Hey , I'm a second time Miata owner and recently picked up a very stock 1990 model. I'm going to make it handle and look better at first and make sure the engine is healthy enough to turbo.

 

Welcome & good luck!

 

Your driveline wasn't healthy enough to turbo the day it drove off the lot, as that differential is made of glass. And most will tell you to move up to a 1.8L, as anything else is just starting at a disadvantage.

 

But blowing up the 1.6 might be fun ...

 

Its not.

I blew up a 1.8 and had to beg a random person into AAAing me home from the drag strip. Luckily the tow truck driver thought I was just spectating.

 

I'm already a member. Towed my sons car home from Autocross. Having project cars and towing seem to go hand in hand.
My goals are modest, the kit from FM Voodoo Ii that makes about 160hp whp and good handling I hope the 1.6 can take that , it's only got 105,000 miles on it.

 

You're close.
Replace the doodoo with their "non electronics" kit and add a proper engine management solution and you're well on your way.

 

Zeddriver, congrats on signing up at the best site on the web!

 

Welcome aboard.

I'd strongly consider swapping this miata for a later 1.8. The entire driveline will be stronger and the 1.8 is the motor to have anyway.

But if you're insistent on turboing the 1.6, I have a couple of friends that have done so, the cars can be very quick. But your differential is on borrowed time. Good luck!

 

This would be the before