Thanks for all the help guys. The overwhelming responses providing me with the pros and cons of each, has helped me decide to go with the 8.6. I think this puts me in a better position should the boost increase over time. Thanks again.:party::party::party:

the bottom line is you can't really go wrong with 8.6
good choice.

Are you on pump gas or E85? If pump gas then go with 8.6:1 supertechs.

Yes, pump gas. Thanks

I've been a lurker for some time now, and this will be my first post, but i just wanted to comment on your thread.

Long story short, i sold my 5.0 mustang i had been racing to get a miata (consumables are like ... 1/4 the cost), which is nice and cheap, but i miss the power i used to have and have been considering a turbo. Tuning options on the much newer 5.0 are obviously a breeze, and looking at all the miata stuff; stand alones, piggy backs, "band aids" it really all started getting a bit discouraging, despite the fact that i've spent a few years around turbos from my mazdaspeed 3 days.

Just wanted to say your thread is a bit of an encouragement. It really looks like your stuff is coming together well and kind of gives me hope of someday turboing this thing again. Good luck man, and keep it up.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

I must admit though, the fact that this build has gone wayyyy beyond my original plan. It all started as the usual, "I think I can turbo this thing for like 2,500 bucks". Over the course of about two years of saving money, it has spurred into "well if I'm going this far, I might as well not cheap out on this next part". Now it's forged this and billet that. I'll provide a new parts list soon.

[IMG]https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1424055530[/IMG]

I got the engine apart. no real surprises. I did have low compression on one cylinder (no. 2 had 90 psi.) but all I could see was a big chunk of carbon between the 1 & 2 rings. 180,000 mi. and look at that ring gap! less than .008. the bore seems too smooth, pretty heavy glaze.

[IMG]https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1424055530[/IMG]

Then I got the diff swap bug. What else can you do when its 12 deg, outside. Kind of a hassle, laying on the ground.

Note: loosen the diff mounts, to the point where it almost falls off of those long bolts. Then it all tilts forward and slide out.

2560 , ALLOFIT.
forged bottom end
275 whp goal (a bit lofty?)

Am I a total boner if I don't use all ARP hardware?

Yeah, I think I would at least go with the ARP main stud kit.

Ok cool. What about the head bolts, will the stock ones be ok?

A lot of people run the stock ones, but better never hurts. :party::party::party:

lol are you talking to yourself?

I can't seem to get much response, so I just talk to myself now.

what do you mean all arp hardware?
I mean if you can swing the head studs for 120, get em.
rod bolts of course too, but those come with the rods.
the rest is not necessity, but luxury. if you have the green, get, if not, don't.

with e85 your "goal" is definitely possible. and it will make torque everywhere and make you giggle like a school girl

What I meant was main and head studs. I think I will go with just the head stud kit.

No E85, just 93 pump.

it should be possible on 93 too, just gotta be careful with the tune and make sure the setup is really efficient

Ok. I'm not dead set on any hp number in particular. I really just want to make good use of this turbo and remain safe.

So I went to install my original cam, instead of my ex intake. Long story short, my shed developed a roof leak, right on top of my plastic container of engine parts, that had a mystery Crack in the lid. My cam is a rusted bumpy stick now.
My question : what, in your opinion would I be sacrificing by using the exintake cam on this turbo motor? A couple hp on top? Anything?

Purrrrty please.

too early, don't understand question: you have an exintake and wanted to go back to stock? or you are stock and was going to do exhintake?

either way, the difference is really small, and with boost its pointless