Should I just give up and start over?
 

I feel like no matter what direction I go with my car it's the wrong way because it's a 1.6. I feel like I started out wrong by jumping the gun and getting a 1.6 instead of waiting and getting a 1.8. Should I just cut my losses now and sell my Mia and get a 1.8 car? I'd prefer to stick with an NA8 since I fit better in them than the NB.

Well, what are your goals for the car?

My goal was have it be fun, reliable, and quick. Like my power goals were 200-225whp and do it without going bankrupt and without blowing up the engine 3 miles down the line.

200-225whp and reliable?

TSE EFR kit
949 Big Grip Kit
15x9 6ULs
TSE wilwood BBK
6spd
VVT motor
MS3 PNP Pro
ID1000s
E85

And that's just it, that would cost me $10k, and breaks my requirement of affordable.

Sounds like turbo Miata is not for you.

Lol.

It's always best to start with a 1.8. Larger fuel tank, larger brakes, larger differential, variable throttle position sensor, more displacement, larger clutch, frame bracing, and whatever else I forgot.

If you're not planning on a track car then there is absolutely nothing wrong with your 1.6 car (besides a cheap 1.8 diff upgrade).

Unless your car is in bad shape already you're really overthinking this. If your car is trash and you need to start over then get a 1.8 if you feel like you need it.

Well fuck me then. Any alternative recommendations?

Yeah, this was gonna be my daily and weekend fun car. Only was gonna do autocross every now and again.

M45 kit with a Powercard.

Hmm, I've just heard people shit on that setup here is it good for some added power?

When I was in high school/college I ran this exact setup for autocross. Ended up as class champion two years in a row. On a 1.6 diff, too.

Edit: Turbo is/was better, but if it gets you going out there having fun then I can't hate on it too much.

Okay, would an M45 be good for 150whp? Like with MS2, injectors and and TDR intercooler?

$3850 for MKTurbo with an EBC and you can hit the power level you want. Then budget $500-$1000 for a new rear end. Budget $300 to upgrade to 1.8 brakes. Then another $300-$400 for a clutch. You will then have a reasonable reliable miata with 200whp. It is the setup that Braineack ran for 8 years or something.

Whoa, whoa. No. I wasn't implying you should use the M45. It sucked and was constantly finicky. I was just stating that I was able to be fast on cheap parts that everyone hates.

Turbo > all
Success!

Your kit runs a T3 right? How's the response on it?

​​​​​​​https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b5ca53617d.jpg

​​​​​​​Dang, on just 10psi? I'll just have to buckle down and save as much as I can

This. Or try out the new Kraken cast subaru TD04 mani. Don't need the 1.8 brakes on a street/daily. Just get some good pads. You can do a 1.8 open for about $300. I have been getting away with my 1.6 VLSD at 150hp for the last 5k miles though.

Really though,for budget 200hpish street car.

Decent quality kit (MK turbo or something similar, even one of the old Greddys will work if you can find it.)
Megasquirt
AEM UEGo
FlowForce injectors
FM clutch
1.8 diff.
Intercooler setup.
Done.