Hey, My name is Julio I live In Oakland Cali. Im currentlly looking to buy a 1990-95 rig a turbo, and enjoy. Just thought i'd introduce myself and do a whole lot of homework before i try and ask any serious questions. you know, trying to avoid getting my *** handed to me like 80% of the noobs asking stupid questions, and i can tell everyone here enjoys ragging on us noobs...lol.. Well anyways im looking to build a daily driver to replace my current one, (1993 saturn sl2) and hope to achieve anywhere above 200hp. Ill still drive it daily even tho i have a 4 mile commute to work round trip. yeah i know im lucky and i could walk my way there but i'd rather boost my way, plus i might want to take the long way some days... Its been awhile since ive had a project car got rid of them due to the stack of tickets pilling up on me. So I currently have an 04 bmw 745li as a weekend cruiser and decided since im done paying the d@mn court system it was time for a Miata So if you guys have any tips or recommendations i'd really appreciate it.

 

welcome to the site. looks like you are smarter than the typical noob. thats great. the search button is your friend. I'm in sacramento, once you're boosted and if you are in the area, gimme a holler

 

lol thanx. Yeah that sounds koo i'll do so once im up and running. I have some freinds up there at sac state.

 

i lived in oakland. nobody calls it cali though.

i also had a 4 mile commute with a turbo car. you'll find that you want to hang left turns a lot. watch for curbs.

you should be good to go if you can find a car without OBDII hassles. most aftermarket engine management can be tuned well enough to pass smog no sweat.

welcome

oh and it's more like 95% of newbs.

 

Yeah I know nobody does anymore I just thought I'd throw it in. 95% sounds about right though lol. And Thanx for the advise I will keep my eye out for those curbs.

 

Welcome, good to see a newb that WANTS to do homework.


If you haven't already found this in your searches, there are a few valuable tips when looking for a project Miata.


Since you're looking 94-95, you've already got the larger motor (1.8L) and aren't into OBD-II yet which has been discussed. Try and make like easy on yourself and find a car with a Torsen differential though. The 1.8Ls also have bigger brakes.

Don't be afraid to buy one with a slipping clutch, bad brake pads, rattly exhaust since you will eventually replace all of this with more turbo-friendly parts anyhow. In other words, no extra points for a great condition find. You may put race buckets and harnesses on that list too, but if not, a good condition interior IS a plus.

Read up
Turbo
Profit

 

Thanx gospeed81. Great advice I really appreciate it.