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Best bang for the buck? 1.8 turbo kit!

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Old 02-26-2012 | 11:59 AM
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Default Best bang for the buck? 1.8 turbo kit!

Hey guys, I recently just bought a 93 NA with a 1.8 flyin miata swap. Both the engine and rear end were transferred from a 96 and I would like to get some more power out of it. I have been looking at alot of kits and was wondering what you guys think is the best deal I can get. I am not looking at making 300hp just looking to get around 170-200. Any help would be appreciated
Old 02-26-2012 | 12:12 PM
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Do you want to save money and go DIY or do you want to buy a complete kit? There are steps inbetween, like buying BEGI's or FM's "no electronics" systems, and adding your own Megasquirt and injectors for cheaper.

What's your budget? That would help us a lot, and you'll get lots of lists like this:

manifold $xxx
downpipe $xxx
turbo $xxx
intercooler $xxx
misc $xxx
ecu $xxx
injectors $xxx

That add up to roughly what you specify as your budget. Because we're all either dreaming of turboing, in the midst of turboing, upgrading our turbo systems, and/or remember what we bought.
Old 02-26-2012 | 12:15 PM
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A cheap DIY kit can be put together for cheap and make that power.

Don't bother with bandaids, get a MS and be happy. In fact, buy that now because no matter what you setup you chose you need this. It's best to install on a stock engine first so you can learn about it. In the meantime buy the parts for the rest of your turbo setup.

MS: Megasquirt.

But you mention kit, if you want a cheap kit, I recommend getting a MS and then the FM kit with no electronics. That kit is beautiful and will well suited for your power goals. And easily upgradable to larger goals, which may or may not be a good thing (makes you want to spend more money )
Old 02-26-2012 | 12:20 PM
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+1 on the megasquirt. It makes a bigger difference than you would think, and as FRT_Fun said, no matter what setup you choose you will need it.

Good luck!
Old 02-26-2012 | 01:22 PM
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I really have no budget, just don't want to spend 6k on one lol

Do you guys have any suggestion on what Megasquirt?

I have looked into Flyin Miatas kit with no electronics and have been highly considering it. I am new to the turbos so I want to get a basic turbo going so later I know what to do and how to upgrade!
Old 02-26-2012 | 01:49 PM
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My turbo is for sale, and it is the awesomest one to meet your needs. I possibly have a turbine outlet for sale too...pM me for more info.
Old 02-26-2012 | 01:55 PM
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pm'd
Old 02-26-2012 | 02:35 PM
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I've been happy with the MSPNP. It has a connector for the stock harness and already has circuits built for most popular options. This saves time and, for most, will increase reliability because you don't have to cut/splice the OEM harness or build your own circuits on breadboards and the like. Costs more, but I would definitely do it again. There are new versions of the MSPNP out now based on more recent MS generations (mine is an original -- based on MS-1).

+1000 on installing MS and larger injectors now and learning it, then doing your turbo. I did that and am glad I did. Lots of threads on here right now with subjects like "Installed MS and Turbo . . . Car Won't Start." Make it easy on yourself by upgrading in controlled stages.
Old 02-26-2012 | 03:18 PM
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I am in the same situation. Looking to turbo my 95 1.8 miata all stock except has magnaflow exhaust. Im looking at going with a MS although I have no direction where to find a kit. Budget isn't an issue. I've done research on MS. Anyone have any ideas where to find a good turbo kit and how much boost can the 95 miata stock engine take before needing upgrades?

The kit I have been looking at is 1994-95 FM turbo kit - no electronics and buying the MS.

Last edited by curly; 02-26-2012 at 09:47 PM.
Old 02-26-2012 | 03:20 PM
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-How to win

DIYPNP gen 2 from DIYAutotune
OR
Reverant-built MS2/MS3

FM2 no electronics kit. Add intercooler.

Follow instructions, research like hell on the site before installing. Done. Enjoy the boost.

/Best combo for a noob no issue budget. Go with the MS3 though if you can.
//Look into some of Artech or our other forum fabricator's stuff if you really want to get the best bang for your buck. Abe's stuff is awesome but is much harder to configure and install compared to FM's drop-in kits.
Old 02-26-2012 | 03:21 PM
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The FM no electronics kit is great, but it's also $3000. You can piece together a better solution for less money, I feel, and then you'll also learn more about your car and your turbo system.
Old 02-26-2012 | 03:37 PM
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thirdgen let's talk over email!

I am practically looking for the simplest way to add a turbo. I do not plan to do all the electronic crap so I have been considering the FM kits but looking at piecing it together myself
Old 02-26-2012 | 03:44 PM
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Doing more research I am highly considering doing a DIY kit. Came across another kit wanted some info on if anyone knew anything about it BEGI 1.8L S4 Starter Turbo Kit. Good with a stock engine? How much whp? Can I do this kit with the MS? Looking at this kit with the gt2560 turbo.
Old 02-26-2012 | 05:46 PM
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i find it a bit weird ppl are suggesting the fm kit. I'd be talking to Abe . from my experience i got manifold / DP and oil supply delivered for less than an fm/begi mani down pipe without delivery, and imo artech is better quality. Im sure Abe could set u up.
Old 02-26-2012 | 06:22 PM
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Well, the title says kit. Abe as far as I know doesn't sell a complete turbo setup, meaning, everything you need. No disrespect to Abe as he has the some hawt ----, but for a noob I'd say FM is a safe buy. Plus their support is crazy awesome. I haven't dealt with Abe and I'm sure he also has good support.

Also says bang for buck, doesn't mean budget. You can't deny that FM sells quality stuff that will get what the OP wants and will last, not to mentioned backed by FM which means a lot. Especially if you are not a guru.

Either way there are plenty of options if you want to DIY. That will give you the best bang for your buck. But as for kits, FM.
Old 02-26-2012 | 06:40 PM
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I've been very patient (and lucky) with my turbo build and when all is said and done, I'll have less than $400 in my turbo kit. But then again, I'm a boss.
Old 02-26-2012 | 07:11 PM
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Explain how you did so, like a boss
Old 02-26-2012 | 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Oni
i find it a bit weird ppl are suggesting the fm kit. I'd be talking to Abe .
The lowest price does not always equal the best value.
Old 02-26-2012 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by FowlerMotorsports
Explain how you did so, like a boss
He doesn't calculate the hand jobs he gives for parts.
Old 02-26-2012 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by FRT_Fun
He doesn't calculate the hand jobs he gives for parts.
Or mouth hugs.



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