Don't have a turbo yet, in planning stage...
02-13-2011, 01:56 AM
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Don't have a turbo yet, in planning stage...
Hello everyone! I've had a '96 Miata for a couple years and am thinking of turbocharging now. 
I've been lurking a little here and shopping CL for used stuff. I am a novice to turbos; I can wrench, but I have no fabricating skills or tools. Currently I've been thinking about a BEGi system, looking for 180 whp maybe. Probably megasquirt. No real definite plans. I'm on a bit of a budget, hoping to spend as little as possible. I basically plan a street system rather than racing, but probably will start autox this year.
I've been lurking a little here and shopping CL for used stuff. I am a novice to turbos; I can wrench, but I have no fabricating skills or tools. Currently I've been thinking about a BEGi system, looking for 180 whp maybe. Probably megasquirt. No real definite plans. I'm on a bit of a budget, hoping to spend as little as possible. I basically plan a street system rather than racing, but probably will start autox this year.
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02-16-2011, 10:56 AM
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Obsession!
Having a Miata has been fun, but now I am obsessed with boost. I am spending way too much time shopping and reading about turbocharging. And I haven't even driven a FI Miata yet. Does this ever end? Will I stop obsessing when I put in the turbo?
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02-19-2011, 09:43 PM
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Thanks! I am used to searching (long-time m.net member) but the answers are not always obvious...but I have searched enough to be pretty sure what I want. That said, I now have the system, bought used injectors, and at this point need only a wideband O2 sensor and a megasquirt. Will probably buy a PNP, most likely from Bell themselves, but I am not sure of the best choice in Wideband sensors yet. Open to suggestions!
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02-19-2011, 09:59 PM
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Good luck on the turbo install. As far as wide bands go, my PLX has served me well and they have a sweet all digital gauge that can hook up to your OBDII system. But AEM and Innovate are also great units.
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02-19-2011, 10:21 PM
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As far as wideband goes, I would recommend against the LC1. There are a variety of reasons to get one - fastest response times, most accurate, stuff like that. But if you're not building some 300hp monster and requiring a 100% flawless tune with no room for error, there are much better options.
The LC1 is picky - it has to be set up perfectly to work, it has to be pulled and re-calibrated every 5k miles (or something like that), and it still breaks all the time. I say this from my own personal experience and that of 2 other friends with them. That being said, I'm sure it CAN be reliable, but it really is a bitch to get in and working properly.
Good luck.
The LC1 is picky - it has to be set up perfectly to work, it has to be pulled and re-calibrated every 5k miles (or something like that), and it still breaks all the time. I say this from my own personal experience and that of 2 other friends with them. That being said, I'm sure it CAN be reliable, but it really is a bitch to get in and working properly.
Good luck.
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02-19-2011, 10:38 PM
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I was thinking about prosport for no other reason than that's the brand of my boost gauge and it would match. LOL no idea if they're quality.
I appreciate the input about the LC1.
Otherwise I'd buy from Bell as they originally sold my used system and I'd like to throw them some new business. How about this MTX, using Innovate's wideband sensor: http://www.bellengineering.net/produ...roducts_id=689
I appreciate the input about the LC1.
Otherwise I'd buy from Bell as they originally sold my used system and I'd like to throw them some new business. How about this MTX, using Innovate's wideband sensor: http://www.bellengineering.net/produ...roducts_id=689
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03-04-2011, 10:45 PM
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OK...sitting around waiting so patiently for the new megasquirt. Tired of reading, ready to start wrenching. OK I'm ready now. Really. OK...
...sigh...
boosty power must wait....
...sigh...
boosty power must wait....
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03-05-2011, 01:15 PM
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I would highly recommend running with the wastegate OPEN until you get acquainted with your new ECU. The initial goal is not to make your 180 horses but to get the car running safely. Then you can start adding boost.
On a note about the LC1. I've had no problems. I did screw up one sensor since it was running very rich but thats on my *** not the LC1. The only thing that i dont like is that the LC1 does not start instantly It has a warmup cycle every time you start your car. The entire calibration is as simple as plugging it in, turning it on, holding a button for whatever seconds, then hold it again or whatever and 1 minute later its calibrated. I would not go with a digital gauge again though. Half the time i look at it, i get 1 reading instead of the whole pattern an arrow can give you.
On a note about the LC1. I've had no problems. I did screw up one sensor since it was running very rich but thats on my *** not the LC1. The only thing that i dont like is that the LC1 does not start instantly It has a warmup cycle every time you start your car. The entire calibration is as simple as plugging it in, turning it on, holding a button for whatever seconds, then hold it again or whatever and 1 minute later its calibrated. I would not go with a digital gauge again though. Half the time i look at it, i get 1 reading instead of the whole pattern an arrow can give you.
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