Hi guys, I recently damaged my engine (Miata 02 SE 1.8 VVT) and I am about to do a new turbo project from scratch, I would like to help me based on your experiences with information on the best setup to build my project near 400 whp. Thank you

 

Read my build thread lol

Just search up Borg Warner EFR builds all over this site.

 

How much are you prepared to spend?
because the cost difference between 300 and 400 horsepower is exponential.

 

Yes. This.


Also, I'd suggest getting a ride in a 300hp miata before you jump to a number goal. I think the sweet spot of fun is at 350whp. Then it's just bonkers and literally terrifying. I was having pucker moments trying to pull logs in 5th gear because bumps would make you lose traction.

If you really want big power, do not take intermediate steps. Go for the correct clutch, the right injectors, the correct intercooler from the start. Buy once, cry once. I spent about 2.5 times more than I needed to in my miata's lifetime to get to where it ended.

 

Correct, I want to get straight to the point and spend at once what is going to be spent to reach the goal faster and without wasting money.

 

I have one of the first EFR builds and am now going on 9 years with it. I overbuilt it to take abuse and its been working reliably. My advice is make sure you know what 400 WHP is like first. My car is stupid crazy to drive and always will be. Good luck.

 

He’s not kidding at all about the 2.5X cost of doing it “wrong” the first time or two and I’ll add adequate cooling to that list. North of 400 is amazingly crazy, fun and probably a little nuts IMO. We use a switch to toggle between a 325 and 423 tune so it’s easy to be ready when a 911 pulls up next to it.

 

OP, I have a 350whp 96 street car that runs on 93 octane pump gas. As some others have said, I think this is the perfect power to cost ratio. 350whp in a Miata is VERY fast. Every time I have thought I wanted to go with a trans and diff swap and up the power to 400+, I go drive the car and I end up leaving it where it is......I am very happy with it. Clutch is super light and You wouldn't know you're not driving a stock Miata until you nail it. The parts alone for a trans and diff swap range but can be $6,000+

For comparison, My "other" car makes 750whp (at 6500) and 800lbft of torque (at 2700). The Miata at 350whp is nearly as entertaining. It is NOT as fast as my other car (not close as the other car runs 115mph in the 1/8 mile on radials), BUT the Miata FEELS close to as fast. Hard to explain.....

Unless you are dead set on the number 400, I'd recommend 350whp as a target. it will be exponentially less expensive to build a 350whp drivetrain that all works together and is still nearly "stock-feeling" in terms of drivability.


Torbomack-. How does your 6MT hold up to the 400+ whp? Seriously asking what the trade off/maintenance is....do you just break them and replace them? Do they hold together? Do you baby them to last xx long? If I did up my power to over 400, I wouldn't be opposed to just replacing a broken trans from time to time....just wouldn't want to be doing it monthly....

 

Definitely try to do as much as you can. Doing it slowly cost so much more ,but you do learn as yo go. But yeah , I get it wife, life slow things down. Maybe that's what god intended

 

Hey, Psyber Glad to see you still around

 

Hiya! Popping in rarely, just trying to sell. Some remaining miata things. Datsun resurrection is kicking my butt over the past year.

 

For the goal of 400whp I think going down the K route instead of building a bp is the new way moving forward.

 

Haven’t broken anything ....yet. The torque at the 425 WHP point is only about 290.

 

What? On a miata?


As an aside I never broke a 6speed on 375+ wtq but mechanical empathy goes a long way.

 

For 400hp i agree with this

 

No one should ever build a BP. But if anyone else is stubborn enough, I have a vvt head for you.

 

very true, I am already in that plan, more promising, more HP and more reliable.

 

Are questioning the ability to make 425 on a Miata BP or the torque value? That was only about 7700 rpm and it’s built for 9000.

 

Yep 2.5 MZR in a boat swap is the new hotness. 400whp capable motor for $300 at any mid west junk yard.

 

I considered going K, but was able to piece together a build off the classified section of this forum, like pysber check my build thread...

https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...y-3-0-a-95297/