1.6 or 1.8?
#1
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Howdy miatayodas!
Been driving a 1.6 miata -91 all summer and the thought about a miata turbo have really grown in my head. Im gonna do it, just need som expert info on what car i should build on. 1.6 or 1.8? I do want the NA model but what engine is best suited for a turbo (im pretty heavyfooted).
In my narrow motorhead the 1.8 feels like it has more potential just of the simple fact that it has more volume, but i've seen 1.6 miatas on youtube push 250whp so i just might be wrong...
Regards Sado!
Been driving a 1.6 miata -91 all summer and the thought about a miata turbo have really grown in my head. Im gonna do it, just need som expert info on what car i should build on. 1.6 or 1.8? I do want the NA model but what engine is best suited for a turbo (im pretty heavyfooted).
In my narrow motorhead the 1.8 feels like it has more potential just of the simple fact that it has more volume, but i've seen 1.6 miatas on youtube push 250whp so i just might be wrong...
Regards Sado!
#3
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Honestly, if I were to do it over, I'd start with a '94 or '95 with a Torsen. Mazda really beefed up the car between '93 and '94.
1.8 has way more potential and, from the plots I've seen, generates a much flatter torque curve.
That said, lots of us run the 1.6 (me included). The car is so much better with a turbo it's not even funny.
1.8 has way more potential and, from the plots I've seen, generates a much flatter torque curve.
That said, lots of us run the 1.6 (me included). The car is so much better with a turbo it's not even funny.
#12
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks for your thoughts
Like i suspected theres 2 sides of the table, but i think ill do some hunting on a 1.8.
When it comes to clutch, diff and suspension the stock parts prolly gonna go in the bin anyway. Upgrades ftw! Want the car to hold for some beating when the horns pops out of my forehead.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Like i suspected theres 2 sides of the table, but i think ill do some hunting on a 1.8.
When it comes to clutch, diff and suspension the stock parts prolly gonna go in the bin anyway. Upgrades ftw! Want the car to hold for some beating when the horns pops out of my forehead.
#13
I'm a terrible person
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 7,174
Total Cats: 180
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
In all honestly there is only 1 side. 1.8 is better than the 1.6. Period. Circumstances are the only reason why anyone would choose the 1.6.
If you are just starting out, and buying a stock car, get a 1.8, preferably a 94-95. Also you want to look for one with a Torsen.
If you are just starting out, and buying a stock car, get a 1.8, preferably a 94-95. Also you want to look for one with a Torsen.
#17
Former Vendor
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
iTrader: (31)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 15,442
Total Cats: 2,103
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Didn't read a single word of the OP. Only read the title. Get a 1.8.
There are two sides to this argument like there's two sides to having herpes. People who already have it try to argue it's not all that bad, but nobody willingly goes out and gets it. Thankfully, unlike herpes, it's easy to get rid of a 1.6.
There are two sides to this argument like there's two sides to having herpes. People who already have it try to argue it's not all that bad, but nobody willingly goes out and gets it. Thankfully, unlike herpes, it's easy to get rid of a 1.6.