he said the lack of torque made it feel really unspecial to drive unless it was at its highest revs. I actually know someone who bought an S2000 and gave it back to the dealer quite quickly because the lack of torque got on their nerves and they opted for I think a Boxster at the time or something similar.
But once they're up to 9000 I think it'd be hard to argue at that point haha!
At 2:38 you show a 2.0 super charged skyactiv nd engine? Anyway, have you tried a BBR stage 2 turbo'd nc.? I got an NC fully forged BBR turbo (321bhp @ at 0.6 bar boost, could run a ot more boost). Ohlins coil overs.etc. This is where the real fun begins. Expensive but there is nothing in my opinion that matchs it for the money, and i have owned big horse power Supra's, Skylines and Silvia's. 🤪
Ahhhh this edit was handled by my very kind cousin and that day we were running behind schedule so I skipped shooting the engine B roll! Well spotted!
I'd absolutely LOVE to experience a turbo'd NC, I still haven't! I've heard they are absolutely bonkers! If you have one that you'd like to see on the channel, let me know! petrolpoodle@gmail.com
Another brilliant video regret sell your MX5? Considering buying another?
Thanks very much mate!
I know as a moment in life (leaving my old job and going freelance) it was the right thing to pop 6K in the bank, buy new kit, remove overheads and remove risk of repairs etc. So overall no regrets, but man alive driving this made me miss it SO much! And also a few drives with friends on a car day out and I'm like....DAMN! Hahaha
I would love to have another but I also think my next car purchase should feel like a new experience, even if technically the MX-5 is more capable and satisfying hahaha. I just love new car ownership experiences!
@@petrolpoodle fair enough always nice to change it up. I’m planning on getting an NC MX5 assuming I can make myself fit 😬 and plan to do some of the BBR kit myself
@@AK_0000 you won't regret it! They're absolutely superb machines, incredible when tuned as you can see 😂!
Hi, you mentioned doing a buyer's guide for this car in the review video. Is that still happening? Ta. Keep up the content mate
Hey mate thanks for the kind words!
It was always an intention and I did actually have a date pencilled in with the MX-5 Restorers to get it properly done (using my own MX-5) but in the end that fell through and I ended up selling the car before I could do it. I've thought about it since as I'd love to do it but at the same time I can't decide whether it would stand out/be a touch off-brand for what I usually put out on the channel. Could be worth a shot to see how it goes!
I went to motorcycles a few years ago for several reasons, but one reason I did stick with it was cheap sports performance that my tall frame can fit on (6'6"). But I've always wanted to try an MX-5 and every time I see something like this I keep thinking "there must be a way I can make myself fit."
If anyone has any input on this, do share.
I hope a motorcyclist can help you answer this! Fingers crossed! Perhaps a Google of similar terms will find people in forums who've had these chats?
I went the whole hog...Rocketeer baby ! 😀 cannot wait !.
Holy hell that's going to be sensational!
do those kits work on automatic mx5's (I know it's a sin before everyone piles on)
Yes mate
What you would have done first? The Meister Coilovers or BBR 200/180?
The coilovers because they're sooo transformational to the handling but also I personally wouldn't recommend doing the BBR stuff without them as I think you want a more stable platform with the extra power. That feels like the best way round to me but I'm sure there are BBR owners who'd vouch you're good to stay stock with suspension if you don't go too far up the BBR power tree haha!
@@petrolpoodle : Seems I'm on the right path..Getting the coilovers first. I always wanted to get the BBR Super 200 even before I got the car. However, now I feel that I don't need any extra power indeed for road use. And I spent too much modifying my last car.
can you look at th3 ND
I would love to see one of these on the channel.
I'd be thrilled to! If you know anyone with one, please let me know!
@@petrolpoodle try BBR they should have some test cars
Love the setup but it's not worth the BBR super 200 kit imo. You can get just the manifold for £580 + fitting, which gives about 194hp after a tune. Not gonna spend £2000 for 6hp.
@@CHEEKYlad_lol it's true you can get most of the way there for quite a bit less £, my dyno reading is 207.8 bhp and without the cams from the 200 kit (about £1k) it'd have been 20bhp less with the BBR tune. A chunk of my expense was for the sound, not essential but I wanted a full system which had been tried & tested in that configuration. Very happy with the results.
