the new guy
 

Hey all,

My name is Jeff. I have a '90 miata (red) and just finished my first turbo build.

I put in a greddy bolt-on with relief cuts made to the manifold. Had a few gasket leak issues so I went with a high-heat copper silicone gasket epoxy.

Tapped the oil pan for the oil return and threw a pc elbow in so the return line did not pinch.

Everything is running great now. Any advice or changes you would make on the 5psi setup?

I will post some pics of her shortly.

Make sure the wastegate actuator rod is tight and there's no slack in the assembly. Normally as-shipped, the flapper rattles. Tightening it a 1/4 turn or whatever gives you another psi or so and gets rid of the rattle.

Best of luck with it and welcome! I started with the basic greddy kit and look at me now ;)

Thanks for the tips tim! I'll definitely take a look at my actuator.

I also have am intercooler still boxed and some aluminum piping. Is it true that turbo lag will be evident if installed on my setup?

I plan to jump to 7 or 8 ps by spring with this tiny turbo. I'm thinking of using the msd timing retard as a piggyback until I decide to go ms.

What are your thoughts on my plans?

Everyone here thinks you should just get a MS instead of band aids. Especially if you were planning to upgrade to one in the future.. just save and get one now.

Thanks, I'll probably go ahead and do the MS setup in a few months. Just thought the MSd would be a little easier tow ork with. A quicker setup time overall.

My oem clutch is starting to slip noticibly since I got the turbo. I went out and got a Centerforce performance clutch. I see that everyone recommends ACT clutches though. Anyone running with a centerforce?

Return the centerforce if you can. I had one and it didn't last long at all (dual friction). I'm super happy with my ACT clutch. And yes, definitely give your actuator arm one or two turns. It makes a world of difference!