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Old 05-10-2013, 04:14 PM
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Just picked up a 1990 with a turbo installed. I've turned a lot of wrenches in my time but mostly on Jeeps and trucks. Looking forward to learning how to make this car run better.
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Old 05-10-2013, 05:17 PM
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What's the setup?
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Old 05-10-2013, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboNA
Just picked up a 1990 with a turbo installed. I've turned a lot of wrenches in my time but mostly on Jeeps and trucks. Looking forward to learning how to make this car run better.
Welcome to the Wonderful World Of Boosted Miatas. (Miatae?)

You've come to the right place to learn, there is no better repository of information on Forced Induction Miatas anywhere on the planet, and nowhere else will you find as many true experts on the subject as you will here. Good bunch of guys, without a doubt. Read as much as you can, and use the search bar to try to answer your own questions before asking stuff that's been covered in depth a bazillion times already, and you'll enjoy your time here on MT.

Best of luck with the new car. Post up some details on what you've got.
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Old 05-10-2013, 08:39 PM
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I have no idea what the step up even is, let alone how much it's got. lol I picked it up off of ebay for a decent price. I know it's got a whole laundry list of upgrades the PO did.
My daughter wanted one and this one is in pristine condition with extremely low miles (25K miles on a 1990). My original intent was to take the turbo off and just run it factory, but it's not overly powerful so I'll probably leave it on. The only issue it seems to have is that it misses unless you're really getting into the gas pedal. Probably something to do with the ECU. I have a good friend that is into Buick Grand Nationals and he's really good with turbo chargers. Between him and this forum it should be running perfect soon. It actually does run perfect if you act like you're at the track.
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Old 05-11-2013, 07:55 AM
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Thanks for joining, TurboNA!
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Old 05-11-2013, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by TurboNA
I have no idea what the step up even is, let alone how much it's got. lol I picked it up off of ebay for a decent price. I know it's got a whole laundry list of upgrades the PO did.
My daughter wanted one and this one is in pristine condition with extremely low miles (25K miles on a 1990). My original intent was to take the turbo off and just run it factory, but it's not overly powerful so I'll probably leave it on. The only issue it seems to have is that it misses unless you're really getting into the gas pedal. Probably something to do with the ECU. I have a good friend that is into Buick Grand Nationals and he's really good with turbo chargers. Between him and this forum it should be running perfect soon. It actually does run perfect if you act like you're at the track.
That's a simple fix; just drive it wide-open all the time!
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Old 05-11-2013, 09:41 AM
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Location?
If you tell people where you are I am sure there is someone in your area that would be happy to help. I have no doubt that you and your buddy can figure it out, but 2 minutes with a Miata nut might give you all the information you need to better know where to look. What you have is very important. First step is to figure that out, then use the search feature on this sight to learn what others with the same setup do to make it work for them.
Also, you might want to look for another Miata for your daughter since you will surely fall in love with this one and want to keep it for yourself!
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Old 05-11-2013, 09:51 AM
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Post up some pics and cut/paste the list of mods. It's probably a Greddy turbo kit and very simple to maintain and even simpler to upgrade if you desire.

We can do our best to explain the Miata specific details that your GNX friend can't.

Also, fill in your profile with your location and we'll see if there's a local in your area in case you need something explained in person.
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Old 05-11-2013, 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Amellrotts
since you will surely fall in love with this one and want to keep it for yourself!
Truth. Happened to me.

Wasn't actually much of an issue with my daughter. She didn't really like the car because she could only carry one friend. Plus, manual transmission, manual crank windows, etc., etc. Not much of a girlie car, but a great man's car if you like to drive.

Dare I say it? Samnavy really needs another one.
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Old 05-11-2013, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Pinky
That's a simple fix; just drive it wide-open all the time!
Don't think I haven't already thought of that.


Originally Posted by Amellrotts
Location?
If you tell people where you are I am sure there is someone in your area that would be happy to help. I have no doubt that you and your buddy can figure it out, but 2 minutes with a Miata nut might give you all the information you need to better know where to look. What you have is very important. First step is to figure that out, then use the search feature on this sight to learn what others with the same setup do to make it work for them.
Also, you might want to look for another Miata for your daughter since you will surely fall in love with this one and want to keep it for yourself!
Canton, Ohio. If someone is local feel free to send me a PM and I'll give you my phone number. If I were to keep it, I'd honestly drop in an LS. If she ends up falling out of love with it, that's what will happen. I've had a Jeep CJ for over a decade and dropped an SBC 350 in that. I'm no stranger to fabbing or creative mods.

