Low key red and tan build
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 64
Total Cats: 7
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This is my second Miata. The first one was a '95 base model. It was a little too much of a fixer upper, and seemed to have pretty bad luck on the whole. I bailed on it. Sold it and bought a low mileage '94 C-package with no plans to go turbo at the time. It didn't take too long before I started collecting parts for a turbo build.
![Name: S5VHnNq.jpg
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Size: 1.24 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234606d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-s5vhnnq.jpg)
This was the beater. '95 base model. Wheels got jacked promptly after moving to a new town. Like I said, it was bad luck.
![Name: jjsoNVm.jpg
Views: 31
Size: 1.12 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234607d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-jjsonvm.jpg)
The replacement. '94 C-package. 56K miles when purchased. It had a rusted out after market muffler and some terrible, press-on wood dash kit. Peeled the dash kit off and installed the original muffler that the guy just happened to have lying around.
![Name: Vq0oT42.jpg
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Blurry picture, but with a flex pipe welded on, the original muffler went back in.
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Size: 1.41 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234609d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-bdjz3oa.jpg)
Scored some BBS wheels from a '95 M edition. Came with some S-drives that still had plenty of life. Ready for some club runs.
![Name: kG94D5D.jpg
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Getting close to 60K and the valve cover gasket was leaking. Changed the timing belt, and painted the valve cover.
![Name: WmUECOQ.jpg
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Size: 1.12 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234613d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-wmuecoq.jpg)
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Had a dent in the bumper. A little heat and it popped right out.
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Scored some Konis and FM springs. Came with FCM bumpstops too.
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Fresh coat of paint, and some soap and water cleaned them up pretty well.
![Name: LsHA14G.jpg
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Size: 894.1 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234619d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-lsha14g.jpg)
Added some FM sways to the mix.
![Name: hsqkqF4.jpg
Views: 29
Size: 2.05 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234620d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-hsqkqf4.jpg)
New ride height looks a little better.
![Name: 8rYYBIP.jpg
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Time to pack it up for winter.
![Name: S5VHnNq.jpg
Views: 33
Size: 1.24 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234606d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-s5vhnnq.jpg)
This was the beater. '95 base model. Wheels got jacked promptly after moving to a new town. Like I said, it was bad luck.
![Name: jjsoNVm.jpg
Views: 31
Size: 1.12 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234607d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-jjsonvm.jpg)
The replacement. '94 C-package. 56K miles when purchased. It had a rusted out after market muffler and some terrible, press-on wood dash kit. Peeled the dash kit off and installed the original muffler that the guy just happened to have lying around.
![Name: Vq0oT42.jpg
Views: 31
Size: 767.3 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234608d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-vq0ot42.jpg)
Blurry picture, but with a flex pipe welded on, the original muffler went back in.
![Name: bdJz3oA.jpg
Views: 34
Size: 1.41 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234609d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-bdjz3oa.jpg)
Scored some BBS wheels from a '95 M edition. Came with some S-drives that still had plenty of life. Ready for some club runs.
![Name: kG94D5D.jpg
Views: 34
Size: 1.33 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234610d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-kg94d5d.jpg)
![Name: MwOR7rY.jpg
Views: 39
Size: 1.02 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234611d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-mwor7ry.jpg)
![Name: PtnPjRu.jpg
Views: 29
Size: 1,021.3 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234612d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-ptnpjru.jpg)
Getting close to 60K and the valve cover gasket was leaking. Changed the timing belt, and painted the valve cover.
![Name: WmUECOQ.jpg
Views: 33
Size: 1.12 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234613d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-wmuecoq.jpg)
![Name: FQrI8N3.jpg
Views: 28
Size: 761.6 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234614d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-fqri8n3.jpg)
Had a dent in the bumper. A little heat and it popped right out.
![Name: OlprUHs.jpg
Views: 30
Size: 746.7 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234615d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-olpruhs.jpg)
![Name: eTBEM05.jpg
Views: 34
Size: 1.48 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234616d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-etbem05.jpg)
Scored some Konis and FM springs. Came with FCM bumpstops too.
