? best year 1.8L to Turbo 1994 to 1997
 

Hello Group

I am newbe to group. I want to build a 1.8L first gen engine for a Lotus Se7en style car. Currenntly do own a 1992 Miata also.
Of the years 1994,1995,1996,1997 are there any that are more advantages than others to use as a core for Turbo build. I did try search but could not seem to narrow down to my specific topic. I am on the fastrack to learn how to Turbo and I did buy Corky;s book, Very good read. Looking to get an honest 230 RWHP.
Thanks
Tom

for that power any would do just fine

The earlier 1.8's were lower compression = more boost friendly, but I'd just get whatever engine has the lowest miles you can. Do compression check to make sure it's healthy before turbo.

Also, people like the '94-'95 because it's obd-1 and '94 has real oil pressure gauge, but that probably doesn't make any difference for you.

There are also oil and coolant feed ports on the exhaust side of the '94 and early '95 blocks. Very convenient although not a deal breaker if you find a nice engine from another year.

and a lower CR compared to the 96-97

Thanks for the help. Seems like 94 or 95 is best. But I may have come across a wrecked 1997 with lower miles. I would prefer 94 or 95. From my previous lurking seems to remember the comp of 94, 95 to be 9 to 1 and 96 and 97 to be 9.5 to on. I also seem to remember some commenst regarding con rods, are there differences. I would prefer 94 or 95 but I may not want to pass up a lower mile 97. What would be a good estimate of max usuable boost for 97. I will probably use a Megasquirt PNP.

94-95 = 8.8:1 (later 95 models had 9.0:1)
96-97 = 9.0:1
99-00 = 9.5:1
01-05 = 10.0:1 (except MSM = 9.5:1)

IIRC, connecting rods are the same across the board.

Boost pressure with Turbo X ≠ boost pressure with Turbo Y, so you can't measure it like that. But around 250 is the safe limit on stock internals (and for the 5-speed transmission), although people have taken it higher without issue. It's always all in the tune.

Just fyi, all of this and more to get you on the right path are well covered in this forum, a quick search will answer 99.9% of your questions.