RHD install - remote clutch reservoir

[PXC94]

Hi all, first post here but I have been lurking for a long time. I bought a coldside kit second hand a while ago and am slowly installing it (damn work getting in the way of fun), so I thought I better post up here to get some motivation to finish. Also there aren't too many photos of Aussie installs around.

The right hand drive install has a few challenges, about the biggest is the clearance between the clutch reservoir and the intake, which is minimal at best. Instead of putting a tight bend on the intake I chose to move the clutch reservoir and after a bit of messing about this is what I came up with:

The standard reservoir connects to the master cylinder with a rubber grommet, the reservoir can be pulled off without removing the master cylinder.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/tinsfci/MX-5/IMG_0168.jpg
I made this adapter (upside down in the photo), the short side pushes in to the master cylinder, the long side takes the 3/8" EDPM hose that extends to the relocated reservoir.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/tinsfci/MX-5/IMG_0273.jpg
The reservoir bracket is mounted a couple of inches above the master cylinder.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/tinsfci/MX-5/IMG_0170.jpg
Problem solved, the intake has plenty of clearance and the original reservoir is reused so the only non stock parts are the adapter, hose and bracket. The intake can now go across the engine, hopefully with a FFS rotomoulded intake when they appear!
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/tinsfci/MX-5/IMG_0275.jpg

All done without needing to bleed the clutch, at least the pedal seems OK, I have not driven it yet. I am also considering making a bracket to put the fuel pressure regulator on the firewall instead of the fuel rail, as I can't seem to neatly install it on the back of the rail. Still haven't decided how to control the 5th injector, I think I have read that US 94's have sequential injection where Aussie cars are still batch fired so the PC Pro programming would need some work.

Can't wait to get this thing on the road and track!

[MX-Drew]

Nice job, as a fellow RHD owner I know the problem but mine is a 2004 and it looks like I have a little bit more room than you although not a great deal more.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

Great job. If you send me drawings I will be happy to include the parts in future RHD kits.

[PXC94]

Cheers Gents,

Drew I think the clearance is very similar across the years, mx5parts.co.uk lists the same master up to 2005 and I presume the engine has the same setback. The silicone elbow in the picture is a larger radius than the bendy tube normally used so that picture probably makes the clearance seem less. With a bit of luck this should allow RHD to use the same intake tube as the left hookers and still keep some clearance.

Tom, I will email you more details and drawings soon (the adapter drawing currently exists as a dodgy sketch and the bracket was strictly eyeball engineering). I can send you an old RHD master cylinder and reservoir that I pulled apart if that is of use to you for checking fit. Happy to help get more RHD units under bonnets!

Is the distance between the firewall and the intake on the 1.6 version more or less than the 1.8?

[Satisaii]

Maybe you could form a short peice of SS tubing that would support the resivior and eliminate the bracket. I need to move mine about .25" over, and might give it a try later today.

[PXC94]

Maybe you could form a short peice of SS tubing that would support the resivior and eliminate the bracket. I need to move mine about .25" over, and might give it a try later today.

The grommet in the reservoir won't support any weight so you still need some sort of bracket. The other option is to use a motorcycle brake reservoir, they usually have a mounting hole and they are very compact. If you use rubber hose, make sure it is rated for brake fluid as it will go through most fuel or water hose.

[PXC94]

Finally got around to drawing the parts I made for this, on the adapter the only really critical dimensions are the 11mm length on the reservoir end and the angle to match the rubber grommet in the master cylinder. The dimensions on the hose end are not as important, what is drawn here should match a 3/8" ID hose OK.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/tinsfci/MX-5/MasterCylinderAdapter.gif

I made the bracket out of some ali angle I had lying around, the 16 diameter hole matches the bottom of the reservoir and helps hold it in position, making sure the hose is not too long should hold the reservoir down well enough.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y138/tinsfci/MX-5/ReservoirMount.gif

These are provided on an all care, no responisibility basis, copy at your own peril! (but I have checked them fairly well).

Tom, I will email you copies of these.


Cheers

Pete