Originally Posted by samnavy
Post up some pics and cut/paste the list of mods. It's probably a Greddy turbo kit and very simple to maintain and even simpler to upgrade if you desire.

We can do our best to explain the Miata specific details that your GNX friend can't.

Also, fill in your profile with your location and we'll see if there's a local in your area in case you need something explained in person.
I will do that.

Originally Posted by hornetball
Truth. Happened to me.

Wasn't actually much of an issue with my daughter. She didn't really like the car because she could only carry one friend. Plus, manual transmission, manual crank windows, etc., etc. Not much of a girlie car, but a great man's car if you like to drive.

Dare I say it? Samnavy really needs another one.
You know, one of the things I like about it is that she can only take one person with her. And being a manual, she can't text and shift. The only draw back is why in the heck aren't there any cup holders???
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Old 05-12-2013, 12:38 PM
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Drinking and driving is irresponsible. Also I find that the liquid has trouble staying in the cup anyway
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Old 05-12-2013, 07:25 PM
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There are a few turbo miata guys in the central ohio area. theres also an Ohio Miata Owners facebook group.
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Old 05-12-2013, 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by redturbomiata
There are a few turbo miata guys in the central ohio area. theres also an Ohio Miata Owners facebook group.
Thanks. Sent a request to join the group.
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by hornetball
What's the setup?
Finally getting around to posting this.

Megasquirt aftermarket ECU mspnp w/ vtps, IAT-sensor(Maf delete)
Innovative LC-1 wideband O2 sensor
hks t2 turbo manifold, ceramic coated Turbocharger
Cat back 2.5" full stainless exhaust
ACT Clutch
305cc supra fuel injectors
Walhboro 255lph high pressure fuel pump
Front mount intercooler
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:49 PM
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Old 05-16-2013, 08:55 PM
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ditch those gay wheels and taillights and it looks decent

also it looks familiar

did you buy it from possible MT member? (sorry if you already mentioned it, didn't read thread)
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Old 05-16-2013, 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboNA
Finally getting around to posting this.

Megasquirt aftermarket ECU mspnp w/ vtps, IAT-sensor(Maf delete)
Innovative LC-1 wideband O2 sensor
hks t2 turbo manifold, ceramic coated Turbocharger
Cat back 2.5" full stainless exhaust
ACT Clutch
305cc supra fuel injectors
Walhboro 255lph high pressure fuel pump
Front mount intercooler
Looks good except for the injectors. Those are a VERY WEAK LINK in your system unless you're somehow running more fuel pressure.

Lemme splain. The 90-97 Miatas use a return-style fuel system. The stock fuel-pressure-regulator will only allow so much pressure to build up in the line and be available to the injectors no matter how big your pump is. A completely stock fuel system (plus bigger injectors) flows enough for well over 250whp and probably more like 300whp... the math has been done and done somewhere. So the Walbro is overkill if you're still on the stock fuel pressure regulator. And so if you're still running stock fuel pressure, then only stepping up to 305cc injectors isn't a big jump in fuel available over stock. Most guys around here shooting for 10psi or so start at 440cc injectors and many step up to 550's even for modest boost goals just to have some overhead. So how much are you running and what does the LC1 read when you romp on it?
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Old 05-16-2013, 10:23 PM
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Wow, that's almost identical to the 95 I just sold, but it was white. Had the same Wings West body kit, same spoiler, same white gauges.
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Old 05-16-2013, 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 18psi
ditch those gay wheels
Seriously, those wheels are probably costing you 30-40HP (depending upon gear) and are trashing your handling and braking. You could sell those to some poor, ignorant bastard, buy something decent and pocket the difference. Advertise them to anyone with an unusual love for the letter "Z."

I would not let my daughter drive on wheels like those. Stopping matters. Just sayin'.
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Old 05-16-2013, 11:01 PM
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BTW, I graduated from Norton HS (near Barberton) many decades ago. Know the area well.
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