This will be the first of hopefully many installments. This is actually the second turbo car we've done, but the first we've documented in any detail. We'll be bringing at least two more builds to you guys this summer, a tricked out N/A track car that will double as our new rental car, as well as our first V8 build, an LS2/T56 car.

The car we've just finished is a super clean white ’93 chassis with a 1.6 and a 5-speed. It came in with a couple of the fundamental basics done, the MSPNP and Rx7 460s, as well as a full RB exhaust. It’s also got FCM Bilsteins and RP-F1s. It’s leaving with a whole lot more, of course.

As it arrived:



First step to any good project, rip the motor out.



Oil drain leaks won’t do. Replaced this with a Cometic MLS head gasket.



Also pulled the pan off to do the oil pan seals and drill/tap for the oil return.

BEGi S2 kit going on.



Going back into the car, all clean and tidy



Just about done now. Nothing really outrageous, but that's the point of this build - a solid, exceptionally usable 225whp.







We did the MLS head gasket, the BEGi S2 install, M-Tuned coolant reroute, a set of Trackspeed COPs, R&Red the transmission seals, and installed a 3.909 Torsen LSD as well. Should make an excellent track toy and all around usable machine. I’ll let the proud owner introduce himself.

 

 

Those're some funky oil lines, got me intrigued. More pics/info on the oil setup?

 

/\ +1

Nice job Sav. Looks like you guys are starting to pick up. Congrats

 

Looks like fun, any plans for the interior or is the owner keeping it street friendly? And are you sure about that wrinkle valve cover paint? Mine looked great until after it's first track day when it started flaking like crazy. Another year of that and I finally stripped it bare, much easier to maintain.

 

i think your confused with water lines.


also ,looks good andrew

 

Oil feed and return are pretty standard. Maybe the coolant lines is what you are referring to? They come up to a bracket that mount to the head and turn to rubber lines there, idea is to keep the bare rubber away from the heat of the turbo. That is just as it comes in the Begi kit.

 

I did my '94 cover a long, long time ago and it still looks decent, even after being bounced around the garage a bunch.

Not sure what Jason has planned for the interior, it has a seat/harness on the driver's side so it may be nothing. It's an excellent blend of comfort and track prowess as is.

 

I must of had crappy paint or prep, did look damn fine for the first couple weeks, yours and his looks sweet.

I almost wish I left the carpet in for street comfort. It's on the track uncompetatively for 1-4 days a year, I think now I'd sacrifice the 1 second a lap difference for the comfort and quietness. Made a lot more sense when the car had 90hp.

 

What about spray on truck bed liner. Not sure how the weight would compare to carpet, but it should do something at least for noise, maybe also some heat reduction.

Car looks great Sav. Really making me feel the turbo bug again. Really considering finding a junkyard/used engine and start rebuilding it in my spare time (with actual upgraded parts this time) for a future turbo build. At least moving to Seattle, I won't have to worry about a/c anymore, so it can come out.

 

Progress is good. Waiting for that V8 build for sure.

 

Do you guys work out of Mountain View or SLO? Or both?

 

Oh, very nice BTW.

 

I just took care of that. My intro thread is here:

https://www.miataturbo.net/showthrea...077#post572077

- Jason

 

The only other interior mod I have planned is to add a seat and harness for the passenger. I may eventually add door bars but I haven't quite made up my mind on that.

-Jason

 

is that oil leak common?

My 92 is leaking from somewhere back there and i didnt think the head gasket could be my issue.

 

Looks very nice. Now come build mine