![Name: yvCTsk0.jpg
Views: 36
Size: 814.4 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234617d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-yvctsk0.jpg)
![Name: 8ESdhI9.jpg
Views: 36
Size: 712.1 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234618d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-8esdhi9.jpg)
Fresh coat of paint, and some soap and water cleaned them up pretty well.
![Name: LsHA14G.jpg
Views: 31
Size: 894.1 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234619d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-lsha14g.jpg)
Added some FM sways to the mix.
![Name: hsqkqF4.jpg
Views: 29
Size: 2.05 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234620d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-hsqkqf4.jpg)
New ride height looks a little better.
![Name: 8rYYBIP.jpg
Views: 32
Size: 835.4 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234621d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-8ryybip.jpg)
Time to pack it up for winter.
#2
Junior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 64
Total Cats: 7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Current parts on hand to be installed before spring include:
-BEGi-S kit with a Chinese turbo
-MSPNP
-RX7 550cc injectors
-FM Happy Meal clutch and flywheel
All parts were picked up used as I came across a good deal. Planning to add a 3" exhaust, intercooler, garrett turbo, and misc. turbo bits.
-BEGi-S kit with a Chinese turbo
-MSPNP
-RX7 550cc injectors
-FM Happy Meal clutch and flywheel
All parts were picked up used as I came across a good deal. Planning to add a 3" exhaust, intercooler, garrett turbo, and misc. turbo bits.
Last edited by pshgomiata; 12-09-2014 at 10:39 PM.
#3
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 64
Total Cats: 7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Installed the MSPNP today. I fabbed some aluminum brackets to install using the stock mounting studs. Install went well until I found out my craigslist timing light is a dud. Have to wait to finish setting the timing until I can buy/borrow one. It fired up on the first try though. I was impressed with the plug and play. Very easy.
Anyone live in the lehigh valley and want to lend me their timing light??
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Anyone live in the lehigh valley and want to lend me their timing light??
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#7
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Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 64
Total Cats: 7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That was my '05 Forester XT. Awesome ride. It recently lost compression and need some major work. It had almost 190k miles, so I ended up getting rid of it and buying a TDI Jetta. Kind of miss the FXT, but I'm enjoying the turbo diesel for now.
I did buy new Koni stickers. Paint was Platikote brand School Bus Yellow. I hear Duplicolor's School Bus Yellow is also a good match.
#11
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 64
Total Cats: 7
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I ended up snagging a light on amazon. Probably ought to have one anyway.
#14
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 64
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Project update -- pics from recent garage shenanigans:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139119-low-key-red-tan-build-emfw6oy.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
First chance to get the top down this spring. So glad to say goodbye to the snow. I've got to find somewhere warmer to live.
![Name: s1fkmVm.jpg
Views: 35
Size: 2.85 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234601d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-s1fkmvm.jpg)
Got the FM stage 1 clutch and lightweight flywheel installed. This was a tough job in the driveway with the car on jack stands. I will definitely try to find a lift to use before trying this one again.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139120-low-key-red-tan-build-mjjto8a.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
A new bung welded into the stock exhaust for the wideband O2. This was definitely worth the time. I ran into some issues getting the settings right in TunerStudio which would have been a nightmare if I were installing the turbo at the same time.
![Name: gvTPJg8.jpg
Views: 33
Size: 1.54 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234602d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-gvtpjg8.jpg)
Blasted and painted some of the tubes and pipes from the used BEGI-s kit that were looking a bit worse for wear. Used rustoleum exhaust paint. Surprisingly tough stuff after curing in the oven. I'm looking forward to seeing how it holds up to the heat.
![Name: BFgHzVJ.jpg
Views: 31
Size: 669.0 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234603d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-bfghzvj.jpg)
This was the straw that broke the camel's back for the chinese turbo that came with my kit. A broken stud that doesn't want to come out. I was already hesitant about using a turbo that I didn't know the history of, and I knew I wanted something that would spool more quickly. Time to find an alternative.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139121-low-key-red-tan-build-zwfxt9e.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
A SR20 T25 is right on point. Small, cheap, and easy to find. This one came from the classified section here.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139122-low-key-red-tan-build-0k1x9q0.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
I finally got a chance to mock everything up. Bought some RX7 studs (part number 9YA921003) and copper locking nuts. The studs had to be trimmed a bit, but what a bargain for inconel studs.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139123-low-key-red-tan-build-j7ii277.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
I made a new mount for the wastegate actuator. Fabbing things on the fly is what I love about projects like this.
