I’ve been browsing the internet and YouTube for about the last month or so since I’ve had the car, I’m not real familiar with turbo setups but it seems to me the best route would be to get a beginners kit from Begi with MS and swap out the ECU for every inspection along with the few other things that would need to be changed.

For what it's worth, an FM2 kit with no electronics would be ideal. And a small street worthy turbo vs china turbo for a formidable street setup. A Garrett GT2560 is the bee's knees.

I think I’d take the route of putting in a wide band and the MS first and learning some programming on NA, that way I don’t blow my engine cause I’d be too excited about boosting. I’d probably try to stay as stock as I could with exhaust and stuff with maybe a slight upsize in piping, 2.25”, maybe. I really don’t want to take away from the everyday drive ability.

You're on the right path! Learning the megasquirt first and foremost is what the majority recommends here. This way, once you throw on the turbo kit, you will be knowledgeable with the ECU. You would just make adjustments to your map, swap injectors and zoom zoom. I don't know the magnaflow number off the top of my head, but there is a miataturbo.net exhaust that everyone tends to agree gives you the most flow without the noise for a stealthy combo. The larger the diameter of the exhaust piping = more spool. But for your goals stated. A 2.5" full exhaust would be more than ideal.

I believe I could pass inspection on visuals but I think Mass just changed some rules so I’m not sure. Anyway, almost all of this is kind of a mute point if I’m not ready to spend like $3500-$4000 it seems like.

Be sure to check your local rules/laws etc. With everything above that I stated. For emissions, once a year or so you would be swapping the injectors out with your factory ones and plugging in the OEM ECU. Then, just wire the wastegate on the turbo to fully OPEN. Drive around (without boost) and make sure everything checks out. Go pass and reinstall injectors/megasquirt afterwards.

I really would love the boost factor but I have plenty of other things to spend that kind of money on that could use it more than a perfectly fine car. It’s all really interesting reading though and there are some very knowledgeable people here; WAY, WAY, WAY beyond my knowledge of cars.

It's definitely an addiction! But can't stress enough, READ ALLTHETHINGS! -- Setup your method of attack and lay everything out in a planned fashion.

Remember this... CHEAP - RELIABLE - FAST --- Pick Two.