At what point wouldn't you slap a turbo on?
 

Just curious if people have gone through with turbo install on a motor that is over 200,000km (125k miles). My NA has 214,000km and I am debating either going to turbo route with current motor (After I perform compression test) or try and find a salvage 1.8 and going that route and dropping it in.

I have done rebuilds before, but I figure if I am going to do it I would end up doing it right. Forged everything in a 1.8.

As far as goals, I am looking to get around 190-200whp. But I think that might be asking to much on a older motor. :sad2:

Plenty people have put turbos on post 125k. I just put one on at 121k.

Compression test will really tell you the most, though.

That makes me feel a bit better. Although I won't be able to do a test until I get home in a week. I am a little worried because the previous owners drove it hard and put it away wet.

As long as a leakdown test shows good, forget what the odometer says.

If you're planning to rebuild it anyways, what does it matter if it's got 5 miles on it or 5 million? As long as the block isn't ventilated, they're both identical after the end of the rebuild.

if it's getting built, who cares?

if it's not getting built, who cares?

so long as it's healthy, boost it an don't worry about it.

Four years ago my 1.6 started using oil , I threw in a " good " used 1.8 with 200km on it as a stop gap measure. Added a FM II two kit 2 years ago . It sees 14psi pretty much daily . (Yes I know I'm pushing my luck) ,it doesn't use any oil to speak of . Just takes a licking and keeps on ticking . Mileage seems to be a lot less important than how it's been cared for. The only thing it's had , that I consider out of the normal maintenance regime , is an oil pump and that was only done because I have some suspicions about Mazda oil pumps and their relief valves. Fred

Because I don't want to rebuild a 1.6, I would build a 1.8 if it pops. I don't wanna spend the money on turbo parts for a 1.6 if I am going to just build a 1.8.

Yeah I figured. Once I do compression and leakdown it will determine my decision. If its all within spec I might just pull the trigger and do it. I was worried that people turbo'd high mileage motors and it was just too much. I know for a fact I will need a clutch and rear end. Both are iffy on my NA.

I think taking a healthy 1.6 out and putting a healthy 1.8 in its place is worth the hassle for the added performance. especially if you think you might build a motor later on.

If I can find a motor in my area for a good price I will do it. I feel like this will be the best option. Extra 200cc's can make a decent difference too.

Find 1.8 and rebuild it.

During that, throw on a FM DIY kit with MS and COPs on the 1.6 with 1.8 dp and exhaust. You'll have to call FM about this. Once the 1.6 fails, sell the engine for scrap, sell the manifold, and replace it with a 1.8 manifold. Everything else will work, you'll just need 1.8 motor mounts.

That's the best idea yet. I wasn't 100% sure what was compatible as far as the kits went between the 1.6 and 1.8. I was thinking of going the MSPNP just for simplicity reasons so I am not screwing around with wiring, if that can pnp with 1.6 and 1.8 I will go that route. Plus I am not rushing to find a 1.8 motor and can look for a deal.

I hate not being able to do the compression test till next week. I am too excited for this project.