MX5 Turbo – The budget trackday weapon

Since 1989 Mazda have been churning out Mazda MX5′s, Mazda Miata’s and Eunos Roadsters, as fast as they could – and selling them! However, there has never really been a version with impressive performance.

You can fit a 550 BHP V8 in a Mazda MX5 and it’s still very driveable, as Monster Miata or their very happy USA based customers will testament.

The fact is, the MX5 chassis will take far more power than any of the luke-warm Mazda produced forced induction cars, such as the B-Spec Supercharged or the BBR Turbo. Even the 170 BHP Japanese issue MX5 Turbo doesn’t scratch the surface of the performance capabilities of the chassis.

If you are looking for a cheap, fun track-day car then a Mazda MX5 with aftermarket forced induction is a serious consideration. Buy a good donor car with low miles, for sub 3000, try to get a 1.8i manual – then throw another 3000 on forced induction, followed by 2000 on suspension and breaks and you have a serious trackday weapon for sub 10,000 which you can still drive to the shops.

You don’t really need to spend even that much, you could get an old MX5 or imported Eunos Roadster for 1000, fit a Turbo for 1500 and hey presto! You’re ready to have fun on a track in your own car!

If you’re daunted by the prospect of a modified car, don’t be. If you are over 25 and have a clean licence, insurance is affordable through specialists like Adrian Flux, if you are under 25 I don’t think you should be looking for a high performance car anyway.

There are many independant specialists through the world who can either supply with the needed parts to upgrade your cars performance and advice on fitting, or even better drop your car off with them for a fully fitted service, perhaps even including some form of basic warranty.

If you liked this piece and are interested in owning an MX5 Supercharged then why not read the MX5 Supercharged FAQ for a nuts and bolts explanation of the process along with how expensive it is and other ways to boost MX5 performance?