I went with a Kraken t254 manifold and dp and pieced everything else together separately, if I had to do it again I would just buy an MK kit from shuiend. Would have been done quicker, cheaper, and easier. That said, I just finished the install a couple months ago and the process of driving and tuning it has been more than worth the effort. If you're at all inclined to do it my advice would be buy your megasquirt ASAP and just get started.

 

I'm going the DIY route, but I like the design process. I decided on an Sr20 T25 build with ebay intercooler and cast manifold. I installed FF 640cc injectors and built an MS3x. Have full -AN oil/water lines, diy coolant reroute, Toyota COPs. For now I'm going to do a self welded downpipe going to the exhaust already there. I'm looking at about $2300 or I think for everything except the clutch. I've also been acquiring parts for a year so YMMV.

I plan to release video for all this with the parts I used.

 

I am going DIY because Its cheaper. Only new parts are the clutch, radiator, and intercooler. I started buying parts a year ago O_o

Granted I had a baby in that time it's taking a long time to get right. (And I have access to shop) If I had the money I'd buy a TSE EFR kit and pay someone to install and tune it. I love driving others love tinkering. I tinker only as a means to an end.

Unless you love working on cars... Just pay the money.

 

I choose to go the DIY way.
Driving a turbo Miata is fun. Building that turbo Miata is as much fun as driving it for me.
Getting a turnkey whatever gives me little or no chance to get my hands dirty, and I feel like I missed out on the fun part.

Hell, I even built a garage with a lift and everything just so that I could, you know, DIM. (do it myself).

As for spending time to source the correct parts at a reasonable cost, that is a learning experience.

YMMV.

 

I think that if saving money is the only goal, then get a kit. It will save you money. If you truly enjoy all the research involved with choosing then sourcing parts and building it yourself then you not only save money (a little) but you gain a crap ton of experience. The research may take a 100+ hours so be sure to factor that in.