Hey, My name is Greg and I'm located in Mount Airy, MD. I bought my 1999 Miata 5speed about a year ago just before graduating college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am finally in a position to modify my Miata so I'm looking for lots of information on everything from suspension to the ECU.

I have been reading through the threads I can find but I'm looking for more DIY threads on turbocharging. Ive come across a lot of new information including, https://www.miataturbo.net/useful-saved-posts-8/diy-faq-all-your-answers-one-big-post-10821/, which was really helpful. But I'm looking for even more detail before I get started.

I'm still undecided as to taking on this project myself or hiring it out to a shop. The problem is I don't have a great shop with all the tools I need available to me. But I am looking for anybody who has the hook-ups in Maryland, be it a great shop that does performance work or a great knowledge base who loves putting turbos in Miatas.

 

Welcome to the board. You really just need basic tools to install a turbo onto the miata. Some wrenches, a drill... that's about all I can think of.

 

Is that based on installing your average turbo kit? I wont need to lift the motor or anything? I'm also a bit more worried about the other nuances I'd need to watch out for considering I really want to see 200whp if my budget allows it, so I'm trying to decide where to start. There is a shop near my house that does custom builds or kit installs but I haven't talked to them much yet, they want me to come down in person.

 

I'm in MD. What shop does custom work?

No lift needed for installing turbo. Engine stays in car. Assuming you have the right parts and are not fabbing anything you should be able to do the install in a few hours.

If you want to look at a miata turbo setup up close let me know. I will probably be near mt airy this weekend.

For an EMS consider the xede so you don't have to revert to stock for maryland emissions testing. I think there is one for sale here for a decent price.

 

mspracing.net right out of Frederick, MD. I'd love to check out your turbo, and I'm definitely going to need some exhaust work. My car is already of the road because of catalytic converter problems, so I'm trying to get this project moving within the week so I don't have to get more than one exhaust system set up. Can you elaborate a bit more on that EMS? Or give me a link?

 

Here ya go

http://www.bellengineering.net/produ...roducts_id=131

why is it off the road because of a converter problem? I'd think it would still be driveable?

 

I had to remove one completely because it failed, broke apart, melted, and otherwise blocked up my exhaust. Apparently, you don't buy magnaflow catalytic converters. It was sent back to them for "analysis" to make sure it was a defect before they decide if they will replace/refund the item. Right now, my cars exhaust is not attached to the muffer, i.e. too loud for legal road use.

 

I live in frederick md and have lots of friends in Mt. Airy I used to live there a few years back. Welcome to the forum. MSP in frederick is right down the street from me but I am sorry to tell you they are closed. I was not personally a fan of them to begin with. They do excellent work I will give them that but the owner and the workers were dick heads evey time I was there. It seems like if you are one of there buddies you are in and if not well pay up and leave.

As for your exhaust. I would go to advanced in town pick up a decent universal converter and have one of the local shops weld it in. It will be cheap and can be done in a day. If you need help with your car just hit Faeflora or myself up we are always working on something and have tons of places to do things or get things done. You do not need a lift or shop to install a turbo and between the two of us we have more than enough tools to get it done. Just ask and you shale receive.

On a side note I would buy a test pipe off ebay to get the car on the road. It will not hurt the car to run without a cat it will just show a check engine light for it not being there.

 

I mean, I've been in contact with them. But yeah, I've attempted to go there in the past and thought the same thing.

I'd much rather get hands on with my car having little to no experience is the downside doing this kind of work. Conversely, I'm looking to do this as soon as possible, this weekend if I had my way, but its not right for me to just ask for your help. However, if you are offering, I'd be ecstatic and super appreciative of your help and resources.

Then the big question becomes where should I get my turbo from? And I've come across a lot of info already on different kits, but that hasn't really influenced my decision (or lack there of) and I'm not sure I have all the information to go out and buy it part by part.

 

I can help and I have freinds that are always willing to help a fellow car guy. As far as the turbo kit goes everyone has their opinions. I have build my car on an unheard of cheap budget and plan to keep it that way, but I have another car to drive and I have nothin but time so it is fine with me. If I had the money to do it I would buy a good kit and start with that. If you buy a quality kit from somewhere like FM it will bolt on and make good power leaving you with all the right parts to be easily upgraded later. From what I have seen the FM kits are completly capable of make power as well as other kits. If it was my car I would buy a Ebay FMIC kit, ebay log mani, ebay down pipe and then buy a QUALITY TURBO, and good ecu of some sort, megasquirt, hydra, AEM. Then slap it all on and do work. You will also need injectors and a fuel pump I would assume depending on your power goals.

 

Just to clarify, by FM you mean Flyin Miata, correct? That was the one that looked most promising.

Also, any insight as to where I can get a different final drive? I wanted to switch to 3.909:1. Is that something I can pick up new from advance auto? Or can I find one cheaper online?

 

Best place is online. Either on ebay or on one of the forums. You are not going to be able to order that from advanced trust me on that I used to work there and tried.lol Yes FM I am referring to flyin miata

 

You may also luck out and be able to get one from a junk yard I have had good luck with Brandywine and they will ship it to your house. I would look on forums or ebay sometimes has them.

 

How comprehensive is this kit: http://www.bellengineering.net/produ...roducts_id=246

 

Kit is just missing an EMS/way to control fuel and timing.

Unless you have worked on cars a bunch before I recommend that you get a kit. If I didn't get a kit initially, it would have taken me about a year to get my car running.

BTW I'm selling my exhaust soon and it would fit your car. I have a brand new magnaflow stainless race cat that goes with it. Or, if you like the sound and want to make one yourself you can get the same muffler.

 

Awesome. What about fuel injectors? I'm probably going to get that kit, search into some of those EMS.

And I'm considering your exhaust, Faeflora, however, the reason I'm in this whole mess with my current exhaust is because I bought a Magnaflow catalytic converter (the second unsensored one) and it broke to pieces, blocking up my exhaust. What size pipe is your exhaust?

 

Actually, I could pretty much use feedback on every option for that kit. Intercooler size? I don't know the differences and can't seem to find info on the site. If I'm aiming for 200whp what would you suggest? Will the BEGi fuel system be sufficient? What does the rear thermal coolant reroute do and why should I want/not want it? And finally, the H20 Injection bung, is that a spray for the intercooler? If I get a bigger intercooler will that accomplish nearly the same task?

I appreciate anybody with the patience to answer all those questions...

Edit: Flow meter?

 

Welcome tot eh forums. I just sent you a pm.

 

Is there a time delay on those pm's?

 

I was a bit slow sending it. Also check out the Nova/MD Dyno Day thread.