imput's first turbo build
#1
![Cool](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon6.gif)
After owning the car for a little over a year now, I've finally got all the parts needed to turbo it, so decided to make a little build thread.
Little bit of a background, got the car last year after my rx8 got totaled. The miata was bone stock had about 55k miles on it
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26119-imputs-first-turbo-build-4773003327_1455ae0792_b.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
Got it on a sunday, I think, then ordered some BC coils from Chelsea @ Roadsterdrift, got a couple sets of XXR's, a harddog hardcore rollbar, a Bride Vios III, Nardi 330, upgraded the brakes; and pretty much left it like that for the rest of the year. Put all that in during the first week, then went to my first drift day in the miata that weekend.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26120-imputs-first-turbo-build-justenough.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/Outbreak/Picture045.jpg?t=1280812777)
I probably did about around 10 or so events last year, even got a small feature on Modified mag.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26121-imputs-first-turbo-build-228446_1926165592707_1199160352_32084674_7143677_n.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
Shortly after that Mishimoto hooked me up with a radiator/shrowds/hoses some other random **** for super cheap, I also ordered some Level7tune knuckles from Chelsea, that are awesome, but took forever to get here.
![](http://public.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pAP-ijaMjKzb3u_7IGXcoRiFKgyVPvMOdj1PiemGYjhvFkhhJtYNsPb_DJ3FyM_ceYv7xchdeFybFS6H3jbWB5A/DSC05637.JPG?psid=1)
Original plan was to go turbo in the beginning of this year, so I ended up buying a used AVO kit from a member on here, but since then the only parts that remain from the original kit is the manifold and the turbo. haha
decided to just keep it reliable, but since it was quiet as ****, got a racing beat header back, raceland header, also changed my seat to a sparco corsa, and new wheel momo 320, and did more events:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26122-imputs-first-turbo-build-img_1716-21.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/Screenshot2011-07-03at100037PM.png)
![](http://v1daxw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pfskyI0Bd5V-7i0rnfc7wFjryGNam7BxRNG3ykXgbAm1IdsWisoVgVhP2-akQFyt1db1p0xa0bJIXSXcEjZav08RsSnxazPN-/IMG_17291%20(1).jpg?psid=1)
That brings us to today, Spec stage III + Flyin Miata 10lb flywheel are in. Adaptronic 420 EMS + Innovate LC1 are in.
Yesterday I cleaned the intake manifold out, installed Flyin Miata dual feed fuel rail & RC 440 injectors when I found out that I'm missing the rubber injector insulator, so called up Mazda and order that. Also deleted the EGR and the Charcoal canister while I was at it; Hopefully should be turboed and running by next week.
some pics of right now:
![](http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8876/photo11wr.jpg)
![](http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8242/photo12oe.jpg)
Little bit of a background, got the car last year after my rx8 got totaled. The miata was bone stock had about 55k miles on it
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26119-imputs-first-turbo-build-4773003327_1455ae0792_b.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
Got it on a sunday, I think, then ordered some BC coils from Chelsea @ Roadsterdrift, got a couple sets of XXR's, a harddog hardcore rollbar, a Bride Vios III, Nardi 330, upgraded the brakes; and pretty much left it like that for the rest of the year. Put all that in during the first week, then went to my first drift day in the miata that weekend.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26120-imputs-first-turbo-build-justenough.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/Outbreak/Picture045.jpg?t=1280812777)
I probably did about around 10 or so events last year, even got a small feature on Modified mag.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26121-imputs-first-turbo-build-228446_1926165592707_1199160352_32084674_7143677_n.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
Shortly after that Mishimoto hooked me up with a radiator/shrowds/hoses some other random **** for super cheap, I also ordered some Level7tune knuckles from Chelsea, that are awesome, but took forever to get here.
Original plan was to go turbo in the beginning of this year, so I ended up buying a used AVO kit from a member on here, but since then the only parts that remain from the original kit is the manifold and the turbo. haha
decided to just keep it reliable, but since it was quiet as ****, got a racing beat header back, raceland header, also changed my seat to a sparco corsa, and new wheel momo 320, and did more events:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26122-imputs-first-turbo-build-img_1716-21.jpg?dateline=1318298021)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/Screenshot2011-07-03at100037PM.png)
![](http://v1daxw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pfskyI0Bd5V-7i0rnfc7wFjryGNam7BxRNG3ykXgbAm1IdsWisoVgVhP2-akQFyt1db1p0xa0bJIXSXcEjZav08RsSnxazPN-/IMG_17291%20(1).jpg?psid=1)
That brings us to today, Spec stage III + Flyin Miata 10lb flywheel are in. Adaptronic 420 EMS + Innovate LC1 are in.
