New guy from Maine, boosting a Miata
 

Hello all,

I am new here, but I've been playing with cars for a long time. I really love all cars and I've never had any allegiance to any particular make or model which has lead me to own a pretty diverse list of stuff over the years. I would say that most of my experience is with the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth twins as I've had eight of them in the last ten years. I tend to buy one, get it about 75% "done", get bored, sell it, regret it, buy another one. I just can't stay away from them. I currently have a 92 Stealth Twin Turbo that's a very healthy bolt-on car with a bit of weight reduction. It's a blast, but it will be going on the back burner (or maybe up for sale) while I work on my new project; a 1991 Mazda Miata.

I bought the Miata last year, drove it stock/NA all summer and I am totally in love with it. Hands down one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. It's also one of the slowest. In all honesty, my only complaint is that 100hp simply isn't enough. I will be addressing that issue this spring with a little turbo lovin'. I got a great deal on some lightly used components and in the next couple months I will be acquiring the rest of the stuff I need to hit the ground running once the weather is conducive to being in the garage.

I look forward to reading and learning a lot here and sharing the stuff that I learn as I go through my build.


Thanks for having me!

-Patrick M.

Welcome! What components do you have right now?

I bought the following as a "package deal"
-Begi cast iron exhaust manifold
-Begi downpipe
-Garrett SR20 T25
-RX7 460cc injectors
-Stainless oil/coolant lines
-Toyota Denso coil on plug setup
-Starion FMIC

I will be using that stuff to start, though I will likely get the car up and running on the stock ignition and then swap the COP stuff in, it's just another variable I don't want to contend with right up front.

I also bought an AEM FIC6 setup, which I know is not the preffered tuning solution for Miatas. I am prepared to take some flack for not going Megasquirt, but there are a lot of reason why I chose the AEM and there is really nothing that could have swayed me in favor of MS.

Things I still need to get:
-Wideband
-Boost gauge
-Exhaust (will be making my own)
-Intercooler piping
-Blow off valve
-Gaskets and hardware

I am planning to run wastgate pressure (7psi) for now. I am sure I will want more power soon, but before I do, I will need to do a torsen rear diff and upgraded clutch. I understand that even 7psi could grenade my stock rear end, but I don't drag race or launch my car hard and I rarely stray far from home, so I am prepared to risk it for now.

I am fairly confident in my plans, the only things I have yet to decide on are cooling system upgrades. I am worried that the FMIC is going to limit the stock radiators effectiveness. I am planning to hotwire the AC fan, run water wetter and do some sheet metal ducting behind the bumper to help air flow. If that's not enough I will do a bigger radiator and fans.

I can't wait for Spring!

Not a bad starting point, although I don't have much experience with the FIC.

Hey Patrick! I'm the guy with the black turbo miata down the street. I'm glad to hear you are moving forward on your project! Those parts would make a killer turbo setup. If you ever need help with something feel free to ask.

Hey Ben!
Driving your car is what sold me on going the turbo route :) I am sure I will have some questions along the way and I will either message you here or text you. As always, if the garage door is open, feel free to stop by!

I haven't ordered the rest of the stuff I need yet, but I am one eBay binge away from being ready to rock. If the weather cooperates I will be pulling the car out of storage sometime in April and driving it NA for a little bit. I am hoping to get everything bolted up in a weekend, do some street tuning, trouble shoot any issues that arise and then get it on a dyno for final tweaks. It will be easier said than done, I'm sure ;)