Getting ready to start my Begi Turbo install.
Should I replace my timing belt an waterpump?
I've done this before on other miata's I've owned.
I don't trust anyone else to work on my car.
Here's the thing. I have a 97 with 40k. I bought it last year with 34k.
I went through the car replacing all the fluids, filters,torn boots etc. I
changed the leaky valve cover & crank angle sensor gaskets and examined
the timing belt. It looked fine.
Has anyone had a timing belt break? It's a non interference engine . The car has years on her
but mileage wise she's good.
I'm undecided on the radiator as well. Originial unit not leaking
but the plastic top is Brown. I'm told this is a warning sign.
I was looking on eBay at some aluminum radiators.
In the past I wouldn't have thought twice about spending the
money an didn't. But these days are different. I'm not
making the money I once did.

 

Yes get an aluminum radiator, if you look at the stock radiator funny it might crack.

It suggested to replace the timing belt/water-pump every 100k miles. If it looked fine it'd probly be fine for a street car. I've driven a car with a 16-yr old timing belt, 156k miles on it, it didn't break, lol.

What are your plans with the car? Track, autox, weekend toy, DD?

 

Also if you plan to or have megasquirt, do that first and get it working.

 

If the T-belt snaps it would be a surprise, but it wont kill the car. If the water pump goes you will probably know it too. At 40K, I would leave it alone.

+1 on the MS.

As far as the radiator, I dont know much specifically about them. But I do know that OEM radiators tend to last a lot better and cool a lot better than folks think. If you are not taking a long trip or tracking the car a lot I would leave it alone too. A well done coolant reroute is more important according to everything I can find. Now if you need to do some relocation for a FMIC and all, then you would probably save yourself some fab hassle by just getting the unit you plan to use forever in there now and working around it. That way you dont have to do the FMIC install twice if you do get a rediator down the road.

 

It's a DD/ attack every corner I have a chance to. I already did the suspension/tires. It's
fun just needs a little more kick in the pants.
I'm not going with MS.
It's bandaids for me this time around.
I'm going for a low boost application.

 

It's much easier to read when you write in prose, not poetry. I would probably just drive the car until the recommended service interval and then replace the belt then.

 

Don't forget the clutch or to plan for a stronger one.
My stock one started slipping after a couple thousand miles, maybe less.

 

If you are low boost, I'd say you can delay the timing belt and radiator and clutch.

But I do suggest you review your plan for bandaids. The cost of bandaids quickly reach the cost of a Brain built MS, and you can tune the car much better.

Even if you stick with bandaids, fit a wide band 02 into the build budget... cost wise, you could swap it for the radiator!

Good luck!
Jim

 

I bought used bandaids for a low cost. I plan on keeping the boost on the low side.
I have a leg injury and plan on keeping the stock clutch. If it dies I'll look into getting
a MSM unit. They seem to be mild side of stiffness with enough holding power.

This is a what I've purchased so far.
Used - 2.5 FM exhaust,bipes,voodoo box,Vis. Fuelrail
New- Begi shanghai turbo kit with intercooler, braided lines
manifold/ turbine coating, 2.5 catalytic converter, lower temp plugs
wideband, boost gauge and fuel pump.

Am I missing anything? Fuel filter an wires when done right after I bought
the car.

 

It's hard to read what you are writing without it coming out in a poem form. Type normal and stop posting like that. nO oNE WaNTs To rEAd yOur PoSTS wHeN yOU tYPE ThINgS ALL fUCkeD uP.

 

I'm writing from my iPhone. For some reason when I enter the post it's
breaking up my sentences. Do you really think I'm posting like that on
purpose! Some of you guys on this forum are so ----. You jump to conclusions
about every little detail.
This forum is about sharing information not insults. At least that's how I see it.
Thanks to all who posted without the sarcasm.