For almost as long as there's been a Mazda MX-5, people have been devising methods for making them go quicker. Many examples have been turbocharged, or treated to expensive engine work; many have ditched the standard engines entirely, with V6 and even V8 conversions occurring over the past 30 years. But you don't hear very much about supercharged MX-5s; that might change now, however, with the introduction of a BBR supercharger kit for the third-generation NC car.
Having worked in conjunction with Corten Miller and its Rotrex conversions, BBR is now offering a pair of supercharger upgrades. Previously known to the most dedicated fans as the Corten Miller Rotrex Kit Pro and Kit Club Sport, the collaboration between the two firms will see them renamed as the BBR Stage 1 and BBR Stage 2 Supercharger conversions.
Now to the exciting bit. The first stage promises 253hp (250bhp), 213lb ft and 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds from either a 1.8- or 2.0-litre NC car, thanks to a Rotrex C30-94 supercharger, a new intercooler, ECU work and an upgraded intake. A host of upgraded ancillaries (hoses, pipes, brackets, belts and so on) are also included in the pack, but not the sports manifold that's also required - don't forget to factor that into the budget. BBR is offering Stage 1 for £5k as 'drive-in, drive-out' package, with a 12-month warranty as well.
The really committed, however, will be wanting the Stage 2 kit, upping power to 304hp (300bhp) and torque to 227lb ft. Achieved through further intake and ECU tweaks, plus upgrades to the fuel filter, fuel module and spark plugs, BBR reckons a Stage 2 MX-5 will reach 62mph in under five seconds. It's available for £6k fitted at the Brackley HQ, with DIY packages available for a few hundred quid less to those more than a bit handy with the spanners. Depending on spec, BBR can also make flat shifts, switchable engine maps and downshift blips part of the upgrade.
BBR's Neil McKay said of the supercharger work: "The Corten Miller kit is a proven conversion over eight years, tested in all conditions and climates on both road and track, so that crucial aspect of the hard work was already done... The Rotrex Supercharger is a highly reliable device that requires minimal servicing. Combined with the well-engineered air-to-air intercooler package and BBR's software enhancements, the end result is stunning performance for NC owners, combined with OEM levels of everyday drivability."
Which sounds pretty damn entertaining to us, not least with third-gen MX-5s available for less than £5k. But, really, you'd probably want one of the later, facelifted cars to get the best from the package - something like this one-owner Sport Tech from 2011. Throw in some chassis upgrades as well as the supercharger, and the Mazda that comes out must be a very fun way to spend £20,000. Just how much fun we'll aim to tell you after some time behind the wheel...
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