Looking for some advice on starting a turbo build for a 93 1.6. My budget is around 2,000$ to start and I’m looking for some advice on creating a somewhat reliable system to get the car up and running with small amounts of boost (maybe 5-6 pounds) something to give me a solid base to build off of in the future if I choose to try to make more power. I planned on roughly following the broke and boosted YouTube playlist using the stock ecu a fmu and a signal modifier as opposed to something like a mega squirt. I also plan on running an intercooler. I’m new to the forum so sorry if I posted this on the wrong thread and just redirect me if I have. Thanks

 

Here's some quick advice before the regulars read this. Stop. Don't post any more until you've spent at least 4 hours reading the information on this website.

It won't take you long to see that the Broke and Boosted setup is terrible. To start you on the correct path to righteousness read through this thread.

My personal advice is to first save another $3k and read everything you can while you do so. Then buy the MKTurbo complete kit. This is this most reliable budget turbo setup.

 

Ykno what my favorite part of broke and boosted was? When he scrapped the whole bootleg setup for a megasquirt
Its good reference to understand how a turbo system works but not a good buildpath to follow.
Get the megasquirt first and in the ~year itll take you to develop a decent tune, do your research, save up your lunch money and buy quality parts.

On youtube, ogpedxing and andy whittle have really good videos that helped shine a light on allot of the issues I ran into.

 

Here is what you need at a minimum:

Megasquirt 2 or 3 $900-1100
Flow force 640cc injectors $300
1.8L Pressure plate and Clutch 300-400
T25 Manifold/downpipe combo $500-800, depending if can find used or buying new. (fm, begi, Kraken are the names you want).
Turbo a decent Nissan SR20DET T25 $200
DIY ebay Intercooler setup $250
Oil/water lines $100
Misc stuff $300

So about $3000 at a bare minimum for a decent reliable setup.

FMU is trash, it does nothing to control timing, and is a sure way to destroy a motor, even at 6psi

 

Thanks to those who answered and set me straight I took your advise and did some digging on the forums I think If I take my time and save over the spring into summer doing it the correct way will be a better experience and save me money over the long run as well as give me time to find some used parts to help keep the price down to a degree. I’ve seen people suggest that the first purchase should be the MegaSquirt and while you save you can learn the basics of using that. I saw people suggesting lots of brands but flying Miata seemed to be one of the most consistent brands and I actually have a flying Miata Wideband o2 sensor and a boost gauge i could buy from a friend for short money. I will continue to read up on all the threads so much good information but any help narrowing it down and getting the few initial steps out of the way is much appreciated

 

Speedy EFI sells a PNP speeduino for 1.6s for $260. And you can get a full pnp kit with sensors and everything for $399.

There is no reason, ever, to run piggy backs and fprs snd all that anymore. Get an ECU and a wideband.

 

Flyin Miata is one of the most expensive places to purchase anything.

Greg at B n B has blown up more motors than most people because he's doing it wrong.

 

Ya I’m taking the advice from everyone here and continued my research I bought a 1.8 clutch and flywheel as well as a megasquirt pnp 2. I needed a clutch anyways as mine slips slightly if I get on it. Going to take a few months to learn the basics of using the megasquirt and go from there. Try to pick up some solid used parts along the way.

 

Everyone seems to skip the part where he ditched all the bandaids cause they were trash and put in a megasquirt and says to just get an ECU.

 

Welcome to the forum. I am in the middle of installing the MKturbo complete kit on my 97 Miata. If you have any questions let me know.

I will say, like others have, that there is no way to do a reliable turbo setup for less than $4k. Its possible if you can weld and fab up some of your own stuff and buy used but that will take forever. I have spent more than I thought I would already. Make sure you have all the other maintenance stuff done. As I was tearing mine apart I have already had to buy things like all new coolant hoses, new fluids (bc you have to drain them, gaskets, etc. Not crazy expensive stuff but it adds up. Also, most people recommend you do a coolant reroute and install an aluminum radiator as well. I haven't yet bc im out of money lol

Not trying to scare you away, just know that you will be spending more than you thought you would. With that said, I am having a lot of fun installing the mkturbo kit and tuning the car. The MKturbo kit is the best deal around and Lars is extremely knowledgeable and helpful if you have questions..
check out my build thread on my page, I havepictures and posts about my build.