Also installed some RX8 425cc yellow injectors. I had some 550cc RX7 injectors that needed rebuilding, but I stumbled upon the RX8 set brand new for $135. No brainer.
I've started experimenting with adjusting the AFR tables and using autotune. I'm a bit confused about why there are so many different opinions on the appropriate AFR values. I feel like this should be standard for all miatas, within reason. Am I missing something? Is there a master table that many tuners use, or a good reason for so many differing perspectives?
I'm hoping to complete the initial turbo install in the next couple weeks. It will basically be a BEGI-s kit with a SR20 T25. Low boost. No intercooler. Stock exhaust. I'll build from there.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139119-low-key-red-tan-build-emfw6oy.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
First chance to get the top down this spring. So glad to say goodbye to the snow. I've got to find somewhere warmer to live.
![Name: s1fkmVm.jpg
Views: 35
Size: 2.85 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234601d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-s1fkmvm.jpg)
Got the FM stage 1 clutch and lightweight flywheel installed. This was a tough job in the driveway with the car on jack stands. I will definitely try to find a lift to use before trying this one again.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139120-low-key-red-tan-build-mjjto8a.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
A new bung welded into the stock exhaust for the wideband O2. This was definitely worth the time. I ran into some issues getting the settings right in TunerStudio which would have been a nightmare if I were installing the turbo at the same time.
![Name: gvTPJg8.jpg
Views: 33
Size: 1.54 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234602d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-gvtpjg8.jpg)
Blasted and painted some of the tubes and pipes from the used BEGI-s kit that were looking a bit worse for wear. Used rustoleum exhaust paint. Surprisingly tough stuff after curing in the oven. I'm looking forward to seeing how it holds up to the heat.
![Name: BFgHzVJ.jpg
Views: 31
Size: 669.0 KB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234603d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-bfghzvj.jpg)
This was the straw that broke the camel's back for the chinese turbo that came with my kit. A broken stud that doesn't want to come out. I was already hesitant about using a turbo that I didn't know the history of, and I knew I wanted something that would spool more quickly. Time to find an alternative.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139121-low-key-red-tan-build-zwfxt9e.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
A SR20 T25 is right on point. Small, cheap, and easy to find. This one came from the classified section here.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139122-low-key-red-tan-build-0k1x9q0.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
I finally got a chance to mock everything up. Bought some RX7 studs (part number 9YA921003) and copper locking nuts. The studs had to be trimmed a bit, but what a bargain for inconel studs.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/139123-low-key-red-tan-build-j7ii277.jpg?dateline=1430626358)
I made a new mount for the wastegate actuator. Fabbing things on the fly is what I love about projects like this.
Also installed some RX8 425cc yellow injectors. I had some 550cc RX7 injectors that needed rebuilding, but I stumbled upon the RX8 set brand new for $135. No brainer.
I've started experimenting with adjusting the AFR tables and using autotune. I'm a bit confused about why there are so many different opinions on the appropriate AFR values. I feel like this should be standard for all miatas, within reason. Am I missing something? Is there a master table that many tuners use, or a good reason for so many differing perspectives?
I'm hoping to complete the initial turbo install in the next couple weeks. It will basically be a BEGI-s kit with a SR20 T25. Low boost. No intercooler. Stock exhaust. I'll build from there.
#20
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Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 64
Total Cats: 7
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I finally got to the turbo install. I was surprised at how long it took, even with two people we spent all last weekend on it. Then I spent several nights this week finishing everything up. Got it out on the road and everything's running great so far. Taking it slow, and letting tunerstudio do its thing. Hopefully I can button up some tuning and get into a little boost soon.
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And all just in time to roll over 60K.
![Name: 9hWYc66.jpg
Views: 29
Size: 2.78 MB](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/234598d1683053952-low-key-red-tan-build-9hwyc66.jpg)
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And all just in time to roll over 60K.