Which donor

[mark1]

Hi
I am looking to purchase a donor.

Which is the best donor?

I'm sure this will have been asked before. I have searched and only found a couple of general references to this. If it's easier than replying please just point me in the direction of a previous thread addressing this.

I may have chance of a mk2.5 1.8 svt sport?
I believe this has a limited slip differential.

Would this model choice make a good donor?

Is there another model type that would be better

Thanks for any help. I just want to start with the best donor model possible.

Cheers.

Mark

[theancientone]

Buy the Mk2.5 1.8 Sport. LSD. Big brakes. 6 speed box... stronger than the 5 speed.
Sell the heated leather seats.
Check how much rust on the wishbones and subframes.

[mark1]

Thanks for that.

Is a mk2.5 1.8 svt sport the same as a mk2.5 1.8 sport?

Sorry if it's a silly question.

Cheers for any help.

Mark

[mark1]

Hi
Is a 2.5 ok with the Exocet kit?

I'm just checking that nothing needs modifying

Cheers

Mark

[gwnwar]

Might have trouble with the VVT on the cam cover hitting the bonnet..Newest body changes might have fix that..
Wait for others to chime in.. Were are you located..

[mawdo81]

Seat runners will need modifications where as (I believe) mk1 drop straight in. Also rad may be trickier to fit or need swapping for a mk1

[mark1]

Hi, thanks for this.

I am based in Blackburn, Lancashire

Cheers

Mark

[mark1]

Hi

So I guess I'm trying to work out which is the best donor that will not need any modifications?

I understand that a torson limited slip different is desirable, also 1.8 engine and probably six gears. I understand that the 2.5 svt sport also has big brakes (although theses could be added afterwards) and a lightweight flywheel.

Is there a donor that also meets these specifications but would not need any modifications?

Thank you

Mark

[mawdo81]

I'm no MX5 expert but the issues I've mentioned, and the bonnet are all "minor" in the world of kit cars ;-) I'd go with the one you've got your eye on. The Seat rails are an easy mod, or sell and buy mk1s. You may well want a new rad anyway, again sell the mk2.

As for the VTT - chance for a power bulge ;-)

[theancientone]

Our Exocet had a 2002 mk2.5 1.8 Sport engine (and drivetrain etc). Everything fits ok except the bonnet has to be lifted slightly to clear the engine.....or you could cut the bonnet as we've done for the intercooler pipes which are routed over the top of the radiator.

[mark1]

Hi

Which model's do not need the bonnet to be modified?

Cheers

Mark

[theancientone]

I, also, am not an MX5 (or any other kind of!) expert. But I think the answer to your question is that all Mk1s will not require the bonnet to be modified. And it might be that Mk2s don't either because of not having vvt.

[mark1]

Hi

Please can you point me in the direction of a build thread where they have modified the kit to allow for the VVT on a 1.8 Mk2.

I am trying to understand how severe the modification is and it is stopping me buying a donor and getting started.

Thank you for any assistance

Cheers

Mark

[mikeeyboy]

Do you mean the mk2.5 1.8? I am in the process of building from a mk2 1.8 and so far as I am aware the engine fits just fine, mine is in and running anyway!

On the mk2 the fuel tank and some other bits such as seat runners require a bit more messing around with as they are different.

My car is a 1998, I presume yours is newer?

[mark1]

Yes - Sorry I mean the Mk2.5 1.8 with VVT.

Can anybody point me in the direction of a build thread for one of these as I am trying to understand how severe the modification to the bonnet is as I don't want to cut a hole in the bonnet.

Cheers

Mark