1.6 or 1.8?
 

Howdy miatayodas!

Been driving a 1.6 miata -91 all summer and the thought about a miata turbo have really grown in my head. Im gonna do it, just need som expert info on what car i should build on. 1.6 or 1.8? I do want the NA model but what engine is best suited for a turbo (im pretty heavyfooted).

In my narrow motorhead the 1.8 feels like it has more potential just of the simple fact that it has more volume, but i've seen 1.6 miatas on youtube push 250whp so i just might be wrong...

Regards Sado!

1.6 for lyfe.

btw they put the 1.8 in NA too.

Honestly, if I were to do it over, I'd start with a '94 or '95 with a Torsen. Mazda really beefed up the car between '93 and '94.

1.8 has way more potential and, from the plots I've seen, generates a much flatter torque curve.

That said, lots of us run the 1.6 (me included). The car is so much better with a turbo it's not even funny.

inb4ban

LOL. From another 1.6er.

yes, so I've experienced how shitty boost is on it.

not to mention that, you got the limp-dick chassis, smaller clutch, rinky-dink brakes and a glass differential.

All of which can be fixed.

1.6 > all

Hopefully in the coming months, a 1.6L will take over and be the quickest mx5 in Australia, but it would be quicker again if it were 1.8L.

Dann

1.6.... Becuz Hatters gonna Hat

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1376869944

I just finished fixing all that (build thread updates pending). All it took was money, time and curse words. Oh, to have started with a '94 . . . .

Thanks for your thoughts :)
Like i suspected theres 2 sides of the table, but i think ill do some hunting on a 1.8.
When it comes to clutch, diff and suspension the stock parts prolly gonna go in the bin anyway. Upgrades ftw! Want the car to hold for some beating when the horns pops out of my forehead.

In all honestly there is only 1 side. 1.8 is better than the 1.6. Period. Circumstances are the only reason why anyone would choose the 1.6.

If you are just starting out, and buying a stock car, get a 1.8, preferably a 94-95. Also you want to look for one with a Torsen.

Install an ebay kit, run all of it, floor the clutch, floor the gas, drop the clutch and see what explodes first.

2.0

you're welcome

5.7, you're welcome.

Didn't read a single word of the OP. Only read the title. Get a 1.8.

There are two sides to this argument like there's two sides to having herpes. People who already have it try to argue it's not all that bad, but nobody willingly goes out and gets it. Thankfully, unlike herpes, it's easy to get rid of a 1.6.

Think i got my head fixed on a 1.8 at this point.
How bout the torsen diff, does it only come with special editions like the R-package or is an option in all 94-95? (just to know what to look for) :)

If I were you I would buy 94-97 1.8 donor car from UK. At price of engine, diff, brakes, you´ll get whole car from there.

yeah, by buying a '94 for the exact same price.