Yesterday I cleaned the intake manifold out, installed Flyin Miata dual feed fuel rail & RC 440 injectors when I found out that I'm missing the rubber injector insulator, so called up Mazda and order that. Also deleted the EGR and the Charcoal canister while I was at it; Hopefully should be turboed and running by next week.
some pics of right now:
![](http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8876/photo11wr.jpg)
![](http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8242/photo12oe.jpg)
![](http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8876/photo11wr.jpg)
#2
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Worked on the car for a little bit today
spliced up my mishimoto hose, so the gauge sensor could fit
2.jpg?t=1318293910
removed the header, drained the radiator and removed it.
1.jpg?t=1318293917
looks so empty haha
removed the pesant *** fitting that came with the kit, and installed some cool AN ones. Gonna be running -8AN SS line PTFE coated for the drain, -4AN SS line PTFE coated for the oil feed, and -6AN rubber pushlock hoses for the coolant.
photo1.jpg?t=1318293909
some of the other stuff that's gonna be in soon![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
photo.jpg?t=1318293919
Also mocked up the turbo, **** sits soo low can't wait. Might be getting the manifold jet coated too, if they can do it fast enough, it looks mad ugly right now
photo2.jpg?t=1318296348
spliced up my mishimoto hose, so the gauge sensor could fit
2.jpg?t=1318293910
removed the header, drained the radiator and removed it.
1.jpg?t=1318293917
looks so empty haha
removed the pesant *** fitting that came with the kit, and installed some cool AN ones. Gonna be running -8AN SS line PTFE coated for the drain, -4AN SS line PTFE coated for the oil feed, and -6AN rubber pushlock hoses for the coolant.
photo1.jpg?t=1318293909
some of the other stuff that's gonna be in soon
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
photo.jpg?t=1318293919
Also mocked up the turbo, **** sits soo low can't wait. Might be getting the manifold jet coated too, if they can do it fast enough, it looks mad ugly right now
photo2.jpg?t=1318296348
#5
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Don't really have too much to update, it was a good friends birthday so I left town for the day, but there is a dude in his town that does awesome thermal coating, so I dropped off the manifold there to get it coated, hopefully he should be done with that by the end of the week.
Other than that didn't really do a whole lot, drained and drilled the pan, I thought this was gonna be hard, but it actually turned out to be pretty simple. Worse part is when I was trying to move the AC line out of the way, I bent it a little too much, and it started spraying refigerent all over the place looked like snow haha.
photo5.jpg?t=1318398995
Also took the manifold to my buddies fabrication shop, and cut the ***** looking EGR valve thingy, and welded it shut.
before:
photo1-2.jpg?t=1318398993
after:
photo3-1.jpg?t=1318398990
The turbo had some garbage *** gasket that looked like a frog chewed all over it, got a fresh SS one for APT turbo, looks so much better.
photo2-1.jpg?t=1318398988
photo4.jpg?t=1318398986
Other than that didn't really do a whole lot, drained and drilled the pan, I thought this was gonna be hard, but it actually turned out to be pretty simple. Worse part is when I was trying to move the AC line out of the way, I bent it a little too much, and it started spraying refigerent all over the place looked like snow haha.
photo5.jpg?t=1318398995
Also took the manifold to my buddies fabrication shop, and cut the ***** looking EGR valve thingy, and welded it shut.
before:
photo1-2.jpg?t=1318398993
after:
photo3-1.jpg?t=1318398990
The turbo had some garbage *** gasket that looked like a frog chewed all over it, got a fresh SS one for APT turbo, looks so much better.
photo2-1.jpg?t=1318398988
photo4.jpg?t=1318398986
#6
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Nice car!! I like the color ; ).
You used my oil pan drilling spot! That's a nice, easy location that is well clear of the pickup tube. I've had no drain issues whatsoever with that location.
You should refresh your brake fluid. It looks like you still have the original fluid in there (or are you running some sort of HP stuff that looks dark?).
You used my oil pan drilling spot! That's a nice, easy location that is well clear of the pickup tube. I've had no drain issues whatsoever with that location.
You should refresh your brake fluid. It looks like you still have the original fluid in there (or are you running some sort of HP stuff that looks dark?).
#7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Nice car!! I like the color ; ).
You used my oil pan drilling spot! That's a nice, easy location that is well clear of the pickup tube. I've had no drain issues whatsoever with that location.
You should refresh your brake fluid. It looks like you still have the original fluid in there (or are you running some sort of HP stuff that looks dark?).
You used my oil pan drilling spot! That's a nice, easy location that is well clear of the pickup tube. I've had no drain issues whatsoever with that location.
You should refresh your brake fluid. It looks like you still have the original fluid in there (or are you running some sort of HP stuff that looks dark?).
No its not the original fluid, just bled it out acutally a couple months ago before a track day its ATE super blue, aka blue as **** haha
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/26196-imputs-first-turbo-build-atesuperblue2008_03_19_04_11_59.jpg?dateline=1318433090)
Last edited by imput1234; 10-12-2011 at 11:41 AM.
#10
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Ahhh well this sucks, not sure what happened, but I tapped it, and then put the fitting in, after I got done, I left, came back a couple hours later, and noticed three small hairline cracks around it. I mean they are small as **** (thinner than your nail). Just put some JBweld on it for now, but might need to remove it and get it welded up. Not really sure why this happened, I'm guess maybe too much force? But I'm not rambo, and I just used one hand to tighten it.
