fpscolin

What's up miataturbo community! I'm a 23 year old comp sci university student that has decided to pour any disposable income into my newly acquired '93 white n/a Miata.

So far I've kept it stock, with a few small projects/purchases to bring the car back to life. I'm inexperienced with car work/maintenance, but I've been fascinated by cars ever since I saved up for my auto Honda Prelude back when I was 17. Inspired by YouTube channels like B is for Build or MightyCarMods, I wanted to get back into the car scene after selling my Prelude, so I bought a Miata and I love it so far.

That being said....it's slow. And the suspension is old and crappy. So I've decided to turbocharge in the springtime, with a few supporting mods, as well as new coilovers to replace the worn out suspension. It'll be in interesting journey considering I've never done as much as a brake job myself.

If you're getting scared, don't worry. My theoretical knowledge is approaching "intermediate" level, and I've already acquired a custom made turbo downpipe and 2.5" cat-less exhaust (yay no smog testin Quebec!) for $350CAD. This setup will bolt on to an elbow that connects to the turbo, which I still haven't decided on. The word for this build is "budget friendly". Ideally, I'll get a friend with experience to help me get everything setup, leaving the machining/welding/fabrication (IC piping, coolant reroute, etc) to professionals. I'll also be doing a road tune with a professional, with a final dyno tune to optimize everything (unless anyone advises against this of course!).

Anyways, enough about that! Just wanted to say hi.

BajanMX5

iTrader: (1)

Your story sounds a lot like mine lol, poured all my money into buying a Miata in my early 20's as well.
I recently moved to Toronto, and while I know it's not exactly close,
I'd be willing to help out if you like, as I've done the whole engine mod > turbo > tune process before.
And I just happen to have a diypnp for a 93 miata (mine was a lhd cali-spec) if you need a programmable ecu

Regardless, welcome to the forum, and post some pics of your ride so we can see what she looks like.

fpscolin

Thanks, to be honest the ECU/tuning is the part of the build that I'm most afraid of. For that reason, I think I'll throw a little more money than I should at those components to simplify stuff. But if you have any other parts, I'm only missing the turbo, manifold, injections, fuel management, intercooler, piping......etc etc :P

I'll be doing a thorough clean this weekend, and I'll be sure to snap some pics. Gotta diagnose an exhaust rattle and a few other various issues as well, so wish me luck.

x_25

Do the ECU first and start learning how to tune it. I have had mine in for about 3 months now and am finally getting the hang of it. It really isn't that bad actually, just a lot of stuff to learn!

fpscolin

Do you recommend I pick up an ECU before I even turbo, just to get familiarized with it? My pre-turbo plans included (so far): an AFR gauge, boost gauge, coolant reroute

yossi126

iTrader: (6)

Best advice you can pretty much get.
It helps a lot to tinker while N/A, while your stock ecu can still control the car if you want to compare or something goes wrong.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Install the Megasquirt ECU and learn to manipulate it while stock. You will pick up some power and you will be ready to tune for any modifications you make later.

antonio

I'm in the same boat as you. I have a white '93 and am finding ways to keep myself poor by modding it. Got any pics of your car?

TalkingPie

Welcome. What part of Montreal?

Reliably turbocharging your car will cost lots of time and money. Is this your daily driver?

fpscolin

I'll try to snap some pics this week and get them up, I only have pics from a month back and a lot has changed since then (hardtop, rims, polish)

fpscolin

Thanks! West island, I'm a student at Concordia.

Yeah, it's my daily but I'm thankfully living at home until I'm done school, and my parents are usually fine if I borrow their Civic for a few days if the Miata ever needs some down time.

Edit: I see you're from Montreal as well, if you have a trustworthy/Miata-experienced tuning resource I'd really appreciate it! So far it looks like I'll be tuning close to Ottawa :/

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

Welcome! I love Montréal, I almost considered moving there for school. Been visiting a couple times a year for jazz fest and swing riot. Lots of friends up there.

TalkingPie

Cool, I grew up in Baie d'Urfe myself. Live in St Henri and studying part time at JMSB currently.

I haven't done any tuning on my car (powertrain is all stock), but there are some quick, modified Miatas that run at the lapping nights at St Eustache. You might be able to reach some of them on montrealracing.

fpscolin

Awesome, we probably know a lot of the same people then. I'll definitely check out the St Eustache events, been meaning to attend them for ages. I'll actually be going to JDM Monday at Patate 2000 next Monday, apparently there are quite a few Miata fans there!

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

You're a comp sci student. It should be fun!

fpscolin

Here are some of the most recent pictures I have, sorry it's not much! Coilovers go on next weekend.

Monday meet!