Picked up a 1999 stock Miata with 75000 miles. Brand new soft top, new tires and in really good condition. What’s the best newbie turbo for around 200 horses?

 

Welcome. Look into MKturbo or Kraken turbo setups. Both will need a standalone ECU and larger injectors. Both offer kits with just manifold/turbo/downpipe, but also have options to include an intercooler and/or exhaust.

 

Welcome, where about in SO are you located?

Bill

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I’m in ironton

 

Welcome! Ohio has a great Miata community. As for a Turbo system, easiest is FlyinMiata but also most expensive. The best 'budget' system is MKTurbo.

 

Another vote here for Kraken turbo setups (I have one and am probably biased because of that).

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of great info on here regarding setting your car up for turbocharging. There's lots of super-knowledgeable guys on here that are wiling to help, but you're going to get blasted if you ask easily-searchable questions without doing some digging for answers first.

Spark notes on going from OEM to turbo'd setup: Install and tune standalone ECU first (Megasquirt ECUs are popular round deez parts), install bigger injectors and retune, then add turbo, continue tuning. Spend lots of hours reading threads on this forum during the whole process.

 

I purchased mine with the FM kit already installed w/Voodoo box, upgraded to an MS3Pro and currently in the process of tuning it. If you are even in the SW corner of Ohio you are welcome to check it out.

Bill

 

I don’t think I’m capable to install a turbo correctly. I’d like to find a reputable shop to install it but in my area just finding a shop is tough

 

I'd stop at one of the auto parts stores and talk to the guys about local shops. Doubtful you'll find a miata specific shop but unbolting/bolting parts isn't too difficult. The ECU will be the biggest hangup. Maybe look in the Portsmouth area?

 

I’m from Ironton also.

 

Got my turbo ordered. Went with an eBay setup. Ordered a roll bar too. Can’t wait to get it all installed

 

Which rollbar did you go with? I'm fresh off of an install myself.

 

Looks like you track your Kraken kit? If so, how has heat management been? I've got a new low mount system waiting on the shelf when I get block back together. I've just got a little 2554R, and my thinking was I wanted something to spool quickly for exiting corners but I'm curious how your 2560 does.

 

I know this wasn't directed at me, but I do also have a Kraken kit with a 2560R that I track. I have had my racecar boosted for 6 years now and the only issue I have had in relation to the kit is a cracked downpipe. I was also one of the first Kraken adopters so this was way before his cast two-piece downpipes he has now so my bet is that issue is completely resolved. I just welded mine back up and havent had another issue yet. If it cracks again I will just buy his new cast style downpipe and be done with it. Besides that small issue I have nothing but good things to say about the kit. In interest of not cluttering Ardens nice meet and greet post, feel free to PM me or post up on my build thread if you have any other Kraken kit related questions

 

You ask our advice, but then did your own thing anyway.
Why did you ask?

 

Yessir, as stated by RASKAR, I don’t wanna derail this thread but I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the kit. No issues with heat management, I’ve got hood vents, a Crossflow radiator, and some homebrew ducting that could definitely be improved upon and I don’t have to take cooldown laps in any weather below 95-100*. 2560 does fine on track. My car hits 17psi at about 3,700rpm and I never find myself at under 4K on track even if I skip a downshift and rely on torque alone to lug it out of a corner.

I cracked my downpipe as well at the flex pipe but that was user error. One of my exhaust hangers decided to disappear and I unknowingly did a track day with my exhaust flailing around more than it should’ve.

That 2554r/low Mount combo is gonna spool fast!

 

I'll continue to derail the Ebay thread by suggesting anything but the 2554 for the track. It's way too small. You'll be in upper rpms like z_waaaaaaaaaaaz said, which is completely out of the 2554's power band. They're not much better than MSM IHI turbos, which I've blown a number of those up at ~200-220hp from constant high RPM, I wouldn't be surprised if the 2554 would do the same, maybe a bit better.

 

I agree, the 2554 would be a hair dryer for a track car. I actually really like my old skool 2860rs for track duty, it's super linear, easy to drive, and pretty low heat.

 

The eBay kit was relatively inexpensive so if it’s a disaster I’m not out much money. I’m not looking for crazy horsepower just a boost in the driving experience. Some people get ******* butt hurt easily on here if you don’t follow their line of thinking lol.

 

With data points for the 2554 so few and far between, I had no idea this was actually a potential issue on a track car. I was (maybe stupidly) trying to be positive but now I’m just more glad I sprung for the bigger little turbo.

Oh now you done it.

Crazy horsepower and a reliable setup aren’t mutually exclusive.

Please keep the build thread updated throughout and after the install.