Blog

A step-by-step diagnostic guide for owners facing Mazda MX-5 starting problems. Rather than guessing at parts, it works through the most common causes in logical order — battery and terminals first, then relays (including the notorious Mk1 main relay), starter motor, immobiliser, fuel delivery, and spark. Each section explains what to listen for, what to test, and how to confirm a fault before spending anything.

A practical, DIY-friendly guide to tracking down an MX-5 misfire. It explains what a misfire actually is and why it happens, then works through the likely causes in the order an owner should check them: spark plugs first, ignition leads on Mk1/Mk2 (NA/NB) cars, coil packs on the NC and ND, and fuel delivery if the ignition side checks out clean. The aim is to help owners diagnose systematically, spotting what plug condition and fault codes reveal, rather than replacing parts on guesswork.

Sticky brake calipers rob your MX-5 of the sharp, progressive feel it's known for, dragging brakes, uneven pad wear, and a weak handbrake are all signs something's wrong. This guide covers the symptoms, common causes (corroded guide pins, degraded seals, seized handbrake mechanisms), and how to decide between a clean, a rebuild, or a full replacement.

Ask what separates a great-handling MX-5 from a merely good one, and experienced owners will often point to something that gets far less attention than springs, dampers, or tyres: ride height, bump stops, and corner balance. Get these right and the car feels cohesive, planted, and alive. Get them wrong and even a freshly rebuilt suspension can feel unpredictable or vague, sometimes without any obvious reason why. This guide covers the fundamentals of each area, why they matter specifically on the MX-5,

It's done. After clutch upgrades, bodywork battles, turbo refreshes, new doors, wings, and more late nights than anyone should admit to, the MX5 Restorer's Mk1 turbo build has finally crossed the finish line, and what a finish it is. Watch the final episode right here

Ask any MX-5 owner what makes their car special and you’ll hear the same things: the balance, the feedback, the connection between driver and road. That connection doesn’t just come from the engine and gearbox, it runs through every bush in the suspension. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what bushings do, how rubber and poly compare, what you’ll notice in real-world driving, and which option makes sense for your MX-5.

One of the defining traits of the Mazda MX‑5 is its gearbox. Across every generation, from Mk1 to Mk4, the MX‑5 is known for its short, mechanical, confidence‑inspiring gear change. But if your shift has started to feel notchy, vague or reluctant, especially when cold, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most commonly forgotten service items that affect shift quality, how they wear, and how to restore that crisp, factory‑fresh feel.

The Mazda MX‑5 is renowned for its precise, engaging manual gearbox, but like any hydraulic system, the clutch relies on a small network of components that wear out over time. If your pedal feels soft, your gear changes are notchy, or you’re struggling to select gears cleanly, there’s a good chance your clutch hydraulics need attention.

Owning a Mazda MX-5 in the UK means embracing top-down driving whenever the weather allows, and making sure your convertible hood is ready for everything the British climate throws at it. Whether your MX-5 runs a vinyl (PVC) hood or a mohair (canvas) hood, understanding the differences, and how to care for each will keep it looking smart, watertight and long-lasting.

In Part 5 of our Project Mk1 Turbo series, the build moves into its final bodywork phase with new doors, a replacement boot lid and a switch back to OEM-style front wings. With panel alignment underway and corrosion treated, the car is now firmly on the home straight towards paint.