Paulryan

New Guy intro

Name: Paul
Location: Wichita Ks
Cat: 1994 1.8NA 166k
Mods: FM VMaxx classic coilovers, FM front and rear sway bars, hard dog double deuce roll bar


Hello everyone I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I've been lurking around and reading everything I can in order to learn as much as possible before tackling my first attempt at forced induction. I've searched and researched everything I can think of to make sure I make good choices and diminish the odds of doing things twice...or three....or four times over.

What are my goals and plans?
200-220hp range.
MKturbo kit (Deposit made)
TrackSpeed FlowForce injectors (Ordering)
Megasquirt (More reasearch needed)
FM Stage 1 Clutch
intercooler, gauges, etc.

little about me:
Im the 45 year old guy in the noob post example. Been through all the stages of stupid, i.e. Motorcycles, drag cars, hot rods, VW's, boats you get the picture. One night while searching YouTube I saw the video series by Toms Turbo Garage where he built a turbo miata and than an LS powered NB. I was hooked and decided I needed a miata. I picked up a 1994 NA in Missouri owned by an old guy that took great care of it. 160k and with all service records complete. My initial plans were to drop a V8 in it but after stumbling on to this website and watching videos on Thecarpassionchannel I decided adding a turbo would be more fun and a little less fabrication than Swapping In a V8.

Not long after bringing the miata home I discovered my local autocross club and my wife and I decided to check it out and were immediately hooked. I brought her along the first time never expecting her to like it as much as me but she drives the crap out of the car and likes it probably more than I do. My wife loved driving the miata but once I decided to start throwing go fast parts on it she decided she wanted a miata of her own so I bought her a 2002 NB that has all the track fun goodies on it already but no turbo which she wants me to put on after I figure out how to do it on mine.

I look forward to learning from everyone here as I can already tell I will be able to get answers for pretty much any question I could ask.

Any my comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

Welcome. You're on the right track for sure, and glad your wife is also an enthusiast

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

Look up classes for autocross if you want to be competitive. Forced induction in a miata means that you're going to be spending a TON of money to stay competitive in that class. If all you care about is going out there and having fun, then tinker away!

wackbards

iTrader: (2)

Welcome. Your build and mine might look similar. As far as suspension settings, make sure to take a look at Emilio's guidelines on 949 racing:

Miata Race alignment

I ended up integrating extended lower ball joints and adjustable rear upper control arms to get my NA suspension anywhere near where i wanted it. Then again, my suspension was pretty wack. If you decide to do either one, plan them for the next time you redo your bushings, and it should be a pretty painless upgrade.

Paulryan

Im not looking to be competetive in autocross I just want to have fun and more importantly surprise some people on the street!!!
5k in parts on a 1800 dollar car!!!..... Makes sense to me!! (Actually more than that including suspension and other stuff but whos counting)

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

If I had a $30k car I would want to put $10k in mods on it so starting with a $2000 car makes much more sense.

Welcome to the forum. MK Turbo and Megasquirt is a smart plan for reliable power inexpensively.

If you think autocross is enthralling, wait until you try a track day. It's turned up to 11.

Paulryan

I live 2 hours from Hallet Motor Racing Circuit. Thats my ultimate goal, again nothing super competitive but want to have fun and not be the slowest one out there.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

When you catch and pass your first C5 Vette all the expense and effort will be worth it. Then you can start knocking off the even faster cars.

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

Hi! Great intro, welcome to the family.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Great noob post, welcome.

Paulryan

That will be a day it will be hard to wipe the smile off my face!!

astral

You've got two real nice cars man. Your build plans sound pretty good! I'd highly recommend a coolant reroute as well, as you boost your car. I've got some good photos of mine in my build thread.

Girz0r

iTrader: (1)

Word of the Wise, though I love me some 05' mazdaspeed racinghart rims. Those tubs are heavy on the yellow NB suspension and carry a lot of rotation mass. See if you can pick up some charcoal black 949 Racing rims in 15x8. More grip & light weight

Welcome to the forum!

Paulryan

Thanks guys. I definitely will consider the coolent reroute here as soon as im done hemorraging money. Funny how the simple thought of adding boost quickly becomes more involved than initially anticipated. Its gonna be worth it however so i dont mind.

My wifes car used to have some 15x8's when it was mainly used for track days but the previous owner put the Racingharts on and my wife loves the way it looks. Ive shown her a few different ones and she just shakes her head and says naa but its her car so whatever. Id say shes to slow at this point to matter but dont anyone tell her i said that!!😎

astral

I know the feeling of hemorrhaging cash in pursuit of boost. But I tell you what, better to spend the money up front to build it right, rather than spend a lot of money down the line fixing **** that breaks due to a shitty setup. Will save you a lot of down time, cash, and stress. Knowing you have a reliable car that you can beat on and not worry about is worth the money.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

Ah what point is the coolant reroute recommended re power levels?

Or is that something that's done regardless if you're going to be taxing the car because it's a design flaw that can affect longevity even on an NA engine seeing abuse.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

It will help prevent overheating at all levels and promotes even temperatures. It will help prevent detonation at all levels, if you are running aggressive timing.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

It's something that's done regardless if you're going to be taxing the car because it's a design flaw that can affect longevity even on an NA engine seeing abuse.

ridethecliche

iTrader: (2)

Appreciate it, thanks!