Anyone know anything about a turbo system for a miata?
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Anyone know anything about a turbo system for a miata?
I am thinking about getting a used miata. Does anyone know who makes a good/inexpensive turbo kit for them? What kind of hp/tq figures will it make? Thanks.
Joined: Nov 2002
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Try Miata.net. There are tubos that are legal and those that are not, the older cars, say pre 2001, can be turboed legally in most areas. The more time that passes means the more mods available for newer cars. You are looking at about 200-220 hp and about $3500 depending on who installs it. Turbos require tweaking alot.
The Austrailian MX-5, the only factory turbo, is over 170hp and supposedly a blast to drive. They use a different computer ,an intercooler, & exaust system, and the rest is stock.
Superchargers are also used alot and are simpler to install and maintain/tune with simular results. A blown miata should be able to keep up with and S2000 or a boxster (I have read this).
The best configuration(IMHO) is a 6 speed, 2001 or newer with suspension package(sports package) to trick out, it has variable valve timing on the intake and a 1.8 lt engine. It also has lots of reinforcements to the chassis , the best factory brakes, and LSD. ABS is an option on these cars.
The Austrailian MX-5, the only factory turbo, is over 170hp and supposedly a blast to drive. They use a different computer ,an intercooler, & exaust system, and the rest is stock.
Superchargers are also used alot and are simpler to install and maintain/tune with simular results. A blown miata should be able to keep up with and S2000 or a boxster (I have read this).
The best configuration(IMHO) is a 6 speed, 2001 or newer with suspension package(sports package) to trick out, it has variable valve timing on the intake and a 1.8 lt engine. It also has lots of reinforcements to the chassis , the best factory brakes, and LSD. ABS is an option on these cars.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Knoxville
Before too long I should suspect someone that owns/has owned a turbo Miata will chime in here, but I'll give my $0.02 in the mean time. First off I would definitely go over to Miata.net and look around; it is one of the the better car forums out there in my opinion. Second, as posted above I think 200-220 rwhp is a reasonable number for stock internals, but the total hp you will get will very based upon the system, psi you run it at, and which engine you are using. The system you can or might want to use will be determined by the year of the Miata you have. A general breakdown is:
90-93: uses a 1.6l, you can get a Greddy turbo kit without intercooler or engine management system for around $1200, this is an entry level turbo that you can run up to about 6psi as is. The advantage of this kit is that you can upgrade the kit over time and spread out your expenses
94-95: 1.8l uses OBD I, very popular car years for enthusiasts; as mentioned above Flyin Miata Kits are very popular here. Cost of entry $3400 for the basic kit which runs 8psi, $4900 for the big kit which runs 12psi
96-97: same 1.8l engine but OBD II, cost of kits are same as for the 94-95
99- 00: the second generation Miata known as NB, 9psi Flyin Miata kit $4800
01-03: 2nd generation with VVT, cost same as 99-00
To get more information on the Greddy Turbos check here and for more information on the Flyin Miata kits with dynos look here.
If you aren't necessarily sold on just turbos look up "cold side" over at Miata.net to see a pretty interesting kit one company has developed for the JRSC.
Regardless of what type of of FI you add to a Miata as a minimum you will want to add a aftermarket clutch (ACT $750) and a turbo exhaust ($350-500).
One thing you might want to consider is buying someone else's project. There are always a few FI Miatas for sale over in the classifieds at Miata.net. It will take quite a bit more research and work than just buying a regular used Miata, but if done right you can get a turn-key turbo for less than it would cost you to replicate it. This is doubly true during the midst of winter, if someone is selling a roadster now during the low season you probably will have pretty good negotiating power.
90-93: uses a 1.6l, you can get a Greddy turbo kit without intercooler or engine management system for around $1200, this is an entry level turbo that you can run up to about 6psi as is. The advantage of this kit is that you can upgrade the kit over time and spread out your expenses
94-95: 1.8l uses OBD I, very popular car years for enthusiasts; as mentioned above Flyin Miata Kits are very popular here. Cost of entry $3400 for the basic kit which runs 8psi, $4900 for the big kit which runs 12psi
96-97: same 1.8l engine but OBD II, cost of kits are same as for the 94-95
99- 00: the second generation Miata known as NB, 9psi Flyin Miata kit $4800
01-03: 2nd generation with VVT, cost same as 99-00
To get more information on the Greddy Turbos check here and for more information on the Flyin Miata kits with dynos look here.
If you aren't necessarily sold on just turbos look up "cold side" over at Miata.net to see a pretty interesting kit one company has developed for the JRSC.
Regardless of what type of of FI you add to a Miata as a minimum you will want to add a aftermarket clutch (ACT $750) and a turbo exhaust ($350-500).
One thing you might want to consider is buying someone else's project. There are always a few FI Miatas for sale over in the classifieds at Miata.net. It will take quite a bit more research and work than just buying a regular used Miata, but if done right you can get a turn-key turbo for less than it would cost you to replicate it. This is doubly true during the midst of winter, if someone is selling a roadster now during the low season you probably will have pretty good negotiating power.
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