I just bought a '96 motor to drop into my '90 Miata before turboing the car. The 1.6 had about 170k on it and less than optimal compression. I've already got a S3 BEGI kit on the way. I'm shooting for around 200whp to start, and may take it up as high as 250. I'm honestly not sure what to expect as far as power/traction goes so I'm not sure what power I'll end up at.

As of now I have the motor out of the car. The 1.8 motor I bought supposedly has around 80,000 miles on it and a relatively new clutch. I have no idea what brand or even if it really is a new clutch (I don't see why a car w/ 80,000 miles would need a new clutch, but who knows). I'm doing all the work myself, so paying for labor really isn't a problem, just taking into consideration my time and effort.

I'm torn between putting a new clutch in or leaving the one that's on there. I'm leaning towards leaving whatever clutch is on there and hoping it holds out a while. I hate the though of putting a turbo kit on the car and trying to go through a break-in period on a new clutch Any opinions or insight is certainly welcome. What do you guys think?

 

While I feel your pain about not being able to use your new turbo kit to its max potential if you install a new clutch I would nevertheless suggest you seriously consider buying a new, stronger clutch. If not, in a very short time you're going to have to do it anyways!

And even though it's going to be on your own time and effort; why not buy one from ebay if you're worried about cost or if money is no object?; you could buy one from ACT.

It's only going to limit your fun for the mileage of 1 gas tank anyways!

 

Trust me, you want to do it while the engine is out of the car. It's much more of a bitch if it's in. Get more clutch then you think you'll need so you don't have to do it again.

 

No brainer in my opinion since you're dropping another engine in there. it will be such a pia later on.

 

Yep, do it now.

 

Just Do it

 

Get it now. I like my Chutchnet setup.

 

New clutch and diff asap!!!
Slipping the **** out of your clutch (which I do @ 7psi on a relatively new stock clutch) is worse than "breaking in" a bomb *** clutch.

 

Upgrade clutch now.

I installed my clutch and turbo at the same time. I even boosted 12 psi on it, just shifted softly during the break-in period. It holds just fine.

 

Bahhh, well sounds like it's pretty much unanimous, haha. I figured it would be, guess I just needed you guys to talk some sense into me. Guess I'm off to start looking. Any suggestions besides ACT? I had one on my last car and wasn't all that impressed with it.

 

Give these guys a call
http://www.clutchspecialties.com/

It's a cheezy website but the folks there are helpful. I forgot the guy's name but he talked to me for about 15 minutes asking what my power goals where, how I drove the car, etc, etc.

I think I have an ACT pressure plate with their own brewed up full-faced sprung disc. It feels slightly heavier than stock, but very streetable and holds my setup nicely. It's the 2nd clutch I've ordered from them.