DIY Turbo Discussion greddy on a 1.8? homebrew kit?

Turbo build plans, help would be appreciated

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Old 06-06-2014, 09:17 PM
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Default Turbo build plans, help would be appreciated

Hey guys, I'm planning on building up a turbo kit for my 1.8 this summer, I picked up a turbo already (td04h-13c off an old Volvo 940) and also grabbed the injectors off it (312cc Bosch's) I wanted to know if anyone's used this turbo, and could give me any tips, will the Bosch's work plug n play? if anyone thinks this is a bad turbo to stick on my 1.8 let me know so I can return it. Hopefully Was going to start mocking up a manifold this next week. Any tips or suggestions please let me know!

Edit: here's the flow chart for the turbo, was going to figure out how to read it tonight but outside input would help

Last edited by curly; 06-07-2014 at 08:58 AM. Reason: flow chart
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Old 06-07-2014, 12:03 AM
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Several guys have used Volvo turbos. Search in the build threads to see which set ups have worked for people.
https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...t25-t28-63926/
No idea about the injectors, but my gut tells me no. There are only a handful that I see being recommended these days.
Frankly, I think you are going about this the wrong way. I wouldn't start buying parts until you have a good idea of what to expect with your car. Be patient, and when you have a detailed list of what you need, you can often find good deals in the classifieds.
Also, post an intro thread and put your location in your profile.

Last edited by Monk; 06-07-2014 at 12:53 AM.
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Old 06-07-2014, 12:07 AM
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Also, post a cat pic.

Last edited by Monk; 06-07-2014 at 12:56 AM. Reason: Can't brain good on Friday night.
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Old 06-07-2014, 04:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Monk
Also, post a cat pic.
what do you mean a cat pic?
Originally Posted by Monk
Several guys have used Volvo turbos. Search in the build threads to see which set ups have worked for people.
https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...t25-t28-63926/
No idea about the injectors, but my gut tells me no. There are only a handful that I see being recommended these days.
Frankly, I think you are going about this the wrong way. I wouldn't start buying parts until you have a good idea of what to expect with your car. Be patient, and when you have a detailed list of what you need, you can often find good deals in the classifieds.
Also, post an intro thread and put your location in your profile.
Well thanks to vBulletin auto sign out this is my 3rd time writing this message.


Anyways I did some research on the injectors and there 312cc's, The also look nearly identical to the stock miata's.

I like most people want to turbo my car for as cheap as I can. My friend had a Turbo Volvo and that thing was loads of fun so I thought it might be a good place to start looking for a decent turbo at a good price (although his was a T3). Me and some other friends went to pick and pull just to look, but when we saw that there was a 940 sitting there completely untouched we just deiced to tear into it. when its all said and done I picked up the turbo and the 2.25in Down pipe for $100. It has a built in wastegate AND diverter valve so That can also save a couple $. even if it needs a rebuild (and it probably needs one) that's still only ~$160. I know that is not the top of the line turbo but I'm on a students budget so that's okay by me.
I'm about 85~90% sure what I need to do but whats the fun if your not in a little over your head?
I have access to all the the fab stuff & help I need and plenty of time to work on it, and I'm a computer guy/ comp sci major myself so I'm not to scared of all the tuning and wiring.

although If anyone else agrees that this is a terrible idea I can easily return the turbo and the down pipe within the next month.

Edit: I could also bring it back and pull a TD04-15g or 16t from an 850 volvo, just a little more work to get it off the transverse engine/ it'll be ~$70 for the turbo but I'll just have to fab a down pipe

Last edited by PhatFree; 06-07-2014 at 05:21 AM.
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Old 06-07-2014, 09:04 AM
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Read this thread and let us know if you think it's a good turbo for your application. I'm off to work otherwise I'd read it and tell you myself. But from my understanding, it's a little small. But if Volvo's using it on their 2.3, it should be good for your 1.8.

