NB vs NC
05-16-2014, 09:45 AM
#41
The big benefits of running an NC are the suspension geometry, tub stiffness, and the tyre choices. Apart from that, they are heavier and the MRZ has shown fragility at high levels of tune (though these issues have mostly been solved by the Playboy teams and later model engines), and the gearboxes (esp. pre 09 models) had some issues too (shift forks IIRC). When they're sorted though, they're damn quick.
I still think the earlier cars can be developed to compensate for their shortcomings. Custom control arms, drop spindles, etc can all be had now off the shelf to improve the geometry on NA/NB cars, and the bolt on options and weight reduction potential of the earlier cars mean they will always have the weight advantage over the NCs. The engines are cheaper and easier to tune, and sure is nice being able to pick an ECU off the shelf, plug it in, tune and go. Try that with an NC.
So yeah, NCs are quicker... But not by much, and bang for buck is still firmly with the NA/NB cars.
I still think the earlier cars can be developed to compensate for their shortcomings. Custom control arms, drop spindles, etc can all be had now off the shelf to improve the geometry on NA/NB cars, and the bolt on options and weight reduction potential of the earlier cars mean they will always have the weight advantage over the NCs. The engines are cheaper and easier to tune, and sure is nice being able to pick an ECU off the shelf, plug it in, tune and go. Try that with an NC.
So yeah, NCs are quicker... But not by much, and bang for buck is still firmly with the NA/NB cars.
Definitely though the NA/NB are cheaper.
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05-18-2014, 10:16 AM
#43
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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But I suppose it's possible. The "factory" Jota MX5 supposedly makes 200hp crank and with apparently exhaust upgrades only. Details are thin so I call BS on that claim too until we have some hard numbers.
The top end needs opening up, and there is no easy button square-top for NC. The dyno plots of the tuned cars follows the exact same shaped torque curve as stock - including the slope downward above 5500rpm.
Needs moar development.
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05-23-2014, 06:27 AM
#44
Pic related, that's our car:
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06-14-2014, 10:15 PM
#45
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Join Date: Sep 2011
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Nice! Getting aggressive on the curbs. The diff temps are high on the nc that is sure. For long term reliability you should 1 add a vent tube and hose run to the back of the car. 2 set the ring and pinion up with a little more lash than stock. 3 put some heat wrap on the exhaust where it runs next to the diff.4 run a diff cooler if you are going to run the mx-5 diff. Getting the R&P mico polished by Emco or the like can drop the temp by up to 50F! This could be enough to make it last on long runs if it's not a clutch pack diff. You can also fit a RX-8 diff and axles that is much larger but it takes some work. I hardly ever get on here so if you have any more questions send me a msg here. https://www.facebook.com/TXTrackNC
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06-18-2014, 03:44 PM
#47
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Join Date: Oct 2011
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Looks like I may be keeping the NC after all.
I parted out the NA track rat, since it seemed dumb to have $10k+ in a car I was going to use 6 weekends a year sucking up garage space.
I think we are going to sell the wife's car, she will drive the 4Runner, and I'll just turn the NC into a lightly modded street car that sees the occasional Auto-X.
I parted out the NA track rat, since it seemed dumb to have $10k+ in a car I was going to use 6 weekends a year sucking up garage space.
I think we are going to sell the wife's car, she will drive the 4Runner, and I'll just turn the NC into a lightly modded street car that sees the occasional Auto-X.
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