...If the dash was easier for you than the timing belt, then you are either doing something really wrong with the timing belt, or really right with the dash.

 

Even with the dash out the heater core is a MF'er to get in there. Leafy can come over next time I need to do a core...

 

OP, you need to trust the homo jackasses. Seriously.

Nice looking car. I like the color. You showed me yours, I'll show you mine ()!

 

OP: if you are detail oriented, the timing belt is no problem. The Service Manual spells out exactly how to put the new belt back on. Remember, the FSM is written for a target audience that is, shall we say, possibly less literate than your average homo forum jackass.

You will want the FM Cam Ninja tool. It will lock the cam gears into place so you can simply pull the old one off and slip the new one on. Before you pull the old one off, mark on the belt where the vertical hash mark is for the intake and exhaust cam pulleys. When you get the new one on, hold the old belt up to the new belt and verify you've got the same number of belt teeth between the hash marks (should be 19 iirc).

Aren't these the hoses in question?
1994-05 Compressor to intercooler hose
1990-05 intercooler outlet hose

 

Yep.

Those them.

 

Well, I stand corrected

 

The cold side hose would definitely work with almost any setup but the hotside would be a lot harder.

 

Yep. I'm using the intercooler<-> throttle body hose, that one is easily modified to almost any intercooler. The compressor side, not so much.

 

I'll be the turd in the punchbowl, but perhaps if the OP has little mechanical experience, it may be better for him to sell hit miata and buy something witih more power, like an S2000?

 

pretty sure he'd be disappointed, since its torque he's after.

 

Dat 2052.

 

I printed all of your comments (18 pages using standard size paper). I can now see that there are many pieces to this puzzle. After reading all the comments, my plan is to create a "shopping list" of all the items I need (including the proper tools). Maybe it would be good to list these items one-by-one on this thread (or maybe there is a list out there already and this is a bad idea). Perhaps a list like this could become a helpful sticky for all the DIYs. And, if there is a disagreement about what should be on the list, it would be good to explain why it should make the cut.

I think I'm going to go with the VooDoo II since it seems to be the simplest for someone with my skill level. So, say I start with buying the clutch and exhaust.
Which clutch and exhaust work best with the VooDoo II?

What are the items that should definitely make the cut?
1.
2.
3.
4.
(and so on)...

What are the "it-would-be-nice-to-have-but-can-wait" items?
1.
2.
3.
4.
(and so on)

What tools do you recommend that will make this job a whole lot easier?
1.
2.
3.
4

I don't know - there may be a better way to do this so I am open to suggestions.

 

The best way to do this is to take your time and read a LOT. We could tell you what you need to install the turbo, but if you take your time and figure it out yourself you will be that much more confident when it comes to the actual install.

Start reading build threads, and don't stop until you get to the ones with no pictures on them because they are too old. By then you will know exactly what you need.

 

I agree that it's going to take a lot of time to read and research and I plan to continue to do that. Then again, there is so much out there to piece together; it becomes mind-boggling after awhile. I'm trying to take all that I've read so far get it down to at least the basics so I can prepare an essential shopping list.

Maybe another option is to get a list the best build-thread links for DIYs.

 

Some of us have build threads in our signature lines but you will need to filter to make sure it matches what you are working on - for example a V8 conversion thread is interesting but doesn't have anything to do with your project.

You won't get a comprehensive list of tools or supplies anywhere because every car and project is different. Get an assortment of basics and plan to make many, many trips to various places throughout your project.

 

I think I already referred you to Erat's build thread and someone else provided the link. Read it. Study it. Copy it. Live happily ever after. It was his first turbo build ever. He used a couple of FMs parts (he bought new, you could buy used to save some money) and pieced his tigether. He took great pics. He listed parts IIRC.