I tired to take some before pics, but it was super hard to see. So I just took it after.
crack on the top left and on the right (where JB is):
photo-3.jpg?t=1318545726
and the last crack was on the bottom side:
photo2-2.jpg?t=1318545722
photo1-3.jpg?t=1318545722
I tired to take some before pics, but it was super hard to see. So I just took it after.
crack on the top left and on the right (where JB is):
photo-3.jpg?t=1318545726
and the last crack was on the bottom side:
photo2-2.jpg?t=1318545722
photo1-3.jpg?t=1318545722
Last edited by imput1234; 10-13-2011 at 06:56 PM.
#11
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Got my injector seals in finally, so that's taken care of
photo2-3.jpg?t=1318553850
Now just waiting for my manifold, and hopefully the pan isn't too messed up. I had a ton of the gold spaceship wrap, so I went a lil crazy with it on my intercooler haha
photo3-2.jpg?t=1318553848
photo-4.jpg?t=1318553855
mounted up the intercooler
photo1-4.jpg?t=1318553852
photo2-3.jpg?t=1318553850
Now just waiting for my manifold, and hopefully the pan isn't too messed up. I had a ton of the gold spaceship wrap, so I went a lil crazy with it on my intercooler haha
photo3-2.jpg?t=1318553848
photo-4.jpg?t=1318553855
mounted up the intercooler
photo1-4.jpg?t=1318553852
#12
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Just got the manifold back from the jet coating, they coated both the inside and the outside, looks so good, turbo time
photo-5.jpg?t=1318653649
photo-5.jpg?t=1318653649
#13
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I've heard rumors that coating the inside is not such a good idea because any flaking will go through your turbine wheel. I have no personal experience in this regard. May be a good idea to check around to see what others have experienced.
I ceramic coated my manifold and haven't had any problems. Unfortunately, I can't remember if I coated the inside. I don't think I did, but I'm not sure.
I ceramic coated my manifold and haven't had any problems. Unfortunately, I can't remember if I coated the inside. I don't think I did, but I'm not sure.
#14
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I've heard rumors that coating the inside is not such a good idea because any flaking will go through your turbine wheel. I have no personal experience in this regard. May be a good idea to check around to see what others have experienced.
I ceramic coated my manifold and haven't had any problems. Unfortunately, I can't remember if I coated the inside. I don't think I did, but I'm not sure.
I ceramic coated my manifold and haven't had any problems. Unfortunately, I can't remember if I coated the inside. I don't think I did, but I'm not sure.
I never thought about that, that would suck haha. But this guy does legit work , and the coating is rated at 2000 degrees, so hopefully that does not happen.
#15
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Pretty much got everything done, just waiting on a oil drain fitting. Amazon says it gets here tomorrow, so hopefully it'll all be done in a couple of days.
Got the oil feed line, and the coolant lines made, used grade 8 nuts and fastners on the manifold and turbo. Wish I went with SS lines for the coolant as well, the pushlock hoses are freaking ugly. also used the reflective tape on the brake lines and the heater hoses, still have about 15' left, so might do the entire firewall, haha.
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo-6.jpg?t=1318987746)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo10.jpg?t=1318987742)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo9.jpg?t=1318987742)
Mounted and wired all the gauges except the boost gauge, broke the stupid white tube. Somehow I manged to loose a gauge pod, so I temporarily used a swivel pod I had laying around and mounted it on top of the steering column; it'll join the location of the other two gauges eventually.
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo2-4.jpg?t=1318987725)
Anyone know where I can find a replacement at? hopefully lowes has it.
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo3-3.jpg?t=1318987720)
Gauges are all STRI X Line:
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo6.jpg?t=1318987731)
I think I have too many points on the ground haha, might get some cool heat-shrink tube and make one big *** wire.
Got the oil feed line, and the coolant lines made, used grade 8 nuts and fastners on the manifold and turbo. Wish I went with SS lines for the coolant as well, the pushlock hoses are freaking ugly. also used the reflective tape on the brake lines and the heater hoses, still have about 15' left, so might do the entire firewall, haha.
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo-6.jpg?t=1318987746)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo10.jpg?t=1318987742)
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo9.jpg?t=1318987742)
Mounted and wired all the gauges except the boost gauge, broke the stupid white tube. Somehow I manged to loose a gauge pod, so I temporarily used a swivel pod I had laying around and mounted it on top of the steering column; it'll join the location of the other two gauges eventually.
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo2-4.jpg?t=1318987725)
Anyone know where I can find a replacement at? hopefully lowes has it.
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo3-3.jpg?t=1318987720)
Gauges are all STRI X Line:
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo6.jpg?t=1318987731)
I think I have too many points on the ground haha, might get some cool heat-shrink tube and make one big *** wire.
![](http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/imput1234/photo8.jpg?t=1318987736)