Engine swap or turbo (Mk1 1.6i)
#1
Engine swap or turbo (Mk1 1.6i)
I want to buy a Miata project for drifting and as a sports car for the summer and i've seen a nice example close-by, it's a Mk1 1990 1.6 MX5 (i'm from the UK).
I've driven the 1.8 and it was allot of fun but not quite powerful enough for me, so I was wondering if anyone in the UK produced a complete prefabbed turbo kit or if there was a nice engine swap I could do which would net me between 150-200 ft/lbs torque?
I've driven the 1.8 and it was allot of fun but not quite powerful enough for me, so I was wondering if anyone in the UK produced a complete prefabbed turbo kit or if there was a nice engine swap I could do which would net me between 150-200 ft/lbs torque?
#2
Begi sells a turbo kit that seems to fit with what your looking for, Click here for the link.
Also, your going to want to post here in the "introduction" section, put your cars year, engine & major modifications in your signature and add your location to your details.
Also, your going to want to post here in the "introduction" section, put your cars year, engine & major modifications in your signature and add your location to your details.
#4
It would be far less work to add power with a turbo then swapping out for a new engine. You could get more power from switching to a 99'+ engine, a small block chevy V8 (think LS1), various Ford V8's (5.0 for instance), people have swapped 2JZ engines from Toyotas and I'm sure there are more options out there. But like I said, they are all going to be a lot more work and probably a lot more expensive then a turbo kit. If the Begi kit in the link doesn't make enough power for you then check out some of the other kits on there sight. Also, FlyinMiata makes some good stuff.
#6
Can't say that I know for sure, especially since your car will be a Euro version. I believe the hardware would fit together fine, but as far as everything else is concerned (software, A/C, etc.) you may run into problems. I you'll have to use am after market ECU or the ECU that came with the engine in order for the engine to run. Most people here use Megasquirt as their after market ECU. Why so interested in an engine swap though? A turbo would be far easier.
#11
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I'd recommend a light-pressure turbo.
A basic turbo kit can be installed by a competent mechanic in about 8-10 hours. The most basic of motor swaps would take ~50 hours. An LS swap is around 75-100 hours.
IMO, if you are going to swap the motor, anything other than an LSx is a waste of time. If you want less power or less cost, just put a turbo on the stock motor.
A basic turbo kit can be installed by a competent mechanic in about 8-10 hours. The most basic of motor swaps would take ~50 hours. An LS swap is around 75-100 hours.
IMO, if you are going to swap the motor, anything other than an LSx is a waste of time. If you want less power or less cost, just put a turbo on the stock motor.
#13
A turbo. That's the standard response you'll get here, and theres a reason for that. If your hell bent on an engine swap then you might want to look into a NB (Mk2) engine, an exhaust and some head work. That combined with a megasquirt will easily get you to your goal. Theres a thread about a member here (hustler) tuning a members naturally aspirated car and getting good results, I'd look there. HOWEVER, you will not see any better results then you would on any other 1.8 engine, and its still way more work/$ then a turbo kit.
Most of the time this sight isn't so gentle with noobs asking questions, just fyi. Your lucky.
Most of the time this sight isn't so gentle with noobs asking questions, just fyi. Your lucky.
#15
In the UK I wouldn't need a catalytic converter for 1990 car so I could get a nice aftermarket exhaust manifold and system too, i'm thinking that should get me what I want out of the car.
#18
BBR turbo kit was sold as a dealer option in the UK throughout the 90s, not sure if it was for the 1.6 though...
If you have the skills/tools, the 2.0 engine is probably the least difficult conversion seeing as you have a PPF connection at the back of the gearbox. This would mean that you would need a modified PPF, new engine mounts, exhaust, fuel lines, tail shaft, then engine management.
If there was a shop at my disposal, I'd look at an Alfa V6 which would net around the torque you like, sound good too, but would need all the above as well as a gearbox adaptor.
all food for thought, but a turbo would be the easiest option.
Is VAT charged in the UK for imported items? Maybe sourcing them second hand is better?
If you have the skills/tools, the 2.0 engine is probably the least difficult conversion seeing as you have a PPF connection at the back of the gearbox. This would mean that you would need a modified PPF, new engine mounts, exhaust, fuel lines, tail shaft, then engine management.
If there was a shop at my disposal, I'd look at an Alfa V6 which would net around the torque you like, sound good too, but would need all the above as well as a gearbox adaptor.
all food for thought, but a turbo would be the easiest option.
Is VAT charged in the UK for imported items? Maybe sourcing them second hand is better?
#20
I'm a Brit too. Add boost is the answer. Add a little bit, if its not for you then add some more, if thats not for you then add some more, still not enough? build a forged motor and add some more, still not enough? Then look at engine conversion.
The best engine conversion in my oppinon is the totally over looked Saab 9000 engine and Omega gear box. A £150 engine you can take to 500hp on standard internals! I've had two 280hp 365ftlb 9000s now, if I can ever get my Eunos Roadster as quick as them in a straight line I know I've done something right!
The best engine conversion in my oppinon is the totally over looked Saab 9000 engine and Omega gear box. A £150 engine you can take to 500hp on standard internals! I've had two 280hp 365ftlb 9000s now, if I can ever get my Eunos Roadster as quick as them in a straight line I know I've done something right!
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