It's a very valid point, but on the other hand, if a jobs worth doing.....
@NightfallDrives personally I dont think it's bad value for N/A tuning. There is a rather nice red BBR Turbo car on Autotrader recently for £10k that looked great too but maybe that's too much power for the car.
@@Izzy111R yes, I'm sure a turbo would be fun in a new way, but I don't feel like mine needs any more power and it retains all the character & drivability of the original setup.
@NightfallDrives Maybe I didn't understand correctly. Do you have the cams changed or not? Is this only a manifold and tune?
Did you mean exhaust manifold, rather than intake manifold?
@@sierrapapa1711 sorry, yes I did! That's the 2 hours of sleep coming to show its face again 😂! I shall add that to my pinned comment! Thank you
@@petrolpoodle and i meant inlet instead of intake manifold 😉
I've just come across a 2009 NC2 with a BBR200 for sale which I'm looking to view ASAP. It's on 80k miles, and has really nice mods like Meister Rs, OZ wheels, brakes, (2.0 so has the LSD, etc) and PS4s, is up for £7750. What do you reckon?
I think I've seen this exact one funnily enough 😂! It's grey right? It looks SO good! I'd check you're happy with its gaps of history (mine had gaps and I was satisfied it was looked after regularly enough and did low mileage on those gaps anyway). Check for rust and then I'd go for it!
@petrolpoodle6617 haha yes that's the one. It's really hard to guage values, a BBR200 recently sold on ebay (bidding) for £5250 a similar year. I'm happy to overpay slightly, and he's had lots of interest. Difficult one!
@petrolpoodle6617 it also has 2 advisories on the latest MOT for subframe corrosion but not structural, which is a real shame, but I'm thinking most of them have it and can be fixed at a later stage worst case... 😬😬😬👍
@@Mrbikertomtom if you do end up going for it I'd actually get the rust sorted straight away as bad examples do end up writing the car off. I always said I was gonna do it in 6 months and then 3 years passed 😂. But tbf mine was super rust free when I bought it, I was just going to do preventive treatment
@petrolpoodle6617 thanks man. Is subframes a costly job? 😬 I've had a mk1 in the past and managed 3 years too. Mk3s are very new to me!
Do BBR modify the Mk2 ( NB ) 1.8VVT MX5's? The NC sounds like a great drive, but I just couldn't live the with 'boaty' styling. Sorry NC owners!
Way better chassis than the nb..
Great, the plot thickens 😂
This made me properly laugh out loud hahahaha
Should you spend about £6k on a 2010 Miata Miyako 1.8l?
Sorry for the late reply!
Personally, I'd lean towards a 2.0 Sport Tech wherever possible because you get so many improvements for not much difference in price. If you found one with incredibly low mileage and 0 rust for this price and you're happy, then that's all that matters! You'd still love it!
@@petrolpoodle hey thanks for your reply, means a lot.
I think that's out of the question for me due to the ridiculous road tax.
The 1.8L is what I want however I've seen one for sale for 6k but it's previously been treated for rust on the underbody.
Can I ask is this a cat manifold or non cat? Sorry If I missed this.
Sorry, I didn't include that info on-screen! The full setup (including all segments of exhaust system) are in the bio but it is indeed the cat manifold :)
@@petrolpoodle Thanks for answering by question. Great video!
It's absurd how expensive ND is for 185bhp, should've been 200 from factory.
Ultimately though if you have 25 to 30k to spend on a fun car, an MX-5 is still just incredibly hard to beat - and the power figures *feel* so much higher because they weigh piss all. So as long as the driver is having a great time, I think they're incredible value still.
But yeah, it would be nice in an ideal world to have a touch more!
I bought and paid to have this kit installed and tune and I have to say it is absolutely garbage. Basically you lose all low end power, the car doesn't feel any faster and according to the 2 different dyno places I took it to it makes maybe 5-10 more HP and torque than before. Overall don't waste your money on this kit.
It sounds like something went wrong with your installation or that your car has an issue, the difference was enormous to me and owners who've installed the kit all seem thrilled. Was it installed by BBR themselves?
Need to stop watching these made we want to go for a blast in me nd2 Mrs is getting sick of me disappearing