fresh meat >:]
 

im new
my name is shawn
i turn 21 on november 8th.
i drive a 2002 chevy cavalier, only an intake.

i do not own a miata yet, HOWEVER, im picking one up when i get a job....

been doing some research and within the first month i have it, i want to boost it. i want to keep everything factory except for fuel pump, injectors, intake, exhaust, header, and MAYBE an ecu, idk yet. the internals are going to stay factory.

now

after this research i see that the miata can boost around 12psi-18psi [depending on turbo] pushing it up and around 250 horses 240 to be on the safe side....

correct me if i am wrong...

if i am correct, how long should i expect the motor to last if i just maintain it at that amount of power?

also, does anybody have vids of a 250hp boosted miata?
and what it is capable of trapping at the track?


btw, here are come pics of the cavy in case anybody is wondering.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7...9271758100.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9...9270960100.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7...2604292100.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/836...0871196100.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5...7537894100.jpg

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3...4204549100.jpg







thanks for your replies in advance.

-shawn

Smart people do the ecu FIRST. If you get a car with a strong motor to start with, and then get it tuned by a professional that really knows tuning, it should last a long long time at about 12 psi. So when you're checking out cars, get at least a compression test donw before you buy. 250 whp could get you into the 12's with a good driver and set up. And nobody here cares about the cavalier.

so not all at the same time when its up on jackstands.....

and will 12psi get me to 240?...... thats my goal til i get out of college.

If you go with a standalone ecu (megasquirt, aem, adaptronic, etc...), which is a great idea, then you should get comfortable working with that and tuning it by yourself while in NA form, so you dont really mess anything up. You dont need jackstands to install that. Oh, and read some more threads, and you'll realize that installing an ecu includes setting up a wideband AFR.

Most likely, 12 psi will not get you 240 whp, but 15 should.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tMYIeupe-9Q/S8...jeff_c_235.jpg

Tired as fuck 1.6 @ 12psi and a 2.5" crush bent exhaust.

:fawk:

For the record though, while this is tons of fun out on the back roads, and might be fun on a track, I would have liked a broader powerband for a DD.

Go big or go home.

SHHHH both of you are newbs running in a damn circle jerk.

OK Shawn yes you can push mid 200 whp. And it can be done on moderate boost you just need to size the turbo appropriatly, and tune it to make power and be safe since you want this car to last you more than 4-5 mins. This being said, have you ever driven a car other than your cavalier or somebuddys mustang? If you drive it well a 200 whp miata will trap you in the 13's in the 1/4 mile and a 250 whp one will get you close to 12's if you are perfect with it. It will also breack loose when full accelerating from 60 mph in the rain in top gear at times on straight aways etc. So what i would do and, most any other person who has lived with a miata for a while or fast cars should tell you to do is begin a little bit slower.

Build the system to be 250 whp capable out of the box and dial back the boost until you can get used to the doubeling of power you just inflicted on it.

For the love of god do not expect the stock tires or even any tire in the stock size range to hold up to the abuse of a 250 whp miata unless it is a drag radial, slick, or you drive like a grandma. Good sticky rubber is a pretty critical safety feature when all the sudden you come up on a corner that you used to hit at 40 mph and you are now doing 80 or when you press the loud pedal and the ass end begins to move of its own accord you will wish you had more grip.

To build your system you need a budget, some mechanical know how and the cash to buy shit or pay some one to put it all together. It is not that hard and once you get past the basic math etc it can be applied to any other car out there. So take it as a good life lesson and learn as much as possible before you buy anything and, in the end you will be alot happier with your car and the size of your wallet.

<--------- has no clue how to tune :/

would 15psi be safe?

i already planned on lowering it and giving it new rims and tires.....

i have driven my brothers, now my room mates sr20det 240, that thing was fun on 8 lbs :D
i think it had shit tires though because that thing would go around in a heartbeat

trust me run it low and get used to it turning up the boost takes friggin 20 seconds to do on a turbo. The sr20 is a pretty apt comparison to what you want to do depending on your tune/build you can be comperable to him with the same psi to a point. If he ever turns the shit up and has a decent turbo and you are on stock motor his better head etc will pwn your power numbers but his car is also heavier than yours. By a couple hundred lbs atleast so it is a fair fight.

At 200 whp you will keep up with most unmodded lt1 camaros and unmodded foxbody mustangs you wont beat them but they wont leave you until 130 or so.

15psi can be safe on the right tune with the right size injectors sure :)

But you're not listening...start slowly and build your way up...look into getting your ecu sorted out first, then your clutch...