Good luck!

 

Also, while you're doing your digging, maybe you can find your comma key.

 

^That would certainly make your "stream of consciousness" style of writing much easier for the rest of us to follow.

 

I'm into my kit, filled with used parts besides the clutch, for about $3k. so yea

 

Suppose I'll contribute my bare essentials parts list from back when I first turbo'd my Miata in highschool. The prices I got were mostly used and took nearly half a year to accumulate to minimize my budget. The actual build took me nearly 2 months as well since I build it in my parent's garage (much to their joy) with a minimal toolset.

* AFR gauge - Innovate MTX-L - $120
* MegaSquirt - MSPNP2 - $640
* Clutch - FM Stage 1 - $154
* Injectors - 640cc Injector Clinic - $150
* Fuel Pump - Walbro 255 - $40
* Exaust Manifold - Cast Ebay - $100
* Downpipe/exaust - Custom - $680
* Turbo - Garret T25g - $215
* IC Piping - Ebay - $135
* BOV - Greddy - $90
* Intercooler - Ebay - $60
* Radiator - Ebay - $80
* Oil/Water Lines - Cxracing / Ebay -$170 <--- (get MKTurbo line kit instead)
* EBC - DIY - $30
* Boost Gauge / Pod - FM - $89
* Tune - Trackspeed - $450
---- Total: $3,203 + ~$300 of hardware ----

I fully understand the desire to turbo a Miata on a minimal budget since I was there too, but you will likely regret going boosted with less than the aforementioned parts. Take your time to save up and PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE READ. This forum has more valuable info than you could ever need. I believe I had over 800 reading hours before I installed my first turbo component and the confidence that comes with that was worth every second. If you do feel the need to post (you shouldn't), then take experienced members' words as gospel.

Sounds like you're on the right track now, but go ahead and get an ECU and wbo2, learn to use it and install, then collect your turbo parts. If I could do it again, I would recommend the MKTurbo kit since it'll save you the headache of looking for deals and cut your install time down significantly.

 

+1 what Jumpster74 said.

 

If you want to nickle and dime, you can get a audi/bosch bov for ~30 that works perfectly fine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Vol...8AAOSwAbxebP4s

Also, do you "really" need a boost gauge? I'd skip it if i was trying to be as cheap as possible.

For oil lines, running AN lines are a must, but coolant lines can be rubber coolant lines but don't go for the cheapest on the market.

Speeduino, while not as capable as a MS2 can get you to where you want on a 1.6 at half the price.

 

Please notice the highlighted text above.
DNM

 

Read read read and yea that's about it read.
Only ask questions if you've spent at least an hour searching for your answer. You can go back through my old posts if you want some laughs.
Take advantage of the Classifieds sections you will find killer deals that your wallet will thank you for.
Here is a spread sheet of my parts https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
Right now I am just under $2500 in parts I would like to thank the Miata parts for sale thread for that.
Bottom line is there are places you can cheap out on and places you cant. The parts you can't being the Ecu, Injectors and Clutch. That doesn't mean you cant find them for a good deals.
If you want to follow my build I will shortly be updating it once I get my car in the garage.
Also a pretty big one. Hook up your Ecu before you turbo your car so you can get it running and practice tuning. TruboKItty.com Is a huge help if you get a MS
Yes this is long. But take it seriously, I wish I was in your position right now and getting to know all this before I started.
Take your time, I know you are going to want to jump right in. I was there I bought the stupidest **** at first before doing serious research and it cost me.
If you have questions just pm one of the vets i'm sure they would be happy to advise. Good Luck!