Ryan's build thread - Clean and Mean
#21
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm not really sure yet to be honest. Most of my research has gone elsewhere for the time being. I haven't even decided if I want to do twin scroll or not. I am looking for the absolute quickest spool and a good amount of torque aswell. Gonna get a ramhorn exhaust mani from abe in the future and have lht modify the downpipe to fit. Not sure what turbo will offer optimum spool while still operating efficiently.
#24
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,468
Total Cats: 365
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Gauges can go in the center console if you still have a single-din radio. Replacing the oil "gauge" with the boost gauge is a great idea which I may implement at some point. One thing I really like about my gauges as they are now is that when the car is off, the gauges are completely blank glass screens. Nothing there screaming BOOST or WIDEBAND to the casual observer. My oil gauge has an output I will be using to control a relay for an oil cooler fan when temps go above the set point.
But the boost gauge in the top of the panel, and replacing the coolant gauge with a multi-display like Fae has done, would be very cool and space-conservative.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/39102d1333560507-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-gauges_day.jpg)
But the boost gauge in the top of the panel, and replacing the coolant gauge with a multi-display like Fae has done, would be very cool and space-conservative.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/39102d1333560507-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-gauges_day.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/39103d1333560507-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-gauges_night.jpg)
#25
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I thought about a 1 din gauge cluster and I might still go that way in the future but I decided for now all I need is a boost and wideband readout which I can put in the gauge pod for the steering column. Mazdaspeed's have double din stereos so it would have been more of a hassle and more expensive in the short run to switch out the stereo and then I would have bought to more gauges and spent more money.
#26
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 8,682
Total Cats: 130
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm not really sure yet to be honest. Most of my research has gone elsewhere for the time being. I haven't even decided if I want to do twin scroll or not. I am looking for the absolute quickest spool and a good amount of torque aswell. Gonna get a ramhorn exhaust mani from abe in the future and have lht modify the downpipe to fit. Not sure what turbo will offer optimum spool while still operating efficiently.
Only problem with twin scroll unless you are going EFR turbo is two wastegates. That will add about $300 including the dump pipe. Superior performance though.
#28
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
People bash the price to performance but if you look you can get a good deal on one. It already has a 6 speed, bigger axles, more reinforcements, good suspension and brakes although not the best. The biggest advantage especially for someone new like me is that i am replacing parts that are all already in place and working so it allows me to upgrade slower and learn easier. Wish it already had vvt though.
#32
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have a question for anyone who might know. I am looking to make the intake myself because it will need to be modified later when I upgrade my turbo but I have no idea how large of piping to use for the stock MSM turbo. I also noticed on some other builds that it appears the intake pipe is secured to the turbo with a silicon coupler. Is this the best way to mount it?
#33
Cpt. Slow
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (25)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 14,360
Total Cats: 1,184
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
How else would you attach it? Pretty sure 99% of turbo kits use a silicone coupler clamped on to the turbo. Anything else you see is most likely an OEM design.
There's been a few threads about piping size lately, search around. But basically 2" is the easiest, 2.5" looks good but doesn't offer any increase in performance, and is harder to route. Search and read the threads if you want to be further convinced.
There's been a few threads about piping size lately, search around. But basically 2" is the easiest, 2.5" looks good but doesn't offer any increase in performance, and is harder to route. Search and read the threads if you want to be further convinced.
#34
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
UPDATE: This last weekend I installed the MAF relocation kit from a member on mazda-speed.com. It went on with little problems. I had more trouble removing the stock parts due to the manufacturer putting epoxy on all the clamps and couplers. Kit includes a cold air intake, new BOV, manual boost controller, and a new throttle body inlet pipe to replace the weak factory unit.
My first drive with it seemed fine for the first 1/4 mile them all of a sudden no boost would build and the idle was all kinds of fucked. The car would stall if I didn't shift really fast or was off throttle for any length of time. Pulled in the nearest gas station and popped the hood. I initially could not see anything but after calling the member who made the kit I spotted a coupler that popped off the MAF due to a loose clamp. Fixed that and the car runs like a dream. The intake really increased spool and I can feel the power. It has been dyno tested by members of mazda-speed.com and one member that had an FM exhaust and downpipe on his MSM showed a 40hp increase with the kit with the same level of boost. Not sure if that is typical but everyone who tested it showed that it was superior to the FM intake.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/members/ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-intake-2400.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/members/ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-throttle-body-2399.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/members/ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-maf-relocation-kit-2401.jpg)
The kit is designed to decrease the throttle hesitation that MSM owners experience with the stock MAF. It definitely cured this. I bought this kit mainly for the intake and better throttle body elbow as it was well priced and proven to work. Overall I am incredibly happy with it so far.
