Hi, I'm looking for a Miata to buy but I want to know what would be the pros and cons of turboing the 1.6 and 1.8. I know the 1.6 is easiest to turbo and the 1.8 would spool up faster and have more torque. If I do turbo it I know I would replace the pistons and rods anyways and my end goal would be around 300~hp.

Currently looking at these Miatas:
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/c...ationFlag=true

The red one
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/c...ationFlag=true

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/c...ationFlag=true
Also, would a short nose crank be an issue here?

 

you're about to have a real baaaad time

 

You haven't done nearly enough research to be buying a car yet. Everything you're asking has been answered numerous times over in this and other forums. Spend a few days (I'm talking about significant hours of time) using the search function and reading previous posts - if you still have questions then ask away, but you shouldn't plan on getting answers to any questions as general as the ones you just posted, because the answers are already there if you'll take the time to search for them.

Hint:start with: https://www.miataturbo.net/meet-gree...-sticky-35885/

 

You know a 1.6 is easier to turbo? Go to clubroadster.net they can answer all the questions you have.

 

I'm trying to figure out what about the 1.6L motor makes it so much easier to boost, considering it's nearly identical.

 

Easier to boost = eBay cast iron manifold

 

so cheaper?

because there are two cast iron 1.8L manifolds.

 

yes, cheaper is the only valid response

 

less displacement = smaller internals = less moment of Inertia = faster boost

 

Yes cheaper. "Easier to boost (while spending all my money on sick +0 offset wheels and CF body kits)."

 

This is why the 1.6 is more zingy-er!

 

funny story - I was driving my dad's 91 last week and actually revved it a few times to see if there was even a remote possibility of that being true

el oh el

 

Give it a few more weeks and 1.8's will be easier and cheaper to boost then the 1.6.

I honestly won't touch 1.6 cars any more. A few of my friends have them and the first thing I tell them to do is swap in a 1.8.