Previously destined for the scrap yard, this MX5 is now almost ready to hit the track!

UK based owner, Emma Crombie, has not only lavishly customised the exterior look of her Rocketbunny turbo Mx5, she has undertaken a complete overhaul of the interior, suspension, brakes and engine. The 1992 Mazda MX-5 Eunos has recently had a brand new forged turbo engine transplanted into it. Designed with track events and drifting in mind, you really have to admire Emma's ambition and passion, which is well represented in this project.

The build has been in progress for three years so far and is now at the 'run in' stage. Once the fresh engine has some miles on it, Emma will look at hitting the track for some events later this year.

Considering the condition the car was purchased, it has required a huge effort to get the build to this stage. Emma recalls: "I bought the car for £100 with wood blocks wedged in the suspension to move it around. It was ready for the scrap yard. Now, it has been transformed and has a massive spec list".

Before: Ready for the scrap yardAfter: Almost ready to hit the race trackThe forged engine build sees the head skimmed and the block bored out 0.5mm, along with the forged Williams rods, a lightened and balanced crankshaft and a Subaru TD04 turbo. This work has been done by Skuzzle Motorsport Ltd; who believe the engine could achieve 500bhp. Emma is looking for a little less horsepower than that, however. "With the current turbo, I will be looking to see 280bhp. I plan on upgrading the turbo in due course to achieve a safe 360bhp."

The custom made exhaust system sees a twin shotgun style exit out the rear of the car. A Mishimoto radiator and intercooler also feature.

In addition to the engine and exhaust modifications, the transmission, brakes and engine management have all been upgraded. A Link Mx5 PlugIn ECU is now in charge of controlling the huge increase in horsepower due to all the modifications. Skuzzle Motorsport will programme the ECU with a 'run in map' over the next few weeks and then eventually the car will be dyno tuned and mapped to its full potential.

"The car is having new things added to it every week so it's very much a work-in-progress still, but will be ready to use the beginning of July" Emma adds.

We certainly look forward to checking out the final outcome, and seeing this duo hit the track! You can follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e_m_x_5/

 

Specifications:

Forged Engine build 1.6:
-Head skimmed, block machined- bored out 0.5mm, Supertech pistons, forged Williams rods, lightened and balanced crank, king racing and ACL bearings, ARP main and head bolts and studs, cometic gaskets, Billet oil pump, Bosch ev14 650 injectors, Link G4+ ECU. Subaru TD04 turbo, custom made manifold and downpipe. Full custom made 2.5" exhaust system with twin shotgun style exit.
-Engine reassembled by Skuzzle Motorsport LTD (they will also be running the engine in and putting a base map).

Transmission:
-1.8 ACT 6 puk clutch, 1.8 6 speed box, torsen 4:1 differential.

Brakes & suspension: 
-Wilwood brake upgrade, grooved disks, Hel brake lines.
-HSD monopro coilovers (bought these early on, will probably be one of the first things I change over once the car is used)
-Polybushed all round.

Exterior: 
-Destroy or Die front bumper, adapted Rocket Bunny arches. Ducktail still to add.
-Custom made iridium backed headlights, (on the way Carbon Miata latest sidelights), Carbon Miata bonnet.
-Colour- 1950's VW dove blue, with a custom smoothed white holographic glitter engine bay.
-Watanabe wheels 16x9.5 et-35 Falken ZE310 tyre's.

Interior:
-Cage to be installed, built by Caged Laser. NRG prisma bucket seats, Nrg harnesses, NRG steering wheel, AEM electronics guages, custom carbon door cards, crash pad, digidash.