We always say don't build a turbo setup around a turbo, they're really the smallest piece of the puzzle, despite the build being named after it.

The injectors won't be any good for you. They may be plug and play, but they're only 47cc over your stock 265cc injectors. Plan on upgrading to RX-8 injectors, they're $28 each at Rockauto.com. Or if your student budget is really tight, find some RX-7 injectors. They're plug and play, and 460cc.

Build the Megasquirt first though. It's your cheapest option at $185 for the DIY kit, and then you'll have a full standalone ECU to play with. Then install the bigger injectors and run the stock engine on those. Then fab the manifold to mount the turbo to the engine, fab the necessary changes to mount your Volvo downpipe to the Miata exhaust, mount an intercooler, run the charge pipes, run an oil feed and line, and you'll be done.
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Old 06-07-2014, 09:31 AM
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What Curly said x 1000. Do the ECU first.
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Old 06-07-2014, 09:47 AM
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I don't think it's a terrible idea, I just think you should plan thoroughly before you buy parts. You can easily spend tons of money on little things that may not even be what you need. It all ads up.
By cat pic, I literally mean a picture of a cat. It's sort of a thing here. The cuter and/or funnier, the better. It will ensure better advice and eggplant protection.
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Old 06-07-2014, 02:28 PM
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OP: you are getting good advice in this thread, props awarded accordingly. Use this info as a foundation and keep reading and researching. Good luck!
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Old 06-07-2014, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by curly
Read this thread and let us know if you think it's a good turbo for your application. I'm off to work otherwise I'd read it and tell you myself. But from my understanding, it's a little small. But if Volvo's using it on their 2.3, it should be good for your 1.8.

We always say don't build a turbo setup around a turbo, they're really the smallest piece of the puzzle, despite the build being named after it.

The injectors won't be any good for you. They may be plug and play, but they're only 47cc over your stock 265cc injectors. Plan on upgrading to RX-8 injectors, they're $28 each at Rockauto.com. Or if your student budget is really tight, find some RX-7 injectors. They're plug and play, and 460cc.

Build the Megasquirt first though. It's your cheapest option at $185 for the DIY kit, and then you'll have a full standalone ECU to play with. Then install the bigger injectors and run the stock engine on those. Then fab the manifold to mount the turbo to the engine, fab the necessary changes to mount your Volvo downpipe to the Miata exhaust, mount an intercooler, run the charge pipes, run an oil feed and line, and you'll be done.
Okay got it, Which mega squirt should I be looking at, the PNP kit is $425 so obviously not that one, and I'll return the turbo for now or sell it. I know I'm not supposed to be worried about the turbo but, Doing some more thinking, there's an abundance of Volvo 850's at Pick n' Pull. Doing some lazy math, the td04h-13c makes 162hp in stock trim. the Td04-15g off the 850's makes 225-240HP stock trim. so I'm thinking the 15g might beable to handle a little more, I'll check the flow maps latter once I can read them.

Originally Posted by Monk
I don't think it's a terrible idea, I just think you should plan thoroughly before you buy parts. You can easily spend tons of money on little things that may not even be what you need. It all ads up.
By cat pic, I literally mean a picture of a cat. It's sort of a thing here. The cuter and/or funnier, the better. It will ensure better advice and eggplant protection.
Yeah I'll start making a list and,
here's a picture of my own cat, she loves to roll around in dirt.



