Hey ALL,

New to this forum as a registered member, but have read a ton of stuff on here and appreciate everyone’s threads.

Ok, so here is the deal……I just bought a 1990 1.6L bone stock. ALL I want to do is have a little more pep and a nice sound out of the exhaust. Seriously, no track, street cross, drift, etc. Just some fun driving on the weekends with this awesome little machine.

I have watched videos until my eyes fell out and read soooo much on this topic. The ultimate question I have and would appreciate your advice and feedback, is can this be done on a stock 1.6L with a simple turbo kit and no other mods……..OR was I fever dreaming when I read and watched vids that say it can be done? I understand that if you do not exceed 250 WHP, then nothing more than the turbo kit is needed. That is 100% what I want and I have no desire to exceed the 250 WHP.

Ok, what do you all think? Has anyone who reads this done what I want to do? Issues? Happy? Would not do it? Absolutely do it? Things like that please.

Thanks ALL
Blinks!!

 

Before even attaching turbo kit you will need

Injectors ~350
new clutch and pressure plate ~500
Ecu ~1300

Outside of that...keep it below 250 to save the 5 speed and the rods and yea thats kinda all you need. Maybe stickier tires. This is assuming you do all work yourself


As for happy? It will become something to tinker with. And power (especially boost) is addictive. One moment its just a turbo. Next moment its everyone can do that, Let's rebuild the motor and go for 300whp. But I do love my shitbox. But the cost balloons quick. I have easily spent more on the parts then I bought the car for. Just get a kit. Slap a 2560 on it and tune for 10 psi and enjoy it

Would reccomend/10

 

For the first year, spend the money on an ECU and injectors and see how you like that. Then you can assess what your actual power goals and budget are.

Then you can look at your options of a naturally aspirated 1.8 swap, supercharger, or turbo. The latter two add considerable complexity, time under the car/hood, and cost- if you want it to last.

I had a blast with a tuned, stock clutch, flex fuel 1.6 for a summer. Past that it becomes a labor of love.

 

Great info!! Thanks so much NExOBLIVISCARIS, I appreciate your feedback and knowledge. The injectors and Ecu I did hear a lot about with adding turbo to a 1.6, I just wasn’t clear if you actually needed to replace those pieces if you kept it below the 250whp. The clutch is def getting changed, the previous owner didn’t know how to drive manual and well, you can imagine from there what the clutch looks like……we looked and…yeah. Hahaha.

The funny part of this story is, the previous owner kept the car bone stock, except right before he sold it he put on Nitto 205/50/15 and Konig Rims, like with authenticity papers and all….lol, I didn’t know Rims had papers. Would that Rim and Tire be ok as you said about “stickier tires” ?

 

Read this thread and treat it as gospel until you find evidence saying otherwise https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...b-miata-93402/

As for tires get some 200 treadwear tires. Dont drive it when its around or below 32f outside. Also if this is your daily driver. Dont

 

Thank you douginjenison, I appreciate your info and knowledge. I considered the 1.8L upgrade, but after hearing and seeing vids on what that takes to do, then to add the turbo/SC….. I am a hard no on that route. Again, just want a fun roadster to cruise around in and in your word, have a blast!!

The only other part I may consider changing out is the Diff. From what I understand the 1990 year did not have the Torsen Diff but it is 100% compatible and exact fit to put in a Torsen. Just seems like a better DIff, more solid build, etc.

You said it right, budget and time seem to be the main factor. Both of which are hard to come by these days 😊

 

Tab’d and saved, thank you 👍

Definitely not a daily driver, and yeah, will not drive it at or below 32F. I am in a 4 Season State but this is Spring/Summer maybe early Fall ride for me.

Keep your great info coming if you don’t mind, always interested and enjoy hearing anything you have to say. Appreciate it.