New guy from Tampa FL!
 

Hello everyone I'm finally being brave enough to post in miataturbo.net and I figured I would introduce myself. I'm a 20 year old college student at the university of South Florida pursuing an education to become a high school teacher. I bought my Miata in August of last year and since then I have done many things to make it presentable. I have decided that all the flashy things are over done and I want to seriously make improvements on the car. I have considered all forms of power, IRTB's, supercharger, and turbo charger. I read maximum boost by Corkey Bell, to the best of my ability. I have also read Braineacks FAQ thread on how turbo'ing. Before reading I doubted a turbo's reliability and that was my biggest turn off. I'm a changed man after doing some reading, imagine that. :giggle:

Well I have decided on a turbo because it will be most cost effective for my goals and what I can afford along with what knowledge I have acquired. The miata is a great little car to zip around in, and the 1.6 engine gives me fun at times. But, sometimes I feel as if I need a bit more umph and I felt that in a friends car. He has a boosted BRG at around 7 pounds and its fun! He said he has around 200 HP but I'll take that with a grain of salt. My goals are around 150 to the wheels, nothing too crazy. I'm looking at the BEGI kits and comparing the prices. I like the idea of the begi-S for around 2 grand with their fuel management, but the lack of SS lines and no intercooler doesn't appeal to me. I also want to learn how to tune my car so I'm tempted to get a MSPNP. Still up in the air about a lot of things, still reading a ---- ton while I save. Also looking at deals on turbos and manifolds and considering to build a kit myself from the tip[s and tricks I learn from you guys and various club members.

Finally! I am a part of TBM (tampa bay miatas) and they are all very helpful. I plan on using all my resources from their vast knowledge I pull out of their heads every time I see them. So on to the pictures of my car!

What it looked like when i first got it
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1334514903
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1334514903
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1334514903

What it looks like after a $500 dollar Macco paint job, top, finish panel, koni adjustables, Tien-S springs, wheels, tires, GV style lip, TSI's etc, etc, etc. Like I said, its time to do something to this engine of mine.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1334514903
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1334514903
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1334514903

Sorry for such a long first post, just trying to get everything covered

Ok are those just flattering pics, or did maaco really do that good a job? that looks fantastic.

No it is a Macco paint job. They did a fantastic job, but don't be fooled; it has its flaws.

Did they do the jams and engine bay too?

Fudge I may need to maaco a bunch of shiz nit.

---- that looks great for a Macco paint job. I paid 10x that for mine. :hs:

Welcome to the forum.

Don't be weak and say "150 is fine, nothing too crazy". 150 isn't crazy, neither is 200. Shoot for 250 at the very least and just take your time getting there is all. Dollar for dollar you need to buy the same things to make more power, you just need a few "extras" to get it to the wheels is all.

Hello local guy. Have you seen my rare post on TBM?

Are you buds with PMHaddad? I helped him with his suspension and seats recently. He has a track day at Sebring next weekend. Might be worth checking out. Especially if you can get a ride-along with somebody on the track.

Turbo is the way to go. If you do it right you will be a happy man.

*

Dude Tampa has a lot of Miatas! We have two weekly meets! Yes I know Phil and for the longest time he believed turbocharging a miata was a dumb idea. His thought was, "You don't make a slow car fast. it will always be a slow car."

I'm not gonna lie to myself. 150 is just getting started. I'm sure I'll get addicted and want more. Got to start somewhere :P

Yes they painted my parts of my engine bay, muffler, pinch welds, wheel wells, etc. But for 500 bucks I'm not complaining.

"Great Macco paint job"? What kind of sorcery is that? On other news those teeth on the white miata are fraking homosexual as frak.

Welcome to the forum.

You should of seen it when he was doing a pink and white theme :facepalm:

^ What has been thought cannot be unthought.

Welcome, I<3flippyheadlights. Check out the Miata Gallery and post up some pics!

I think I broke him of that a couple of months ago. As with many fears, his was borne of lack of understanding. ;) He understands a bit more now, especially after seeing how easy the MegaSquirt is to manipulate using TunerStudio.

If you set your goal a little bit higher you won't be as likely to buy substandard parts and need to buy them twice. Things like clutches and engine management can't reasonably be skimped on. Build for 250whp and you won't need to change any components until you get ready to upgrade to forged rods and pistons. At that time everything has to come out anyway so it is a logical jumping point.

They will sometimes paint license plates, too. But in some locations they won't paint behind it unless you remove it yourself.

Damn, that's pretty good for Macco. Did you do the prep work yourself of just drop it off?

I'm in Orlando, but that's close enough right?

*

Welcome to the boards I am also learning about these cars and surprised at what they can become. Awesome job on it so far keep up the good work

The shop was in St.Pete and all I did was pull everything off that I could. They took care of the rest.

Now no substandard parts will be bought here. I have everything planned out in steps

1. wideband and MS to learn how to tune the car
2. install 1.8 injectors and learn to tune those.
3. get a Begi-S kit upgraded with SS lines, intercooler, etc.
4. Slap on a FM happy meal with a 1.8 diff to make sure I can actually use said turbo.

Have to change my clutch anyway due to a leaky rear main seal. And losing oil with a turbo doesn't sound to appealing to me.

ACT HDSS or XTSS are good too. Skip the tiny 1.8 injectors and go to RX7 460's, 550's or larger. And I'd build my own instead of buying a BEGi kit, but that's me.

I'll try to help with the ms tuning if you need it.

I would LOVE help with the MS tuning :D
I'll have to look around for injectors and see what I can buy. Also if I just buy a kit my first time around, it will be one less thing to worry about.

Go to FIC and get some EV14's. John will hook you up. Best injectors money can buy, and cheap too.