Thanks for all the help guys, most forums really shun newbies away but so far you guys have been really helpful.
Attached Thumbnails Turbo build plans, help would be appreciated-fvf1mhc.jpg  
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Old 06-07-2014, 03:57 PM
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It's because you're listening to us. You might be able to get lucky and find an ms1 for a few hundred bucks, but there are some mods to do to it. Don't get too hung up on the turbo yet, those Volvo turbos aren't going to dry up anytime soon. In the meantime, determine your power goals and take into account any supporting mods you may need (hint: better clutch and possibly rods if you're going over 200 whp). eBay rods are cheap and seem to be holding up well for most people, but you don't want to skimp on the clutch. You already have the stronger rearend, but do you know if it's a torsen?
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Old 06-07-2014, 04:06 PM
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Take a glance at these for some megasquirt info. https://www.miataturbo.net/megasquir...threads-17498/
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Old 06-07-2014, 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Monk
It's because you're listening to us. You might be able to get lucky and find an ms1 for a few hundred bucks, but there are some mods to do to it. Don't get too hung up on the turbo yet, those Volvo turbos aren't going to dry up anytime soon. In the meantime, determine your power goals and take into account any supporting mods you may need (hint: better clutch and possibly rods if you're going over 200 whp). eBay rods are cheap and seem to be holding up well for most people, but you don't want to skimp on the clutch. You already have the stronger rearend, but do you know if it's a torsen?

Take a glance at these for some megasquirt info. https://www.miataturbo.net/megasquir...threads-17498/

I could solder up my own ecu if I get my hands on a kit, stock 1.8 I'm making about 100HP at the wheels right? id be happy with anything from 150 to 200. Probably leaning more towards the lower side because I would like to keep reliability or longevity, as for the clutch, ~200whp is were they usually start slipping? I think ill need a new one soon anyways. I don't think its a torsen and haven't really figured out the best way to check, I know people say to drop the clutch and see if there's a set of 11's but just haven't had the heart to do it.

and will read up on the MS thread
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Old 06-07-2014, 04:27 PM
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I'm probably making ~150hp at 6 psi at the moment, and my OEM clutch slips, for what it's worth.
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Old 06-07-2014, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by PhatFree
I could solder up my own ecu if I get my hands on a kit, stock 1.8 I'm making about 100HP at the wheels right? correct
id be happy with anything from 150 to 200. that's what you think now, plan supporting mods to be able to handle more
I don't think its a torsen and haven't really figured out the best way to check, do you have power mirrors? If so, it's prolly a torsen, if not, it is unlikely, but still possible
Also, that is a HP goal that is possible to attain with a VVT swap. Check out hornetball's red car build thread and emiolio's dd thread. That would be cheaper in the short term, and it would give you a good platform for boost in the future.
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Old 06-07-2014, 04:43 PM
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A little light reading for future faps:
https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...eet-red-76869/
https://www.miataturbo.net/general-m...project-63125/
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Old 06-07-2014, 04:47 PM
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I will have to flog myself for posting something from M.net, but the pictures are very helpful. Differential Spotters Guide
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Old 06-08-2014, 09:12 AM
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Most Torsens will chirp the inside tires around a sharp ~20mph turn.

The MS1 kits are either $169 or $219 for the PCB3.0 kits. I'm not sure what the difference is between the PCB2.2 and 3.0.

You'll need to read the above posted link about building a Miata specific MS, and buy 2-3 $5 mod kits along with that for fan and idle control, plus your AIT sensor and bung for $22, a wideband for $160, and the 18" MS pigtail harness for $50. You can salvage a PNP harness clip from your stock ECU, but that's a bit of a risk if anything doesn't work with your MS. New ones can be had for ~$12.

So the MS is about $250, you'll need the $160 wideband. It adds up, but it's still fairly cheap for a standalone.

You can either test it on your car, or buy a JimStim for $60 to build, and it'll test your MS.
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Old 07-06-2014, 08:41 PM
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Update time. This isn't going to be the summer project I had hopped it was going to be, but that doesn't mean I'm calling it off! I actually exchanged the TD04 for a T25 off a Saab turbo. I know I'm not supposed to start at the turbo but I didn't like the TD04h-13c after doing some reading up on it. I also did a clutch drop the other night, It started out with both tires spinning but it then swapped witch tires were spinning so I'm pretty sure its open. And Ill probably order an MS1 once I get my next pay check. Has anyone used the denso 76pin PNP kit? just seems like it would save some of the hassle of wiring.
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