BeardedMidget

Quick hi and de-noobing from a UK based member. Here is my DIY conversion using a 42/50 T3 Garrett turbo from an MG Maestro. This was a project to occupy myself with over the winter months to see if I could FI my car on a budget. I dont pretend to be an expert in FI and I am sure I have made a few mistakes along the way. However i have really enjoyed doing it. Parts were gradually gathered over the last 6 months from ebay, nutz and mates. I was lucky enough to find a new old stock Garrett turbo on ebay for £55! The manifold is the "TacoTaco" special. I made my own custom 2.5" mild steel downpipe using bits and pieces of tubing I had knocking about in the garage and at work. Fuel and timing management is currently a Begi AFPR and a Bipes unit. Intercooler was from ebay. Installs using T3's dont seem very popular over here in the UK and I took my inspiration from some of your builds on miataturbo.net. My thanks to you all for sharing so much information openly on here. I doubt i would have got very far if this forum was'nt so crammed with useful knowledge.







The car is currently hiding from the winter weather but i have taken it out of the garage a few times for a quick play. With a Turbo the old MX5 finally feels like the car it always should have been and now has the power to go with the looks. I am very pleased with the results so far but there are lots of improvements and adjustments I want to make. For now I am only running about 5psi of boost from the standard actuator with 1.6 injectors and standard fuel pump. The next jobs are 1.8 injectors, Walbro 190 fuel pump, uprated clutch (although nothing too extreme for now), a boost controller and 7-8ish PSI,an LC1 wideband and digital gauge(to match my glowshift boost gauge), 1.8 brakes front&rear and full polybush. Longer term I am planning a 3" custom exhaust to get the big T3 spooling a bit earlier, possibly a recirc' dump valve and eventually maybe a DIY megasquirt........ although that would rather defeat the whole budget build thing.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

Have I mentioned recently how much I envy the fact that you UK folks have all sorts of free space under the hoot on the hotside compared to those of us with LHD cars?

Nice looking build.

BeardedMidget

Thanks!
Yeah, I think my downpipe build might have been a bit more complicated if I had to go around the steering assembly. I had to relocate the Begi AFPR to where my charcoal canister used to live though as my brake and clutch servo is sat where Begi desined it to fit.

oldschool

Sweet build man and a thumbs up from South Africa!

Very clean car,and looks like quality work(NEAT AND PROPER FABRICATION)

I have a B6 Nb euro spec,which is also in the process of FI and really appreciate the RHD as well,I'm also using the taco manifold and e-bay cooler.
Tell me what numbers you putting down @5psi with that turbo cause I'm aiming at the same size you have at this moment in time?

BeardedMidget

Thanks mate. I have'nt put the car on the rollers yet as it is still a work in progress and I could'nt hazard a guess. I'll just say it is considerably quicker than it was and I'm well happy.

oldschool

I also dont care about numbers that much just as long as I can open a can on the with a focus ST/RS or golf6 GTI not even talking about a reno megane sport,in between lights

Safe driving mate,and enjoy the snail under the hood!

pusha

iTrader: (5)

are you a midget?

BeardedMidget

I am afraid I am neither a midget or bearded. It is from Lord Of The Rings-its an ofensive term used to slag off dwarves...........I am however clearly a massive geek!

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

Nice install! Great work.

jacob300zx

9 post's thats freakin awesome. Noob of the year award!

mgeoffriau

iTrader: (7)

Nice rottie....I thought you couldn't dock tails in the UK?

Bond

iTrader: (6)

I pray at night for your manifold to hold up

BeardedMidget

Thanks. That's right-you cant anymore. He still has his tail, you just cant see it in that pic. Try this one........

I love the winters in England!
I grew up with rottweillers. "Ozzy" is only 9months old but already he is the biggest rottie my family have ever had. He is gonna be bloody massive!

Much obliged Mr Bond!

mgeoffriau

iTrader: (7)

Ah, I see. Great looking dog, really nice face. I grew up with big dogs (Bouvier des Flandres, Rotties, GSD's, Boxers). My wife and I have a Standard Poodle now -- a fantastic breed, and nice looking if you just do an even trim and not a show trim.

m2cupcar

iTrader: (5)

Nice build/install. It's like Brainy's UK twin.

BeardedMidget

Cheers mateWell I dont know about that, but I am greatly honoured just to be mentioned in the same sentance as the great and glorious brain!