Then get your stuff together and get this going.

MOST OF ALL...research a bit more, this has all been answered maybe 15-20 million times :)

okie dokie, when the miata rolls into the garage, ill make a build thread and get opinions.
thanks for the advice everyone :D

If i was going for longevity, 10lbs on a 2560

Megasquirt
Wideband
Boost gauge
FMIC
Used manifold/downpipe or weld your own
Stronger clutch
rx7 460cc injectors cleaned a flow tested
MBC
Oil/water lines and fittings

So expect to spend around 2 grand if your finding sweet deals on used gear (which is still good).

2 grand sounds reasonable, however there are exceptions like me, lol but in all seriousness I went: Ecu and Wideband, Clutch, Injectors, then Turbo

Like most mentioned above take your time hunt around for good deals there everywhere.

wtf fine i wont help anyone else

Don't get so butthurt :giggle:

Welcome to the forum - sell your cavalier asap.

http://i56.tinypic.com/muudkx.jpg

Having a cavalier as a DD will mean you can do things right the first time on your Miata.

OP, I don't what you've done to the gods that you haven't been run off out of here yet. I suggest you read and comply with the newb sticky and read the DIY sticky.

Thanks for letting me borrow your car babe...but honestly I'd rather walk my happy ass to school.

Attachment 193211

Dammit, as soon as I saw that white Cavalier I was so hoping that I'd beat Damon into this thread....

Chevy Cavalier...the wannabe Corolla.:loser:

Trees > Cavaliers

My prediction: The OP is going to blow his engine up pretty quickly.

He is fixated on a horsepower number and a gauge pressure number and doesn't know enough. People have blown their engines up on less than 200whp with a poor setup and/or poor tune. He doesn't know that 8psi on a large turbo can yield as much power output as 15psi on a small turbo and he is hung up on numbers he doesn't yet understand.

As a kid, he has a "right now" impatience and is brimming with uncontrolled enthusiasm, which is normal and good. If he focuses his attention on learning about how things work before starting to buy parts or modify things he will do well. But doing things well involves more than just bolting a few parts together and hoping it works. He should invest some energy in reading the stickied FAQ thread and studying some of the build threads to see what trial and error has wrought. He should also be cautioned about the weak rear differentials in certain models and the need for periphery upgrades to certain drivetrain components.

OP, please make a habit of using capitalization and punctuation in your quest to compose your thoughts for others as it aids in comprehension by your intended audience. We are happy that you have joined us and would like to see you develop a mastery of the subject. Please put your location in your profile so that is shows up under your screen name so that others who may be local to you might offer you some assistance or parts.

Good luck.

+1
We're being nice to the OP instead of calling him out on shit. We're going to let him blow his shit up. Somebody stop him!

Read a book about turbocharging, I think Corky Bell wrote one, it's supposed to be pretty good :dunno:

i downloaded that on my computer and have been reading it the past few months ;)

want me to upload it for here?

No. That is illegal, unethical, and Corky might get pissed. You know he is a member and a sponsor on this forum, right?

And somehow it would turn into a discussion about Margaritas.

oops lol
i got it off the cavy forum :P

Shawn, read up on this site. The advice your getting from those telling you to pace yourself and go at it in steps are doing you a favor.

In one regard, it's the safe and smart way to do things. You'll learn alot, which will help you exponentially as you continue building. It's not hard to build and maintain a reliable 250whp Miata, it's just easier to build a pile of shit and more likely if you ignore good solid advice from those that have been there done that, then done it better.

In addition, you'll get to 1st hand experience your car's transformation as it progresses from mild to wild. And you'll be able to realize how your particular mod enhanced/degraded the performance of it, and thsu the vbalue of it and furthermore the direction it'll move you in.

The wisest thing has been posted. First things first, GET one. 1.6's (90-93) are plentiful and owner's have really been pushing them hard, they also typically carry a lower entry fee into the Miata world. However 1.8's (94+)have many advantages that you'll find yourself upgrading to. Big things like brakes, differentials, and of course displacement (yes .2L makes a diff).

I think a wise starting point would be a 94-95 year. Has the advantages of a 1.8, while maintaining things like oil feed port on the exhaust side of the block, and a real oil pressure gauge. But read up on it, miata.net has a pretty good buyer's guide.

