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This will be my build thread for my HPDE/AutoX/DD ND2.
back in 2022 I picked up a lightly used base model (sport) with a 6 speed manual and a soft top. I proceeded to flog it around any track or event I could find and then rip stuff off in hopes to make it faster.
I’m currently in the process of getting tuned for my HKS GT2 supercharger and building a front splitter to balance out my 9LR rear wing. More pics and details to follow.
I'm looking forward to seeing your impressions of the HKS kit.
Originally Posted by Fireindc
Same! It's a really clean install. What kind of whp?
should be ~250whp and ~200wtq, but I haven’t been to a dyno yet. I’ll be sure to post up a chart along with acceleration plots when the tuning is finalized. As of right now it’s a very linear pull and feels more like a built K24/k20 hybrid.
Did a double take when I saw your location. I was up in Moscow for school a handful of years ago. Seems like I still make the trip up once or twice a year in my Miata. Maybe we'll cross paths at some point.
Your ND2 build sounds like an exciting project! The combination of HPDE, AutoX, and daily driving really puts it through its paces. Adding an HKS GT2 supercharger and working on aero balance with a custom splitter to complement the 9LR wing shows your dedication to improving both speed and handling. Can’t wait to see more pics and hear how the tuning goes—it’s always inspiring to see these builds evolve.
We should do a chatGPT build thread with pictures and all. Train it on the entire site and see what kind of mashed up 2005-2025 build thread it puts together.
Dudes, that would actually be hilarious hahaha. If we could train it via every build thread on this site, I wonder how many blown engines the AI would say it went though. Could actually be a rude wake up call for the community
A few months ago, my buddy had an AI photo generator make some pics based on our bike trip campouts mixed with each of our other hobbies. One of the pics showed a bunch of guys jumping snowboards over a Miata and some vans. It was hilarious. I'll ask if anyone still has the pics handy and post them if I get them.
Oh God... I just punched it into ChatGPT... We're too predictable lol
Not sure about EcuTec on an NA though.
Now we just need some AI generated photos to go along with this.Title: Turbo Miata Build - Project "Boosted 1.8" Introduction:
Hey everyone! I’m excited to finally start sharing my turbo Miata build with you all. It’s been a dream of mine to push my NA Miata to the next level, and after a lot of research, planning, and parts sourcing, I’m ready to get the ball rolling. My goal is to create a reliable, street-friendly car that can handle some serious fun at the track and on spirited drives. I’ll be documenting every step of the build here, so feel free to follow along, ask questions, and offer advice! Car Details:
Model: 1992 Mazda Miata (NA1)
Engine: 1.6L (will be swapping to 1.8L)
Transmission: 5-speed
Mileage: 156,000 miles (on the body, engine is being replaced)
Current Modifications: K&N cold air intake, upgraded exhaust, eBay coilovers, upgraded brakes
Build Plan:
I’m going for a solid turbo setup that will give me great performance without overdoing it. Here’s the plan:
1. Engine Swap:
Goal: Swap the stock 1.6L engine with a 1.8L for better boost potential and reliability.
Parts:
1.8L BP6D engine (from a 1994 Miata)
New gaskets, seals, and belts
Fresh oil pump and timing belt
2. Turbo Kit:
Goal: Build a bolt-on turbo kit that can comfortably support around 200-220whp.
Parts:
Turbocharger: Garrett T25 (good balance of spool and power for street use)
Turbo manifold: CX Racing top-mount
Wastegate: Tial 38mm
Blow-off valve: HKS SSQV
Intercooler: eBay 28x7x2.5 FMIC
Turbo oil lines: Earl's Performance braided lines
Downpipe: Custom stainless downpipe
3. Fuel and Tuning:
Goal: Ensure the engine gets enough fuel and is tuned properly for longevity and power.
Parts:
Fuel injectors: 550cc injectors (adequate for my power goals)
Fuel pump: Walbro 255lph
Fuel pressure regulator: AEM adjustable FPR
Tuning: ECUtek ECU and dyno tuning
4. Supporting Mods:
Goal: Build a reliable and supportive platform for the extra power.
