I don't actually have a Miata yet, but I'm looking at this ad for a 1991 Mazda MX5 Miata. It has 282,000KM (175,000 Miles). The ad says that the car is in excellent mechanical condition with over $2000 in recent work done, all bills available. Lady owned and never winter driven. Recently inspected with all work up to date. It's priced at $2500.

I want to turbo the miata myself, but is there too much mileage?

 

That miata is way over priced. I just sold a 91 with 140xxx miles for $1800.

 

I live in Canada so it's a lot more expensive. This is actually the cheapest one within 500km of me. Next one is $3600 with 220,000km.

 

Living in Canada definitely makes a difference. I would be checking the rocker panels for rust. After that if the rest of the car checks out then I would not be worried about boosting it at that mileage.

The proper order for how to turbo the car is as follows.
1. Install a megasquirt and wideband o2 sensor, learn to tune the car.
2. Remove 1.6 motor, install 1.8 motor, retune.
3. Install larger injectors, retune.
4. Install turbo, retune.
5. PROFIT.

 

Sounds like a good plan, but is it bad to turbo the 1.6? Or am I just replacing it for the high mileage? I'd rather save the money from an engine swap if it means I lose like 20% more power

 

The 1.8 motor is just a much better starting point then the 1.6. At the end of the day when it comes to total cost, the 1.8 engine cost will be a drop in the bucket. You should be able to find one from $500-$1500 depending on what year and options you want. If you want to be super cheap you can even pull a Kia motor from a junk yard car.

 

There is nothing wrong with turbo 1.6L, unless you have to have >225whp or so. If you are insane from the get go, I'd offset the 1.8 by selling the 1.6.

If you blow it up, then get a 1.8. All you need is a new manifold, if you follow the guide to profit. Lots of people seem to do just fine on a cheap ebay cast manifold for the 1.6, and it's still worth something if you swap to a 1.8.

Plenty turbo miatas with high miles. If it's in good shape, it will be fine.

 

That is a lot of mileage for a car that hasn't been winter driven. A lot of people up here say "not winter driven", but the cars (given the age) have had multiple owners. I would be very skeptical about that claim with almost 300K. Wait/save up for a 1.8L (94+).

 

With a 1.6 car, you'll also need to swap the diff to handle more power. 94+ cars are a better starting point. Other than that, I really wouldn't care about mileage as long as the body is straight and rust free. Mechanicals are "consumables."

 

My 91 has 288xxx miles on 10000 of which is on the turbo. No problems yet. But I also don't push it, as I am afraid of blowing something up.

 

Mine is a 1990 I just bought in Quebec, Canada for 700$, with 311000km.. I am done with the turbo installation but just waiting to find another voodoo box or other FM that could work for cheap. I'll let you know if the car survives!

 

got my 90 for $800 w/ 165k. look at another one or find one here. Thats expensive

 

compression test will give you a quick idea of the motors health and is very easy to do.

If you can, take it to a shop for a leak down test before buying or before installing the turbo kit.