Then as mentioned, work your way in. Start with performing tests to gauge the health of the car overall, routine maint items, etc.. Then get a Megasquirt (ecu). It'll allow you to extract a tad more power out of it, but more importantly its one of if not the most important aspects of reaching your goal of maintaining 250whp. Once thats done, tires. Then clutch, etc... And keep in mind, whatever your budget is, you will likely go over. DOing it this way will also allow you to find killer deals on needed parts.


This HP goal--let it be for a minute, or move it way down on the priority list. It's very likely that you'll be quite surprised with how hard this car can run at 200hp. Then again at 225, 250, etc. I promise, you will not get into a 200whp Miata for your first time and be left disenchanted. The reason you see alot of higher hp builds is because people have already hit the lower goals, and after a good bit of enjoyment and mastering--are now looking for more. Their cars are up to it, the driver is up to it. Chances are stepping straight into a 250+whp Miata would either leave you with dirty draws, a totalled car, or both.


In short, take it easy. We're all pumped, and ready to build THE best car we can think of. Our to-do lists are all never ending, our questions or theories are compunded, and our adrenaline is pumping. But all that is useless if you don't do your homework. Homework means more than asking for advice, sending a paypal and torquing down a few bolts.

This is coming from someone who was EXACTLY in your shoes. And did exactly the opposite of what's be advised to you, and is now, starting over with 2nd build and doing it right. Luckily I didn't blow anything up. but I nearly sold everything out of frustration as I tried to combine way too many things, with way too lofty goals, with way too little knowledge/experience.

I'm currently converting my car back to NA with a good solid platform, sold all my turbo stuff, and used the money in brakes/suspension/and all other supporting mods. And I'm more excited DEpowering it, as I was powering it. I bit off more than I could chew, and barely got to enjoy the car at all after all the money and time. I was chasing problems, and becoming very frustrated as one thing after another prevented me from really getting into it. Same will be of your case (or worse) if you just take the instant gratification approach. Regardless of what you think, or what your buddy says/knows, etc..

Now that I'm going NA, I'll put all effort into getting to know my ECU, and my car, any my ability--then set a good solid goal, and once I acheive it and feel I'm ready to move forward, I'll increase the goal. Making power is really not hard, doing it the right way is the skill.



I've now officially killed enough time at work to go on break, thank ya much

LISTEN / LEARN / DO

wow, good reply :]
made me really think to myself.

i know i will fuck things up
i know i will do things wrong, therefore i should take advice and get help that is needed.

hmm

do you know if anybody stays in vegas?
thats where im at.

You should do things in this order:


-ECU (MegaSquirt) and WBO2
TUNE

-Bigger injectors
TUNE

-real clutch

-7" diff if you bought a 1.6L car to start with

-interfooler (this is a mounted intercooler with an air filter, not a compressor outlet, at the far end)
TUNE

-Turbo hardware set at wastegate boost (~5-7psi)
TUNE
TUNE
and TUNE AGAIN
Regap plugs or build a COPS setup

-open 3" exhaust
TUNE

-Turn up boost in increments
TUNE
LAUGH LIKE A MAD MAN
Repeat


I hope you notice the pattern there.

Seriously though...I did it this way, and it was nice because when I got to boostin' there was nothing holding me back. It's all about supporting hardware (and a good tune).

ftfy :)

laugh like a mad man, bahahah
when i get into all of this will you guys help me and walk me through what my maps should look like and stuff?

It's scary how this community helps each other. Earn respect and seperate yourself from the typical wannabe spoon fed newb, and you'll have gained personal knowledge as well as a HUGE resource of members here that will get you through anything you can think of.

Get yourself stuck or in a bind because you were hard headed and ignored all this good advice, and people will literally laugh their asses off at your agony

This thread surprised me... OP you are lucky.

It seems you understand that you need to do more research, and seem to be open to advice, which is what probably saved you from securing your fate as this weeks entertainment.

I will tell you from experience, I 100% agree with taking things in steps like the suggestions above. Most people will agree a healthy 94' is a great place to start.

First thing to go should be the stock ECU. Replace that with a Megasquirt as you can find the answers to just about any question by browsing the MS section of this forum.
Good luck (oh and sell all that aftermarket waste of money on your cavalier to fund you miata project.)

i was scoping out a white 90, red 92, and a really nice blue 94.

ill get the megasquirt first but i am just afraid that i will mess something up when i start to tweak with it.....
the only thing really tune is
a] pocket bikes/lownmowers ..... 2 stroke stuff
b] my 350z on nfsu2 :D
lol

so ill need help until i can trust myself andlearn what i am doing and get the hang of it.

as for the aftermarket on the cavy, i have a good $500 on exterior that i could sell, not much but hey, it will do its job :D

but i learned something while adding looks to the cavy, i don't get peoples attention as they don't care what the car looks like.... only people with cavy's really dig the look.
so
with that being said, the miata is going to stay factory except for rims and lowering.
thats another thing...... i had an all out rice stage with the cavy. NEVER AGAIN. i cut the springs, had a fat ass body kit, primered it all out..... shit was bad. let me try to pull a few pics.

