(sorry) Ebay turbo kits... (question wasn't answered in stick
 

I guys sorry again for bringing up this topic again but no one on the m.net or cr.net forums have been able to answer.
i read the thread on the supposed DIY kits for sale on ebay. i am intrested in pruchacing one of these kits for my 99'.
the thing is i'm going to have it installed by on by one of the more respected and recommended miata mechanics in SoCal. the kit im intrested is the same one offered on the market place.
Ultimatley the question is would one of these kits suffice as the basic parts needed to start the build? i'm planning on pushing no more that 6 pounds of boost (hoping for a 10-20% gain). I'll be getting a piggy back Fuel management system (i still have to make up my mind on which). the only part i would lack would be the exhaust manafold (would i be ok with having one custome made or are there any pre fabbed choices.?
i'm an active member with-in the miata community but i haven't really been able to get very much feed back from my local members, it seems that money is never an issue around here and most are happy to drop 5-7k on a build.
thanks in advance, please don't flame, please redirect me if possible; i've tried searching and i've been up and down m.net and cr.net.
Neocataboi

No.

lol, k i'll save for the BEGI then! Humpf...
Honest thanks!

I don't think anyone on this forum would recommend an ebay kit. For low budget projects, probably go with the Begi S Kit ~ $1900, for find a used kit, on this forum or m.net.

http://www.bellengineering.net/produ...roducts_id=244

But before anything, I would recommend spending $25 on Maximum Boost by corky bell.

http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Boost-...3669513&sr=8-1

Given that there are several dozen listed, and you haven't told us which one, I'm also going to lean towards "no."

What you're getting with all those, to some degree or another, is just a box of random parts. I mean, a bunch of those claim to be for a VW Golf, an MX3, an MX6, a Miata, an RX7, an RX8, and an Eagle Talon. None of those engines are even remotely similar, they're just throwing a bunch of names up to get search hits.

If you are serious about being able to fabricate an exhaust manifold and downpipe, and you know exactly what you're getting, then such a "kit" might theoretically be of some use if the turbo and piping it comes with are of the correct size for your application. But we're talking about fabricating skills that are beyond most of the folks on this board (myself included) at that point.

If you really want a complete kit on the cheap, the Bell S package is only $1,850 (plus fuel pump), and it will actually work out of the box. You'll be hard pressed to beat that price even if you start with a $700 eBay "kit" once you've paid someone to fabricate all the missing pieces.

You dont even need a begi S unless you want something right now. Otherwise if you have the time and the willingness to learn Shop around. You can always get the shop to install the parts you find and you will wind up with better parts then any ebay kit, even if the stuff you get is used.

Example. My "kit" cost me 2600 bucks, and I think I have a much better kit then Begi could ever provide for the same money. Yea it takes time, but in the end its worth it, at least to me.

You should also tell us the name of the mechanic who's going to install it. Installing a turbo kit is as easy as Ikea furniture... but tuning it will be your ticket to glory or failure. Does this nameless mechanic have a tuner he sends cars to? Who are they?

And no, do not buy any ebay turbo kits.
Call Corky at Begi. Ask questions.
Call Keith at FM. Ask questions.
Stick around here and learn which parts work best or you can have made and buy them all separately cheaper and then install them yourself for less. There's nothing wrong with buying used parts. If you're not sure about something, then start a thread and we'll tell you.

And for your '99... you can go Hydra for the expensive win, or Xede for the midprice win, or Megasquirt parallel for the cheap win. There is no budget way to control fuel/spark in a '99 that will satisfy you... it's going to take some electronics.

And 6psi with a decent turbo on a '99 is going to give you a lot more than a 10-20% power gain. You're looking at more like 50%.

Now, go into the MEET&GREET forum (also called NOOB CENTRAL) and start a thread introducing yourself. Tell us about your car and goals and DON'T FORGET TO FILL OUT YOUR SIGNATURE AND LIST YOUR LOCATION IN YOUR PROFILE!

Here are the results for title search of the word "ebay": https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/sea...earchid=481505
A quick glance through any of these threads would tell you everything you need to know about ebay turbo "kits"

Iv been running the ebay kit for 4 months now 8 psi, with the AEM F/IC. No problems at all.

But then again all Iv seen around here lately is the minute someone says ebay right away every one frowns down on it. yet I have never seen anyone use or try any of it, just talk smack.

For more info I got the kit that came with the, Mani, Chinese made gt28, down pipe, oil and water lines.

Of course I did some minor custom fabing to the mani so its a little bit more sturdy. But over all I am very happy with the results.

thanks for the replys guys.
i was planning on taking it to Roadster Tuner in southern california. he was recommended by emilio from 949 racing.
as for the kit, it was the one you pulled up that was for multiple applications, i was refering to the general parts included with the kit.
i was looking a the "s" kit for some time now and i always wondered if that really was the best i could do.
i'm in no hurry, im not planning on getting this done tomorrow or anything i'm trying to get as much info to be able to piece the system together so it funtions properly. (oh, and i did order the book, it should be here some time this week)
ps: thanks for the direction! i dont concider myself a newb to miatas but am to boost. thanks again guys!

RemoteMX5, how did the downpipe fitment work out? Did you have to modify that as well? Also, was it for a 1.8 I'm assuming?

If you want a reliable turbo car buy a good kit and get it done with the first time. Ebay kits are just a pain because your working on your car more than driving it. Like me...

Yeah sorry this is on a 05 1.8, the DP fitment was pretty good didn't have to mess with it too much. Just had a Extra O2 bung welded on it, and instead of using all the studs they gave me to bolt it to the turbo, I had to use a screw and some minor other modfications.

But nothing to crazy if you don't mind a little bit of DYI. But I think having boost for under a grand, pretty reliably cause like I said. I beat the shit out of my car, and for the last 4 months no problems at all not one.

But for the most part it fits just fine.

I know there are guys out there running 100k+ miles on early Bell/FM manifolds and downpipes. I also know quite a few 150k+ mile Greddy manifolds out there. That kind of longevity/reliability/piece of mind is what you're paying for.

RemoteMX5, be sure to get back to us in a year or so... it'll be very interesting to know exactly what you reinforced/modified to get some lifespan out of the thing. Corky has said that the knockoff tubular manifold of his design looks decently enough made (although in need of some support) and I think the general consensus around here is that it "could" be a decent piece... but the metalurgy and weld-quality might be suspect. It'd be interesting to note in a year or so if the thing hasn't simply disintegrated on you. I'd also make a monthly inspection of your turbo. Some guys have had outstanding luck with the various chinachargers (MarkP), but so many more have had them detonate and take out their engine. I would say at least every oil change it would be worth it to take the thing out and inspect both wheels.

I'd also like to see a datalog or a dyno pull to see how good your AEM unit is doing.

Well I run a simillar manifold on my 240 the SSautocrap so far a year and a half and no problems at all.

As for the Chinesecharger I check the wheels every two weeks or so so far so good, of course I have water lines through it and a oil line with a restrictor.

as for the mani I just welded a brace between the turbo flange and the flange from mani to engine, so there is not so much stress on the tubes them selves since the mani is bottom mount.

Also just one thing I never really said that this kit as good as some of the higher 2grand name brand ones.

But it's definitely not as horrible as sometimes people make them out to be. And only people I would really recommend these to, to tell you the truth, is to people that aren't scared of some DIY and tinkering around.