Biohzrd's GT28RS Build - From The Dark Side Of The Boost
#1
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The Short:
Had a supercharger, sold it. Going turbo.
The Long:
So a few months ago I decided I was sick of dealing with my coldside supercharger and started researching turbo options for my 99 NB. Its not that I didn't like my supercharger, the hardware in the kit was great, support was awesome, it was fun, added a good deal of power and I could even smog my car with the kit in place. The power card piggy back system and its limited capabilities its where I had issues. I suffered from lean spikes in the boost transition and tried just about every setting combination I could think of to get rid of the condition. I went through my entire kit multiple times, checking for boost or vacuum leaks to no avail. I changed O2 sensors, exhaust components, sensors, injectors, you name it. Eventually I switched to E85, you can run it on the stock ECU with 440cc RX8 injectors. I didn't see any more extreme issues with my kit after I made the switch, but naturally I wanted more power. I could have upped the pulley size and gotten away with more boost on E85 due to its high octane rating but the lack of charge cooling on an intake mounted blower really starts to show its weaknesses here. After toying with he idea of going the stand alone EMS route for better tune-ability I eventually convinced myself that I wanted to get rid of the blower all together and go turbo. The lack of charge cooling is what really pushed me over the edge. For moderate power gains and the use of a standalone I think the coldside supercharger kit would be a great fit, especially if you just want to swap to your stock ECU when smog rolls around every 2 years. Like I said, its a well made kit, its just limited by design. I was pretty fortunate and able to sell my supercharger kit rather quickly to a member of this forum who shall remain unknown for their safety
. I wouldn't stay naturally aspirated for long though, my timing was pretty good as I was able to pick up a nearly complete turbo kit locally form 18psi which he bough previously form mx592, we both live in the Sacramento area of CA so it was a super easy transaction. 18psi a super nice dude and I felt great about the transaction after meeting up with him. I've spent the last few weeks ordering bits an pieces to make the kit complete and planning out how I am going to implement it. My goal is 250hp as this vehicle is my daily driver. I hope to get the DIYPNP in this week so I can tune while I'm still NA and switch back to gas, the 440cc's are still in so I'm still running E85 out of laziness.
Info:
Here's my car. Cheesy photo.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81265-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130427_162111_zpse8922c95.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
The engine bay about a month or so after I bought it.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81266-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20120412_120217_zps125213d8.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
After poopercharging.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81267-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130608_155008_zps8d0d962b.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
Supercharger out.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81268-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130615_092230_zpsb517da99.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
Turbo mocked up in the engine bay. (still have to make some adjustments)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81269-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130629_143610_zps303d43fb.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
I've also put together a DIYPNP and got the alternator regulating circuit together in the proto area as well thanks to Brain's schematic.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81270-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130701_101326_zps0318b23a.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
EBC and 02 leads off the 15 pin.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81271-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130701_101124_zps4aba2266.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
Alt circuit (some of it is on the bottom as well, I know it looks like hell)
Had a supercharger, sold it. Going turbo.
The Long:
So a few months ago I decided I was sick of dealing with my coldside supercharger and started researching turbo options for my 99 NB. Its not that I didn't like my supercharger, the hardware in the kit was great, support was awesome, it was fun, added a good deal of power and I could even smog my car with the kit in place. The power card piggy back system and its limited capabilities its where I had issues. I suffered from lean spikes in the boost transition and tried just about every setting combination I could think of to get rid of the condition. I went through my entire kit multiple times, checking for boost or vacuum leaks to no avail. I changed O2 sensors, exhaust components, sensors, injectors, you name it. Eventually I switched to E85, you can run it on the stock ECU with 440cc RX8 injectors. I didn't see any more extreme issues with my kit after I made the switch, but naturally I wanted more power. I could have upped the pulley size and gotten away with more boost on E85 due to its high octane rating but the lack of charge cooling on an intake mounted blower really starts to show its weaknesses here. After toying with he idea of going the stand alone EMS route for better tune-ability I eventually convinced myself that I wanted to get rid of the blower all together and go turbo. The lack of charge cooling is what really pushed me over the edge. For moderate power gains and the use of a standalone I think the coldside supercharger kit would be a great fit, especially if you just want to swap to your stock ECU when smog rolls around every 2 years. Like I said, its a well made kit, its just limited by design. I was pretty fortunate and able to sell my supercharger kit rather quickly to a member of this forum who shall remain unknown for their safety
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Info:
- 99 Miata, stock internals, 5 speed with Torsen rear end
- Garrett GT28RS
- ETD Long Tube Manifold
- 2.5" Unknown downpipe
- 2.5" Exhuast & FM brace
- Vibrant Intercooler P/N:12800
- External Wastegate
- Dual Stage BOV
- DIYPNP w/ Seq injection, MapDaddy 4, EBC & GM IAT
- A/C Deleted
- AEM UEGO Wideband
Here's my car. Cheesy photo.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81265-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130427_162111_zpse8922c95.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
The engine bay about a month or so after I bought it.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81266-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20120412_120217_zps125213d8.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
After poopercharging.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81267-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130608_155008_zps8d0d962b.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
Supercharger out.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81268-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130615_092230_zpsb517da99.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
Turbo mocked up in the engine bay. (still have to make some adjustments)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81269-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130629_143610_zps303d43fb.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
I've also put together a DIYPNP and got the alternator regulating circuit together in the proto area as well thanks to Brain's schematic.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81270-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130701_101326_zps0318b23a.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
EBC and 02 leads off the 15 pin.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81271-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130701_101124_zps4aba2266.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
Alt circuit (some of it is on the bottom as well, I know it looks like hell)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/diy-turbo-discussion-14/81272-biohzrds-gt28rs-build-dark-side-boost-img_20130701_101354_zps720ff7e6.jpg?dateline=1372712842)
Last edited by biohzrd53188; 07-01-2013 at 05:07 PM.
#2
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Oh snap, you finally post a build thread. Nice. This belongs in the "build thread" section though lol
You better get ready to build that motor and run some big boy boost because once you get a feel of it you'll be addicted harder than a crack baby![Giggle](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/gay.gif)
Been there done that![Party Kitty](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/birthday[1].gif)
This setup will be glorious btw
You better get ready to build that motor and run some big boy boost because once you get a feel of it you'll be addicted harder than a crack baby
![Giggle](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/gay.gif)
Been there done that
![Party Kitty](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/birthday[1].gif)
This setup will be glorious btw
#5
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Oh snap, you finally post a build thread. Nice. This belongs in the "build thread" section though lol
You better get ready to build that motor and run some big boy boost because once you get a feel of it you'll be addicted harder than a crack baby![Giggle](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/gay.gif)
Been there done that![Party Kitty](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/birthday[1].gif)
This setup will be glorious btw
You better get ready to build that motor and run some big boy boost because once you get a feel of it you'll be addicted harder than a crack baby
![Giggle](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/gay.gif)
Been there done that
![Party Kitty](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/birthday[1].gif)
This setup will be glorious btw
![big grin](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
StratoBlue1109
Miata parts for sale/trade
21
09-30-2018 01:09 PM