Built 1.6 or stock 1.8
 

Hi all,

​I've got two miatas now and have been thinking about forced induction (Still doing tons of reading at the moment). The mkturbo seems appealing at this point.


​​A:
Built 1.6, LS7 ignitors, clutch, flywheel, alu rad, 3" artech, 1.8 torsen, walboro fuel pump, ev14 700cc injectors, haltech ecu and wideband...

B:
Stock 1.8

I was thinking about turbocharging the 1.6 but I was afraid it would be fairly limited compared to moving all the parts over to the 1.8 miata.

​​​​​I'm looking for a streetable setup on pump gas hoping for 225-250hp.

Why did you build a 1.6 if it's not already turbocharged?

any particular reason you created a duplicate account to post this thread?

the built 1.6L and all those parts are a waste of a 1.6L without a turbo.

hell, sell all that shit and pick up a stock 1.6L for free -- can run 220rwhp all day long.

Concealer: I had picked up this car recently in this state. It used to have a rotrex but that was parted before it got into my hands.

18psi: honestly, I hated my old account username and only used it to lurk anyways because i was too scared to post.

Yes... The 1.6 is pretty anemic now with the low compression pistons. Certainly doesn't run well.

Slap some boost on it.

Is that OTC Austin's old car or whatever?

Boost the 1.6 enjoy for street car fun and noises.

Use 1.8 car to complete other end of MT.net Circle of Life: N/A Track Glory.

Funny thing is that this was Falcon's build and the rotrex actually went into Austin's NA.

Unfortunately for me, I own 3 cars now and can't afford to have 2 of them be miatas. Just a matter of whether it's worth it to boost the built 1.6 or swap components over and boost the 1.8 instead.

ok I'll consolidate them for ya

Boost the 1.6 since you have everything already done for it. You can swap parts over to the 1.8 but it will be a good bit of work. The 1.8 will get you a bit more mid-range power and torque, but upper limit will probably be about the same. If you ever really desire more power you can sell the built 1.6, and swap in a built 1.8 then.

I wouldn't waste time on a 1.6

I wouldn't either, all things being equal. Not starting with equal ground in this case though.

I'd take a "built" 1.6 over a stock BP05 any day of the week.

Am i allowed to offer an opinion without things going pear shaped?

:)

Yes, please!

​​​​​​

Couple things to keep in mind which are VERY important:
225-250hp is roughly 180-225whp
Street cars are significantly more enjoyable with lowend/midrange torque


Yup,
Since you're the one that always gets pear shaped :)

Take the rods out of the 1.6 and put them in the 1.8. Sell all the other 1.6 bullshit and profit.

Or sell the 1.6 to someone who wants a the "revvier" engine and tell them you built it to be extra revvy. Then build a 1.8.

18psi - :)

So for another perspective.

MT popular opinion OR use the 1600 until it craps out or blows up. Have a whole heap of fun in the meantime and IF you need more or are competitive work on an 1800 in the background.

Noting the ecu, learning to tune, turbo, suspension, wheels, tyres, radiator, intercooler, 90-100 % of downpipe etc will all be interchangeable when required.

Its not the MT way or belief as a 1600 will/might give up a bit of torque and power but its not massive UNLESS you are going for ALL OF IT and can use it (driving ability),have the suspension, tyres, wheels, race series and competitors that makes requiring ALL OF IT necessary.

Otherwise 1600 can still be a very fast car driven and setup well.

Having recently one our class in our Classic Japanese series against some pretty quick hondas, 300+ hp 240z race car etc AND won outright our national Superlap (Time attack) series in road legal 2wd class.

Fun can be had with a 1600. Down here 1600's out number 1800 (in cars/parts available) 10-1 so for us there is a massive parts and cost advantage. In the US this may not be the case BUT it seems like you have a good motor that you can reliably boost up to 16-18+ psi this is between 260 - 290..... WHP this is a quick car.

Also, I drove my tuners 300 WHP car with my wheels and tyres, similar suspension etc and found it a bit boring, torque and more smooth power wasn't as exciting....probably faster but no way near as much fun.

FYI- in terms of full disclosure, after 3 years of competitive racing 1600 we are moving to 1800 at some point in the next racing year, mostly because I now want ALL OF IT...well 6 speed capable all of it :) (hoping that 350 whp brings back the turbo powerband and fun that was missing from the 300whp car I drove or for want of a better term, the snap....).

Good luck with whatever you do, despite the popular opinion, you will make either decision work for you.

i feel like a lot of people in this thread didnt read...

If your referring to me, like concealer I would take a built 1600 over a stock 1800 to ONLY get 225 ish at the wheels. Top end (300+) isn't on his wish list.

With the right sized turbo a built 1600 is going to come on really strong down low and be tough enough to cope with more boost as we all quickly fall down the well of more boost. I cant see it giving up much if at all to a standard 1800 and be a fun street car.

But like I said, either will work to his goals. IMO.

no, not you. anyone who missed a built 1.6L with all the supporting mods vs. a stock 1.8L.

Bingo. I'd rather take the highly polished turd over the turd that smelled slightly less terrible to start with.