My first drive with it seemed fine for the first 1/4 mile them all of a sudden no boost would build and the idle was all kinds of fucked. The car would stall if I didn't shift really fast or was off throttle for any length of time. Pulled in the nearest gas station and popped the hood. I initially could not see anything but after calling the member who made the kit I spotted a coupler that popped off the MAF due to a loose clamp. Fixed that and the car runs like a dream. The intake really increased spool and I can feel the power. It has been dyno tested by members of mazda-speed.com and one member that had an FM exhaust and downpipe on his MSM showed a 40hp increase with the kit with the same level of boost. Not sure if that is typical but everyone who tested it showed that it was superior to the FM intake.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/members/ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-intake-2400.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/members/ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-throttle-body-2399.jpg)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/members/ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-maf-relocation-kit-2401.jpg)
The kit is designed to decrease the throttle hesitation that MSM owners experience with the stock MAF. It definitely cured this. I bought this kit mainly for the intake and better throttle body elbow as it was well priced and proven to work. Overall I am incredibly happy with it so far.
#35
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There is a cold air tube that I have yet to install that attaches to the end of the intake shielding and pulls air from behind the front fender. It required cutting some of the plastic in the fender area and It was getting pretty late so I left it off for now. I will put it on soon.
Next mods include the mishimoto intercooler and 650cc injectors sitting in my room. I am also waiting on a Rev built enhanced MS2
Next mods include the mishimoto intercooler and 650cc injectors sitting in my room. I am also waiting on a Rev built enhanced MS2
#36
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Regarding gauges:
Consider the "'95MSM Boost Gauge Mod" (see http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/in...,13678.0.html)
Also, consider the PLX multi-gauges, they can display multiple sensor values. I mounted mine in the "dummy" water temperature location. (see http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/in...c,25487.0.html)
Consider the "'95MSM Boost Gauge Mod" (see http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/in...,13678.0.html)
Also, consider the PLX multi-gauges, they can display multiple sensor values. I mounted mine in the "dummy" water temperature location. (see http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/in...c,25487.0.html)
#37
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
This past weekend, with the help of Sixshooter and miata2fast, I was able to switch out my clutch and flywheel with the FM super size clutch happy meal. Without those two I would have been completely lost.It went fairly smooth with no major problems. Sixshooter has air tools which were amazing, I can't even imagine doing parts of the job without them.
Sadly, I did not take any pictures because all I had was my phone and I did not want to slow down the already lengthy job since I needed to get it done quickly considering the MSM is my only form of transportation. After everything was reassembled we started it up and..... my car is idling like ---- and won't rev correctly.
I noticed my car started having problems starting, idling, and reving about 4 days before we switched out the clutch. Deep down I knew the clutch should not affect any of these things but I did not want to consider that something else broke at the same time as my clutch and that I would have to spend more money so I attributed it to the clutch anyway.
Well Sixshooter instantly knew my fuel pump was failing and that I probably would not be able to make it home like that. The gods were shining on me, however, because Sixshooter happened to have a used walbro 255lb/hr fuel pump in his parts bin that he let me buy off of him. After about 20 minutes to install it we turned the key and it fired right up and purred.
The FM clutch is amazing. The clamp pressure is unreal compared to my stock clutch and the lightened flywheel was instantly noticeable. The fuel pump must have been struggling to keep up for a while because I occasionally had some shudder under hard acceleration that is completely gone now which I assume is because there is always enough fuel.
Today I came home to a very nice surprise as well. A shipping notice that my MS2 was delivered but there was no one there to pick it up. Considering Reverant just shipped it on Thursday of last week I was pretty blown away that it was already here. The next step after I pick it up will be to install the MS2, 650cc injectors, my bigger intercooler, wideband sensor, and my boost and wideband gauge.
Thank again to Sixshooter and miata2fast for all the help. I'll see you at sebring this weekend for sure.
Sadly, I did not take any pictures because all I had was my phone and I did not want to slow down the already lengthy job since I needed to get it done quickly considering the MSM is my only form of transportation. After everything was reassembled we started it up and..... my car is idling like ---- and won't rev correctly.
I noticed my car started having problems starting, idling, and reving about 4 days before we switched out the clutch. Deep down I knew the clutch should not affect any of these things but I did not want to consider that something else broke at the same time as my clutch and that I would have to spend more money so I attributed it to the clutch anyway.
