Been doing research for a good while now and I am pretty sure I have a good grasp on what it takes to turbo an NA. This is my build list that I've come up with. My budget is pretty flexible around the 2k-2.4k area but the more I can save the better. Definitely flexible though. My Miata is not my daily and I really don't mind having it down days or weeks at a time to work on. Just a fun project car that I can drive around the streets (maybe track in the future?). Not sure what my power goal is. Maybe 200whp? Somewhere where the rods are gonna go boom. I figured I'd be content with what I get out of this build. But maybe I'll want more in the future. The power isn't really my main goal with the build. I mainly wanna learn what it takes to turbo a car and have it be a lot faster than stock. I guess a goal with power is just to have it be as flexible as possible. I also want the noises.



Just realized my BOV is missing. I'll probably pick one up later. I don't mind running lower boost for some more stustu.
As for the clutch. That's kinda in the air right now. I figured I'd just replace it once my goes out. The previous owner put a new one pretty recently and I'm not sure what they put in. Once it stars slipping or something I'll take a look at the supermiata, ACT, fab9 or flyin Miata clutches. I'd plan on upgrading to a 6-puck sprung cause I've never driven a car with an aggressive clutch like that.

I'm pretty comfortable soldering and I have built PCB boards and such before so I'm fairly confident in my abilities to build an MS3x. Using the TruboKitty guide of course.
I'm fine with doing some DIY elements to the project as well. Like I said this is more of a learning experience than it is to have the fastest car on the block. I'd rather just know what goes into turboing a car rather than just buying some kit that someone else built. What's the point of having a fast car if you don't know why it's fast? Right? I'd rather save some money as well and like rebuild a snail than pay for a brand new one. Things like that.

This is my rough plan:


So far I've got my Innovate MTX-L installed, but couldn't get it to run smoothly with the stock ECU. (Yes I reprogrammed it). I figured the next part of the build was gonna be the MS3x anyways. So now I have it uninstalled, waiting for the standalone to go in. I've been keeping track of what I install by writing down what mileage, date, and what part is installed in a docs sheet. As detailed as I can. Unfortunately, I live in CA so smog and that stuff is around. I'm hoping that with my detailed documents, I will be able to return sections of the car back to stock when the time comes around to do so. I believe the biggest hurdle in my build is going to be tuning. That stuff seems very complicated but I'm excited to learn about it. I am looking forward to all the problems I will run into...

Please correct any issues you see with this build. Or just run me into the ground do whatever is necessary. I might have forgotten to add some info, I'll probably be editing some in If I did. Thanks yall.

 

Avoid RX-8 injectors there are many fakes and they're just not that great. The go to for quality injectors at a good price is https://goflowforce.com/ hes one of our own. The mishimoto intercooler is also not worth paying more for over just an ebay intercooler IMO. If you want something better fab9 has some nice offerings using proven core designs.

 

Plans for the rest of the exhaust? It might be cheaper to go with Kraken's full kit if he still sells them. If you want to support a more local vender, there's MKTurbo as well. If you decide you that you're car is runner hot or your radiator is already turning brown, Ebay aluminums work well.

For injector's , most of us reccomend reputable Flow Force injections as they are a budget friendly option rather than unknown RX7/8 injectors.

 

KAInjection.com also has some great prices on PNP injectors in your price range and more than capable for your build.

 

Awesome thanks for the heads up. I remember reading around on here that some of the RX-8 injectors being fake. FlowForce 680cc's should be good? I'll take a look at some other intercoolers.


I'm currently in the process of learning how to weld. I was planning on just running a 2.5" to 2.25 adapter and hook it up to my current exhaust until I weld up the new one. Maybe not the best thing for performance but def will be fun.
As for the radiator, I think mines pretty new. The top is a nice deep black. I was looking at a potential cooling upgrade down the line though.

Thank you I will take a look at those.

 

If you are learning to weld then you should 100% be making your own manifold and down pipe.

 

This. Fun project and easier than I expected.

 

Really satisfying when it all goes together too.

 

I'm definitely considering it. Although I'm not sure if my skills would be good enough when comparing it to a cast manifold/downpipe. I will definitely be considering this.

 

I would go with a cast mani/DP adapter from Kraken; you could still weld the rest of the exhaust and charge pipes and have fun, while having quality components that last without cracking where it matters.

 

Yeah that's what I'm thinking. I'm more comfortable with a weld breaking on my exhaust than my manifold.

 

A weld cracking on your manifold won't do much. You will notice a weird noise as air leaves it, but otherwise no major issues. It is a good learning experience doing it all yourself. Now a day's you don't need anything more then you can get at HF.

 

Very true. I will definitely consider this. Thank you.

 

I might swap out the manifold/downpipe to this https://kraken-mx5.eu/product/t25-tu...adapter-2-5-3/. and just weld up the rest.

 

I'm running a Kraken manifold + full exhaust and a 2554r. No complaints here so far.

 

Awesome!