Where's Carloverx? I need an update!! I really want to know if you got a run with the VICS intake vs. Skunk2.

 

Unfortunately, you're not going to see anything conclusive about the manifold in this thread: I'm not nearly a good enough tuner to hold all other variables constant, and conclusively compare the marginal power gains from the manifold while tuning on the street. (If this was a 500hp miata, that was being "uncorked" due to a restrictive manifold, or if i had access to a dyno and was doing some back to back pulls, that may be another story).

 

Build updates:

• Was hitting 100% duty cycle on the Flow Force 640CC injectors and have since swapped to Injector Dynamics Fuel 1050X injectors
• Swapped from Warblo 190HP to a Deatschwerks dw300 (I also had to hard wire the DW after melting the OEM fuel pump relay)
• Installed stiffer waste gate spring
• Reinstalled front under tray

General Status:
Assuming it doesn't rain, I will be headed to the drag strip tomorrow to see what it runs/traps. I'd love to see 118 mpg (best has been 116), but I wouldn't be shocked to be stuck in the mid teens.
Below you will find a recent virtual dyno pull (yes, i will lean it out a bit) and current ignition map.

Next Steps:

• I honestly don't think there's much more power left in this setup. Not with the 2.5" exhaust (with cat), ebay intercooler, etc. And if there is, it's not earth shattering. Adding boost or timing results in knock. Side note: I know many people feel you'll stop making power before you get knock, but I personally have found that not to be the case.
• I cannot rid the car of boost spike. I've got an extremely short amount of hose running in the system, have tried multiple manual boost controllers, and multiple waste gate and waste gate springs, but I simply cannot dial out the initial spike.
• The car still wants to stall when it's hot, with headlights on, and I quickly come to a stop. More an announce than anything at this point.

All that said, this project is slowly coming to an end for me. I'm not interested in marginal gains and anything beyond that is going to start costing more money. (For the next project, I'm strongly considering restarting with a rust free NB shell and doing a full drag setup with a K swap )

 

This must be something obvious I'm missing here....? How would anyone run an external wastegate on this manifold?

 

The manifold design with an external wastegate on the bottom is an old BEGi design from 2002 or so. It did not work very well because with the turbo inlet above the centerline of the ports, the exhaust gases are moving up away from the wastegate. This design crept a bit and did not last long.

 

Time for a Kraken setup!

 

Are getting your wastegate signal from the compressor housing? If so, that's likely your problem.

 

I've heard that about so many things over the years I thought it was worth quoting.

 

I also thought it was funny that China waited 15 years and then copied about the worst cast manifold that had been put on the market.

 

 

OK, but where are you getting your wastegate signal? It should be post intercooler pre-TB

 

 

Boost post intercooler is more indicative of what the motor is actually seeing, especially since there's some pressure loss post IC. That and also the IAT sensor is post intercooler so it makes the most sense to do what you can so that the wastegate and ECU are on relatively the same page when it comes to what boost they're seeing.


Why didn't you just pull a Thirdgen and drill your FM manifold for an EWG? Also, why does it feel like you're semi-downgrading?

 

Joe says you're doing it wrong. That man makes a compelling argument.

https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...eed-ebc-47532/

 

 

You are knock limited then? Have you considered e85? you've got the pump and injectors already there. Also, what spark plug temp are you running? You may want to try colder plugs. Also, what IAT are you seeing? If you are pushing a lot of hot air (>160F) you may want to try water injection or a better intercooler.

I don't think the turbo is what is holding you back.

EDIT: holy cow you are running 23psi on pump gas (93oct)? I didn't know we could do that! E85!!

 

Personally, I like the ATP exhaust housing with the V-band on it for EWG mounting that FM uses in the FM2R. I've got one on my GTX2863 and it works really well.

And yeah, I'm not at all surprised you're hitting knock before the GTX turbo stops making power.

--Ian

 

 

One way or another, this is going to be hilarious

 

Why not just get a 3 inch exhaust...?