Well Sixshooter instantly knew my fuel pump was failing and that I probably would not be able to make it home like that. The gods were shining on me, however, because Sixshooter happened to have a used walbro 255lb/hr fuel pump in his parts bin that he let me buy off of him. After about 20 minutes to install it we turned the key and it fired right up and purred.
The FM clutch is amazing. The clamp pressure is unreal compared to my stock clutch and the lightened flywheel was instantly noticeable. The fuel pump must have been struggling to keep up for a while because I occasionally had some shudder under hard acceleration that is completely gone now which I assume is because there is always enough fuel.
Today I came home to a very nice surprise as well. A shipping notice that my MS2 was delivered but there was no one there to pick it up. Considering Reverant just shipped it on Thursday of last week I was pretty blown away that it was already here. The next step after I pick it up will be to install the MS2, 650cc injectors, my bigger intercooler, wideband sensor, and my boost and wideband gauge.
Thank again to Sixshooter and miata2fast for all the help. I'll see you at sebring this weekend for sure.
#38
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Today I was able to get my package from the post office. I opened it up and...... the glory.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/48376-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-ecu2-2537.jpg?dateline=1341539935)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/48377-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-ecu1-2536.jpg?dateline=1341539935)
Won't be able to hook everything up right now so I am gonna make sure I have everything I need and that I do it right so the install can go smooth. I am going to have to install the wideband, boost and wideband gauge, injectors, and the MS2 all at once. I will probably go ahead and do the intercooler too while I am at it. More updates will come with plenty of pics.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/48376-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-ecu2-2537.jpg?dateline=1341539935)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/48377-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-ecu1-2536.jpg?dateline=1341539935)
Won't be able to hook everything up right now so I am gonna make sure I have everything I need and that I do it right so the install can go smooth. I am going to have to install the wideband, boost and wideband gauge, injectors, and the MS2 all at once. I will probably go ahead and do the intercooler too while I am at it. More updates will come with plenty of pics.
#39
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Won't be able to hook everything up right now so I am gonna make sure I have everything I need and that I do it right so the install can go smooth. I am going to have to install the wideband, boost and wideband gauge, injectors, and the MS2 all at once. I will probably go ahead and do the intercooler too while I am at it. More updates will come with plenty of pics.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#40
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2,568
Total Cats: 217
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Today Sixshooter and I installed my intercooler.
Yesterday I removed the bumper and made the initial measurements for the cuts that would need to be made.
First we removed the stock intercooler.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51892-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-stock-intercooler-2624.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Then we used the new intercooler to determine if any other modifications would need to be made and how we would mount it. Luckily we did not need to make the usual bends to the hard lines there.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51893-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-measuring-2622.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
We decided that the best place to mount the new intercooler would be on the stock brackets. After a quick trip to Lowes I picked this up.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51894-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-bracket-material-2620.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Some simple modifications were made and we test fitted it on the car.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51895-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-test-fitting-2626.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
It fit like a glove so we removed the bracket it and hit it with a coat of black paint to keep it stealthy.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51896-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-painting-bracket-2623.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
I also decided that while my bumper was off that I would go ahead and tap the intercooler pipe for the GM IAT sensor for my MS2.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51897-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-tapping-pipe-2625.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Finally we got it all back together just as nature decided to make it rain.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51898-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-intercooler-installed-2621.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Tomorrow I will put the bumper back on. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to install the MS2 like I had wanted so that will be the next chapter.
Yesterday I removed the bumper and made the initial measurements for the cuts that would need to be made.
First we removed the stock intercooler.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51892-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-stock-intercooler-2624.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Then we used the new intercooler to determine if any other modifications would need to be made and how we would mount it. Luckily we did not need to make the usual bends to the hard lines there.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51893-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-measuring-2622.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
We decided that the best place to mount the new intercooler would be on the stock brackets. After a quick trip to Lowes I picked this up.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51894-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-bracket-material-2620.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Some simple modifications were made and we test fitted it on the car.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51895-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-test-fitting-2626.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
It fit like a glove so we removed the bracket it and hit it with a coat of black paint to keep it stealthy.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51896-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-painting-bracket-2623.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
I also decided that while my bumper was off that I would go ahead and tap the intercooler pipe for the GM IAT sensor for my MS2.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51897-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-tapping-pipe-2625.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Finally we got it all back together just as nature decided to make it rain.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/51898-ryans-build-thread-clean-mean-ryan_g-25002-albums-my-miata-457-picture-intercooler-installed-2621.jpg?dateline=1344812691)
Tomorrow I will put the bumper back on. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to install the MS2 like I had wanted so that will be the next chapter.