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Old 08-04-2011, 08:17 PM
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Default Turbo Miata experts in Phoenix?

here. Just bought a '90 with what appears to be an old Begi kit. Has the airbox for a flat filter, small FMIC, and tiny Turbonetics turbo.
engine bay pic...


I am not new to turbos (have a 3000GT VR4 also), but am a complete noob to miatas. Spent quite a bit of time searching on here already just familiarize myself.

Started poking around under the hood and found out that my FMU was not hooked up to vacuum (only boost) so idle fuel pressure was high. Prob not a big deal but fuel purge valve, by canister in engine bay, was missing one vac line. Fixed that also but makes me wonder what else is not correct. By the way, I already have an AEM wideband that I need to get installed.

I do not see any form of ignition controller. Haven't checked base timing yet. Only running 5lbs and don't notice any timing pull from knock while doing a pull, so hopefully no damage done.

What is this or what was here??? There is the black connector, plus you can see that two other wires (white/red, black/white) have been tapped into at some point...


Any turbo miata experts in Phoenix area want to help look over my car with me and point out what needs to be done and/or purchased to make this reliable and more boost friendly?
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Old 08-04-2011, 08:19 PM
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couple car pics for fun...


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Old 08-05-2011, 08:41 AM
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Nice car, flat filter turbo kit is new to me!
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Old 08-05-2011, 08:45 AM
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tkae a picture of the turbo. I bet it's an old aerodyne turbo.






Started poking around under the hood and found out that my FMU was not hooked up to vacuum (only boost) so idle fuel pressure was high.
This is not a problem, the FMU only really does anything in boost, the stock fpr needs vacuum to reduce the fuel pressure at idle.

What is this or what was here??? There is the black connector, plus you can see that two other wires (white/red, black/white) have been tapped into at some point...
probably had some sort of ignition retard device on it. the whte/red wire is 12v, black is ground, and that white wire is the crank signal.
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Old 08-05-2011, 08:46 AM
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Odd turbo kit.

Honestly I'd ditch the FMU and go with a Megasquirt.
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Old 08-05-2011, 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Braineack
tkae a picture of the turbo. I bet it's an old aerodyne turbo.




Damn my engine bay is dirty! But give me a break, I've only had the car since Saturday.
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Old 08-05-2011, 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by FRT_Fun
Odd turbo kit.

Honestly I'd ditch the FMU and go with a Megasquirt.
Agreed, but the FMU is already on the car. Just trying to keep it simple for now. I already have a twin big 16G, AEM EMS, E85, dual aeromotive 340's, 3000GT project car that is sucking me dry Trying to give the miata a safe tune and somewhat reliable. Supposed to be just a fun weekend car with wife or a go-cart to go to store with one of the three kids.

I may consider Megasquirt if the costs for it, all sensors, and bigger injectors aren't much more than what I need to add on piggyback style.

I'll probably throw an ignition retard on. Looks like Bipes is the way to go, correct? Probably shouldn't be driving it until I make sure base timing has been set lower until I get a MSD or Bipes.

Thanks for the help so far guys! Still hoping to find someone local to look it over for an extra set of eyes.

Last edited by familyMAN; 08-05-2011 at 12:29 PM. Reason: formatting
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Old 08-05-2011, 12:31 PM
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Forgot to mention that previous owner says it has a Walbro fuel pump. From the whine in my ear at idle, I would tend to agree!
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Old 08-06-2011, 04:31 PM
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I live in Tempe. I've made a living wrenching for a long time. If you need help, let me know. We can inspect your car and give you peace of mind.
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Old 08-07-2011, 12:19 AM
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turn the key over and listen for a whine, if it does than chances are it does have a walbro. if theres a whine when its running sounds more like the altenator to me.
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Old 08-07-2011, 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted by familyMAN
What is this or what was here??? There is the black connector, plus you can see that two other wires (white/red, black/white) have been tapped into at some point...
That's the cam angle sensor.

The white / red wire is the +12 supply, the white wire is the CKP (Crankshaft Position) output, and I suspect that the wire you describe as black / white is actually black / light green, which would be the ground.

I suspect that there was an ignition retard device spliced into it at one time.
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Old 08-07-2011, 01:59 AM
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Originally Posted by miataguy1573
turn the key over and listen for a whine, if it does than chances are it does have a walbro. if theres a whine when its running sounds more like the altenator to me.
Only audible whine at idle. (Road noise and wind drowns it out at speed.) Comes from rear. I'll pull it out when I get time and check.

Checking the base timing tomorrow. Still need to install wideband, but it's damn hot in the garage, so I'm not real motivated.
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Old 08-07-2011, 02:11 AM
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just out of curiosity, anyone have any idea what turbo I have?
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Old 08-07-2011, 02:46 AM
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welcome to the forum man, i love off of the 51 and 101. Hit me up if you need anything. If you just want to keep it running without really going all out just get something to retard the ignition and get a safe tune on there. I know a few people at UMS that may be able to help

Also if you looking for a local non-car specific forum with a bunch of cool dudes check out www.teamv-locity.com

pics of vr4?
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Old 08-07-2011, 01:56 PM
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Some of these pics are without spoiler. I was fixing the active aero motor at the time. VR4 suspension/wheels are completely stock. Has 4x4 look going on...




VR4 is currently out of commission with a spun rod bearing. Gathering parts for a forged rebuild, big turbos and E85. Already have forged crank, twin EVOIII 16G kit, AEM EMS, dual pump/dual feed fuel system (aeromotive 340 x2, Stainless lines, FPR, and billet rails.) Just need rods, pistons, clutch, and 1000cc injectors. Shooting for 600+awhp and 600+awtq.
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Old 08-07-2011, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by v01canic
welcome to the forum man, i love off of the 51 and 101. Hit me up if you need anything. If you just want to keep it running without really going all out just get something to retard the ignition and get a safe tune on there. I know a few people at UMS that may be able to help

Also if you looking for a local non-car specific forum with a bunch of cool dudes check out www.teamv-locity.com

pics of vr4?
Looks like you have a '90 miata same as me. Have you inspected the crank bolt and key yet? Mine has 116k miles, so it's due for timing belt soon anyway. You want to come help, don't you
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Old 08-07-2011, 02:03 PM
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Cleaned engine bay a bit...
Valve cover looks like ***, but I'll probably get it powdercoated when I do a timing belt change.
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Old 08-07-2011, 08:54 PM
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anyone have a used Bipes for sale?
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Old 08-08-2011, 06:05 PM
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Used Bipes on the way. Thanks rharris19!

Ordered wideband bung and a-pillar single gauge pod. Hopefully I receive everything by this weekend, so I can get everything installed and start upping the boost safely. Hoping for 8-10psi.
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Old 08-09-2011, 11:28 AM
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Hey man! I never post on here, just creep and search. Dreaming of turbo'ing my Miata.

3000GT guys ... we either get vipers, corvettes, or turbo miatas I guess. LOL!!

//Ryan
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