Can you build an NB turbo for $4k total? I'm going to try!
 

The title says it all! A few months ago I picked up this NB off of craiglist for $780 - it didn't run (the previous owner said the motor made zero compression - more on that later), had plenty of dents, two huge holes in the top, and spent the better half of the past decade as the previous owner's personal ashtray.

The pics below hardly do it justice - this car was disgusting. The stench of stale cigarette smoke was horrible.

The car sat in my driveway for a few months while I was busy with other projects. A few weeks ago, I pushed it into my garage and started trying to diagnose the issue. I did a cold/dry compression test (which is hard to tell anything from) and did see some compression, although it was low - as you might expect with a cold/dry test. Anyway, I changed out the spark plugs while I was at it, jumpstarted the car, and it RUNS! Unbelievable! And not just runs, but runs strong - I've been driving the car for a few weeks now.

So, short story - running NB for $780.

Here are some pics:

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Awesome find, so what are the turbo plans?

Here are a few "in progress" pics:

Getting some new suspension:
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1246/dsc03917dd.jpg

Pressure washing the disgusting, disgusting, smoke-and-ash-soaked carpets.
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The carpets came out unbelievably nice. I wish I had a better "before" picture...the piece of carpet on the package tray was almost black - now it looks like new. If your carpet is showing it's age, put it out and pressure wash it - I used a little laundry detergent to soak them beforehand.
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1120/dsc04023j.jpg

Installing some stereo shit...nothing too exciting
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9307/dsc04016x.jpg

Wow! Carpets did come out nice...I would have just given up and gone black...what I did with my crappy tans.

This project has potential. I think you can do a lot with that budget.

Some pics of the car as it sits now, info on turbo plan, and an update on the progress towards the total budget of $4k:

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I reupholstered the seats with covers I picked up from another member who replaced his with Katzkins. The old ones were cracked and all jacked the f up - these are much nicer. $50 well spent.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2699/dsc04165y.jpg

Boost, AFR, and oil temp gauges are in. Amazon was running a special on this head unit for $99 - the sound is great, it plays MP3s, and it has a USB port on the front to plug your iPod into...it's amazing how cheap car stereo stuff has gotten.
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/1414/dsc04160y.jpg

Cleaned up the engine bay a bit and sprayed the valve cover with Krylon wrinkle red.
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3894/dsc03919t.jpg


Budget

As it sits, I have $2064 in the car:
- $780 Miata
- $ 90 Replace front fender
- $ 50 Leather seat covers
- $600 RPF1s with nearly new Toyo T1Rs
- $ 0 Convertible top (new, free from another member)
- $220 KYB GR2s with Eibachs
- $150 Racing beat dual exhaust
- $ 60 gauges
- $ 15 "carbon fiber" radio surround
- $ 99 Sony head unit
$2064

Turbo Plans

I already have most of the turbo goodies, but still need a few odds and ends. I picked up a Mazdaspeed manifold, turbo, and downpipe for $400. For engine management, I've got a Link Piggyback that I picked up for $200 (well $400, but I sold the keypad for $200). The intercooler came from eBay for something like $60 shipped. I still need the midpipe from a Mazdaspeed and I'll need to fab up an intake.

Here's a picture of the turbo and manifold:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4192/dsc04172y.jpg


This is the intake manifold that comes with the Link. Check out the four additional injector bosses - the Link piggy adds fuel by squirting from four auxiliary injectors rather than increasing the flow from the stock injectors. Kind of a funky setup, but it should be fine to support the 9psi I intend to run (or at least until I can find a more robust engine management solution!).

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6458/dsc04173y.jpg

Intercooler and pipes:

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/7162/img3606.jpg

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Turbo Setup
- $400 Turbo/manifold/downpipe
- $ 60 Intercooler and piping
- $200 Link ECU and injectors
$660

I'll probably spend another $200 or so for an intake, odds and ends for making the intercooler piping, oil/water lines, etc.

Love this budget build.

HOLY SHIT!! You sir, are a very lucky man. The prices you find are unbelievable.

Wow! Awesome finds. Could not beat this car for price

That is indeed a great buy. You're on the right track for a $4k turbo NB. I didn't know that would also include cosmetics repairs, wheels, and suspension.

wow, looking great. Looks like you might actually make it around 4.

This type of threads make me green with envy. Good find, is turning up great.

i'd like to point out all the hard work going on in this build. that's fantastic. and probably a huge reason you can stay under 4k.

I can vouch for this car, it has come a very very long way since he got it.

Did you get a HT too??

Wow, looks like some good Karma has come your way, be sure to pass it on when you get the chance!

^^^Hell yeah, Bless me!!!

I wasn't talking to you, but thanks!

Thanks everyone - I'm really excited about this project. A lot of the great deals I've found have been a result of 6 months of patience - waiting for good deals, and jumping on them quickly.

Man...you are so right! There have been a lot of long nights in the garage, but it has been well worth it. Elbow grease is free, and Miata parts are relatively cheap.

Nope - that would just be too ridiculous to be true! The hardtop is going on my NA...I just put it on this car when I removed the convertible top to replace it.

Any updates? I'm likin' this build!

I need to find a car like this