kday

Hi, first post here. I have a '90 Miata that I picked up a few weeks ago. It's a ton of fun (+/- a few lbs.) but of course needs to be faster. I am in the process of planning a turbo setup for it.

So far I have accumulated a nearly complete 1.8 motor -- it's only missing the intake manifold, and a Megasquirt II. (I figured if I am going to the effort of building a turbo motor I might as well start with the 1.8. It was cheap and it came with a transmission which may come in handy...)

I am thinking that the VICS intake manifold from a 99 would be an interesting choice. I can control it with the MS2 easily enough. Any thoughts on the advantages of using the variable intake manifold with a turbo setup? This would be in conjunction with a 1996 head and block. Right now I am thinking of running at 1-1.5 bar boost, probably with stronger rods but stock pistons.

Thanks for any input pro or con.

M-Tuned

iTrader: (6)

The vertical port positions are different on a 96 vs 99 head and therefore you will need to either find a 99 head or weld a new flange on the VICS intake manifold to make it work.

disturbedfan121

iTrader: (5)

99 head, and begi intake mani.

kday

Ah, ok, didn't realize the 99 head was that much different. I guess I need to find one of those or just pick up a cheap 94-97 IM.

Will the later VVT heads bolt up to a '96 block? That might be interesting...

oilstain

Most (all?) of your questions (and those you haven't asked yet) have been answered. Please take some time to search for information that is relevant to you. There is much to be learned.



Notice: This post complies with the OMG - READ THIS FAST (ORTF) Act of 08.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

Yes. The heads themselves are all mechanically interchangeable across the 1.8 engine blocks, though the IM is slightly different between '99-'00 and '01+. Installing an early NB head onto an NA 1.8 block has been a very popular upgrade for quite some time, in fact.

Truthfully, if it were my car, I'd aim for a non-VVT NB head. At this point, VVT control via MS is purely theoretical, whereas VICS has been pretty well proven out. The '99-'00 head has essentially the same improved port geometry as the later VVT head, however from a control standpoint it'll be a simpler retrofit.