Morning all,

I've done a load of searching, and haven't been able to find a definitive answer on this - as this is my first post on here I'm hoping not to get flamed.....


So, I have an '05 NB2 mx5, and I'm in the process of slapping a Borg Warner K16 on it. Its currently running NA, but is going in Monday for an equal length header and full turbo system to be fitted at a well respected local engineering company.

I'm running a Rev built MS3 enhanced since around Feb this year, which is running well - this site has been invaluable in terms of spark / AFR information. The spark maps are retarded a little from the supplied base maps for my peace of mind.

As part of the prep for the turbo install, I've got a Mishimoto thermostatic sandwich plate, with oil temp and pressure sensors fitted - I've retained the OEM oil to water cooler / heater, and at the moment the oil cooler ports are capped, but I will be fitting a 13 row cooler after the turbo / IC are on, and I know what room I have.

Its currently running Fuchs Pro S 5W40 oil, which has been in for maybe 1500 miles.


So, with my spangly new gauge, and my working sensors, I've now got some realistic readings - the oil peaks at about 90 - 92 degrees after around 20 minutes. Which is all good from what I understand. Water temp is around the 90 degree mark also.

I'm looking for some clarification with regards to the pressure though, which is proving impossible on the UK forums, as most people run mk1's over here.

At idle, it looks perfect, around 32psi. Under load, essentially anything above 1500 rpm, it runs around 60 psi - peaking under heavy load in low gears at around 90 psi, before the relief valve kicks in, and it returns to 60. You speak to people with mk1's, and thats too high, but I've found posts on here that suggests its about right for the later motors.


From looking at MT, it looks like the 01+ VVT engines have an uprated oil pump over the earlier ones, and potentially the 04+ models have another one again.


I think I'm being overly worried about nothing, but hopefully someone can confirm that for me.


Thanks
Dale

 

I see nothing to worry about at all. You get progressive pressure increase as you rise through the RPM range, then once you reach the relief you can see it operate through the gauge. That is honestly ideal oil pressure. The earlier engines never see that 65+ psi in the higher rev. range, which always concerns me, but the engines never seemed to care. I just would always like 70-90 psi after about 5k RPMs, but it all depends on the engine. For instance a B or K Series Honda engine capping at 60 psi, something is deathly wrong.

 

Thanks Nboost,

Really I just wanted to make sure I wasnt missing something obvious.


Well, the old girl's gone in today for the turbo mani and exhaust to be made, so come thursday, it should be home and ready to have the IC fitted


Dale

 

Are you saying that the 04+ oil pump is better than 01-03?

 

I'm saying its a different part number.....

https://www.miataturbo.net/engine-pe...l-pumps-62506/

That has some info in it.