Parts:
Clutch: ACT Stage 2 or Exedy Stage 2
Flywheel: Lightweight flywheel (MazdaSpeed)
Cooling: Mishimoto aluminum radiator, twin electric fans
Oil cooler: Derale 19-row oil cooler
Exhaust: Full 2.5” stainless exhaust with Magnaflow muffler
Brakes: Wilwood brake kit (front), new pads and rotors
Suspension: Racing Beat sway bars, new bushings, upgraded shocks and struts
Build Progress:
Week 1 - Disassembly and Engine Removal:
I started by tearing down the car. First thing I did was pull the old engine and transmission out, cleaned up the engine bay, and prepped for the 1.8L swap. I also took the opportunity to inspect the subframe, bushings, and suspension components. The engine bay has some minor rust spots, so I’ll be taking care of that before putting the new engine in.
Week 2 - Engine Swap and Prep:
The 1.8L engine is now in! It was a bit of a tight fit, but everything lined up well. I replaced the water pump, timing belt, and oil seals before installation. The next step will be installing the turbo kit.
Week 3 - Turbo Kit Installation:
The turbo manifold went on smoothly, and I’ve started mocking up the intercooler piping. I’m using the stock Miata radiator for now, but I’ve got a Mishimoto on standby for when I start cranking up the boost. I mounted the Tial wastegate and the HKS blow-off valve, which should add some great noise.
Week 4 - Fuel System and Tuning Prep:
I’ve installed the 550cc injectors and the Walbro 255 fuel pump. The wiring for the new ECU is ready to go, and I’m excited to get it tuned. Once I’ve got the exhaust system installed, I’ll be taking it to the dyno to get everything dialed in. Challenges & What’s Next:
Challenges: The biggest challenge so far has been fitting the intercooler piping without cutting up the front bumper. I’m going to trim it a bit for clearance, but I’d like to keep the car as OEM-looking as possible.
Next Steps: I need to wrap up the exhaust system and get the car ready for tuning. I’ll be documenting the first start-up and tuning process once everything is installed.
Closing Thoughts:
I’m really looking forward to getting the Miata back on the road with some serious power. I’ll be updating this thread as the build progresses, so stay tuned for more updates. If anyone has any advice or thoughts on specific parts I’m using, feel free to let me know—I’m always open to suggestions! Parts List:
1.8L BP6D Engine
Garrett T25 Turbo
CX Racing Turbo Manifold
Tial 38mm Wastegate
HKS SSQV Blow-off Valve
eBay 28x7x2.5 Intercooler
550cc Fuel Injectors
Walbro 255lph Fuel Pump
ACT Stage 2 Clutch
Wilwood Front Brake Kit
Mishimoto Radiator
Custom 2.5” Exhaust
Thanks for following along!
Let me know what you think! I’m excited to hear your feedback and recommendations.
My goal is to create a reliable, street-friendly car that can handle some serious fun at the track and on spirited drives. I’ll be documenting every step of the build here, so feel free to follow along, ask questions, and offer advice!
F*ck, I'm pretty sure I said this verbatim somewhere in my first thread.
So many hilarious and scarily accurate details, from the eBay coilovers to the "I've got x on standby for when I start cranking up the boost".
Hell, I've only ever met like one person from here in real life. Maybe everybody's just an AI. All the more reason to get out some meetups, gotta know who we can trust.
The (adequate for my power goals) got me. Pretty sure I've said stuff like that before as well.
I'm the only real person. Everyone else is just an NPC. The universe only exists as a testing program to see how many blown 4 cylinder engines I rebuild until I finally give up.
My buddy sent me those AI generated images. I'm not sure what the exact prompt was but this one is of "our ideal boys weekend".
Also not sure what the exact prompt for this one was but at this point I believe the AI knows me more than I know me.