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...1cab8f59ea.jpg

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...934332865e.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3227/imag0129.jpg


i will NEVER treat a car like that again..... thats when i was a stupid little teenager thinking i could do everything to a car lol.

anyways
yeah, the miata is going to stay stock, MAYBE just a hardtop, dunno yet.

i got the job!

14.91/hour

so expect a miata around new years :]

95 doesn't have a real oil pressure gauge it's stupid dummy gauge.

wow noobs lol

Nice cavalier!

:drool:

Cadavalier

Please don't make it look as riced as the Cav. No body mods unless MT.net approved.

This.

What ever possessed you to mod a cavalier in the first place?

lol, im done with body parts.
fuck the rice

this thing is gonna be a sleeper :]

straight up suspension and brakes, then performance :D no no on body parts.

i might make custom shit to bolt on like i did my cavalier fogs... but no aftermark bumpers, lips or anything..... what a waste of money

a] cause i was a stupid teenager
b] to learn so i won't fuck my next car up
c] because i was like one of them civic kids..... [i wanted it to sound and look fast

lol

but im out of that now

i just turned 21 on the 8th so im ready to tune :]

About the same thing that possesses us to mod a chick car...... STOCK SUCKS!

The Miata just happens to be a great RWD candidate for V8's :giggle:

Welcome. Good luck getting a Miata, I just bought my first one and love it.
Keys to not pissing people off on this forum:
-The search tool is your best friend in the whole entire world
-The shift key is your second best friend. As you haven't yet seen it, it looks like this: [Shift]
-Don't get butthurt when somebody gives you a smartass reply

reasons for modding a miata :ne: modding a cavalier.

so, this is what i am looking at.

http://www.use.com/images/s_2/c66c57...d=242767953917

http://www.use.com/images/s_2/c66c57...d=528703720815

http://www.use.com/images/s_2/c66c57...2bd515b2_1.jpg



pros
- very clean inside and out..... there might be something on the drivers seat but idk yet.
- i like the sleek look of it. the factory body kit and stuff
- i like the color how it matches the wheels :D

cons
AUTOMATIC!!!!!!!!!!!!:vash:

lol
thats about it though

its an 01
125,000 miles
i will be getting it for 5600

im thinking about using this one as a dd and picking up another one when i finally start working, like an older one specifically designed for building.

idk yet though, my mind is going a million mph right now.

thought and opinions?

Looks like it's in pretty good shape, but I would never buy an auto miata. Just my 0.02
found this in your area:
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/2070922656.html

i was thinking about getting on craiglist and just swapping out the tranny

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pts/2047721481.html
for prime example

then buy a good clutch online

I can't really advise you one way or the other on that, as I know nothing about what that would require. I know it's pretty common on 240sx's.

Here are some other options-
You'd have to immediately get rid of the awful wheels:
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/2018445682.html
A fairly clean NA:
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/ctd/2015377434.html

i called them and he wanted 10,000 for it

fuck that
lol

oops, nvm, that was this one.
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/ctd/2063983314.html

also, im digging the white one that was linked above.....
also

this one.
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/2072651290.html

That looks good to me. Ask for more pictures, especially of the top, it looks a bit worn

i texted him and asked for more pics, ill upload when and if he sends

That's similar to my 99, but I paid $4500 with a hardtop and 109k miles.
GET A MANUAL TRANS or you'll be sorry.:2cents:

its officially mine!
http://images.craigslist.org/3pa3o43...c9452d1f5e.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3n43k83...ea46131de0.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3n03mb3...a5039f1215.jpg





MORE PICS TOMORROW!

Congratulations!!!

THANKS!

im glad you guys said to slowly build it and get used to the power because FUCK that thing got up and went :]

pics tomorrow!
can't wait to drive it again.

Haha congrats on the buy. The only semi-tolerable Cavaliers had Ecotecs, enjoy your 140 horses and start saving for teh turbowz.

i was kinda scared driving it around the block on the test drive to be honest.....
so let me get used to the car and power then slowly start adding power :D


final price of the miata was $3,995