After three tests days and four test drivers (test dummies – Ed) it’s time to retire our factory tyres in favour of these R Spec donuts! Our next test will be @ Sydney Motor Sport Park and we’re expecting to run both of our Mazda 2’s. Stay tuned!
Mazda 2 Wakefield Park Teaser
Another day of testing @ Wakefield Park. The results are more than encouraging and we have another day scheduled for Sydney Motorsport Park this month. Here’s a teaser of the test day;
Dear Santa, More Power Please! And Make It LEGAL
Neils’ 2007 Supercharged NC MX5 develops 50% more power than the standard Mazda 2.0 ltr engine. Great for getting to the next traffic light a little quicker but sadly the Australian authorities aren’t as enthusiastic. Particularly when it comes to registration and insurance. The challenge for Neil was to make his MX5 legal by complying with a number of emissions and ADR (Australian Design Rules) standards. A feat rarely achieved in Australia.
Phase 1: Emissions Testing – IM240
In late September we conducted an emissions test @ Penrith RTA knowing that the IM240 standards where fairly stringent. The tuning of the engine was critical and we turned to Jay @ TDR-MX5Tuning for assistance. Jay worked with Neil to data-log, collate, analyse and ultimately custom design an ECU tune that would maintain maximum power but also subscribe to the emissions standards. 
Whilst we where confident of the result we where pleasantly surprised when our results comfortably surpassed the emissions standard.
Phase 2: Brake Testing – ADR31
A series of stops, in quick succession, from highway speeds – tested – assessed and reported. PASSED…Simple!
Phase 3 & 4: Weight and Power
Neil’s MX5 had to be weighed and then Dyno’d before the data was submitted to an engineer for reporting and final submission.
Summary:
Neil received his Engineering Certificate in late November, less than 6 weeks after we embarked on this amazing endeavour. We’re very proud of this achievement especially as Neils’ Supercharged MX5 is possibly the only NC model to be awarded this level of compliance. More details can be found on Neil’s blog ggroadster.net. Congratulations Neil and thanks to Jay @ TDR
Mazda 2 @ Sydney Motor Sport Park
After our initial test at Wakefield Park earlier this month we decided to “verify” our results at Sydney Motor Sport Park’s challenging new South Circuit. The pictures and footage below demonstrate the capabilities of a stock Mazda 2 when driven…. vigorously.
The video below prompted this message from one of our racing brethren;
…looked like it was a handful….driving a stock car really hard is much harder than a vehicle set up for the purpose! Can we hang a hair dryer on your Mazda 2, double the spring rate and get some slicks (please!) might as well dump some aero on at the same time – Scott
The process of tuning our Mazda 2 will be phased including;
- modified suspension and geometry
- ECU reflash
- lighter components including wheels
- sticky track tyres (probably not slicks)
- cold air intake
- modified exhaust and pipes
- roll cage and bracing
Our second Mazda 2 will remain in factory standard trim so that we can continue to evaluate new performance parts. Check out our gallery at Sydney Motor Sport Park (formerly Eastern Creek International Raceway);
We’ll post some photo’s and video of the Wakefield Park test real soon!
Mazda 2 Suspension And Wheels
The upgrades have been subtle but we’re hopeful the’ll be effective – can you spot the differences?
