mx5 engine size query

Hi guys,

New the forum but eager to get going on building an endurance trial/multi venue spec mx5. I'm just wondering is there any recommendations in terms of the 1.6 or the 1.8 engine for such events? Do the 1.6's get left behind or are they able to achieve decent results? I understand there can be bhp difference between some jap and UK 1.6's so I'll be going down the jap route if I go for that engine size.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew. Keep your research going. Sports cars are outlawed from Endurance Trials from October 2017 (I think; if not 2018). Most of us go North for this sort of thing where there are some exceptional Targa events : Larne Lanes sold out to 80 in 24 hours ! (admittedly, the lanesy format is very attractive). The Mark 2.5 MX5's with all the toys are popular ; but Piers14 on here does well in his Mk1 1.6. There is more in the driver than the car but a properly set-up car is actually easier to drive than a standard spec one !

Check across with our Facebook page; it tends to get more reaction these days : the evolution of e-media, I suppose.

Good luck and keep in touch !

Tim

Hi Tim,

Many thanks for the reply. So does that mean mx5's are banned from endurance trials either this year or next? Did they not just make a new class for mx5's in the south for endurance trials?

Andrew; Welcome to the world of Irish Motorsport ! Your implication of perversity is correct !

And by the way, your MI licence cost just went up €50!

The long answer to your question requires you have a bit of understanding of the rules background, but. Appendix 35 of the Motorsport Ireland yearbook deals with Endurance Trials : cars are limited to 1.00 and 1.4 litre. To boost entries Night Nav cars (Appendix 33) , and Retro Trials Cars (Appendix 33 Article 29) are also allowed to participate but not win an Endurance Trial overall. An MX5 runs as a night nav car, so must be eligible under those rules

Appendix 33 Article 23.7.1. reads : -
Full or Partial Roll Cages are not normally required or encouraged
except where required in Sports cars as below. Where fitted, roll cages must
blend in with the appearance of the vehicle and be sufficiently padded to protect
the crew. Any diagonal bracing over level of bottom of glazing to be in one plane
only, i.e. 1 main diagonal or 1 "X" brace only allowed . 3 or 4 point safety harness
and rally seats must be used if roll cages or hoops are fitted. Any car without a
steel roof permanently attached to the bodyshell must be fitted with a full
roll cage.
23.7.2. Where a cage or hoop is fitted, it must be fitted with energy-absorbing
padding in the following locations:
• over front doors and over windscreen,
• for minimum 400mm down Front pillar,
• unless main hoop is at least 50mm to the rear of the front of the headrests,
for 400mm down leg of same.
Padding elsewhere free and optional. "Energy-absorbing" padding means
non-flammable purpose-made proprietary energy-absorbing (but not FIA
spec) padding, minimum 10mm uncompressed thickness, and with a
compressive resistance such that it will deform under strong thumb pressure
to (not by) between 60 & 80% of its unstressed thickness.
23.7.2a. With effect from 1 October 2018, Roll cages or hoops will not be
permitted on any Car taking part in a Navigation Trial. (exceptions may be
considered for period Cars on Retrospective Events - see 2018 Yearbook)
23.7.3. The wearing of helmets at any time during a Navigation Trial is
prohibited.

http://www.motorsportireland.com/Libraries/Yearbook_2017/MI_Yearbook_2017_App_33_web.sflb.ashx

Come along to an event and talk to us; we try to encourage newcomers.& good luck : I hope you find a solution to you questions : better ask than make the mistake and do the wrong thing. So, feel free to keep 'em coming.

Tim